Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck that is designed to operate in narrow aisles is referred to as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. Typical storage aisles are only 3.6 meters wide, enough space for a counterbalanced lift truck to turn in the aisle. However, narrow aisles could be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow area requires specific lift truck models that are capable of tight turns, small, could put away loads without pivoting. 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 developed for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can turn with no trouble within narrow aisles as their design has eliminated the requirement for a huge counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms extending in front of the truck. The downside of this particular design is that the outrigger arms can inhibit access to the storage rack because the truck cannot get near enough. These kinds of trucks really work well in a warehouse that is well lit, has clean, even floors, ample turning space and good traffic flow.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design consists of forks on the side that turn. The forks turn 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load faces forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. Once it stops at the designated storage location, the forks of the truck pivot to the storage side and lift 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 very narrow aisles. In man-down trucks, operators remain at floor level.