Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck which is made to function within narrow aisles is called a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn within the aisle as standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide and this is enough space. Nevertheless, narrow aisles can be around 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area requires specific lift truck models which are capable of tight turns, small, 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 very first kinds of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks could easily turn in narrow aisles because their design has eliminated the need for a huge counterweight. Instead, stability is provided by outrigger arms extending in front of the truck. The downside of this particular design is that the outrigger arms can hinder access to the storage rack since the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks work well within a warehouse that is well lit, has even, clean floors, good traffic flow and enough turning space.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design has pivoting forks on side of the truck. The forks pivot 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load could face forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. Once it stops at the designated storage place, the forks of the truck pivot 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 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.