With the cost of industrial rent continuing to rise, it’s no surprise that many Australian businesses are favouring smaller warehouse environments for product storage. Others are attempting to maximise the space they have, leading many to adopt a narrow aisle or very narrow aisle (VNA) layout.

But with this change comes the risk of decreasing efficiency. This is because higher-density layouts can impact ease of access to deeper or higher storage areas. In this article, we’ll show you how the use of a Very Narrow Aisle Forklift, with all its special features, can help you minimise this issue.

What is Considered a Narrow Aisle or VNA Layout?

Generally, narrow aisles are considered to be 2.5–3 metres wide. VNAs, on the other hand, mostly span 1.5–2 metres in width. These layouts allow for greater storage capacities than traditional warehouse layouts. However, they prevent the operation of more conventional forklifts that require a larger space to operate. Hence, the necessity of VNA forklifts.

What Differentiates Very Narrow Aisle Forklifts from Other Forklifts?

VNA forklifts have multiple unique features that allow them to operate safely in smaller aisles, including:

– Smaller body width

VNA forklifts are more compact than traditional forklifts. This allows them to fit into smaller gaps and assists in more precise manoeuvrability. For example, the MIMA Three Way Electric Pallet Stacker is compact enough to fit into aisles as thin as 1.5 metres in width.

– Specialised fork control

The VNA environment generally corresponds with less space for manoeuvrability. As such, VNA forklifts contain fork options that are better designed to meet these requirements. The aforementioned MIMA forklift contains forks that can rotate 180°. These forks can easily access to both sides of an aisle without needing extra space to turn the forklift body.

– Improved navigation

Since narrow aisles increase the likelihood of accidentally hitting racks, most VNA forklifts are designed to adapt to the specific navigation requirements of VNA layouts. Most VNA forklifts use guide rails, keeping the forklift straight and on track as it moves through. While the MIMA Three Way forklift does offer this option, it also contains magnetic and wire navigation modes, allowing you to avoid the cost of guide rail installation.

– Additional braking

Most VNA forklifts contain extra safety provisions. These ensure they can efficiently course through narrow aisles with minimal visibility without causing issue. Chief among these provisions is a more advanced breaking system so you can stop with little notice. The MIMA Three Way includes three sets of braking systems – regenerative braking, mechanical disc braking, and double braking – to guarantee worker safety.

– Video systems

Due to the more enclosed nature of VNA layouts, VNA forklifts will often include a video system. Video systems allow the operator to observe their surroundings with optimal vision. Both of Jialift’s VNA forklifts come equipped with wireless cameras and video displays for safe operation.

For more information on what makes Jialift Australia’s VNA forklifts stand out, check here and here.

What are the Advantages of a Very Narrow Aisle Forklift?

On top of its ability to operate in places of increased storage capacity, VNA forklifts can grant additional benefits to businesses that implement them in their everyday function.

Since VNA forklifts can navigate quickly through smaller aisles, and do not need as much time to manoeuvre to access both sides, businesses using them can expect an increase in productivity with less effort needing to be invested.

Similarly, due to their improved navigation system, VNA forklifts can be more energy efficient than traditional forklifts. This avoids the consumption of energy that might otherwise be lost in operation. Such cuts in consumption can also lead to lower operating costs.

Finally, features such as their precise manoeuvrability and video systems lead VNA forklifts to have increased control and stability. Thus, VNA forklifts correspond to a safer working environment in VNA layouts.

Jialift’s Very Narrow Aisle Forklifts – an Effective Response to Modern Storage Complications

Whether you want to start implementing VNA forklifts into your work, or you simply wish to obtain more, Jialift Australia possesses efficient, top-quality models that can help transform your business. With a range of rental and purchasing options, our team will be happy to assist you in finding the best choice, whatever your needs.

For more information, browse our entire forklift range here, or contact us today on 1300 000 168 to find out more.