VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck types that have very narrow aisle or VNA features or NA or narrow aisle features. The majority of counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to operate efficiently and safely. Narrow or NA trucks however, could function in narrow aisles that measure 8 to 10 feet wide. Additionally, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can function in aisles that are 6 feet wide.
VNA and NA trucks offer a lot of advantages as they make it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. This results in the warehouse being able to successfully store many more things in a certain space, improving cube use. The loads moved using NA and VNA trucks typically are limited to approximately 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks are able to operate in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the specific unit.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks which allows the operator to lift and retract a load over the outriggers. These units are not the best suited for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for unloading or loading trucks. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks could be available for lifting heights that are higher than 30 feet.
Rotating-Mast Trucks and Turret Trucks: Similar to regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This particular feature allows them to operate within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks are able to work in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can lift both the operator and the cargo. Furthermore, they could allow 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 utilized in 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.