Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The type of electric truck which is made to function within narrow aisles is referred to as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. Standard storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide, sufficient space for a counterbalanced lift truck to pivot within the aisle. Nonetheless, narrow aisles can be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space needs specific types of lift trucks which are small, capable of tight turns, could put away loads without turning. The popular 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 use are the reach trucks. These small trucks could easily turn within narrow aisles because their design has eliminated the requirement for a huge 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 inhibit access to the storage rack because the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks truly work well within a warehouse which is well lit, has even, clean floors, good traffic flow and ample space for turning.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design includes 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. When stopped at the designated storage location, the truck's forks turn 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.