Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck which is designed to function within narrow aisles is known as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn within the aisle because typical storage aisles are only 3.6 meters wide and this is enough space. Nevertheless, narrow aisles can be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area needs specialized types of lift trucks that are small, capable of tight turns, can put away loads without turning. The common kinds of narrow-aisle trucks are reach trucks, turret trucks and orderpickers.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first types of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can easily turn within narrow aisles because their design has eliminated the need for a big counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms which extend in front of the truck. The downside of this particular design is that the outrigger arms could hinder access to the storage rack since the truck cannot get near enough. These trucks really work well in a warehouse that is well lit, has even, clean floors, good traffic flow and enough space for turning.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design consists of forks on the side that pivot. The forks pivot 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load could face forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. When stopped at the designated storage location, the truck's forks turn to the storage side and raise the load to their full extension, and then smoothly deposit the load prior to resuming their original position. Turret trucks are available with a wire guidance system that keeps the truck on its path in very narrow aisles. In man-down trucks, operators remain at floor level.