Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to function efficiently and safely, nearly all counterbalanced trucks require at least 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks on the other hand, can function in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Also, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can function in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a traditional 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 within a specific area, which improves cube utilization. The loads transported by Narrow Aisle and VNA trucks normally are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are specially made narrow-aisle trucks that are made for retrieval and storage. They are made of telescoping forks and outriggers that enable the operators to pick up a load and after that retract it over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to standard sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to operate within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks are able to operate in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these machines can lift both the cargo and the operator. Furthermore, they can allow the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally rail or wire guided when they are utilized within very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and can concentrate on the work load at hand. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be utilized for picking items and cases in addition to full pallet handling.