Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. In order to operate safely and efficiently, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Na or Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, are able to operate in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. Additionally, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The advantage of using an NA and VNA truck over a traditional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a particular space, that improves cube use. The loads moved using Narrow Aisle and VNA trucks normally are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks could operate in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks could work within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are particularly made narrow-aisle trucks that are made for storage and retrieval. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which allow the operators to pick up a load and then retract it over the outriggers. These models are not suitable for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. 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: Like regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to operate in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can work in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these equipment are capable of lifting both the operator and the load. In addition, they can enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are often wire or rail guided when utilized within very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator doesn't need 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 can be utilized for picking cases and items in addition to full pallet handling.