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Are you looking for solutions because your warehouse is running out of space and you don’t have the option to add square footage? Often, this results in tighter aisles and higher storage, which means that you might need to invest in narrow aisle forklifts as a cost-effective solution to handle your ever-changing needs.
What Makes a Narrow Aisle Forklift Different?
Narrow aisle forklifts function much like normal forklifts, with the difference that they are designed to operate in spaces that are significantly tighter compared to standard counterbalance forklifts. For example, standard forklifts are typically working in aisles that are 12-14 feet in width, while very narrow aisle forklifts can navigate in spaces as small as 8-12 feet.
These narrower forklifts are usually designed with electric components since they are used in indoor environments, and they are built to accommodate indoor racking. They have a smaller turning radius, which means that you don’t have to lose potential floor space because of navigation limitations.
How much space do narrow aisle forklifts require? If you switch to compact equipment, then it’s possible to recover as much as 20-30% more pallet space within the same footprint of your warehouse.
The Three Types of Narrow Aisle Forklifts
Our team at ACE Equipment is happy to help you compare options for a narrow aisle forklift vs. standard forklift to find the type of equipment that is ideal for your unique needs. Some of the most popular narrow forklifts our customers choose include:
- Reach Trucks: These forklifts operate well in spaces as small as 8-9 feet. They are designed with an extending mast that can reach into the racking, even if the truck doesn’t drive into the bay. Reach trucks often have a lift height of 30+ feet, which is great for leveraging vertical space in your high-bay warehouse.
- Order Pick Forklift: With this design, the operator platform raises with the forks, making it easier for the operator to hand-pick from the higher rack shelves. This type of forklift can function in spaces as small as 5-6 feet, which makes it ideal for e-commerce, pharmaceutical, and high-SKU operations.
- Very Narrow Aisle Forklifts: If you really need to maximize density in the warehouse, then these turret trucks allow operations in just 5-6 feet of space. They have wire or rail guidance systems to ensure safety, but require the highest investment in infrastructure.
When to Use a Narrow Aisle Forklift (and When Not To)
Narrow aisle forklifts are ideal for high-volume pallets or if you need piece movement through your racking system. The most common reason why warehouses transition to narrow aisle forklifts is that the storage capacity is already maxed out, and there isn’t a viable option for expansion. In order for these forklifts to be an option, you must have a ceiling height of at least 20 feet, and the concrete floors need to be flat and well-maintained.
On the other hand, there are situations where it doesn’t make sense to use narrow aisle forklifts. For example, if you have a low volume of pallets and the standard equipment is handling the workload, then it isn’t worth the cost to buy another forklift. These narrow-aisle designs are also not ideal if you are often handling irregular or oversized loads (that don’t fit standard racking).
We often see narrow aisle forklifts used in industries such as:
- E-commerce and fulfillment centers
- Food and beverage distribution
- Pharmaceutical and medical supplies
- 3PL providers
Depending on your needs, you might consider a rental if you only require a narrow-aisle forklift for a short-term or seasonal project. There’s no need to purchase another forklift if it isn’t going to be used throughout the year.
What Your Warehouse Needs Before Making the Switch
If you are thinking about switching to narrow aisle forklifts, make sure that these factors are already in place in your warehouse:
- Floor Conditions: These forklifts require smooth, flat floors for optimal performance and safety. Make sure the floor conditions will allow tight tolerances.
- Ceiling Height: Make sure the ceilings are at least 20 feet or higher. Also, check the racking height to ensure that the forklift can handle the planned lifting.
- Operator Training: Before the narrow aisle forklifts are used, all operators need OSHA-compliant training specific to the type of equipment that will be used. Just because they have counterbalance certification for standard equipment, it doesn’t apply to the new equipment.
- Aisle Marking: Not only do you need to make sure that the aisles are clearly marked, but it’s also necessary to put barriers in place at the end of the aisles to ensure safety at all times.
FAQs
What is the minimum aisle width for a reach truck?
Most of the time, a reach truck needs an aisle width of at least 8-10 feet, depending on the model and load size that you are using. Before you reconfigure the racking, it’s best to confirm with your supplier.
How much more storage can I get with narrow aisle forklifts?
Switching from standard equipment to narrow aisle forklifts can increase your pallet positions by as much as 20-30% in the same warehouse footprint.
Do narrow aisle forklifts require special operator training?
Yes, all operators must complete OSHA training requirements on the specific equipment type that is being used. Counterbalance certification doesn’t count for narrow aisle forklifts.
When does it NOT make sense to switch to narrow aisle forklifts?
We don’t recommend the use of a narrow aisle forklift if you have low-volume operations or ceilings under 20 feet. Also, these forklifts are not ideal for irregular loads. If you have short-term needs, then consider renting a narrow aisle forklift instead of buying one.
Ready to Optimize Your DFW Warehouse? ACE Equipment Can Help
If you are looking for ways to improve density issues in your warehouse, then talk to our team at ACE Equipment about options for using narrow aisle forklifts. We serve businesses throughout the greater DFW area and can help with forklift sales, rentals, accessories, maintenance, and more. Contact us to see how we can assist with your warehouse operations.
