Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The kind of electric truck that is designed to operate in narrow aisles is called a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn within the aisle since standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide and this is enough space. Nevertheless, narrow aisles can be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space requires specific types of lift trucks that are capable of tight turns, small, can put away loads without turning. The popular kinds of narrow-aisle trucks are reach trucks, turret trucks and orderpickers.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
The first types of narrow-aisle lift trucks manufactured for warehouse use are the reach trucks. These small trucks can easily turn in 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 design is that the outrigger arms can hinder access to the storage rack since the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks really work well within a warehouse that is well lit, has clean, even floors, enough turning space and good traffic flow.
Turret trucks
The design of a turret truck consists of forks on the side that turn. The forks pivot 90 degrees and move from side to side. The load can face forward while the operator drives down the aisle. Once it stops at the designated storage place, the truck's forks turn to the storage side and lift the load to their full extension, and next smoothly 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.