Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain 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. NA trucks however, can operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Moreover, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can function in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of using a VNA and NA truck over a conventional 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 specific area, that improves cube use. The loads moved by VNA and Narrow Aisle trucks normally are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can operate within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Particularly designed for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which enables the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for loading and unloading trucks, nor for transporting loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights which are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to standard sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to operate in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these equipment are capable of elevating both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they can allow the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are generally wire or rail guided when they are used within very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't need 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 could be utilized for item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.