VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck types which have VNA or very narrow aisle features or narrow aisle or NA features. Nearly all counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to function efficiently and safely. Narrow Aisle trucks however, are able to function in narrow aisles which measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Furthermore, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks could operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The advantage 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 in the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a specific area, which improves cube use. The loads transported using NA and Very narrow Aisle trucks normally are limited to roughly 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks could function in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks can work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specifically designed 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 suitable for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are higher 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 feature allows them to operate within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these equipment could lift both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, 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. 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 item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.