NA and VNA Trucks: There are certain truck types which have very narrow aisle or VNA features or NA or narrow aisle features. Most counterbalanced trucks need at least 11 feet of aisle width to be able to function efficiently and safely. NA trucks on the other hand, could function in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. Also, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing 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 within the warehouses allow for more storage of products within a specific area, that improves cube use. The loads transported using Very Narrow Aisle and NA trucks usually are limited to about 3000 and 5000 pounds. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Turret trucks, rotating mast trucks and order selectors can operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific model.
Reach Trucks: Specially designed for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with telescoping forks and outriggers which allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for transporting loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Like 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 typical sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature enables them to function within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can operate in narrow or very narrow aisle places. Like order selectors, these machines could lift both the load and the operator. In addition, they are able to enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without re-entering and exiting the aisle.
Turret trucks are usually wire or rail guided when they are utilized in very narrow aisles. Therefore, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and could concentrate on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be utilized for case and item picking in addition to full pallet handling.