Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. To be able to function efficiently and safely, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require at least 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks however, are able to function in narrow aisles which measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Also, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can 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 enable for more storage of things in a particular space, that improves cube utilization. The loads transported using Narrow Aisle and VNA trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks can function in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks are able to work within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are specially designed narrow-aisle trucks which are designed for retrieval and storage. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which allow the operators to pick up a load and afterward retract it over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights which are greater than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Like regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to function in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machines could elevate both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they are able to 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 they are used in very narrow aisles. This way, the operator can concentrate on the work load at hand because they doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for item and case picking in addition to full pallet handling.