Efficient and productive operation of a modern warehouse requires the implementation of a series of solutions that ensure uninterrupted processes related to warehousing and the flow of goods through the warehouse. Everything must be perfectly organized here. Thanks to this, the warehouse operates optimally and generates profits. One of the issues worth knowing is the working aisle of a forklift. What exactly is it and what is worth knowing about it?

What do we define as a forklift working aisle?

Generally speaking, the concept of a forklift working aisle relates to the space between high storage racks where forklifts handling goods flow move and which they need for proper, safe operation.

Space where forklifts move

A forklift working aisle is primarily the space between racks where forklifts move during work. Its width can vary for different rack constructions and warehouses. In modern warehouses, space is sometimes worth its weight in gold. Fitting an additional rack can significantly contribute to increasing company profits. Therefore, warehouses are now designed comprehensively, immediately taking into account exactly which forklift models will be used in them.

Minimum forklift working aisle

The concept of working aisle often also refers to a specific forklift parameter, namely the minimum forklift working aisle. This means the minimum aisle width at which a forklift with load can move safely and freely turn at a ninety-degree angle.

What should be the optimal forklift working aisle width?

Explaining what we define as a working aisle is not difficult. A much more interesting and important question is what its optimal width should be. The answer in this case is one – it depends on which specific forklift models are used in a given company. The distance between racks should be adapted to the forklift that needs the widest aisle for work.

Optimal forklift working aisle

To properly calculate the optimal aisle width, 3 things are needed:

  • External turning radius of the forklift. This parameter should be included in the machine documentation. It indicates the minimum width at which the forklift can turn 90 degrees.
  • Load length. Most often this is simply the length of pallets used in a given warehouse. However, it’s worth remembering that in some industries, oversized loads may be placed on pallets, which should also be taken into account.
  • Safety zone. It is accepted that an additional 12 inches (31.5 cm) of extra space should always be left for safety reasons. This also accounts for possible errors in the work of the forklift operator.

The formula for calculating the optimal forklift working aisle width is very simple:

  • external turning radius of forklift + load length + safety zone

Narrow forklift working aisle – key solutions

Nowadays, warehouse space is very valuable. Therefore, various solutions are used that allow it to be utilized as efficiently as possible. One of them is narrow working aisles. In warehouses where they are used, forklifts with special construction are employed, in which the turning radius is significantly smaller. The machine itself is smaller than conventional forklifts in this case, but its special construction allows it to maintain stability even with heavy loads.