Turret Trucks vs. Reach Trucks: Which One Is Best for Your Warehouse?

Optimising warehouse operations requires choosing the right equipment for your materials handling needs. Turret trucks are designed to operate in significantly narrower aisles compared to reach trucks, each serving distinct purposes. In this article, we’ll explore their differences to help you make the best choice for your warehousing needs.

What Is a Reach Truck?

A reach truck is able to lift loads of heights up to 14.2 meters and loads of up to 2 tonnes. Reach trucks are commonly used in warehouses, distribution centres, and retail storage facilities. They are best suited for aisles at least 2.7 meters wide, providing an efficient solution for facilities that require vertical storage without the need for ultra-narrow aisle access.

A reach truck can lift loads up to 14.2 meters high and handle weights of up to 2 tonnes.

Advantages and Limitations of Reach Trucks

One of the key advantages of reach trucks is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to turret trucks, they require a lower upfront investment while still offering excellent vertical storage capabilities.

However, reach trucks require more turning space than turret trucks, making them slightly less efficient in very narrow aisles. Their order picking speeds are also slower due to the additional manoeuvring required and the operator remaining at base level. Additionally, they are primarily limited to handling palletised loads.

What Is a Turret Truck?

A turret truck, also known as a very narrow aisle (VNA) forklift, is designed to maximise storage capacity in extremely tight spaces. Unlike reach trucks, turret trucks have a 180 degree rotating turret head, allowing them to retrieve and place loads without turning the entire vehicle.  Turret trucks can reach heights of up to 17 meters, making them a superior option for maximising vertical storage in this regard.

Advantages and Limitations of Turret Trucks

Because turret trucks can retrieve and place loads without needing extra manoeuvring space, they improve productivity in fast-paced warehouse environments. They are often equipped with wire guidance systems, ensuring precise and efficient movement.

However, turret trucks come with a higher initial investment compared to their reach truck counterparts. They also require a specialised warehouse layout with guidance systems, meaning they may not be the best choice for mixed-use facilities. Additionally, turret trucks are less flexible when handling non-standard loads and require exceptionally level floors for optimal operation.

Choosing Between a Reach Truck and a Turret Truck

The choice between a reach truck and a turret truck depends on several factors. A reach truck is the better option if your warehouse has moderate aisle space, typically between 2.7 and 3 meters (depending on the load profile). It is also ideal for operations that need a cost-effective solution for high-lift storage without requiring rapid order picking. If your facility primarily handles palletised loads and does not require specialised attachments, a reach truck offers a practical and efficient solution.

On the other hand, a turret truck is the preferred choice for warehouses operating in extremely narrow aisles, generally less than 2 meters wide. It is ideal for businesses looking to optimise underutilised aisle space while maintaining a fast and efficient order-picking process. If you are willing to invest in advanced warehouse infrastructure and require maximum storage efficiency, a turret truck is the best solution for your needs.

Where Can I Get a Reach Truck or Turret Truck in South Africa?

If you’re looking for a high-quality reach truck or turret truck in South Africa, Goscor Lift Trucks has you covered. As a trusted supplier of material handling equipment, Goscor Lift Trucks offers a wide range of reliable and efficient solutions to suit your warehouse needs. You can find both reach trucks and turret trucks as well as a wide selection of our other equipment on our website, or you can contact the Goscor team directly for assistance.