Counterbalance VS Reach Forklift: What Is the Difference?

If you work in a warehouse, distribution centre or busy yard, you will probably have seen different types of forklift trucks being used. Two of the most common are counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks.

Although they may look similar, they are designed for different jobs and working environments.

So, what is the difference between a counterbalance and a reach forklift, and which one is right for your workplace?

Let’s take a look.

What is a Counterbalance Forklift?

A counterbalance forklift is one of the most used types of forklift truck. It gets its name from the counterweight at the back of the truck, which helps to balance the load being lifted at the front.

 

Counterbalance forklifts are versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Loading and unloading vehicles
  • Moving pallets and materials around a workplace
  • Transporting goods around warehouses
  • Working in yards and outdoor areas
  • Placing loads onto and removing them from racking

One of the main advantages of a counterbalance forklift is its versatility. Depending on the truck and the workplace, they can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a popular choice for many businesses.

What is a Reach Forklift?

A reach forklift, also known as a reach truck, is primarily designed for use in warehouse environments where space can be more limited.

Unlike a counterbalance forklift, a reach truck has a mast that allows the forks to reach forwards into racking. This makes it particularly useful for storing and retrieving pallets from high-level racking.

 

Reach trucks are commonly used for:

  • Moving pallets around warehouses
  • Working in narrower aisles
  • Placing and retrieving pallets from high-level racking
  • Making the most of available warehouse storage space
  • Moving loads around busy distribution centres

Their ability to work at height and in narrower aisles makes reach trucks particularly useful in warehouses where space needs to be used efficiently.

Counterbalance VS Reach: What Is the Difference?

The main difference comes down to where and how the forklift is being used.

Counterbalance Forklift Reach Forklift
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Mainly designed for indoor warehouse use
Good for loading and unloading vehicles Ideal for storing and retrieving pallets
Generally requires wider operating space Designed to work in narrower aisles
Suitable for a wide range of tasks Particularly suited to warehouse storage
Counterweight at the rear balances the load Mast can reach forwards into racking

In simple terms, a counterbalance forklift is a versatile all-rounder, while a reach truck is designed with warehouse storage and high-level racking in mind.

Which Forklift Do You Need?

Choosing the right forklift depends on your workplace and the type of work you need it to carry out.

Before deciding which type of truck is right for you, consider:

Where will the forklift be used?

Will it mainly be working inside a warehouse, outside in a yard, or a combination of both?

How wide are your aisles?

If your warehouse has narrow aisles and limited space, a reach truck may be more suitable.

How high do you need to lift?

If you regularly need to place pallets into high-level racking, a reach truck could be the better option.

What type of loads are you handling?

Consider the size, weight and type of loads the forklift will need to move.

Will the forklift be loading and unloading vehicles?

If loading and unloading lorries is a regular part of the job, a counterbalance forklift is often a more suitable choice.

Choosing the right truck for the job can help your workplace operate more efficiently while supporting safe working practices.

Do You Need Training on Both?

If your workplace uses both counterbalance and reach forklifts, operators need to be appropriately trained for the types of trucks they will be operating.

Counterbalance and reach truck training are separate because the trucks operate differently and are commonly used for different tasks.

If an operator needs to use both types of forklift, combined training can be an option, allowing them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to operate each truck safely.

It is important that operators are trained on the type of truck they will actually be using in the workplace.

Counterbalance or Reach – Which Is Right for You?

So, which forklift is best?

There isn’t one answer for every workplace. It depends on your environment, available space, racking, loads and the tasks the forklift needs to complete.

A counterbalance forklift is a great choice when you need a versatile truck for general materials handling, loading and unloading, and indoor or outdoor work.

A reach truck is particularly useful in warehouses where high-level racking and narrower aisles are part of everyday operations.

Understanding the difference can help you make the right choice for your workplace and ensure your operators receive the appropriate training.

Looking for Forklift Training?

At Redi-Lift Learning, we provide forklift training to suit a range of workplace requirements, including Counterbalance and Reach truck training.

Whether you’re new to forklift operation or looking for refresher training, our team can help you find the right training for your needs.

Get in touch with Redi-Lift Learning today to find out more about our forklift training courses.

Get trained. Get qualified. Get moving.

Redi-Lift Learning
Forklift Training & Workplace Safety Training
📞 01604 765411
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