Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Certain forklifts have VNA features or NA features. To be able to function efficiently and safely, most counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, are able to operate in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. Also, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing 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 in the warehouses enable for more storage of things within a particular area, that improves cube use. The loads transported by NA and VNA trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks are able to work within narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Particularly made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers which enables the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for loading and unloading trucks, nor for moving 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: Similar to regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to operate in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Like order selectors, these equipment can elevate both the load and the operator. Moreover, they are able to allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually rail or wire guided when used in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator could focus on the work load at hand because they doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they can be used for picking items and cases as well as full pallet handling.