What Is the Difference Between a Forklift and an Order Picker?
A forklift is a versatile lift truck designed primarily for moving pallets and large items, featuring forks at the front to lift and transport loads horizontally. In contrast, an order picker (aka stock picker) is specialized for picking individual items from warehouse racks and shelves. It allows the operator to be lifted along with the load, enabling precise selection and handling of products stored at various heights. While forklifts are used for general material handling tasks, order pickers are tailored for tasks that require frequent access to individual items in high-racking storage systems.
What Are the Main Applications of Order Picker Forklifts?
E-commerce Fulfillment: Picking and packing individual orders from shelves.
Retail Warehousing: Restocking shelves and handling inventory.
Manufacturing: Transporting components and finished products within the facility.
Cold Storage: Handling goods in temperature-controlled environments.
How Do I Choose the Right Order Picker Forklift for my Warehouse?
Choosing the right order picker forklift for your warehouse involves a detailed assessment of your operational needs, warehouse layout, and specific requirements. Here are the key factors to consider:
Warehouse Layout and Aisle Width
Aisle Width: Measure the width of your warehouse aisles to determine the size and type of order picker that can navigate them efficiently. Narrow aisle order pickers are available for tighter spaces.
Racking Height: Identify the maximum height of your racking systems to ensure the order picker can reach the highest shelves.
Type of Goods and Handling Requirements
Product Size and Weight: Consider the size, weight, and type of items you will be picking. Ensure the order picker’s weight capacity matches your heaviest items.
Order Volume: Assess the volume and frequency of orders to determine the level of usage and durability required.
Lift Height and Capacity
Lift Height: Choose an order picker with a maximum lift height that meets or exceeds the highest shelf in your warehouse.
Weight Capacity: Ensure the order picker can handle the maximum weight of the loads you will be picking.
Battery Life and Charging Requirements
Battery Type: Decide between lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer faster charging and longer life but are more expensive.
Battery Life: Consider the battery life and how it aligns with your shift patterns to avoid downtime.
How High Do Order Pickers Go?
The operator of the order picker stands up on a platform and moves up with the order picker’s mast. This is in contrast to the majority of lift trucks. Order pickers can go up to anywhere between a height of nine feet to a height of 35 feet.
How Much Does an Order Picker Forklift for Sale Cost?
The cost of an order picker forklift can range from $10,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the features, capacity, and manufacturer.
How Much Weight Can an Order Picker Lift?
Order pickers typically have a weight capacity ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the model and manufacturer.
What Is the Difference Between a Scissor Lift and an Order Picker?
A scissor lift is a type of aerial work platform that moves vertically to provide a stable, elevated platform for tasks such as maintenance, installation, or construction, typically with a larger platform that can accommodate multiple workers and tools. An order picker, on the other hand, is designed specifically for warehouse operations, allowing the operator to be lifted along with the load to pick individual items from high shelves. While a scissor lift is used for accessing high areas for work purposes, an order picker is used for efficiently retrieving and transporting goods within a warehouse.
What Are the Benefits of Order Pickers?
Efficiency: Increases picking speed and accuracy.
Versatility: Suitable for various warehouse tasks.
Safety: Reduces the risk of injuries associated with manual lifting.
Space Utilization: Optimizes vertical space in warehouses.
What Are Popular Brands of Order Picker Forklifts for Sale?
Crown: Known for robust design and innovative technology. Crown offers a range of order pickers with features like regenerative braking and intelligent performance systems.
Hyster-Yale: Offers durable and reliable order pickers designed for various warehouse applications. They focus on ergonomic design and advanced technology.
Jungheinrich: German-engineered order pickers known for their efficiency and productivity. They provide solutions tailored for different warehouse environments.
Raymond: A pioneer in the order picker industry, Raymond offers versatile and high-performance models with features like ergonomic controls and advanced safety systems.
Toyota: Renowned for their reliability and quality, Toyota’s order pickers come with advanced features like AC drive motors and ergonomic operator compartments.
Shop for Order Picker Forklifts for Sale on BuyFleetNow.com
Crown Order Picker Forklift For Sale | Hyster-Yale Order Picker Forklift For Sale | Jungheinrich Order Picker Forklift For Sale | Raymond Order Picker Forklift For Sale | Toyota Order Picker Forklift For Sale
What Should I Look for when Shopping for an Order Picker Forklift for Sale?
Lift Height: Consider the maximum height the order picker can reach to ensure it matches your warehouse’s shelving units.
Weight Capacity: Check the maximum weight the order picker can lift to ensure it meets your needs.
Battery Life: Look for models with long-lasting batteries and quick charging times.
Maneuverability: Ensure the order picker can navigate the aisles and corners of your warehouse efficiently.
Ergonomics: Consider the comfort and safety features for the operator, such as adjustable controls and cushioned platforms.
Technology: Look for features like advanced navigation systems, telematics, and automation capabilities.
Maintenance and Support: Research the availability of parts and the quality of customer support from the manufacturer or dealer.
How Long Does an Order Picker Last?
Order pickers share several similarities with forklifts. One of these is that both forklifts and order pickers tend to last somewhere between 10,000 hours and 12,000 hours. However, if the order picker is well-maintained and made by one of the leading order picker manufacturers, such as Toyota, the order picker can last a bit longer than that. You should think about replacing the order picker after it has logged 10,000 work hours, though.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship an Order Picker?
Shipping an Order Picker on the east coast cost around $3.80 per mile in 2023. Prices are constantly changing, you can request a shipping quote by clicking on “Get A Shipping Quote” on each unit listed on FleetNow.
Video: How to Operate an Order Picker Forklift
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