Hangcha Australia provides a series of reach trucks, available in stand-on and sit-down models for fast pallet moves and precise pallet control in high-density warehouses. As a part of the narrow aisle forklift, the reach truck offers stable lifting, smooth operation and accurate handling. Our reach truck’s loading capacity is up to 3.0t with a lifting height up to 13 m. They are great helpers to maintain efficient workflow in tight working environments. Remember to do minimum working aisle condition checks to confirm if the model you select will be able to operate in your working aisles. For detailed information, click the reach truck selection guideline.
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Our Reach Truck Range
Stand-on Reach Truck
Capacity: 1.0 to 2.25 t
Lift height: up to 13 m
Best for: tight aisles, frequent U-turns, short repetitive pallet moves, and high pick rates
Key checks: minimum aisle width for the U-turn and right-angle stack, residual capacity at your top lift height, and shift length against stand-on comfort.
Sit-down Reach Truck
Capacity: 1.2 to 3.0 t
Lift height: up to 13 m
Best for: longer continuous travel, longer shifts, heavier pallets, more open layouts, and occasional ramp or outdoor use
Key checks: turning radius for your tightest aisle, capacity margin above your daily maximum load, and gradeability against your steepest ramp.
Selection guide to the right reach truck
Aisle width
Reach trucks are chosen mainly by the aisle they have to work in. For your tightest aisle, confirm three things: the U-turn, the 90-degree entry, and the right-angle stack. Pick the model that passes all three. A stand-on model has a more compact body and turns in tighter aisles, while a sit-down model needs a little more room but travels more stably. For exact figures, see our reach truck selection guideline.
Lift height and capacity margin
Residual capacity drops as the mast extends, so plan a margin rather than running at the rated limit. For higher-level storage, allow around 10% to 15% above your rated load, and choose a model with roughly 15% extra capacity over your daily maximum load.
Ground slope
Although the range comes with a safety slope brake, keep real-world gradients around 1% to 2% below the truck's rated gradeability. For frequent ramps or any outdoor travel, a sit-down model gives stronger travel stability.
Operator comfort and shift length
Shift length matters as much as pallet weight. A stand-on model suits short, repetitive, high-frequency picks in tight aisles, but standing all shift adds fatigue. A sit-down model needs a little more aisle width, yet stays comfortable on longer continuous travel and heavier pallets across multiple shifts. Match the model to your shift length and pick pattern, not just the load weight.
Reach Truck Scenario Picks
Single-deep racking, aisles 2.7–3.0 m, lifts to 6–7 m, high pick frequency with frequent on/off → Stand-on reach truck — compact chassis, fast mount/dismount, quickest cycles in tight aisles.
Double-deep racking or higher-density storage, standard pallet weights → Pantograph (double-reach) reach truck — reaches the rear pallet without repositioning the truck.
High-bay storage to 9–13 m, full pallets up to 2.5 t → Sit-down reach truck with a high-visibility, camera-ready mast; pair with a flat floor for accurate placement at height.
Long loads (timber, pipe, board) in narrow aisles → 4-way reach truck — carries and manoeuvres long stock lengthways down the aisle.
Maximum storage density in very narrow aisles, long continuous shifts → All-directional reach truck — moves in any direction for the tightest layouts and highest cube utilisation.
Reach Truck FAQ
What aisle width do I need for a reach truck?
Your aisle has to pass three checks. The U turn needs clear width greater than twice the turning radius plus 200 mm. The 90 degree entry needs clear width greater than turning radius plus truck width plus 200 mm. Right angle stacking needs clear width greater than truck width plus pallet length plus 200 mm. Most single deep operations run 2.7 to 3.0 m aisles. See our reach truck selection guide for the figures on each model.
What is the difference between a reach truck and a counterbalance forklift?
A counterbalance forklift carries the load ahead of the front wheels and needs a heavy rear counterweight, so it requires a wide aisle. A reach truck retracts the load inside its wheelbase, giving a smaller footprint and a tighter turning radius. It also lifts far higher, up to 13 m in the Hangcha range.
Reach truck or order picker, which one do I need?
Choose a reach truck when you move full pallets in and out of racking with the operator on the ground. Choose an order picker when the operator needs to be raised to pick individual cartons. Reach trucks handle 1.0 to 3.0 t. Order pickers carry much lighter loads, usually 100 to 200 kg.
How high can a reach truck lift?
Hangcha reach trucks lift to 13 m, among the highest available in Australia. Residual capacity drops as the mast extends, so specify against your top beam height rather than the rated maximum. Allow around 15% capacity margin above your daily maximum pallet weight.
Do you need a licence to operate a reach truck in Australia?
Yes. Operating a reach truck requires a High Risk Work Licence, class LF, issued by your state or territory WHS regulator. An LF licence does not cover order picking forklift trucks, which need class LO. Hangcha Australia offers operator training.
Can reach trucks operate on outdoor or uneven surfaces?
Reach trucks can be used outdoors, but you need to consider gradeability, which measures how well a machine climbs a slope. The higher the value, the better it climbs. For tough surface conditions, choose a model with a higher gradeability value.
What are the maintenance requirements for a reach truck?
Daily checks on the forks, mast and hydraulics are enough. For models with a lithium battery, you do not need to worry about battery maintenance.