Narrow aisle trucks are lift trucks built to work in aisles narrower than a standard counterbalanced forklift needs, with very narrow aisle models such as turret trucks working in the tightest aisles.
Detailed Definition
Narrow aisle trucks are designed to store and retrieve pallets in aisles too tight for a sit-down counterbalanced forklift. The group includes reach trucks, which extend the forks forward from between outrigger legs, and very narrow aisle (VNA) equipment such as turret trucks that turn the forks within the aisle, along with order pickers. Most are electric and fall in OSHA Class II, electric motor narrow aisle trucks. They cost more than counterbalanced trucks but allow more pallet positions in the same floor area.
How aisle width is actually set
The aisle a truck needs depends on the truck model, the pallet size and how the pallet is oriented, plus a clearance margin the manufacturer recommends. Reach trucks still turn 90 degrees to face the rack, so their aisle must allow that turn with the load. VNA trucks do not turn in the aisle; the forks rotate or traverse, so the aisle can be little wider than the load. Ask the truck manufacturer for the right-angle stacking aisle figure for your exact pallet and load dimensions before laying out racks.
Building and system requirements
- Floors: VNA trucks working at height need very flat, level floors, often specified with floor flatness and levelness values.
- Guidance: many VNA systems use wire guidance in the floor or guide rails on the rack to keep the truck centered.
- Rack: racks must be designed for the truck, with consistent beam heights and protection at aisle ends.
- Transfer: VNA trucks often hand off pallets at aisle ends to other trucks, so plan the pick-up and drop stations.
- Training: operators need training specific to the truck type under OSHA 1910.178.
Authoritative Sources
- Material Handling Institute (MHI): the largest US trade association for material handling, logistics, and supply chain technologies.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): the US federal agency whose 29 CFR 1910 general industry standards, including 1910.176 and 1910.178, cover warehouse materials storage and powered industrial trucks.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between narrow aisle and very narrow aisle trucks?
Narrow aisle usually refers to reach trucks and similar trucks that still turn the whole truck to face the rack, so they need room to make that turn. Very narrow aisle refers to turret trucks and similar equipment where the operator and truck stay straight in the aisle and the forks rotate or move sideways to reach the rack. VNA aisles are tighter but need flat floors, guidance and transfer stations.
Can I switch to narrow aisle trucks without changing my racks?
Sometimes, but it often means re-laying out racks to narrow the aisles, which is where the space gain comes from. Even without moving racks, you need to check that beam heights, rack depth and pallet overhang suit the new truck, that floor quality is adequate at the lift heights involved, and that rack ends are protected. Have the truck supplier and a rack engineer review the plan together.