VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck models which have VNA or very narrow aisle features or NA or narrow aisle features. Nearly all counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to operate safely and efficiently. Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, can operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. Additionally, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of using an NA and VNA truck over a regular lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles in the warehouses enable for more storage of products within a specific space, that improves cube utilization. The loads transported using VNA and NA trucks typically are limited to around 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors are able to work within very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Reach trucks are especially designed narrow-aisle trucks that are made for storage and retrieval. They are made of outriggers and telescoping forks which allow the operators to lift a load and after that retract it over the outriggers. These units are not suitable for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Like the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Rotating-mast trucks are like regular sit-down forklifts. The main difference is that their masts could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature enables them to operate within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could work in very narrow or narrow aisle places. Similar to order selectors, these machinery can lift both the cargo and the operator. In addition, they could enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually rail or wire guided when used in very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't need 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 used for item and case picking in addition to full pallet handling.