Narrow Aisle Lift Trucks
The kind of electric truck which is made to operate within narrow aisles is called a Narrow Aisle Lift Truck. A counterbalanced lift truck could turn in the aisle as standard storage aisles are only 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 requires specialized lift truck models which are small, capable of tight turns, can put away loads without pivoting. The popular kinds 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 easily turn within narrow aisles since their design has eliminated the need for a large counterweight. Stability is instead provided by outrigger arms extending in front of the truck. The disadvantage of this design is that the outrigger arms could hinder access to the storage rack as the truck cannot get close enough. These kinds of trucks really work well within a warehouse that is well lit, has even, clean floors, ample space for turning and good traffic flow.
Turret trucks
The turret truck design consists of forks on the side which 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 location, the forks of the truck turn to the storage side and lift 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 very narrow aisles. Operators remain at floor level in man-down trucks.