Electronic wire guidance systems are used in conjunction with high density racking, order pickers and turret trucks. Also called very narrow aisle trucks, order pickers and turret trucks can work in narrow aisles 1.4 to 2.0 metres wide. They are able to do this by turning only the load rather than the entire vehicle. They also allow the storage of stock up to 14 metres above the floor. Generally, Turret trucks are designed for moving pallets (however, you can also stock pick from them) while order pickers allow picking of single items. The type of vehicle you require will depend on your needs. The width of the aisles and the height of the racking you choose will depend on your available floor space and height,  different trucks have different lift heights and different widths to work in with your final choice.

 

Order pickers

 

Order pickers allow the operator to rise to the same height as the forks for better access to the stock. Order pickers are best used where workers need access to small or medium amounts of stock for small or mixed orders. Order pickers have many and varied applications. For the most effective solution and to improve productivity, your racking should be tailored to the specific tasks that your business requires. There are many different types of shelving and accessories including drawers and partitions that can be used to customise your racking. If you have order pickers working in very narrow aisles they need to be guided. The most effective form of guidance is electronic wire guidance. Rail systems can also be used, however because this type of system requires thick steel rails the aisles cannot be as narrow as with EWG systems.

 

Turret trucks

 

Turret trucks are similar to order pickers in that they allow the operator to rise with the forks and gain access to the higher levels of racking. Many turret trucks can be used as order pickers or to move pallets. The main difference between an order picker and a turret truck is that the forks are mounted on a second mast which can rotate 90 degrees in either direction to allow picking of stock or pallet selection. Versions are available where the operator does not rise with the forks. As with order pickers, turret trucks need to be guided as they operate in narrow aisles. Electronic wire guidance systems increase safety and productivity and allow the installation of very narrow aisles. Again, the racking system you choose should be tailored to your operation.