Most of a 3PL logistics warehouse’s revenue comes from the pallet positions it can sell to shippers. With a fixed leased area, the only way to add capacity is to build higher and narrow the aisles. That is when the reach truck becomes the workhorse of the storage area. This article explains how to choose STILL reach trucks by rack height, throughput and the characteristics of each shipper’s goods.
The storage challenge of a 3PL provider
Unlike a manufacturer’s warehouse, a 3PL warehouse holds a product mix that changes with each contract. Some shippers send heavy, slow-moving pallets, others light, fast-moving ones, and some contracts last only one season. High selective racking combined with reach trucks is the most flexible configuration: every pallet is directly accessible, the layout is easy to change when customers change, and aisles are considerably narrower than for counterbalance trucks.
The basic principle: a reach truck carries the load within its support legs and only reaches the mast forward when storing. This makes the truck shorter when turning in the aisle. See also What is a reach truck.
Four STILL reach truck ranges and their place in a 3PL warehouse
STILL FM-X: high racking, continuous throughput
The FM-X offers stacking heights of up to 14 metres. According to the manufacturer, residual capacity reaches up to 1,000 kg at 13 metres and 850 kg at 14 metres, so the top rack levels can be fully used. Active load stabilisation uses an automatic compensation impulse to stop mast vibration at height, reducing waiting time at the rack by up to 80 percent. In a multi-shift 3PL warehouse, this drives productivity. Narrow versions such as the FM-X 10N and 12N have an overall width of 1,140 mm.
STILL FXR 14C–18C: medium warehouses, one or two shifts
STILL positions the FXR 14C–18C as an economical choice for medium loads and lower utilisation, and explicitly names logistics companies as typical customers. Lift height reaches 10,970 mm, with capacities from 1,400 to 1,800 kg. Curve Speed Control and travel speed limitation in main lift are standard, adding safety even for less experienced drivers, which is common when a warehouse hires extra staff for the peak season.
STILL FM-X SE: when the warehouse has outdoor racking
Some 3PL sites have outdoor racking for weather-tolerant goods. The FM-X SE uses special super-elastic tyres and high ground clearance, lifting loads up to eight metres at a top speed of 14 km/h. Its Li-Ion battery can be charged to 50% in 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer.
STILL FM-4W: long goods
If a contract includes pipes, aluminium profiles, boards or other long goods, the FM-4W travels forwards, backwards and sideways, handles a total load of 2,500 kg and lifts 1,000 kg to 9.5 m thanks to its high residual capacity.
Selection table: reach trucks by process step
| Process step | Suggested type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Putaway to high racking, multi-shift | STILL FM-X | Up to 14 m, active load stabilisation |
| Medium warehouse, one or two shifts | STILL FXR 14C–18C | Lifts to 10,970 mm, standard safety features, sensible investment |
| Replenishing pick locations | STILL FM-X or FXR | Fast transfer of pallets from upper levels to pick level |
| Outdoor racking | STILL FM-X SE | Super-elastic tyres, high ground clearance |
| Long goods, pipes, profiles | STILL FM-4W | Four-way travel in narrow aisles |
Design the warehouse and choose trucks together
- Aisle width: set by truck and pallet dimensions and how pallets enter the rack. See Warehouse aisle width and forklift selection.
- Top rack level: check the heaviest pallet weight against the residual capacity chart of the specific mast configuration.
- Floor: the higher the racking, the stricter the floor flatness requirement. Check it before installing racking systems.
- Charging plan: Li-Ion batteries allow charging between shifts, but chargers must not obstruct the aisles.
The full range is on the reach trucks page; for an overview of truck types for the industry see solutions for 3PL logistics.
Frequently asked questions
At what height should a 3PL warehouse switch from counterbalance trucks to reach trucks?
There is no fixed threshold. Reach trucks are worth considering when you need more pallet positions in the same footprint and counterbalance aisles take up too much space. The floor plan and clear height will give a specific answer.
How do the FM-X and FXR differ in a logistics warehouse?
The FM-X is for demanding applications, heights up to 14 m and multiple shifts; the more compact FXR 14C–18C lifts to around 11 m and suits medium loads and lower utilisation. Many warehouses use both ranges together.
Can a reach truck load and unload lorries?
Reach trucks are optimised for racking areas on flat warehouse floors. Dock work is better handled by electric counterbalance forklifts or electric pallet trucks, as discussed in electric forklifts for 3PL logistics.
Get advice and a quote
To calculate pallet positions and the right configuration of the STILL FM-X or STILL FXR 14C–18C, send a request via the request a quote page or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.