Chemical finished goods warehouses usually have to be split into several small zones by product compatibility: acids away from alkalis, oxidisers separated from flammables, temperature-sensitive goods on their own. When each zone gets only limited floor space, reach trucks make use of racking height instead of more floor area. This article explains the role of reach trucks in chemical storage and how to choose between STILL ranges.
The space problem in chemical warehouses
Unlike consumer goods warehouses, chemical stores rarely put everything into one large racking block. Zoning by hazard group adds aisles and reduces usable storage area. A reach truck moves its mast forward to pick a pallet and retracts it into the chassis for travel, so it needs narrower aisles than a counterbalance truck of the same capacity. The principle is explained in what is a reach truck.
Chemical goods on high racking also call for precision: a pallet of plastic canisters or a drum that hits a rack beam can crack and leak in a place that is hard to clean up. A stable mast at height and a clear view of the fork tips are therefore as important as capacity.
A note on hazardous areas
Stores for solvents, flammable liquids or combustible powders may be classified as having an explosion risk after assessment. The STILL source documents we hold do not show an explosion-protected version of the reach truck ranges below, so they suit stores confirmed as safe areas. For hazardous areas, companies should assess in line with applicable regulations and consult the supplier before choosing any equipment.
STILL reach truck ranges and their place in a chemical warehouse
STILL FM-X: high racking, high throughput
The STILL FM-X offers 2,500 kg capacity, storage heights up to 14 metres and 14 km/h. According to the source, residual capacity is 1,000 kg at 13 metres and 850 kg at 14 metres. Active load stabilisation damps mast oscillation at height, reducing waiting time at the rack by up to 80 percent. The lithium-ion battery allows intermediate charging between shifts.
STILL FXR 14C-18C: smaller stores, medium loads
Many mid-sized chemical plants have finished goods stores that are not very tall and run one or two shifts. The STILL FXR 14C-18C lifts up to 1800 kg to around eleven metres at 12 km/h, and its compact size suits the short rack runs within each zone. Curve Speed Control and travel speed limitation during main lift are standard. The integrated lithium-ion battery has a fast-charging port.
STILL FM-X SE: covered outdoor racking
Some plants keep racking for empty packaging or less sensitive raw material pallets in covered outdoor areas. The FM-X SE uses super-elastic solid tyres and high ground clearance, carrying up to two tonnes at 14 km/h and lifting to eight metres. According to the source, its lithium-ion battery can charge 50 % in 30 minutes.
STILL FM-4W: long goods in four directions
Plastic pipes, bar stock and rolls of packaging film are common long goods in chemical plants with support workshops. The STILL FM-4W travels forwards, backwards and sideways with a total capacity of 2,500 kg; loads of 1,000 kg can be lifted to 9.5 m. A weight and height display helps drivers stay in control when stacking.
Guide table: step – model – reason
| Warehouse area | STILL type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| High-bay finished goods, continuous flow | FM-X | Storage up to 14 metres, active load stabilisation |
| Compatibility-zoned storage, medium racking | FXR 14C-18C | Compact, Curve Speed Control as standard |
| Covered outdoor racking for empty packaging | FM-X SE | Super-elastic tyres, high clearance |
| Long pipes, bars and film rolls | FM-4W | Four-way travel |
| Stores classified as hazardous areas | Separate assessment needed | Source shows no explosion-protected reach truck version |
Design the warehouse before choosing the truck
- Aisle width: define it together with the zoning layout; see warehouse aisle width.
- Racking and beam capacity: drum pallets are heavier and more off-centre than carton pallets; recalculate with your racking system supplier.
See more models in the reach truck category and other truck types under forklift solutions for the chemical industry.
Frequently asked questions
Can reach trucks be used in a solvent store?
Only if the store has been assessed as not being an area with an explosion risk. Our source documents show no explosion-protected version of the FM-X, FXR or FM-4W, so this must be checked separately.
FM-X or FXR for a finished goods store?
Very high racking and multi-shift throughput favour the FM-X. Medium racking, one or two shifts and loads under 1800 kg make the FXR 14C-18C the economical choice.
Can drum pallets be stored high with a reach truck?
Yes, if the total load is within the residual capacity at that height and the racking is designed for this pallet type.
Need advice on reach trucks for a chemical warehouse? Send a request via the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.