Reach stackers
Reach stackers are primarily diesel-powered container trucks. Invented decades ago by the Italian company Belotti, reach stackers are now used all over the world in small and large enterprises, factories, terminals, ports and even in the armies of some countries. Since their invention, the basic design of reach stackers has remained virtually unchanged. The unmatched reach stacker mobility and manoeuvrability allows reach stackers to be used almost anywhere. Let’s take a look at some of their main specifications.
Reach stackers. Main characteristics.
- Lifting capacity. Reach stackers for empty containers have a lifting capacity of up to 10 tonnes in the standard version and up to 13 tonnes in the special version. Standard models of reach stackers for laden containers have lifting capacity up to 45 tonnes in the first and up to 16 tonnes in the third container row. At the same time, the range of reach stackers for laden containers is quite wide and their lifting capacity reaches 45 tonnes in the third container row. In addition, there are models with lifting capacity up to several hundred tonnes for special tasks with extra heavy goods and reach stackers can work in tandem to move long lengths.
- Wheelbase. The wheelbase of the reach stacker determines the lifting capacity and stability of the reach stacker. The wheelbase of reach stackers for empty containers is 5 metres, while reach stackers for laden containers have a wheelbase of 6-6.5 metres and more in heavy duty versions. In addition, there are models with extendable chassis, which are able to change the wheelbase depending on the work to be done. A short wheelbase predominantly provides a smaller turning radius.
- Drive. The most common is the diesel powered reach stacker. However, market dynamics have also created reach stackers with alternative types of drive – hydrogen, battery electric and hybrid.
Advantages of reach stackers
- Comparatively low price. Reach stacker is one of the most affordable units of mechanisation capable of handling containers.
- High mobility. Thanks to modular design reach stacker can be easily dismantled and moved to a new place of work.
- High availability. Reach stackers have a rather short delivery period from the factory and the secondary market is quite saturated.
- Attachments. Thanks to the universal load-carrying equipment (spreader) any reach stacker can be equipped during production or retrofitted at any time with various attachments. It can also utilise the existing hydraulic system on the reach stacker if required. A diesel generator can also be installed on the reach stacker if required. In this way, the reach stacker can handle a wide variety of goods, including very specific goods.
Reach stacker transport
Reach stackers can be transported by almost any type of transport. It is possible to transport a fully assembled reach stacker to a short distance by road transport, as well as with dismantled boom by aircraft. The most widely used type of transport of reach stacker is road transport with dismantled boom and water transport with additional dismantling. Depending on the reach stacker configuration and destination, different solutions and their combinations can be applied.
Cost of reach stackers
The price of a reach stacker depends on many factors such as model (lifting capacity and wheelbase), options and drive. Also an important part of the reach stacker purchase budget is the cost of transport, which can be as much as 10-15% of the reach stacker cost.
Conclusion
To this day, reach stackers remain the most common piece of container handling equipment due to their mobility, availability and relatively low cost. In addition, new attachments are constantly being developed to significantly expand reach stacker applications. Due to its high lifting capacity, the use of a standardised load handling device (spreader) and the use of attachments, the reach stacker can be converted to handle a variety of goods in the shortest possible time.
Reach stackers FAQ
A reach stacker is a container handling truck used for moving and stacking containers. It is highly mobile and manoeuvrable, making it popular in ports, terminals and industrial plants around the world.
A reach stacker consists of a chassis, boom, load handling device (spreader), operator's cab, power pack, hydraulic and electrical systems. Some models may have a sliding chassis and can be retrofitted with various attachments.
Key features include lifting capacity (up to 13 tonnes for empty containers and 45 tonnes for laden containers), wheelbase (5 to 6.5 metres for standard models), and type of drive (diesel, electric, hydrogen or hybrid).
Advantages include a relatively low price, high mobility, good market availability and the possibility of retrofitting with attachments. These characteristics make reach stackers an effective and versatile tool for handling goods.
Reach stackers can be transported by any type of transport, including road transport, cargo aircraft and sea vessels. They are most often transported by road with the boom dismantled, but other options are possible depending on the configuration and destination.
The cost of a reach stacker depends on the model, lifting capacity, options and drive type. Logistics also play an important role in the total cost, which can be as much as 10-15% of the reach stacker price.
