How to de-stack with a Reach Truck
How to drive a Reach Truck
In this Reach Truck training explainer video above, our instructor demonstrates a 90 degree turn into an industrial racking and how to safely de-stack at eye level using a Reach Truck. This is another common truck for Novice (beginner) forklift training.
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Reach truck de-stacking sequence
The rules for operators and the stability considerations of reach truck are generally the same as counterbalanced machines with some obvious differences such as fork height etc.
The rules regarding the use of the handbrake and all-round observation are the same as those for a counterbalanced truck. A few additional points to note:
- Some forklift reach trucks, do not have a neutral position
- Other reach trucks, such as the BT Reflex, do not have a separate handbrake
- While some reach trucks have a tilting fork carriage and some a tilting mast.
The reach truck should be stopped approximately 6 inches away from the stack and the handbrake applied.
Bring the mast/forks to the level position
Normally reach trucks do not have as much forward and rear tilt as counterbalanced trucks. The fork arms should be approximately level at this point taking care not to apply forward tilt.
Lift the forks to the correct height
The fork arms should now be elevated to the height required watching out for overhead obstructions.
Drive the forklift forwards towards the stack
The truck should be driven towards the stack and that the reach truck legs remain just short of the racking or bottom load. Once in position, the handbrake should be re-applied.
- Reach the mast out to position the fork arms accurately on the load.
- Lower the fork arms carefully to the required height of the load.
- Raise the load off the racking
- Bring the reach back in fully.
Note that reach trucks should not be driven with the mast extended particularly when laden as the truck will then behave in a similar manner to a counterbalance truck and can turn over forwards.
Reverse away from the stack
Reverse out looking in the direction of travel with occasional glances at the load and forks. Stop when the forks are about 15cm, (6ins), away from the stack and apply handbrake.
Lower the load to the travelling position
Lower the load to about 10cm, (4inches), from the reach legs and apply rear tilt for travelling. Look all around once more before driving off to required destination.
Like counterbalanced forklifts, the de-stacking exercises should be practiced at different heights before basic training can be considered to be complete.
Summary steps on how to de-stack with a Reach Truck
- Follow the correct procedure to move off; Gear, Observation, Handbrake release and final Observation (GOBO).
- Looking at the direction of travel drive forward at a slow steady speed.
- Stay close to the racking.
- Once you come in line with the first block of the pallet (Pivot Point) apply footbrake.
- Before turning to the designated location, complete all round check and complete 90 degree turn towards the intended direction.
- Stop 6 inches before the racking, apply handbrake and transmissions in neutral.
- Before you raise the forks, ensure there are no obstacles.
- Gently raise the forks up to the required height of the racking
- Take the tilt off ensuring the fork arms are level.
- Complete the GOBO procedure and drive towards the racking making sure the reach truck legs remain level and stop just short of the racking.
- Once in position apply handbrake and transmissions in neutral.
- Complete all round check.
- Extend your Reach out to enter the pallet ensuring your fork arms are at the end of the pallet.
- Gently raise your fork arms 2-3 inches off the beam, ensuring there are no obstacles.
- Retract the Reach fully back.
- Select reverse and complete the GOBO procedure.
- Reverse and look in the direction of travel, 80% back, 20% forward.
- Once your fork arms and the load are 6 inches away from the racking, apply handbrake and transmission in neutral.
- Lower your forks back into travelling position (2-3 inches above the Reach legs)
- Apply tilt, and back to GOBO procedure and back to your starting position.
For more information on our Reach Truck forklift training or to book your course today, call us:
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