Managing warehouse space has become one of the most pressing challenges for operations managers and logistics teams. With the rising cost of industrial property and increasing demand for faster delivery times, making the most of every square metre is no is a competitive necessity.

One of the most effective ways to do that? Investing in the right equipment to access higher racking safely and efficiently. That’s where the reach truck comes in.

Unlock More Storage Without Expanding Your Floor Plan

Many warehouse teams hit a space wall sooner than expected yet the ceiling space above remains underused. That unused vertical space is often the most cost-effective storage expansion you already own.

Instead of relocating or restructuring your entire layout, you can use vertical space to:

• Store more inventory within your existing footprint
• Keep fast-moving goods at accessible heights
• Maintain better categorisation without adding floor congestion

This equipment allows you to take full advantage of extra storage potential. With their slim profile and impressive lift height, these machines help you stack safely at higher levels, reduce dead zones, and free up space for core operations.

Built for Modern Warehousing

Designers created these forklifts to meet the growing need for space efficiency, especially in high-volume warehouses where every centimetre counts. Their compact frame and forward-extending forks let operators access deep racking smoothly without oversteering.

These machines offer several clear operational advantages:

• Lift heights up to 10–12 metres make use of top-tier storage
• Their narrow chassis works well in tighter aisle configurations
• Stabilising legs improve safety when handling heavier pallets at height
• Operator visibility and ergonomics support accuracy and comfort during shifts

This blend of features gives warehouse teams the confidence to safely navigate narrow aisles and increase stacking capacity. As warehousing becomes more vertical and data-driven, vertical-access forklifts have become an essential part of the modern logistics toolkit.

How Reach Trucks Transform Warehouse Layouts

By using high-reach forklifts, warehouses can redesign storage layouts to:

• Increase the number of vertical racking levels
• Narrow aisle widths without compromising safety
• Create a higher-density storage footprint

This means businesses can scale without relocating or investing in new warehousing. For growing operations, that’s a cost-effective and scalable solution.

Reducing Waste and Improving Productivity

Beyond boosting storage capacity, these trucks help reduce multiple types of operational waste.

• Time waste: Faster picking and stacking means more productive shifts
• Space waste: Optimised layouts eliminate unused air space
• Labour waste: Better equipment reduces fatigue and speeds up workflows

This directly supports lean warehouse operations and better inventory management.

Operator Benefits and Safety Considerations

Manufacturers build modern reach trucks with ergonomics and safety as top priorities. Features such as tilt-back masts, adjustable seating, intuitive controls, and advanced braking systems all contribute to safer, more efficient operations.

Using a high-reach machine correctly reduces your need for additional access equipment or manual handling at height. This lowers both operational risk and training time for your team.

Is a Reach Truck Right for Your Warehouse?

A reach truck is ideal if:

• Your racking exceeds standard forklift height capacity
• You operate in a warehouse with narrow aisles or limited floor space
• You want to maximise storage without increasing your footprint

It’s worth speaking to a material handling expert to assess your site layout and recommend the right solution.

Choosing the Right Reach Truck Model for Your Needs

Before making a purchase or hire decision, consider these key factors:

• Lift height requirements – Measure your tallest racking and ensure the model you choose exceeds that height safely.
• Aisle width – Evaluate your aisle layout. Compact models with tight turning radii work best in narrow warehouse environments.
• Load capacity – Match the lift strength to your heaviest pallets, keeping in mind how load weight affects lift height.
• Frequency of use – High-throughput operations benefit from longer-lasting battery options and ergonomic controls.

Taking time to assess your storage flow, order volume, and warehouse constraints ensures you invest in a machine that improves daily operations not hinders them. Choosing the right model leads to smoother logistics, fewer disruptions, and smarter space use.

How Glosrose Supports Smarter Storage

Glosrose supplies a range of high-reach forklifts to support businesses looking to get more from their warehouse space. Our team works with you to understand your current layout, inventory flow, and access requirements before recommending the right machine.

We offer:

• New and high-performance vertical-access forklifts for sale
• Flexible hire options to match your operational schedule
• Full servicing, inspection, and maintenance support

Every warehouse has untapped potential. With the right equipment, you can unlock it safely, efficiently, and without overspending.

Speak to Glosrose today and optimise your warehouse layout with the right high-reach forklift.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do reach trucks need maintenance?

Warehouse teams should inspect reach trucks regularly based on how intensively they use them. For high-use environments, a monthly check plus a full service every 6 months is common. Glosrose offers service plans that ensure consistent performance and compliance.

Can reach trucks be used outside?

Operators achieve the best results using reach trucks indoors on smooth, level surfaces. Some models can operate in covered outdoor areas, but their smaller wheels and design work less effectively on uneven or rough terrain.

What training is required to operate a reach truck?

Authorised training providers such as RTITB or ITSSAR in the UK deliver the required certification for operating a reach truck. Glosrose can advise on training requirements if you’re expanding your fleet.

Need tailored advice on warehouse handling solutions?

Get in touch with Glosrose today to speak with our team.