For operation in narrower aisles, buyers often favor reach trucks. A reach truck equipped with outriggers for retrieving pallets can function in aisles about 8 feet wide. For even smaller workspaces, there are turret trucks, which are generally steered by wire or rail guides on the warehouse floor. It's important to note, however, that if slipsheet attachments will be used, the aisles must be at least 8 or 9 inches wider. Capacity is another factor that lift truck purchasers must take into account.
Most experts recommend buying a truck with more capacity than ordinarily required.
When purchasing a truck that will handle loads of combustible or hazardous materials, the buyer should check its safety rating. If an electric truck carries an E designation, it may spark. If the truck has an EE designation, it contains more safeguards and therefore is apt to spark less. The safest rating is an EX, which means that model is built with no metal parts to cause sparking. Diesel trucks, in general, are even safer than an EX truck.