Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks are electric trucks designed to function in narrow aisles. Standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide, enough space for a counterbalanced lift truck to turn in the aisle. However, narrow aisles can be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area needs specialized lift truck models that are small, capable of tight turns, can put away loads without pivoting. The popular kinds of narrow-aisle trucks are reach trucks, turret trucks and orderpickers.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first kinds of narrow-aisle lift trucks developed for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can turn without problems in narrow aisles because their design has eliminated the need for a big counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms that extend in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this particular design is that the outrigger arms could inhibit access to the storage rack as the truck cannot get close enough. These kinds of trucks work well within a warehouse which is well lit, has clean, even floors, good traffic flow and ample turning space.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design has turning forks on side of the truck. The forks turn 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load faces forward while the operator drives down the aisle. When it stops at the designated storage place, the forks of the truck pivot to the storage side and lift the load to their full extension, and next easily deposit the load prior to resuming their original position. Turret trucks are available with a wire guidance system which keeps the truck on its path in really narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.