Reach Truck Rental Checklist: 6 Things to Measure First
Rack height, residual capacity, aisle width, floor, charging and operator — measure these six things before a reach truck arrives at your warehouse.
Buying & Renting Guides4 min read
By Gourav Lifters
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A reach truck can add a lot of storage to the same warehouse — but only if it matches your racking, aisles and floor. Most problems with rented reach trucks come from details nobody measured before the machine arrived. Use this checklist before you hire.
The short answer
Before renting a reach truck, confirm six things: the top beam height of your racking, the aisle width between racks, the heaviest pallet weight and size, the floor condition, the number of shifts (battery and charging), and whether you need a trained operator. Share these with the rental company and ask for the machine's lift height, residual capacity at that height and right-angle stacking aisle.
1. Measure your top rack height
Measure from the floor to the top of the highest beam where pallets are placed. The reach truck's maximum lift height must be above this, with clearance for the pallet to clear the beam.
Reach trucks for rent are commonly available with lift heights of about 6 to 12 metres. Also measure the lowest roof point, beams, sprinklers and lights in the travel path — the closed (lowered) mast height must pass under the door and any obstruction.
2. Check capacity at height, not just rated capacity
A reach truck rated at 1.6 or 2 tons can lift that weight only up to a certain height. Higher up, the safe capacity drops — this is called residual capacity.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Rated capacity | The maximum weight at low height and standard load centre |
| Residual capacity at your top beam | The real limit at the height you will use |
| Load centre | Bigger pallets push the load centre out and reduce capacity |
Ask the rental company for the load chart of the exact machine and check your heaviest pallet against it at your top level.
3. Measure aisle width
Measure the clear distance between pallet faces (not between rack uprights) across the aisle. Reach trucks typically need about 2.7 to 3 metres of right-angle stacking aisle, depending on the model and pallet size. A counterbalance forklift usually needs 3.5 metres or more. If your aisles are narrower, tell us — the machine must be chosen to fit.
Not sure whether you need a reach truck at all? Read forklift vs reach truck.
4. Check the floor
Reach trucks have small, hard wheels and run very close to racking at height. They need:
- Smooth, level concrete — no potholes or big cracks
- No steep ramps between areas
- Indoor use only — they are not made for yards, gravel or rain
An uneven floor makes the mast sway at height, which is a safety risk.
5. Plan battery and charging
Reach trucks are battery-powered. A standard battery usually lasts about one working shift.
- One shift: charge overnight.
- Two or three shifts: ask for a spare battery or plan charging breaks.
- Power point: confirm the charger's power requirement and keep a point near the parking spot.
- Charging area: well ventilated, away from stock, with a fire extinguisher nearby.
6. Operator training
A reach truck drives differently from a forklift — the operator stands or sits sideways, and the forks move forward on the mast. A forklift driver should not be put on a reach truck without training. You can hire a trained reach truck operator along with the machine.
Reach truck rental checklist (copy this)
| Detail | Your value |
|---|---|
| Top beam height (m) | |
| Lowest overhead obstruction / door height (m) | |
| Aisle width between pallet faces (m) | |
| Heaviest pallet weight (kg) | |
| Pallet size (mm) | |
| Floor: smooth / ramps / uneven | |
| Shifts per day | |
| Operator needed: yes / no | |
| Site address and rental period |
Send this table to us on WhatsApp and we will recommend the right reach truck.
Frequently asked questions
What aisle width does a reach truck need?
Most reach trucks need about 2.7 to 3 metres of right-angle stacking aisle between pallet faces, depending on the model and pallet size. Counterbalance forklifts usually need 3.5 metres or more.
How high can a reach truck lift?
Reach trucks available on rent typically lift between about 6 and 12 metres. The safe load at full height is lower than the rated capacity, so always check the load chart.
Can a reach truck be used outdoors?
No. Reach trucks are built for smooth indoor floors. For yards, rough ground or truck loading outside, use a counterbalance forklift.
Can a forklift operator drive a reach truck?
Only after reach truck training. The driving position, steering and reach mechanism are different, so the operator must be trained on the reach truck before use.
Where can I rent a reach truck in India?
Gourav Lifters rents reach trucks from Jaipur to warehousing hubs across India, including Delhi, Gurugram, Bhiwandi and Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru.
Need a reach truck? Electric reach trucks on weekly, monthly and long-term rent, maintenance included, operator on request. See reach trucks on rent or get a written quote.
Related: Forklift vs reach truck · How to choose forklift capacity · Battery vs diesel forklift