 In many warehouse operations goods are placed on pallets and stored into pallet-racking systems. Various systems e xist to forward the pallets into racking. We will compare two existing reach-systems and a third alternative, The KOOI-REACHFORKS ®. Truck type, design and also the reach system determinates the relation between stability, capacity and truck weight. The counterbalanced type lift truck, with the load always in front of the wheels is the most commonly used. Its basis design results in two main characteristics, which are regarded as disadvantage for strict warehouse operations. Firstly, the pallet weight has to be counterbalanced completely, making the truck relatively heavy in relation to its capacity. Secondly, its large turning radius is a disadvantage. To overcome the disadvantages of a counterbalanced truck, the reach truck was developed. In this design the straddle legs move the tilting point or axle forward, away from the mast, so that the mast weight is in fact used as counterbalance, at least whilst the truck is travelling. This results in less weight and much better turning radius or aisle width. In order to place the pallet on the floor or in the racking it is often necessary to move the pallet forward just beyond the straddle legs. A reach truck features a reach system providing this forward movement.
In Europe most reach trucks are designed with moving mast. In the US most masts are fixed and the reach system is provided by a (single) pantograph mechanism. The reason why the basic design is so different on both continents is difficult to explain. Many say this historical difference is based on common attitude more then on technical arguments. Nevertheless each reach system has several advantages or disadvantages effecting the truck stability and design features.
With the mast moved forward the reach truck suddenly turns into some sort of "counterbalanced " truck. The complete weight of mast and fork carriage moves forward, reducing the forward stability of the truck considerably. When lift trucks are being used with a fixed mast, its weight always provides a certain amount of counterbalance. The pantograph moves the carriage forward to reach out the pallet and therefore the stability is normally better than with a mast reach system.
KOOI-REACHFORKS ® is an alternative to overcome the disadvantages of the two above mentioned reach system and thus improves stability and capacity for a similar truck weight. A reach truck equipped with telescopic forks offers the advantage of a fixed, relatively heavy and stable mast, always providing the maximum counterbalance. Compared to a single pantograph the telescopic forks weight far less, keeping the center of gravity position much lower. A reach truck equipped with telescopic forks offers the possibility to design a truck with an optimized stability, capacity and weight. In combination with a tilting fork carriage, this offers advantage both the previous reach systems described. The result of a fix mast with telescopic forks is that either with load extended or retracted the center of gravity distance of the lift truck almost remains at its same ideal position. In additional to a technical comparison the costs of a telescopic for reach system will be interested. Both a moving mast and pantograph consist of many components increasing manufacturing costs.
We can not decide for you to use KOOI REACHFORKS, but nevertheless we want you to know some important aspects which are described above. Summarising we think that we can conclude that our telescopic forks have got the following advantages:
- Own weight is ± 35% lower.
- Better residual capacity of the lift truck.
- Almost no extra lost load thickness compared to standard lift truck forks.
- Excellent visibility
- Shorter mast height because of the absence of the moving auxiliary pantograph mast.
- No hinging parts which offers little maintenance
- Easy to install
- Easily exchangeable
- Double pallet transport without using extra long forks
- Easy to install onto other equipment like fork positioners or side-shifts. The residual capacity of the lift truck is now even better because the fork positioner is connected on the mast side and will not move forward.
When you are still not convinced, ask our local representative for a demo and put it to the test!
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