Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have NA features or VNA features. To be able to operate efficiently and safely, most counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Na or Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, could operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing a VNA and NA 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 allow for more storage of products in a specific area, which improves cube utilization. The loads transported by Narrow Aisle and Very narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specifically designed for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that allows the operator to lift 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. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights which are higher than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Similar to regular 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 in a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can work in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Like order selectors, these machinery could elevate both the operator and the cargo. In addition, they could allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally 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 focus 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 in addition to full pallet handling.