The raw-material store of a textile plant grows quickly: each style needs several fabrics, colours and dye lots that must be stored separately. When the building cannot be extended, a reach truck is the usual way to put goods onto high racking while keeping aisles narrow. This article focuses on fabric stores, leather stores and finished-goods warehouses, where STILL reach trucks show their value most clearly.
The storage challenge in textile and footwear plants
Unlike consumer-goods warehouses, fabric stores must be managed by dye lot (shade) to avoid colour mismatch at cutting. One fabric code can occupy many rack positions simply because of different lots. Leather stores are likewise split by type, thickness and colour. The result is a high number of rack positions, each not very heavy but bulky. High racking with narrow aisles increases positions on the same floor area; the principles of aisle width are explained in warehouse aisle width and forklift selection.
Finished-goods stores for apparel and footwear are different: goods are packed in cartons per brand order, wait for inspection and ship according to vessel schedules. Goods move in large waves, and the right pallet must be retrieved fast to fill containers on time.
Which STILL reach truck fits which store?
STILL FM-X: large stores, very high racking, multi-shift
The STILL FM-X has a storage height of up to 14 metres. Active load stabilisation dampens mast vibration at height; according to STILL, waiting time at the rack is reduced by up to 80 percent. For fabric stores with many rack positions and high throughput, this matters. The adjustable driver’s position (floor plate, steering wheel, seat) eases long shifts.
STILL FXR 14C – 18C: small and medium stores
The STILL FXR 14C – 18C is rated at up to 1800 kg with a rated lift of 10.970 mm (manufacturer data), with compact dimensions and a reduced working aisle width. STILL positions it for medium loads and lower usage intensity, in one or two shifts – a good match for mid-sized garment factories or trims stores. Curve Speed Control and speed limitation during main lift come as standard, which helps less experienced drivers.
STILL FM-4W: long fabric rolls and bulky goods
This is the most interesting model for textiles. The STILL FM-4W is a four-way reach truck that travels forwards, backwards and sideways, making it particularly suited to long items. Wide fabric rolls, tubes and machine profiles can travel lengthwise along a narrow aisle instead of having to be turned across it. It lifts a total of 2,500 kg and, thanks to high residual capacity, carries 1,000 kg to a height of 9.5 m. The integrated weight and height display helps precise placement.
STILL FM-X SE: stores with outdoor yards
The STILL FM-X SE uses super-elastic tyres and high ground clearance, working indoors and outdoors, lifting up to eight metres at a top speed of 14 km/h. Its Li-Ion battery can charge 50 % of capacity in 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. It suits plants with covered temporary stores or outdoor racking for empty cartons, pallets and packaging.
Guide table: stage – model – reason
| Stage / area | STILL model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric store by dye lot, high racking | FM-X | Very high racking, active load stabilisation, multi-shift |
| Trims store, mid-sized plant store | FXR 14C – 18C | Compact, economical, one or two shifts |
| Long fabric rolls, bulky goods | FM-4W | Four-way travel, moves sideways in narrow aisles |
| Packaging store with outdoor area | FM-X SE | Super-elastic tyres, high clearance |
| Finished goods awaiting containers | FM-X or FXR | Fast retrieval to vessel schedules |
Points to check before introducing reach trucks
- Measure real loads: fabric rolls and cotton bales often overhang the pallet. Load dimensions affect load centre and rack clearance, so measure real samples before designing racking.
- Racking and trucks together: rack height, aisle width and truck type should be planned at once. See our racking systems.
- Flat floors: high-lift reach trucks need good floors; old workshop floors converted into stores should be checked first.
- Fibre dust: greige fabric stores are dusty; clean battery compartments and cooling fans regularly as part of maintenance.
Learn the basics in what is a reach truck, or browse the STILL reach truck range. Other truck types for the sector are summarised on the textile & footwear solutions page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fabric store have to use reach trucks?
No. Low stores with few positions can use stackers or counterbalance trucks. Reach trucks pay off when more rack positions are needed on a fixed floor area.
How does a four-way reach truck differ from a standard one?
A standard reach truck travels forwards and backwards. The FM-4W also travels sideways, so long goods move along narrow aisles without turning the truck – ideal for wide fabric rolls.
Can reach trucks be linked to fleet management software?
Yes. See our fleet management solution to track operating hours, drivers and impacts.
Planning a fabric or finished-goods store? Send a quote request with load dimensions, building height and the number of positions needed, or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70.