NA and VNA Trucks: There are certain truck types which have VNA or very narrow aisle features or narrow aisle or NA features. Most counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width to be able to function efficiently and safely. Narrow Aisle trucks however, could operate in narrow aisles which measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Moreover, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks could operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of using 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 in the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a particular area, which improves cube use. The loads transported by NA and Very narrow Aisle trucks typically 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 are able to work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are particularly made narrow-aisle trucks that are designed for storage and retrieval. They are made of telescoping forks and outriggers which enable the operators to pick up a load and afterward retract it over the outriggers. These models are not suitable for loading and unloading trucks, nor for transporting loads quickly over long distances. Like the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are greater 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 allows them to operate within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machinery are capable of elevating both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, they can enable the operator to deal with loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually rail or wire guided when used within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and could focus on the work load at hand. As turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for item and case picking as well as full pallet handling.