Different Types of Forklifts Used in VNA Operations

You may be familiar with the standard sit-down forklift used in many warehouses and other industrial settings. But did you know that different forklifts are designed for very narrow aisle (VNA) operations?

In a standard warehouse, the aisles between the racks are usually around 12 feet wide. But in a VNA warehouse, the aisles can be as narrow as 5 feet wide.

And operating in such narrow aisles would mean investing in specialist handling equipment designed to address the specific requirements of very narrow aisle warehouses. 

What is a narrow aisle forklift?

Narrow aisle forklifts are designed to navigate typical aisle widths, such as a narrow aisle width ranging from 8 ½ feet to 10 ½ feet or a very narrow aisle width ranging from 5 to 7 feet. 

These forklifts are designed to have a much smaller profile than traditional forklifts, so they can fit into tighter spaces without the risk of damaging goods or the facility itself.

The forklifts must be able to maneuver quickly and safely around tight corners to transport merchandise from one aisle to another with minimal disruption.

Features of narrow aisle forklifts

Tighter turning radius and enhanced maneuverability in work areas with limited space.

The average lift height of narrow aisle forklifts ranges from 300 to 450 inches, whereas VNA forklifts can lift as high as 670 inches.

Lifting capacities of narrow aisle forklifts range from 3000 to 6000 lbs depending on the make and model of the equipment.

Maximum travel speed achieved by narrow aisle forklifts can be up to 14 km/h.
Electric narrow aisle forklifts are powered by lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries to reduce emissions. 

Here, we look at 7 different types of forklifts commonly used in VNA operations. Keep reading to learn more about them!

Types of narrow aisle forklifts

Narrow aisle forklifts fall under the Class II classification of forklifts specified by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 

Commonly termed electric motor narrow aisle trucks, these forklifts come in various configurations that can be aligned to your warehouse’s needs. 

1. Reach Trucks

Reach trucks are used to reach into the narrow aisle racks to pick up the pallets. Due to their impressive reach capacity, these lift trucks are ideal for warehouses following first-first-out (FIFO) or first-in-last-out (FILO) inventory valuation methods.

These forklifts can lift up to 4000 lbs at a maximum height of 25 feet!

2. Articulated Forklifts

Articulated forklifts are designed to handle load requirements in tighter aisles as narrow as 6′ 6″. They can be operated at various angles, which is useful when maneuvering through tight aisles.

A typical articulated forklift consists of a narrow aisle forklift and a traditional counterbalance machine within the same unit. 

Articulated forklifts help manage the transfer of loads from truck to rack and rack to truck in a single-handling operation. 

3. Turret Trucks

Turret trucks are highly specialized load-handling machines designed for very narrow aisles that can save up to 50% more space than a standard reach truck and 25% more space than an articulated forklift.

There are two common types of turret trucks: 

Man-up turret trucks are used where the carriage and its operator are lifted to retrieve and store pallets.
Man-down turret trucks are used in cases where the operator stays down while picking orders. 

4. Order Picker

Order pickers are commonly used in warehouses with high ceilings and for safely picking large quantities of multiple stocks.

They are designed to safely pick up the required inventory and place it on the skid when the machine is raised or lowered to the desired rack level.

Order pickers have a tight turning radius of 65” and can reach a height of 390”. They can lift up to 3000 lbs.

5. Side Loaders

Side loaders are forklifts designed for carrying extended or elongated loads such as metal rods, PVC pipes, long tubes, etc. These forklifts are widely used for picking or placing items stored on lower rack levels.

Side loading trucks have a maximum travel speed of 6 to 7 miles per hour and an average load capacity of 3000 to 12000 lbs. 

6. Stackers

Stackers are designed for carrying loads and delivering them across minimal distances. They are also known as “walk-behind” forklifts or “walkie stackers.”

They are so compact they can operate in close quarters with work cells, like a mobile lift table!

Depending on the capacity, number, and travel distance of the loads, warehouses can use a combination of forklifts and stackers to move items in and out of delivery trucks.

7. Robotic Forklifts (AGVs)

Now here is one of the most recent innovations in modern warehouse management! 

Also known as automated or driverless forklifts, Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) use a sensor-based guidance system to navigate seamlessly through the narrow aisles of a warehouse. 

The forklifts use a virtual warehouse layout stored in the warehouse management software (WMS) to maneuver comfortably across the facility. AGV picks up the desired pallets without the operator with the help of inventory information stored in the WMS. 

AGVs are yet to be a part of mainstream warehousing, but it will be a game-changing trend in the near future of distribution and e-commerce. 


Rent or buy narrow aisle forklifts?

Very narrow aisle operations are becoming increasingly popular for maximizing storage efficiency and utilizing space. 

Investing in a narrow aisle forklift solution increases your competitive advantage in many ways. But you also have the alternative to rent a narrow aisle forklift! 

Here are why you should consider renting a VNA forklift –

a) No need to worry about maintenance or long-term equipment storage

b) Improved performance during seasonal operations, such as Black Friday sales

c) Convenient delivery and pick-up of forklifts by the supplier

d) Avoid the upfront and ongoing costs involved with owning the machinery

However, it is better to consult a professional to select the right type of forklift to ensure optimal efficiency and safety.

Are you looking for flexible warehouses that are equipped to handle VNA operations? 

Our team at Cargoz can help you find warehouses to suit your requirements. We will perform a detailed cost analysis and assist you in picking the most affordable and logical option for your storage requirements. Contact us to know more.