Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to function efficiently and safely, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks however, can operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Furthermore, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks offer many benefits because they make it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store many more products in a particular area, improving cube utilization. The loads transported by VNA and NA trucks typically are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks could operate in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can work in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific unit.
Reach Trucks: Specially designed for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which enables the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for loading and unloading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are like regular sit-down forklifts. The main distinction is that their masts are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to operate within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can lift both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they are able to enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally wire or rail guided when utilized in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and could concentrate on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for case and item picking in addition to full pallet handling.