VNA and NA Trucks: There are certain truck types that have very narrow aisle or VNA features or narrow aisle or NA features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width in order to function safely and efficiently. NA trucks on the other hand, can operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Moreover, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a traditional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles in the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a particular space, which improves cube use. The loads moved using NA and Very narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to around 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks could function in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Specifically made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which enables the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for unloading or loading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights which are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature enables them to operate in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks are able to work in very narrow or narrow aisle places. Like order selectors, these machinery could lift both the cargo and the operator. In addition, they could allow the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are often rail or wire guided when used within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator can concentrate on the work load at hand as they doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for case and item picking as well as full pallet handling.