Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck which is designed to function within narrow aisles is referred to as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck can turn in the aisle as typical storage aisles are 3.6 meters wide and this is enough space. Then again, narrow aisles can be around 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space needs specialized lift truck models which are small, capable of tight turns, could put away loads without pivoting. The common types of narrow-aisle trucks are order pickers, reach trucks and turret trucks.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first types of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can turn without problems within narrow aisles since their design has eliminated the need for a big counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms which extend in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this particular design is that the outrigger arms could hinder access to the storage rack as the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks really work well within a warehouse which is well lit, has clean, even floors, ample space for turning and good flow of traffic.
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 could face forward whilst the operator drives down the aisle. Once stopped at the designated storage place, the truck's forks 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 can come 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.