Stacker or reach truck: which should you rent for your racking?
Short answer: rent a stacker if you need a lift height of up to approximately 5.4 m. Rent a reach truck for higher racking in narrow aisles, up to 13.5 m. A stacker lifts 1.2 to 2 tonnes and can be rented from €55 per day, excl. VAT. A reach truck lifts 1.6 or 2 tonnes. Its price is on request.
Updated on · prices excl. VAT · transport listed separately in the quote
What is the difference between a stacker and a reach truck?
The difference lies in the lift height: a stacker places pallets on low to medium-height racking, a reach truck on high racking in narrow aisles. Both machines are electrically driven and work on a level floor.
| Feature | Stacker | Reach truck |
|---|---|---|
| Suited to | Moving and stacking on low to medium-height racking | High stacking in narrow aisles |
| Load capacity | 1.2 to 2 tonnes | 1.6 or 2 tonnes |
| Lift height | Up to approx. 5.4 m, depending on model and mast | 4.5 to 13.5 m, depending on model and mast |
| Operation | Pedestrian, or ride-on with a platform | From the operator's position on the truck |
| Accumulate | 24V | 48V |
| Surface | Flat floor | Level warehouse floor |
| Models in our rental range | 7: Hyundai ES-XB, ES-XN, ES-X and ESR-X | 3: Hyundai BRJ-9B and BRJ-9BH |
| Rental price per day | Starting at €55 | On request |
Prices excl. VAT. At height, the safe lifting capacity is lower than the load capacity in the table.
Need a forklift for your work?
Tell us what you want to lift; we will advise you on the right machine and send a no-obligation quote.
Up to what height can you work with a stacker?
Up to approximately 5.4 m, depending on the model and the mast. The type of stacker determines how high you can reach:
- pedestrian stacker (ES-X, 1.2, 1.6 or 2 tonnes): lift height 2.0 to 2.4 m;
- compact stacker (ES-XB and ES-XN, 1.2 tonnes): 1.5 to 3.5 m;
- ride-on stacker with a ride-on platform (ESR-X, 1.6 or 2 tonnes): 2.8 to 5.4 m.
Measure the height of your top beam or of the mezzanine floor. That height determines the mast and therefore the model. All models are listed on the page stacker rental.
When do you choose a reach truck?
Choose a reach truck if you need to go higher than a stacker can reach, or if you work intensively in high racking. The Hyundai BRJ-9B reach trucks lift 4.5 to 13.5 m, depending on the mast. For the highest racking there is the 20BRJ-9BH. The operator rides on the truck and controls the mast precisely. View the three models on the page reach truck rental.
Which machine fits in your aisle?
A compact stacker fits in a tight space with low racking, a reach truck in narrow aisles between high racking. The compact stackers are made for a warehouse, a shop or a mezzanine. A reach truck moves its mast forward. As a result, it needs less aisle width than a forklift. State the width of your aisles in your request. We will then recommend the model that fits.
What should you choose for a lift height between 4.5 and 5.4 m?
Then both are possible: a ride-on stacker or a reach truck. In that case, look at the work. Do you mainly move pallets across the floor and then put them away? Then a ride-on stacker is the right fit. Do you mainly work in the racking and are the aisles narrow? Then a reach truck is the right fit. For both, we check whether the lifting capacity at that height matches your pallets.
How much does a stacker or reach truck lift at height?
Less than the rated load capacity. The safe lifting capacity at height is called the residual capacity. So a 2-tonne reach truck does not lift 2,000 kg high up in the racking. Tell us the weight of your heaviest pallet and the height of the top beam. We will then check which version fits. You can read what else to look out for in how high you are allowed to stack with a forklift.
What is the difference in rental price?
A stacker has a fixed daily price; for a reach truck the price is on request. You can rent a stacker for €55 per day (1,000 to 1,500 kg) or €60 per day (1,600 to 2,000 kg), excl. VAT. You rent per day, per week or per month. The monthly rate applies to rentals from 3 months. For a reach truck, the price depends on the mast, the lift height, the rental duration and the application. Transport costs are listed separately in the quote. The rates can be found in our overview of rental prices.
Do you need a certificate for a stacker or reach truck?
A certificate is not required by law, but the operator must be demonstrably competent. The employer provides instruction. A reach truck may require additional training. You can read the rules in who is allowed to drive a forklift.
Can you use a stacker or reach truck outdoors?
No, both are made for a level floor indoors. For an outdoor yard, an uneven surface or heavier loads, choose a forklift. Also read about the difference between a forklift and a reach truck.
Selection guide: stacker or reach truck?
Choose a stacker if …
- you need a lift height of up to approximately 5.4 m;
- you move pallets and then place them on racking or a mezzanine;
- you work in a tight space, such as a shop stockroom;
- your pallets weigh no more than 2 tonnes.
Choose a reach truck if …
- your racking is higher, up to 13.5 m;
- the aisles between the racking are narrow;
- you work intensively in the racking;
- you want to make use of the height of your warehouse.
Does the pallet not need to go into the racking? Then all you need is a pallet truck. Read the comparison in pallet truck, stacker or forklift rental.
Choose your warehouse truck or request a quote
We deliver every rental machine VA-keur inspected. We arrange the transport and agree the delivery date with you when you make your request. For a sound proposal we ask for: weight of the heaviest pallet, height of the top beam, aisle width, lowest clearance height, rental period and delivery address.
