1. Definition
     Narrow aisle forklift is a forklift specifically designed for efficient operation in narrow aisle warehouse environments. Its body width is relatively narrow, and it can flexibly travel in alleys with a width usually around 1.6-2.0 meters. It is mainly used for the storage and retrieval of goods in high-rise shelving warehouses.
2. Structural characteristics
     Body design: The body of narrow aisle forklifts is relatively compact, and its width is generally significantly narrower than traditional forklifts to adapt to narrow aisle spaces. At the same time, the height of the vehicle has been carefully designed to ensure free shuttle between high-rise shelves without colliding with the top structure of the shelves. For example, the body height of some narrow aisle forklifts can be customized and adjusted according to the height of warehouse shelves, reaching up to ten meters to meet different storage needs.
     Steering system: It has a special steering system that can achieve a litter turning radius. This allows forklifts to steadily turn in narrow alleys and flexibly enter and exit positions between shelves. Usually, excellent electric steering technology is used, which is more accurate and allows forklifts to achieve fine-tuning in litter spaces, ensuring that the forks can be correctly aligned with the storage positions on the shelves.
     Lifting system: The lifting system of narrow aisle forklifts usually has a high lifting height and can reach various cargo positions on high-rise shelves. Moreover, in order to ensure the stability of the goods during the lifting process, the lifting system is equipped with high-quality hydraulic and guiding devices. For example, its hydraulic system can correctly control the lifting speed of the forks and maintain stability when lifting heavy goods, while the guiding device can ensure that the forks do not deviate during the up and down movement, thus correctly placing or removing goods from the shelves.
3. Working principle
     During work, the operator sits in the cab of the forklift (for narrow aisle forklifts driven by humans) or drives the forklift into narrow alleys through remote control (for unmanned narrow aisle forklifts). Forklifts rely on their special steering system to drive in the aisle. When they reach the target shelf position, they use the correct positioning system and a litter turning radius to adjust their position, aligning the forks with the storage location of the goods. Then, lift the fork by lifting the system, insert it into the bottom of the cargo, and lift the cargo. During transportation, forklifts transport goods along the aisle to a certain location, such as the loading and unloading area of the warehouse or other shelves, and then lower the goods.
4. Application scenarios
     Automated three-dimensional warehouse: In automated three-dimensional warehouses, narrow aisle forklifts are one of the key logistics equipment. It can be integrated with automation control systems, shelf systems, and warehouse management systems to achieve automatic storage and retrieval of goods. The shelves of this warehouse are arranged tightly, with narrow aisles where forklifts can operate efficiently, greatly improving the space utilization and storage and handling efficiency of goods in the warehouse.
    High density storage environment: For warehouses that require storing large quantities of goods but have limited space, such as those in the food, pharmaceutical, electronics, and other industries, narrow aisle forklifts can fully utilize the limited space and achieve rapid turnover of goods in narrow aisles. It can ensure timely access to goods while maintaining a high storage density, meeting the efficient logistics needs of enterprises.