NA and VNA Trucks: There are some truck types which have very narrow aisle or VNA features or NA or narrow aisle features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks require at least 11 feet of aisle width in order to operate safely and efficiently. Na or Narrow Aisle trucks however, could operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. As well, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks offer lots of advantages because they make it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store numerous more things within a certain space, improving cube use. The loads moved utilizing VNA and NA trucks typically are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks could work within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specially designed for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers which allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not suitable for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Similar to typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks are able to work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Like order selectors, these machines are capable of lifting both the load and the operator. Furthermore, they can allow the operator to deal with 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 in very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and could concentrate on the work load at hand. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.