Wire guidance is an electromagnetic wire system that controls Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) forklift steering as they navigate VNA pallet rack aisles. Forklift wire guidance systems are installed into the floor down the center of a very narrow aisle, freeing drivers from steering responsibilities during operation.
Wire warehouses benefit from decreased rack damage and inventory loss, fewer forklift collisions, and fewer employee injuries. Wire guidance, also called “line drive,” is a no-nonsense approach to increased productivity, optimized space, and reduced costs in the workplace.
The two options for guiding forklifts are rail and wire guidance systems. Rail guidance is a physical guardrail system that runs the entire length of an aisle, protecting the vulnerable lower columns and baseplates from forklift damage.
Wire guidance uses electromagnetic signals from charged wires to keep forklifts centered within the aisle. Each option is equally effective, but the cost and other factors, such as aisle length and the number of forklifts, may influence your decision.
Warehouses with shorter aisles and multiple forklifts often benefit from mechanical rail guidance, while warehouses with few forklifts and long runs benefit from wire guidance. Generally, electromagnetic guidance systems are more cost-effective than rail guidance systems.
Wire guidance is a significant investment in your warehouse operations. While upfront costs for the guide wire, forklift electronics, line driver, and installation can add up, the avoided cost of future damage and rack replacement could save you thousands in the long run.
Guide wire costs an estimated $5 per foot or $15 per meter. Additional costs to consider include installation, slurry removal, return trips if installed during a multi-phase project, and clean-up.
The estimated cost for rail guidance is $35 per linear foot for the material and installation. Remember, an aisle has two sides that will both require guide rail protection. Additional costs for guide rail installation include removal of existing rails, disposal, and reconfiguration/redesign.
Wire-guided forklifts are always very narrow aisle trucks – but what makes VNA trucks different than typical lift trucks?
VNA forklifts, also known as turret trucks or swing reach trucks, are designed explicitly for high-density warehouses. High-density storage allows more goods to be stored and accessed in a warehouse by making smaller aisles. VNA forklifts are narrower and more compact for maneuverability through these close corridors. The 180-degree rotating mast allows operators to access both sides of the aisle without repositioning the truck.
Wire-guided forklifts have numerous customizations that make them perfect for narrow aisle storage. Elements like turret heads, compact turning, shuttle forks, load capacity, lift height, Personal Protection Systems (PPS), energy-saving Advanced Lifting Systems (ALS), and more are often present or available for VNA forklifts.
