Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have NA features or VNA features. To be able to function safely and efficiently, nearly all counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks however, can function in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. Furthermore, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks could operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The advantage 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 specific space, that improves cube use. The loads moved utilizing Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle trucks usually are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks can function in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers which allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for unloading or loading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Like the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Like standard sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks are able to work in very narrow or narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment are capable of elevating both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, they could 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 in very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator doesn't have 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 used for picking items and cases as well as full pallet handling.