NA and VNA Trucks: There are certain truck types which have VNA or very narrow aisle features or NA or narrow aisle features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to function safely and efficiently. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, can operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. As well, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks offer lots of benefits as they make it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store many more things within a particular space, improving cube utilization. The loads transported utilizing VNA and Narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks can operate in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks are able to operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which allows the operator to lift and retract a load 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 which are higher than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to typical sit-down forklifts. The main distinction is that their masts could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to function in a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks are able to work in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these machines are capable of elevating both the operator and the load. Moreover, they can allow the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually wire or rail guided when they are utilized in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and could focus on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be used for picking cases and items in addition to full pallet handling.