Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to operate safely and efficiently, most counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, are able to operate in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. What's more, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The advantage of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a standard lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles in the warehouses enable for more storage of products in a specific area, which improves cube utilization. The loads moved utilizing VNA and Narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to about 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks can operate in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Particularly designed for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that allows the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are higher than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to typical sit-down forklifts. The main distinction is that their masts are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to function within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment could elevate both the operator and the load. Moreover, they are able to enable the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are often wire or rail guided when used within very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and can focus on the work load at hand. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they can be used for picking cases and items as well as full pallet handling.