NA and VNA Trucks: There are certain truck models which have very narrow aisle or VNA features or narrow aisle or NA features. Nearly all counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width in order to operate efficiently and safely. Na or Narrow Aisle trucks however, can function in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Additionally, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can operate in aisles which are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of using an NA and VNA truck over a standard lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses enable for more storage of products within a specific space, which improves cube utilization. The loads moved utilizing Narrow Aisle and VNA trucks usually are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks could function in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks could work in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Specifically designed for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that enables the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited 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 that are higher than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Like typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to function within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could work in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these machines are capable of lifting both the operator and the load. Additionally, they can allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally wire or rail guided when used within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and can concentrate on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for picking cases and items as well as full pallet handling.