Selecting the right materials and handling equipment is essential when considering warehouse productivity. Reach trucks and VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) trucks are some of the most widely used choices for high-density storage environments. Although both systems are engineered to maximise vertical space and boost picking accuracy, both have their inherent pluses and minuses. So, which do you pick?
Read on as we take a closer look at the features, benefits, and limitations of each and help you determine which truck would be the best fit for your warehouse.
What is a reach truck?
The reach truck is a forklift that is designed to be used in narrow aisles to lift and store loads typically to heights of 10 feet. They are particularly popular in racking applications up to 11m and are known for their manoeuvrability and fine control.
Key features of a reach truck
- Extendable forks: With these, the mast can “reach” into racking, minimising repositioning of the truck.
- Compact chassis: Good for narrow aisle applications, typically between 2.5-3.0 metres wide.
- Excellent lift height: Up to 11 metres lift height in most situations, some models will lift even higher.
- Stability support: Stabilising legs and the battery counterbalance guarantee a secure support at work height.
- Side-facing operator seat: Provides better visibility and control when driving.
What is a VNA truck?
A Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) lift truck is designed to work in aisles as narrow as 1.6–2.0 metres. These trucks are specifically made to work in high-density storage spaces, and travel along wire or rail guidance systems making them perfect for a warehouse that needs to make the most of limited space.
Key features of a VNA truck
- Wire or rail guidance: Automated driving in the aisle increases the speed and safety.
- High lift capacity: Loads can be lifted onto the truck up to over 14 metres.
- Man-up or man-down designs: Operators can either remain on the ground or elevate with the forks for improved visibility while picking.
- Rotating forks or turret heads: Allow for picking on either side without turning the truck.
- Precision control: Designed for fast, accurate pallet placement at height.
How do a reach truck and a VNA truck compare?
While both trucks are designed for vertical storage efficiency, they differ significantly in their application:
| Feature | Reach Truck | VNA Truck |
| Aisle width | 2.5–3 metres | 1.6–2 metres |
| Maximum lift height | Up to 11 metres | Up to 14+ metres |
| Operator position | Side-seated (fixed) | Seated or rising with forks (man-up) |
| Manoeuvrability | High | Limited (requires guided system) |
| Ideal use case | General warehousing | High-density, high-volume storage |
| Cost | Lower | Higher initial investment |
Advantages of reach trucks
- Cost-effective: Well below the cost of a VNA, both from an acquisition and a support cost perspective.
- Highly manoeuvrable: Ideal for mid-sized warehousing or mixed-use operations.
- Flexible use: Can work in other areas of the warehouse as well, not limited to narrow aisles.
- Lower setup requirements: No need for rail or wire guidance.
Advantages of VNA trucks
- Maximum space efficiency: Space utilisation of up to 94% for some narrow aisle applications.
- High productivity: Wire-guided systems permit rapid travel and precise pallet placement.
- Greater lift heights: Perfectly suited for high-level racking systems and more intensive vertical warehouses.
- Reduced damage risk: Exact hoisting and lowering minimise racking and product damage.
Drawbacks of reach trucks
- Limited lift height: While sufficient for many operations, they may not suit ultra-high racking systems.
- Less efficient in narrow aisles: They need more aisle space than VNA trucks do, which lowers storage density.
- Manual navigation: Errors by the operator can result in wasted time or damage.
Drawbacks of VNA trucks
- Higher upfront cost: VNAs are costlier both to buy and to install.
- Requires investment in infrastructure: It requires the installation of either a wire or a rail guidance system.
- Limited flexibility: Best for particular aisle widths – not for general-purpose warehouse work.
- Training and maintenance: Operators need special training, and maintenance may be more sophisticated.
Which should you choose for your warehouse?
This whole question depends on the layout of your warehouse, how much picking you’re doing, how high your racking can go, and what kind of storage you want to begin with:
Choose a reach truck if:
You are looking for a multi-purpose and economical truck that can be used in applications with narrow aisles and in mixed applications.
Choose a VNA truck if:
You need to improve space utilisation in a high-rack warehouse, but you are prepared to invest in guidance systems.
Before you decide, consider your aisle widths, lift height needs, throughput requirements and budget to adopt. Hybrid approaches, sometimes comprising features of both these types, may provide the best trade-off between flexibility and power.
Hire a forklift from Alto Handling
If you would like to hire a forklift, then Alto Handling is the place to go.
For all your truck questions, if you don’t know what type of truck you need for your operation, ask Alto Handling. Our forklift hire fleet includes everything from reach to VNA trucks by manufacturers you can rely on.
Whether you need something temporary to fill a gap in your current operation or a reliable workhorse to serve your customers, our range of warehouse trucks with lift capacities of up to 8 tonnes has a model to suit your needs.
Contact Alto Handling today and start optimising your warehouse operation with the perfect forklift for your business!
