Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to function safely and efficiently, most counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, are able to function in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
NA and VNA trucks provide a lot of advantages because they make it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store numerous more things within a specific space, improving cube utilization. The loads transported utilizing Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle trucks usually are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks can operate in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are especially designed narrow-aisle trucks which are made for retrieval and storage. They are made of telescoping forks and outriggers which enable the operators to pick up a load and after that retract it over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for transporting 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 higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to standard sit-down forklifts. The main difference is that their masts can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can work in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can elevate both the operator and the load. Additionally, they are able to enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually wire or rail guided when utilized in very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and could focus on the work load at hand. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for case and item picking in addition to full pallet handling.