Narrow Aisle and very Narrow Aisle Trucks: Some forklifts have NA features or VNA features. To be able to operate safely and efficiently, nearly all counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width. NA trucks on the other hand, could operate in narrow aisles which are 8 to 10 feet wide. In addition, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks could operate in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
The benefit of using an NA and VNA truck over a traditional lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. The wider aisles within the warehouses enable for more storage of products in a particular area, that improves cube use. The loads transported by Very Narrow Aisle and Narrow Aisle trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks can function in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks can work in very narrow or narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for storage and retrieval, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not the best suited for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading trucks. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights that are greater than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Like standard sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts that could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to operate in a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks could work in narrow or very narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machines are capable of elevating both the cargo and the operator. Additionally, 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 often rail or wire guided when utilized within very narrow aisles. This way, the operator doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills and can focus on the work load at hand. Since turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they could be used for picking cases and items in addition to full pallet handling.