Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have NA features or VNA features. To be able to function efficiently and safely, nearly all counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, could operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Also, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing 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 in the warehouses enable for more storage of things within a particular space, that improves cube use. The loads transported by Narrow Aisle and Very narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks could function in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can operate in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are specially designed narrow-aisle trucks which are designed for storage and retrieval. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which enable the operators to lift a load and afterward retract it 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 could be available for lifting heights which are higher than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Similar to typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks could operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these machines are capable of lifting both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they can allow the operator to handle 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 used within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and could concentrate on the work load at hand. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for case and item picking in addition to full pallet handling.