New Reach Trucks
If your warehouse runs narrow aisle racking, a standard forklift probably isn’t going to fit. That’s what reach trucks are built for: lifting loads high while working in aisles a counterbalance forklift can’t touch. Thompson Lift Truck sells new Crown and Hyundai reach trucks, and we can help you figure out which model fits your racking, your load weights, and your floor plan before you buy.
Quick Facts
- Reach trucks work in aisles as narrow as 8 ft., compared to 12-13 ft. for a standard counterbalance forklift.
- Crown and Hyundai reach trucks at Thompson Lift Truck range from 3,500-6,000 lb. capacity.
- Lift heights go up to 37 ft. depending on the model.
- Available to buy new or rent short-term through Thompson Lift Truck.
What Is a Reach Truck?
A reach truck is a forklift built specifically for narrow aisle warehouses. Instead of carrying the load close to the truck body the way a counterbalance forklift does, a reach truck uses an outrigger base and an extending mast that pulls the forks back toward the operator once a pallet is picked up. That lets the truck travel through tighter aisles without losing reach height.
This matters most in warehouses trying to get more storage out of the same square footage. Narrow aisle racking can pack significantly more pallet positions into a building than wide-aisle layouts, but only if the truck running those aisles is built for it.
Crown Reach Trucks
Crown has one of the most established reach truck lineups in the industry, and Thompson Lift Truck stocks several models depending on what your operation needs:
- Crown RD 5700 Series – double reach trucks that store two pallets deep in a single aisle, which adds storage density without adding aisles
- Crown ESR 1220 – narrow-chassis sit-down reach truck built for confined spaces, drive-in racks, and block stacking, with capacities from 3,000 to 3,500 lbs and lift heights up to 30 feet
- Crown R 1000 – DualMode automated reach truck that can run manually or in automated mode, with 3,200 lb capacity and lift heights from 15 to 33 feet
- Crown RM/RMD 6000 Series – stand-up reach trucks with a MonoLift mast, built for fast cycle times and capable of working in aisles as narrow as 8 feet
Hyundai Reach Trucks
Hyundai reach trucks are built around durability and lower running costs over time, which tends to matter most for operations running multiple shifts or heavy daily duty cycles. Hyundai’s reach truck lineup runs lift capacities up to 6,000 lbs and reach heights up to 23 feet, with a high-strength steel frame built to hold up under repeated daily use. Models feature AC drive motors that need minimal servicing, an easy-access battery design that pulls out from the front for faster maintenance, and standard safety features like anti-rollback and electromagnetic braking.
Reach Truck vs. Forklift: What’s the Difference?
A reach truck and a counterbalance forklift solve different problems, and the difference comes down to how each one balances a load.
A counterbalance forklift uses the weight of the truck itself, sitting behind the operator, to offset the weight of a load out front. That design needs open space to turn and maneuver, which is why counterbalance forklifts are common on docks and outdoors but awkward in tight racking.
A reach truck uses an outrigger base under the load instead of relying on truck weight, so the footprint stays narrow even at full lift height. That’s the tradeoff: reach trucks are built for indoor, narrow aisle work and generally aren’t suited for outdoor or rough terrain use.
A quick way to think about it:
- Narrow aisles, high storage racking, indoor only → reach truck
- Dock work, outdoor surfaces, standard aisle widths → counterbalance forklift
- Both racking and dock work in the same operation → most warehouses end up running a mixed fleet rather than picking just one
How Do I Know If I Need a Reach Truck?
If you’re already running narrow aisle racking, or you’re designing a new layout and trying to maximize storage per square foot, a reach truck is usually the right call. The clearest signs it’s worth looking at one: your aisles are under 126 inches, you’re regularly lifting above 20 feet, or you’ve outgrown what a standard forklift can reach safely.
If you’re not sure which way your layout should go, that’s worth a conversation before you commit to either the racking design or the truck.
Talk to a Thompson Lift Truck specialist
Need a Reach Truck Short-Term?
Not every project calls for a purchase. Thompson Lift Truck also rents reach trucks by the day, week, or month for short-term projects or seasonal volume spikes.
Contact us today for more information on reach trucks for sale in the Southeast.
Reach Truck FAQs
A reach truck is used to store and retrieve palletized loads in narrow aisle warehouse racking, especially at heights a standard forklift can’t reach safely. Thompson Lift Truck stocks new Crown and Hyundai reach trucks built for this kind of indoor, high-density storage work.
“High reach forklift” is sometimes used to describe any forklift with a taller mast, but a true reach truck has an extending mast and outrigger base designed specifically for narrow aisles. Thompson Lift Truck can walk through your racking layout to confirm which type fits your space.
Reach trucks typically run in aisles between [X and X inches], depending on the model and load size. Thompson Lift Truck can review your racking dimensions and recommend the right model for your aisle width.
No. Reach trucks are designed for smooth indoor warehouse floors, not outdoor or rough terrain surfaces. For outdoor work, Thompson Lift Truck also carries counterbalance and rough terrain forklifts.
A counterbalance forklift uses the truck’s own weight to balance a load, which needs more open space to maneuver. A reach truck uses an outrigger base instead, so it can work in much narrower aisles. Thompson Lift Truck carries both types and can help you figure out which one fits your operation, or whether you need a mix of each.
Both. Thompson Lift Truck sells new Crown and Hyundai reach trucks and also offers short-term rentals for projects or seasonal needs. Request a quote to get pricing on either option.