Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck which is made to function within narrow aisles is called a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck can turn within the aisle since typical storage aisles are 3.6 meters wide and this is sufficient space. However, narrow aisles can be around 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area needs specific kinds of lift trucks which are small, capable of tight turns, could put away loads without turning. The popular types of narrow-aisle trucks are turret trucks, order pickers and reach trucks.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The very first types of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks could easily turn within narrow aisles as their design has eliminated the requirement for a huge counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms that extend in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this design is that the outrigger arms could inhibit access to the storage rack because the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks really work well in a warehouse which is well lit, has even, clean floors, ample turning space and good traffic flow.
Turret trucks
The design of a turret truck consists of forks on the side that pivot. The forks pivot 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load could face forward while the operator drives down the aisle. Once it stops at the designated storage place, the forks of the truck turn to the storage side and lift the load to their full extension, and next easily deposit the load before resuming their original position. Turret trucks can come with a wire guidance system that keeps the truck on its path in really narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.