Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have VNA features or NA features. To be able to function safely and efficiently, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks on the other hand, could function in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Additionally, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can function in aisles which are 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks provide numerous advantages as they make it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store numerous more products in a certain space, improving cube utilization. The loads transported utilizing Narrow Aisle and VNA trucks usually are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are especially made narrow-aisle trucks which are made for storage and retrieval. They are made of telescoping forks and outriggers that enable the operators to pick up a load and then retract it over the outriggers. These models are not suitable for unloading or loading trucks, nor for transporting loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to regular sit-down forklifts. The main difference is that their masts are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these equipment can lift both the operator and the load. In addition, they can allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are generally rail or wire guided when they are utilized within very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator can focus on the work load at hand as they doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they can be used for item and case picking in addition to full pallet handling.