How to Choose the Best Order Picker for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Order pickers

Overview

Order pickers are invaluable pieces of material handling and warehousing equipment. They help to efficiently and safely move items from one place to another, making them a great asset for warehouses and distribution centers. In this buying guide, we will cover the different types of order pickers, their features and benefits, and provide guidance on how to select the best order picker for your warehouse or distribution center. We will also discuss the importance of proper maintenance, safety best practices, and the total cost of ownership. By the end of this guide, you will have the knowledge and confidence to select the best order picker to meet your needs.

Key features

  1. Type: Determine the type of order picker needed for your environment. Options include counterbalanced, reach truck, narrow aisle, and turret truck.
  2. Capacity: Consider the weight capacity the order picker must be able to handle, as well as the maximum number of loads to be handled per day.
  3. Drive System: Choose between a powered drive system or a manual system.
  4. Height: Measure the highest required picking height and select an order picker that can reach that height.
  5. Operator Comfort: Look for an order picker with ergonomic features such as adjustable seats, air conditioned cabins, and adjustable handlebars.
  6. Safety Features: Be sure to select an order picker equipped with safety features such as seat belts, backup alarms, and overload protection.
  7. Maintenance: Research the order picker to evaluate the maintenance requirements and the availability of spare parts.

See the most popular Order pickers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Efficiency - Order pickers are designed to operate quickly and efficiently, allowing users to quickly access and pick items while maintaining accuracy.
  • Flexibility - Order pickers are highly customizable and can be tailored to the specific needs of a business. This provides greater flexibility and versatility for a variety of applications.
  • Ergonomic Design - Order pickers are engineered with ergonomic features that reduce fatigue and make the job easier on the operator.
  • Durability - Order pickers are designed to last in even the most challenging environments with minimal maintenance requirements.
  • Safety - Order pickers are equipped with safety features that help reduce the risk of accidents or injury while using the equipment.

Cons

  • Cost - Order pickers are generally expensive due to the complexity and work involved in the design and production of the machines.
  • Safety - Although order pickers have safety features, they require intense training and proper use of the machine in order to prevent accidents.
  • Maintenance - Regular maintenance is required to keep order pickers running in optimal condition.
  • Downtime - Order pickers can be prone to downtime if not regularly maintained, which can be costly and time consuming for employers.
  • Power Source - Some order pickers use electric power, which can be a source of disruption in the warehouse.

Best alternatives

  1. Forklifts - A lift truck with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying large or heavy objects.
  2. Reach Trucks - A lift truck with a long, telescoping boom used for reaching items stored on tall racks.
  3. Stackers - A lift truck with a straight mast and a platform for loading and unloading pallets.
  4. Walkie Stackers - A lift truck with a platform and an operator walking behind it.
  5. Tow Tractors - A tow truck designed for towing trailers or large carts around warehouses and factories.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • High-visibility clothing - clothing that is brightly colored or designed with reflective tape for improved visibility on the job.
  • Safety Toe Footwear - Steel-toe boots or shoes worn for safety in order picking.
  • Batteries - Rechargeable batteries used to power order pickers and other warehouse equipment.
  • Hearing protection - Ear muffs or ear plugs to reduce exposure to loud noises produced from order pickers.
  • Gloves - Work gloves designed for comfort and protection during order picking.
  • Bar code scanners - Handheld or mounted devices used to scan bar codes for order picking.
  • Lift equipment - Specialized equipment, such as jacks, conveyors, and pallet lifts, used to move and lift heavy items during order picking.
  • Bins and Totes - Containers and bins used to store items while they are being picked.

Common questions

  1. What types of Order pickers are available? Order pickers come in a variety of sizes and types, including powered and manual models. Powered order pickers use a motorized lifting mechanism to transport items, while manual order pickers are operated by hand.
  2. What materials are used to make Order pickers? Order pickers are typically made of steel or aluminum, though some more advanced models use more specialized materials.
  3. How much weight can an Order picker hold? The weight capacity of an order picker depends on the size and type of the machine, but most order pickers can hold up to several hundred pounds.
  4. Are there safety features built in to Order pickers? Yes, most order pickers feature safety features such as emergency stop buttons, anti-tip protection, and more.
  5. What are the benefits of using an Order picker? The benefits of using an order picker include increased productivity, improved accuracy, and reduced fatigue from manual lifting and carrying.

Trivia

An interesting fact about order pickers is that they can work extremely quickly and accurately. According to reports, the fastest order pickers can work at rates of up to 400 picks per hour, which is incredibly impressive! Furthermore, order pickers are highly efficient and reliable, which means that customers can expect their orders to arrive as quickly as possible with minimal mistakes. This ensures that customers always get their orders on time and in perfect condition. Source: QuickLift

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.