NA and VNA Trucks: There are certain truck models that have VNA or very narrow aisle features or NA or narrow aisle features. Nearly all counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to operate efficiently and safely. Narrow or NA trucks on the other hand, could function in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Moreover, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could function in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of using an NA and VNA 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 allow for more storage of things in a specific area, that improves cube utilization. The loads transported utilizing Very Narrow Aisle and NA trucks typically are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks can operate in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are specially made narrow-aisle trucks that are designed for retrieval and storage. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which allow the operators to pick up a load and then retract it over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for loading and unloading trucks, nor for transporting loads quickly over long distances. Like the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast 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 allows them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can lift both the load and the operator. In addition, they could enable the operator to handle 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 can concentrate on the work load at hand. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for picking items and cases as well as full pallet handling.