VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck types that have very narrow aisle or VNA features or NA or narrow aisle features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width in order to function efficiently and safely. Narrow Aisle trucks however, can operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing an NA and VNA truck over a traditional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses enable for more storage of products in a specific area, that improves cube utilization. The loads moved using NA and VNA trucks usually are limited to about 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are specially made narrow-aisle trucks that are made for storage and retrieval. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which allow the operators to lift a load and afterward retract it over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for loading and unloading trucks, nor for moving 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: Rotating-mast trucks are like standard sit-down forklifts. The main distinction is that their masts could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to operate in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment are capable of elevating both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, 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 often rail or wire guided when used in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator can focus on the work load at hand as they doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they can be used for case and item picking as well as full pallet handling.