VNA and NA Trucks: There are certain truck models that have very narrow aisle or VNA features or narrow aisle or NA features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks require at least 11 feet of aisle width in order to operate safely and efficiently. NA trucks however, can operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Furthermore, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can function in aisles which are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a conventional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a specific space, that improves cube utilization. The loads transported by VNA and Narrow Aisle trucks usually are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks can operate within narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Particularly designed for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that enables the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to regular sit-down forklifts. The main difference is that their masts can rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature enables them to operate within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks could operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machines could elevate both the cargo and the operator. Moreover, 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 normally rail or wire guided when they are used in very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator can concentrate on the work load at hand as they doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they can be utilized for picking items and cases in addition to full pallet handling.