Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The kind of electric truck that is designed to function in narrow aisles is referred to as a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. Typical storage aisles are just 3.6 meters wide, enough space for a counterbalanced lift truck to pivot in the aisle. On the other hand, narrow aisles can be 2.4 meters wide to as little as 1.8 meters. The narrow space needs specific lift truck models that are capable of tight turns, small, can put away loads without pivoting. The popular types of narrow-aisle trucks are order pickers, reach trucks and turret trucks.
Narrow-aisle reach trucks
Reach trucks were the first narrow-aisle lift truck to be developed for warehouse use. These small trucks could turn easily in narrow aisles as their design has eliminated the need for a huge counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms extending in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this particular design is that the outrigger arms can inhibit access to the storage rack since the truck cannot get close enough. These trucks truly work well within a warehouse which is well lit, has clean, even floors, enough turning space and good traffic flow.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design includes forks on the side which turn. The forks turn 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 truck's forks 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 that keeps the truck on its path in really narrow aisles. In man-down trucks, operators remain at floor level.