Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have NA features or VNA features. In order to function efficiently and safely, most counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, could operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Furthermore, 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 in the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a particular area, which improves cube use. The loads transported utilizing Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle trucks normally are limited to about 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific unit.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights which are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Like regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to operate in a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks are able to operate in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machines are capable of lifting both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, they are able to 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 utilized within very narrow aisles. Therefore, 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 can be used for item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.