Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have VNA features or NA features. To be able to function safely and efficiently, the majority of counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. Narrow Aisle trucks however, are able to operate in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. As well, very narrow aisle or VNA trucks can operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The advantage of using a VNA and NA truck over a conventional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be built with narrower aisles. The wider aisles in the warehouses allow for more storage of things within a particular space, that improves cube use. The loads moved using NA and Very narrow Aisle trucks usually are limited to around 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks can operate in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks are able to operate within narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specifically made for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers that allows the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for unloading or loading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights which 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 are able to rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to function in a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks could operate in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machinery can lift both the cargo and the operator. In addition, they are able to allow the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are normally wire or rail guided when they are utilized within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator could concentrate on the work load at hand since they doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be utilized for case and item picking as well as full pallet handling.