An electronics plant’s warehouse holds thousands of incoming component SKUs plus finished goods waiting to ship, on floor space usually reserved for production lines first. A reach truck for the electronics industry solves this by storing high in aisles narrower than a counterbalance truck needs.
Where do reach trucks work in the electronics chain?
- Imported component store: putting away pallets of component reels, ICs, housings and packaging after incoming inspection.
- Line-side buffer store: retrieving pallets for production orders and setting them down for pallet trucks or tow tractors.
- Finished goods store: storing packed carton pallets and retrieving them for container shipments.
A reach truck moves its mast forward, so the chassis is shorter and needs a narrower aisle than a counterbalance truck of the same capacity. If this type is new to you, what is a reach truck explains the principle.
Challenges of storing electronics at height
Finished electronics pallets are usually tall stacks of cartons, fairly light but easily dented and valuable. At height, even slight mast sway forces the driver to wait before placing the load, or risk hitting the rack beam. Component stores have many SKUs, sometimes only a few cartons per pallet, so put-away and retrieval are frequent and precise positioning is needed all shift.
Some component stores sit next to dust-controlled production or electrostatic protected areas. STILL’s published specifications do not mention anti-static features for reach trucks, so if your store has this requirement, raise it during the survey to get advice aligned with your internal rules.
STILL FM-X: tall finished goods stores with high throughput
The STILL FM-X stores up to 14 metres, with residual capacity of up to 1,000 kg at 13 metres and 850 kg at 14 metres according to the manufacturer. Most relevant for electronics is active load stabilisation: an automatic counter-pulse damps mast oscillation at height, cutting waiting time at the rack by up to 80 percent. Drivers can preset storage positions with the Easy Target (Plus) lift height preselection.
For narrow aisles, the FM-X 10N and 12N versions have an overall width of 1,140 mm compared with 1,270 mm for the standard version. STILL’s exclusive side-shifting mast helps in tight aisles. The lithium-ion battery allows intermediate charging between shifts, useful when the store follows a three-shift production schedule.
STILL FXR 14C-18C: small and mid-sized component stores
Not every electronics plant has a 14-metre store. For component stores under 11 metres running one or two shifts, the STILL FXR 14C-18C is the more compact option. It offers residual capacity of up to 940 kg, storage heights up to 11 metres, a top speed of 10 km/h and a 12 kW lift motor. The compact cab and reduced working aisle width help it work well in small warehouses. Curve Speed Control slows the truck in bends, useful in busy component stores with pickers on foot.
Recommendation table: process – model – reason
| Process | Suggested model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| High-bay finished goods, multi-shift | STILL FM-X | Active load stabilisation, up to 14 metres |
| Finished goods in narrow aisles | STILL FM-X 10N/12N | 1,140 mm overall width |
| Component store, one or two shifts | STILL FXR 14C-18C | Compact, up to 11 metres, Curve Speed Control |
| Line-side buffer store | STILL FXR 14C-18C | Reduced working aisle, compact cab |
Layout tips for a component store with reach trucks
- Keep fast-moving components on low levels and slow movers high to reduce full-height lifts.
- Check residual capacity at the top level on the model’s load chart, not the rated capacity.
- Agree pallet sizes with component suppliers so forks enter consistently.
- Check the floor: reach trucks need a level surface, especially at height.
See other truck types on forklift solutions for electronics and the STILL reach trucks category.
Frequently asked questions
Should an electronics component store choose the FM-X or FXR?
The FM-X suits tall stores with high multi-shift throughput. The FXR 14C-18C suits stores up to 11 metres, one or two shifts, where compactness and a leaner investment matter more.
Can a reach truck be used in an electrostatic protected area?
STILL’s published specifications do not state anti-static features. Raise this requirement during the survey so options can be checked against your internal rules.
Can a reach truck load containers?
Reach trucks are designed for level warehouse floors. Container loading is better handled by an electric counterbalance forklift or electric pallet truck.
Need to size rack height and aisles for a component store? Send a request on the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.