Buy used reach truck for warehouse, racking and narrow aisles
A used reach truck for sale is interesting when you want to stack higher, make more efficient use of warehouse space, and do not immediately need to purchase a new reach truck. With a second-hand reach truck, pay particular attention to lift height, battery condition, mast play, residual capacity, aisle width, and service history.
When should you choose a used reach truck?
A reach truck is designed for warehouses where pallet racking, lift height, and aisle width are important factors. A used reach truck can be a smart choice if you need additional capacity quickly or want to keep your investment lower.
- You will be working with high racks and pallets on multiple levels.
- Your aisles are narrower than those used for standard forklift operations.
- You want to make your internal transportation more efficient.
- You're looking for a lower investment than what a new reach truck would require.
- You want peace of mind regarding the battery, mast, brakes, and inspection.
Reach truck or forklift?
A reach truck is usually better suited for high racks and narrow warehouse aisles. A forklift is often more suitable for loading and unloading outdoors, driving on outdoor terrain, or mixed indoor and outdoor work.
Checklist for buying a used reach truck
When it comes to a used reach truck, different factors are important than with a standard forklift. In particular, the mast, battery, electronics, reach mechanism, and handling determine whether the machine is suitable for daily warehouse work.
| Checkpoint | Why important? | What do we look for? |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting height | The truck must be able to reach your highest rack safely. | Desired lift height, free lift, clearance height, and mast type. |
| Remaining capacity | Capacity decreases with higher lift heights and load centers of gravity. | Load chart, pallet weight, lift height, and attachments. |
| Battery Condition | The battery determines operating time, cost, and reliability. | Battery type, capacity, charging behavior, age, and usage profile. |
| Mast and reach mechanism | Backlash or wear affects accuracy and safety. | Rollers, guides, chains, cylinders, and reach movement. |
| Aisle width | The truck must be able to turn and position itself safely. | Aisle width, pallet size, rack depth, and turning radius. |
| Service History | Provides insight into maintenance and past malfunctions. | Maintenance documentation, wear parts, and fault history. |
Important: Never buy a used reach truck based solely on its lifting height. The combination of pallet weight, load center of gravity, and height determines the actual remaining capacity.
Used reach truck or electric forklift?
A used reach truck is ideal for racks and narrow aisles. An electric forklift is often a better choice when you also load and unload trucks, work on loading docks, or have more horizontal transport needs.
Reach Truck
For high racks, narrow aisles, and making the most of warehouse space.
Electric forklift
For wider-range internal transport, loading/unloading, and more versatile use.
Stacker
For lighter stacking tasks with a lower investment and compact use.
For which warehouses is a used reach truck suitable?
Distribution centers
For pallets at height, fast goods flows and warehouses where space needs to be utilized efficiently.
Wholesale & E-commerce
For companies with many SKUs, shelving units, and changing order flows. A reach truck helps to work compactly and at height.
Production & stock warehouse
For the supply of raw materials, storage of semi-finished products, and removal of finished products in pallet racks.
Buy a used reach truck, lease one, or purchase a new one?
A used reach truck is not always automatically the best choice. In the case of intensive multi-shift use, high lifting heights, or critical processes, a new reach truck with a suitable battery and service contract may be a smarter option. For lower operating hours or rapid expansion, used equipment is often precisely the attractive choice.
- Used: lower investment and quick availability.
- Lease: fixed monthly costs and preservation of working capital.
- New: maximum security, configuration and warranty.
- Service contract: less risk of downtime.
- Trade-in: include old reach truck or forklift in proposal.
Our reach truck selector
To provide you with appropriate advice, we primarily need the following information:
- maximum lifting height;
- pallet weight and load center;
- aisle width;
- rack type and pallet size;
- number of entries per day;
- cargo space and battery swap/charging times;
- desired duration and budget.
Frequently asked questions about used reach trucks
What should I look out for when buying a used reach truck?
Pay close attention to lift height, residual capacity, battery condition, mast clearance, reach mechanism, brakes, electronics, aisle width, and service history.
Is a used reach truck suitable for high racking?
Yes, provided the lift height and residual capacity match your pallet weight and rack height. Always check the load chart and the actual application.
What is better: a used reach truck or an electric forklift?
For high racks and narrow aisles, a reach truck is usually better. For loading/unloading, outdoor areas, or all-around use, an electric forklift is often more practical.
Can I lease a used reach truck?
In many cases leasing is possible, depending on machine value, term, age, condition, and acceptance.
Can my old reach truck be traded in?
Yes, trade-in is negotiable. We evaluate the brand, model, year of manufacture, hour meter reading, battery, mast, technical condition, and market value.
Buy a used reach truck? Have your warehouse situation assessed first
Send your desired lift height, pallet weight, aisle width, and operating hours, and we will see whether a used reach truck, new reach truck, electric forklift, or stacker fits best.
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