NA and VNA Trucks: There are some truck types that have VNA or very narrow aisle features or NA or narrow aisle features. Nearly all counterbalanced trucks require a minimum of 11 feet of aisle width to be able to function safely and efficiently. Na or Narrow Aisle trucks on the other hand, are able to operate in narrow aisles that are 8 to 10 feet wide. As well, VNA or very narrow aisle trucks can function in aisles as narrow as 6 feet wide.
The benefit of utilizing a VNA and NA truck over a regular lift is that it makes it possible for warehouses to be constructed with narrower aisles. The wider aisles in the warehouses allow for more storage of products in a particular space, that improves cube utilization. The loads transported by NA and VNA trucks usually are limited to around 3000 and 5000 lbs. Reach trucks are capable of operating in narrow aisle. Order selectors, turret trucks and rotating mast trucks could operate within narrow or very narrow aisles, depending on the particular unit.
Reach Trucks: Specifically 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 loading and unloading trucks, nor for moving loads quickly over long distances. Similar to the order selector, reach trucks can be available for lifting heights which are greater than 30 feet.
Turret Trucks and Rotating-Mast Trucks: Similar to regular sit-down forklifts, rotating mast trucks have masts which could rotate in one direction, to a 90 degree angle. This feature allows them to function within a narrow aisle condition. Turret trucks can work in very narrow or narrow aisle locations. Like order selectors, these machinery can lift both the operator and the load. Furthermore, they can enable 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 used in very narrow aisles. Thus, the operator could focus on the work load at hand as they doesn't need to focus any energy on their driving skills. Because turret trucks are considered "operator-up" trucks, they are able to be used for picking cases and items as well as full pallet handling.