VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck types that have very narrow aisle or VNA features or NA or narrow aisle features. Most counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width in order to function efficiently and safely. NA trucks on the other hand, can function in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks offer lots of advantages since they make it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store many more things within a particular area, improving cube utilization. The loads moved using Narrow Aisle and Very narrow Aisle trucks usually are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks could operate within narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers which enables the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights which are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Like typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature enables them to operate within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks could work in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machines are capable of elevating both the operator and the cargo. Moreover, they could allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are generally wire or rail guided when they are used within very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator can focus on the work load at hand because they doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be used for picking items and cases in addition to full pallet handling.