In warehouse management, efficiency and precision are critical factors that can significantly impact productivity. Order picker forklifts play a pivotal role in revolutionising the process of picking and distributing goods within your Auckland warehouse setting or, in fact, anywhere in New Zealand.
In this guide, we will explore the world of order picker forklifts, their unique features and benefits and why they stand out as a superior choice for order picking compared to standard forklifts.
Compared to other styles of forklifts, order picker forklifts are more compact and specifically designed to pick individual items from shelves at various levels within a warehouse. This specialised functionality makes them ideal for order fulfilment tasks that require precise picking and high maneuverability in narrow aisle settings.
Standard forklifts, on the other hand, are more versatile and can handle a broader range of materials and goods, but they may not offer the same level of precision and efficiency in order-picking operations.
What Sets Order Picker Forklifts Apart?
Standard Forklift vs. Order Picker: A Comparative Analysis
Functionality and Purpose
- Standard Forklifts are primarily used for lifting and transporting pallets and heavy loads to and from storage areas. They are versatile and can handle a wide range of materials and goods.
- Order Pickers are specifically designed to pick individual items from shelves at various levels within a warehouse. They are ideal for order fulfilment and are more suited for tasks that require precise picking and high maneuverability.
Mast Design and Height
- Standard Forklifts typically equipped with a vertical mast that allows lifting loads to a certain height. They are suitable for lifting pallets to standard racking heights.
- Order Pickers feature a specialised mast that allows the operator to be elevated along with the load, reaching higher levels for picking orders. They are compact forklifts designed for use in narrow aisle settings with high racking.
Operator Positioning and Safety
- Standard Forklift: The operator sits in a cab or stands on a platform while operating the forklift. Safety features include seat belts, overhead guards, and rear-view mirrors.
- Order Picker: The operator stands on a platform attached to the mast, allowing them to access items at different levels. Safety features include guardrails, anti-slip surfaces, and emergency lowering controls for operator safety at heights.
Maneuverability and Space Efficiency
- Standard Forklifts require more space to maneuver, especially in tight aisles. They are best suited for outdoor and larger warehouse environments with wider aisles.
- Order Pickers are compact forklifts designed for narrow aisle warehouses. They offer high maneuverability and efficient space use. They can navigate through tight spaces and reach items on high shelves with ease.
Application and Versatility
- Standard Forklifts are suitable for a wide range of applications, including loading and unloading trucks, moving pallets within a warehouse, and stacking goods in storage areas.
- Order Pickers are compact forklifts specifically designed for order-picking tasks. They are ideal for e-commerce fulfilment centres, distribution centres, and retail warehouses where individual item picking is common.
While standard forklifts are versatile and suitable for various material handling tasks, order pickers specialise in efficient order-picking operations in narrow aisle warehouses. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and layout of the warehouse, with order pickers being more suitable for high-volume order fulfilment with precise picking requirements with their compact size.
Reach Forklift vs. Order Picker: Understanding the Difference
While both reach forklifts and order pickers lift and transport goods, they cater to distinct needs. A reach forklift is designed to access and lift loads from high racking, typically used for bulk storage. On the other hand, an order picker specialises in individual item picking at various levels within a warehouse.
Key Features of Order Picker Forklifts
At Centra Forklifts, we offer a comprehensive range of order picker forklifts in Auckland and throughout New Zealand, designed to meet the diverse needs of modern warehouses and distribution centres and can help you choose the right type of forklift for your business. These compact forklifts are part of Centra Forklifts’ lineup and are renowned for their performance, reliability, and innovative features.
Let’s take a closer look at some key models:
EOP Walk Out High-Level Order Picker Series by Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi EOP15N3 is a standout in the world of high-level order pickers. With a carrying capacity of up to 1.36t and an impressive 11.1m order-picking height, this truck is highly configurable to adapt to diverse order-picking applications. Its American-style platform ensures ease of use and efficiency.
Velia OPBH High-Level Order Pickers
Mitsubishi’s Velia OPBH series offers exceptional visibility, thanks to the Max Vision mast and clear-view overhead guard. With a class-leading capacity of 1,250 kg and a picking height of 12.1m, the OPBH series ensures optimal performance and reliability. It is free-ranging and has Rail or Wire Guidance options, along with Supplementary/Auxiliary lift or walk-out platform configurations.
Velia OPBM Medium Level Order Pickers
The Velia OPBM series is engineered to be highly efficient in mid-level order picking. With rail or wire guidance options, this series is designed to maximise productivity. It can operate for 2 entire shifts before recharging, making it ideal for demanding order-picking environments.
MLift Light and Medium Personnel Lifters
The MLift series offers versatility for medium-level order picking or as a stable work platform for accessing height structures. The Light Personnel Lifter can lift up to 165kg with a lift height of 4.8m, while the Medium Personnel Lifter can lift up to 227kg with a lift height of 6.5m. Both models feature ergonomic designs for operator comfort and safety.
Velia 2nd Level and Low-Level Order Pickers
The Velia OPBL series is perfect for order-picking operations to the second beam, offering fast and high performance. Compared to traditional pallet movers, it significantly reduces load wheel damage. The Velia OPB series is designed for heavy-duty warehouse and 3PL order-picking duties, offering exceptional efficiency and safety.
Rent A Bravi Sprint Personnel Lifter
The Bravi Sprint Personnel Lifter is a versatile and efficient device for safely elevating personnel to heights. Its lightweight, compact design and maximum height of 5.2m make it ideal for maintenance, construction, and industrial applications.
Why Choose an Order Picker Forklift?
Order picker forklifts are designed to reach high levels, making them ideal for warehouses with tall racking systems. This feature enhances warehouse storage capacity and facilitates efficient inventory management. Unlike standard forklifts, order pickers excel at precision picking. Operators can select individual items from shelves at various heights with great accuracy, improving order fulfilment accuracy and reducing picking errors.
Operator safety and comfort are paramount in the design of order picker forklifts. Therefore, they are equipped with features such as guardrails, ergonomic controls, and comfortable platforms.
These features ensure the safety of operators working at height and help reduce operator fatigue during long shifts. Additionally, order pickers are compact and maneuverable, making them suitable for narrow aisle warehouses where space is limited. Their ability to navigate through tight spaces allows for efficient use of warehouse space, maximising storage capacity.
In Conclusion
Order picker forklifts are a game-changer in warehouse operations, offering enhanced efficiency, precision, and safety. At Centra Forklifts, we have various models and configurations that cater to diverse order-picking needs, ensuring optimal performance and productivity.
Take a look at our range of order picker forklifts here.
Or give us a call now, and we can discuss the best options for your needs.
Centra Forklifts New Zealand – 0508 367 548
We have branches throughout New Zealand including –
Centra Forklifts Auckland: 09 634 8500
Centra Forklifts Waikato: 07 849 5128
Centra Forklifts Bay of Plenty: 07 282 9910
Centra Forklifts South Island: 03 343 6814
Centra Forklifts Lower North Island: 06 355 9033
