A Complete Guide to Order Picker Trucks

At East Midlands Forklifts, we’ve spent more than 20 years supplying customers in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough and across the region with quality forklifts and machinery that enhance business operations in a range of industries.

This includes order pickers, and in this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at what an order picker truck is and the key features it offers. 

What are order pickers?

Order pickers are specialised machinery designed for retrieving goods and products in warehouses and distribution centres. Electrically powered, they help to efficiently collect goods and ensure operations run as smoothly as possible. As well as the machine’s forks, an order picker truck also has the ability to raise the operator to a higher level to assist with retrieving products.

Unlike traditional forklifts, order pickers are specifically tasked with retrieving items rather than moving them around a site.  

Key features 

Order pickers have a range of specialist features, including: 

Operator platforms 

Order pickers are equipped with platforms that raise the operator, as well as the forks, making it easier to collect items manually. 

High reach capability 

Most models can reach significant heights, making them perfect for warehouse environments or places with vertical storage. At East Midlands Forklifts, we have machines that can extend to up to 4,150mm.

Narrow aisles

Due to their slim profile, order pickers can easily manoeuvre around sites and down narrow aisles – allowing you to optimise your storage facilities. 

Electrically powered 

Order pickers are normally powered by electricity, which makes them energy-efficient and suitable for indoor use. 

Common uses 

Order pickers are perfect for a wide range of commercial and industrial tasks, including stocking and restocking, picking up items for orders, organising storage facilities and much more. 

Examples of environments where order pickers are most commonly used include:

• Warehouses
• Distribution centres 
• Fulfilment centres 
• Retail businesses 
• Manufacturing plants
• Cold storage facilities

Types of order picker

There are three main types of order picker trucks. These are as follows:

• Low-level order pickers – Designed for picking up items at lower levels.

• Mid-level order pickers – Perfect for medium-level applications.

• High-level order pickers – Able to reach significant heights and typically used in large warehouses.

What to consider when choosing an order picker

It’s important you choose the right order picker for your needs, and there are several things you should consider before placing an order. 

These include:

Warehouse layout

Consider the available space on your site, including aisle widths, ceiling heights and the configuration of the racking. 

Picking height

You need to make sure that the order picker you choose can safely reach the desired height on your site.

Load capacity 

Think about the typical size and weight of items you will be moving around.

Frequency of use

Is the truck something you’ll be using every day or just once in a while? How often you use the machine will dictate the most suitable one for your needs. 

Find new and used order pickers with East Midlands Forklifts 

Whether you need help with order picking in a warehouse or require assistance with restocking, at East Midlands Forklifts, we have a wide range of new and used order pickers to choose from. 

Our team will be able to advise on the best type for your site’s needs. Get a free quote today.