Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to function safely and efficiently, nearly all counterbalanced trucks require at least 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks however, are able to operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Moreover, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of using a VNA and NA truck over a regular lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses enable for more storage of products in a particular area, which improves cube use. The loads moved utilizing NA and VNA trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks could operate in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks are able to operate within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are particularly made narrow-aisle trucks that are made for retrieval and storage. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks that enable the operators to lift a load and then retract it over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for unloading or loading trucks, nor for transporting loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to standard sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature enables them to function in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can operate in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these machines can lift both the operator and the load. Moreover, they could allow the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually rail or wire guided when they are utilized within very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and can focus on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be utilized for item and case picking in addition to full pallet handling.