A high rise forklift, also known as a high-reach forklift, is a specialized material handling machine designed to lift loads to considerable heights that standard forklifts cannot safely reach. These forklifts are essential for warehouses and distribution centers that maximize vertical storage space, allowing goods to be stacked at high levels.
Key Types of High Rise Forklifts
Reach Trucks
Reach trucks are the most common high rise forklifts. They use a pantograph mechanism to extend forks into racking. Reach trucks operate in aisles as narrow as 8–10 feet and can lift up to 45 feet. Capacities typically range up to 4,500 lbs. They are electric-only, feature baselegs for stability, and are ideal for high-density warehousing.
VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Turret Trucks
VNA turret trucks are designed for maximum storage density. They operate in aisles as narrow as 5–7 feet. The turret head rotates 180° to pick loads from both sides without turning the truck. Lift heights can exceed 40 feet, with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 lbs. VNA trucks often use wire or rail guidance for precise navigation.
Order Pickers
Order pickers elevate the operator along with the forks, allowing for efficient picking of individual items from high shelves. They are commonly used in e-commerce and high-SKU warehouses.
High-Lift Articulating Forklifts
Articulating forklifts feature a joint in the mast that allows them to bend, making them easier to navigate in tight spaces while still providing high reach capability.
Mast Configurations
High rise forklifts use multi-stage masts to achieve maximum lift heights while maintaining a low collapsed height for travel.
Mast Type Description
Two-Stage Mast Moderate lift height, lower collapsed height
Three-Stage Mast Most common; offers high lift with compact lowered height
Quad Mast Four stages; provides the highest reach for specialized warehousing
Key Specifications
Specification Typical Range
Aisle Width (Reach Truck) 8–10 feet
Aisle Width (VNA Truck) 5–7 feet
Lift Height (Reach Truck) Up to 45 feet
Lift Height (VNA Truck) 40+ feet (up to 500″+)
Capacity 3,000 – 4,500 lbs
Power Source Electric (battery)
Applications
High rise forklifts are essential in e-commerce fulfillment centers, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, cold storage and food distribution, automotive parts distribution, and pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
The bottom line: High rise forklifts—including reach trucks, VNA turret trucks, order pickers, and articulating models—are specialized electric lift trucks engineered to maximize vertical storage in warehouses. Reach trucks operate in 8–10 ft aisles with lift heights up to 45 feet; VNA turret trucks operate in 5–7 ft aisles with 180° rotating forks and lift heights exceeding 40 feet. Multi-stage masts (two-stage, three-stage, quad) enable high lift while maintaining low collapsed height. Key applications include e-commerce, 3PL, cold storage, and automotive distribution.