Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck that is made to function within narrow aisles is known as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. Typical storage aisles are 3.6 meters wide, sufficient space for a counterbalanced lift truck to pivot within the aisle. Then again, narrow aisles could be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area requires specific types of lift trucks which are capable of tight turns, small, and able to put away loads without turning. The popular kinds of narrow-aisle trucks are turret trucks, order pickers and reach trucks.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The very first types of narrow-aisle lift trucks developed for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks could turn without problems 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 disadvantage of this design is that the outrigger arms can inhibit access to the storage rack because the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks truly work well in a warehouse that is well lit, has clean, even floors, good traffic flow and enough space for turning.
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 while the operator drives down the aisle. When it stops at the designated storage place, the forks of the truck turn to the storage side and raise the load to their full extension, and next 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 very narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.