Very Narrow Aisle.

VNA stands for “Very Narrow Aisle.” It refers to a type of forklift truck designed to operate in ultra-narrow warehouse aisles - often as narrow as 1.6 metres - enabling significantly higher storage density than traditional lift trucks.

• A man-up truck, such as the TCM VTU series, lifts both the operator and forks to the required picking height, making it ideal for manual order picking in high-level racking.
• A man-down truck keeps the operator at ground level while the forks handle full pallet movement independently.

VNA trucks allow for higher racking and narrower aisle configurations, helping maximise your warehouse space. The TCM VTU series, for example, offers lift heights of up to 19 metres, enabling the full use of vertical storage capacity. With advanced energy management and precision control, they’re also exceptionally efficient in high-throughput operations.

• Logistics and distribution centres
• E-commerce fulfilment hubs
• Cold storage and food & beverage
• Retail and FMCG warehousing
• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
• Automotive and parts distribution
• Any operation with high racking and limited floor space

TCM VTU trucks typically operate in guided aisles using either wire or rail guidance systems. To function safely and effectively, the warehouse must have flat floors and carefully aligned racking. Their design optimises movement within aisles only 1.6–2.0 metres wide.

• Wire guidance (common with the TCM VTU) uses a cable embedded in the floor, automatically steering the truck to reduce operator fatigue and increase in-aisle travel speed.
• Rail guidance uses physical steel rails installed on either side of the aisle to guide the truck’s wheels.

Both are reliable systems that enhance safety and precision.

Despite their specialised nature, trucks like the TCM VTU are operator-friendly. They offer intuitive touchscreen interfaces, excellent cabin visibility, ergonomic controls, and programmable performance settings to match different driver skill levels or application needs.

The TCM VTU range can lift up to 19 metres - ideal for warehouses with very high bay racking. Advanced mast stability systems help maintain precise load handling at height, even with heavy loads.

Articulated trucks are versatile and can work in narrower aisles than conventional forklifts — but they still require turning space and are better suited to mid-height applications. VNA trucks like the TCM VTU are highly specialised and excel in maximum-density, high-rack environments, with guided navigation and lift heights beyond the reach of most articulated trucks.

• Integration with warehouse management systems (WMS)
• Future automation upgrades (semi- or fully autonomous options)
• Energy-saving electric systems and battery management
• Modular design for easy configuration and long-term adaptability
  In a world where warehouse costs and e-commerce pressures are rising, VNA systems offer a scalable and sustainable solution.