Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The kind of electric truck which is designed to function in narrow aisles is known as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn in the aisle because standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide and this is sufficient space. Nevertheless, narrow aisles can be about 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space requires specialized types of lift trucks which 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 very first kinds of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse applications are the reach trucks. These small trucks could easily turn within narrow aisles as their design has eliminated the requirement for a big counterweight. Instead, stability is 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 because the truck cannot get close enough. These types of trucks really work well in a warehouse which is well lit, has clean, even floors, enough space for turning and good flow of traffic.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design includes forks on the side that pivot. The forks turn 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load faces forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. Once stopped at the designated storage place, the truck's forks pivot to the storage side and raise the load to their full extension, and next 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 very narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.