If your racking is getting taller and your aisles are getting tighter, a counterbalance forklift will only take you so far. That is where a reach truck earns its keep. If you are looking for a reach truck for sale in the UK, this guide covers what these machines do well, what to check before you buy, and the lithium-ion models iLift supplies.
We only sell electric equipment, so everything here is written with battery-powered reach trucks in mind. That is also where the market has settled: reach trucks work indoors, in confined spaces, and around people, which makes electric the obvious choice.
What a Reach Truck Does Better Than a Forklift
A standard counterbalance forklift carries its load out in front of the front wheels, with a heavy counterweight at the back to stop it tipping. That design needs space to turn, which means wider aisles and less racking per square metre.
A reach truck works differently. The load sits within the truck's wheelbase while travelling, and the mast or forks reach forward only when placing or retrieving a pallet. The result is:
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Tighter turning circles, so aisles can be narrower
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Higher lift heights, making better use of vertical space
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More pallet positions from the same building footprint
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Better load stability at height, thanks to a low centre of gravity
For warehouses running out of floor space, a reach truck is often cheaper than extending the building or moving to a larger unit. For more on the operational side, see our guide to maximising efficiency in narrow aisles with reach trucks.
Choosing a Reach Truck for Sale: What to Check First
Buying the wrong specification is the most expensive mistake you can make. Before comparing prices, get clear on these points.
1. Lift height
Measure the height of your top beam level, then allow for the clearance needed to lift a pallet over it. Choose a mast that comfortably clears your highest position rather than one that only just reaches it. If you plan to add racking levels in the next few years, factor that in now.
2. Capacity at height
A reach truck's rated capacity applies at a set load centre and lift height. Capacity reduces as the load goes higher, so check the residual capacity at your top level, not just the headline figure. Your heaviest pallets need to be safe at the highest point they will be stored.
3. Aisle width and turning radius
Measure your aisles between the racking uprights, and check against the truck's turning radius and the manufacturer's working aisle figure for your pallet size. If you are planning a new layout, choose the truck first and design the aisles around it.
4. Floor condition
Reach trucks are built for smooth, level indoor floors. Uneven concrete, cracks, and slopes affect stability at height and wear out the polyurethane tyres faster. If your floor is poor, sort it before the truck arrives.
5. Working environment and shift pattern
How many hours a day will the truck run? Will it work in a chiller or freezer? Does it need to share space with pedestrians? These answers shape battery size, cold-store specification, and which safety options make sense.
6. Pallet types and attachments
Standard UK and Euro pallets are straightforward, but oversized or double-deep storage changes the picture. If you handle mixed pallet sizes, a sideshift makes accurate placement much easier at height. Any attachment will affect residual capacity, so specify it at the quote stage rather than retrofitting later.
Electric Reach Trucks From iLift
iLift supplies the EP CQD series, a lithium-ion reach truck range designed for high-level stacking in medium to large warehouses. Both models share the same core platform, with the choice coming down to capacity and lift height.
EP CQD16L Electric Reach Truck (1,600kg)
The EP CQD16L handles loads up to 1,600kg with a standard 6,500mm triplex mast. It suits general distribution, retail, and manufacturing warehouses where most pallets are standard weight and racking sits in the mid-height range.
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48V / 360Ah lithium-ion battery
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Turning radius of 1,720mm
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Reach distance of 585 to 625mm
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4kW drive motor and 11.75kW lift motor
EP CQD20L Electric Reach Truck (2,000kg)
The EP CQD20L steps up to 2,000kg capacity with a 9m mast, built for heavier loads and taller racking. It also has more power in reserve for high-throughput sites.
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48V lithium-ion, with an optional 560Ah battery for longer shifts
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Turning radius of 1,770mm
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7kW drive motor and 20kW lift motor
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Height indicator fitted as standard
Features across the range
Both models come with electric power steering, an operator presence system, electromagnetic braking, and a full-colour display showing battery level, speed, and diagnostics. The compact battery and offset hydraulic routing improve the operator's view through the mast, which matters when placing pallets at the top level.
Optional extras include a built-in sideshift, blue safety lights, area warning lights, a camera, telematics, and a cold-storage configuration for chilled and frozen environments.
Looking to keep costs down? We also have an ex-demo EP CQD16 reach truck available, subject to stock.
Why Lithium-Ion Makes Sense for Reach Trucks
Reach trucks have been electric for decades, but most older fleets run on lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion changes the day-to-day running of the truck in a few practical ways.
Opportunity charging. Lithium-ion batteries can be topped up during breaks and shift changes without damaging battery life. The CQD series supports fast external chargers up to 200A, so one truck can often cover a full working day without a battery swap.
No battery maintenance. There is no watering, no acid spills, and no dedicated charging room. The built-in battery management system monitors every cell in real time.
Consistent performance. Lift and travel speeds hold steady as the battery discharges, rather than tailing off towards the end of a shift.
Every iLift truck comes with the battery included and a 5-year battery warranty from the date of manufacture, along with a full pre-delivery inspection before it reaches your site.
Buying vs Hiring a Reach Truck
Buying outright makes sense when you have steady, long-term demand and want the lowest cost per hour over the life of the truck. You own the asset, control the specification, and can spread the cost with finance if needed.
Hire is often the better fit if:
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Demand is seasonal or tied to a specific contract
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You are testing whether a reach truck suits your layout before committing
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You need cover while a new truck is on order
iLift offers both routes, with short and long-term reach truck hire available across the UK. Some businesses start on hire and move to purchase once the operation is proven.
Ownership Costs and Compliance
The purchase price is only part of the picture. Budget for these running costs from day one.
Servicing
Regular servicing keeps a reach truck safe and reliable, and catches wear on chains, forks, and hydraulics before it becomes a breakdown. iLift offers service contracts and maintenance with scheduled visits and predictable costs.
LOLER thorough examinations
Reach trucks are lifting equipment, so they fall under LOLER. According to HSE guidance, the chains, forks, mast, cylinders, and fork attachments need a thorough examination at 12-month intervals or as set out in a written scheme of examination. Other safety parts such as brakes and lights also need regular inspection, including daily pre-use checks.
Operator training
Reach truck operation is a distinct skill from driving a counterbalance forklift. Operators should hold training specific to reach trucks, even if they are already experienced on other lift trucks.
Find the Right Reach Truck for Your Warehouse
A reach truck is one of the most effective ways to get more storage out of an existing building. The key is matching capacity, lift height, and battery to how your site actually runs, rather than buying on price alone.
Browse our full range of electric reach trucks for sale, or send us a product enquiry with your racking height, aisle widths, and heaviest loads. Our team will recommend the right specification and give you a clear price.
