Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The kind of electric truck that is designed to operate in narrow aisles is called a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. Standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide, sufficient space for a counterbalanced lift truck to turn within the aisle. However, narrow aisles can be around 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area needs specific kinds of lift trucks that are capable of tight turns, small, can put away loads without turning. The common types of narrow-aisle trucks are reach trucks, turret trucks and orderpickers.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first kinds of narrow-aisle lift trucks developed for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can turn easily within narrow aisles because their design has eliminated the requirement for a big counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms extending in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this design is that the outrigger arms could hinder access to the storage rack as the truck cannot get close enough. These types of trucks work well within a warehouse that is well lit, has clean, even floors, good flow of traffic and ample space for turning.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design has turning forks on side of the truck. The forks turn 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load can face forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. When stopped at the designated storage place, the forks of the truck turn to the storage side and raise the load to their full extension, and then easily deposit the load before resuming their original position. Turret trucks are available with a wire guidance system which keeps the truck on its path in really narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.