VNA and NA Trucks: There are some truck types which have VNA or very narrow aisle features or NA or narrow aisle features. Most counterbalanced trucks need a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width in order to function efficiently and safely. Na or 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 function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of using an NA and VNA 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 products within a specific area, that improves cube utilization. The loads moved using Very Narrow Aisle and NA trucks usually are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks could function in narrow aisle. Rotating mast trucks, order selectors and turret trucks are able to work in narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular model.
Reach Trucks: Specially made for retrieval and storage, reach trucks are made with outriggers and telescoping forks that allows the operator to pick up and retract a load over the outriggers. These models are not suitable for moving loads quickly over long distances nor for loading and unloading 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: Rotating-mast trucks are similar to typical 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 enables them to function within a narrow aisle situation. Turret trucks can operate in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Similar to order selectors, these equipment can elevate both the cargo and the operator. In addition, they can enable the operator to handle loads on either side of an aisle without exiting and re-entering the aisle.
Turret trucks are generally rail or wire guided when they are utilized in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator doesn't have to focus any energy on their driving skills and can focus on the work load at hand. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for picking cases and items in addition to full pallet handling.