A container 757 mm wide does not necessarily pass through an 800 mm aisle: that width is enough to go straight and not enough to turn. The GEBHARDT TBX 725 on Ø125 mm castors measures 757 x 954 mm outside; turning on the spot, its corners sweep a circle 1218 mm across.
| Manoeuvre | Aisle space needed |
|---|---|
| Straight passage | Container width (757 mm) plus margin |
| Turn on the spot | Diagonal (1218 mm) plus margin |
| Passing head-on | Two container widths (1514 mm) plus margin |
The castor layout changes the sum. A unit with all castors swivelling turns on the spot but still sweeps the diagonal circle; one with fixed castors turns along an arc and needs more room. The person pushing stands behind the unit and takes up space too, and loses control if pinned against a wall.
Before the container arrives, mark or cut a 757 x 954 mm rectangle on the floor or card and turn it at the aisle's narrowest point. The tightest point decides, not the average width, and columns, rack legs and door frames create it. If it does not fit there, a turning bay at that one spot is often easier than widening the whole aisle.
