Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have NA features or VNA features. To be able to function safely and efficiently, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks however, could operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a conventional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses enable for more storage of things in a specific space, that improves cube utilization. The loads moved using Narrow Aisle and Very narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors are able to work in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Particularly made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers that enables the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for loading and unloading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights which are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to operate within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can work in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can lift both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they could enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally wire or rail guided when used in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and can focus on the work load at hand. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.