Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks are electric trucks designed to function within narrow aisles. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn in the aisle since standard storage aisles are 3.6 meters wide and this is adequate space. Nonetheless, narrow aisles could be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space needs specific lift truck models that are capable of tight turns, small, and able to put away loads without pivoting. The common kinds of narrow-aisle trucks are order pickers, reach trucks and turret trucks.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first kinds of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can easily turn in narrow aisles as their design has eliminated the need for a large counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms that extend in front of the truck. The downside of this particular design is that the outrigger arms can hinder access to the storage rack because the truck cannot get near enough. These trucks really work well in a warehouse that is well lit, has clean, even floors, ample space for turning and good flow of traffic.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design includes forks on the side that turn. The forks pivot 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load faces forward while the operator drives down the aisle. Once it stops at the designated storage location, the forks of the truck turn to the storage side and raise the load to their full extension, and then easily deposit the load prior to resuming their original position. Turret trucks can come with a wire guidance system that keeps the truck on its path in very narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.