It can be difficult for many people to understand the differences between the two material handling machines, particularly if you’re new to the industry or if you don’t have much experience with either piece of equipment. But you needn’t worry, because Forklift Hire are here to help you differentiate between the two trucks, so you’ll only ever be supplied with quality equipment that will effortlessly suit your requirements.
In summary, when it comes to reach trucks, the operator will remain in the cabin at floor level, but using the controls, they can raise and lower the load mechanically. With an order picker, the operator will be raised and lowered with the load it’s carrying, so they can manually pick up an order or put a product back on the racking if it’s not needed.
However, there’s a little more to it than that. In order to be provided with the right machine for your budget and operations, it’s paramount that you understand the differences between the two machines so you can get the most out of your material handling equipment hire.
What is a reach truck?
A reach truck, found mostly in warehouses, is capable of mechanically lifting large, heavy loads to a height of up to 30 feet – perfect if your racking is particularly tall. Reach trucks have been expertly constructed, ensuring that the single set of wheels are fitted directly below where the operator would be. This allows for a tighter turning radius, making it ideal for navigating around small, narrow spaces.
The scissor mechanism, also known as a pantograph, allows for the forks, and subsequently any load it’s carrying, to extend forwards, ensuring that stock is transported in a safe and timely manner. The pantograph mechanism also allows for both double and single configuration design when reaching into a rack.
Do I need a reach truck?
You’ll only be able to fully-benefit from a reach truck if:
- Your warehouse racking exceeds 16 feet
- Your warehouse consists of tight, narrow aisles
- A conventional counterbalanced forklift isn’t doing the trick
- Your workers are using ladders or scissor lifts to retrieve stock, no matter how large or heavy – which is unsafe
If your racking is 16 feet or shorter, then a counterbalanced forklift will suffice in terms of lifting height. A forklift is also able to carry and transport loads that are significantly weighty, so don’t worry about its capacity or ability to lift heavy goods.
If you’re finding it tricky to reach stock because of the height it’s at, then a reach truck will provide an effective, efficient solution that’ll subsequently improve productivity around your warehouse.
What is an order picker?
An order picker is specifically designed to take the operator up to the height of the warehouse racking, so stock can be manually retrieved by your employees. Alternatively, the operator can be sent up with a load in order to put products back on the racking or to fill the shelves.
Essentially, the operator will stand on the platform and move up with the mast, a capability that reach trucks don’t have. An order picker is able to reach anywhere between 9-35 feet high, making it ideal for those who have floor-to-ceiling warehouse racking installed.
For situations where an employee needs to be at the same height as the stock when on the racking, then an order picker would make a safe, efficient addition to your warehouse. If you’re particularly busy when it comes to orders that need to be shipped to a customer, then having multiple order pickers would be incredibly advantageous as they’re expertly crafted and meticulously designed for picking items from racking that stands at a considerable height – helping to keep your workers safe at all times.
Do I need an order picker?
You’ll be able to benefit from an order picker if:
- Your warehouse deals with continuous, copious amounts of business-to-customer orders and deliveries
Your warehouse racking is between 9-35 feet high - The majority of tasks require a worker to go up to the height of a particular item or items
- Ladders and other unsafe tools are used to reach products located higher up on the shelves
How can Forklift Hire help you?
Forklift Hire are proud to have an extensive range of warehouse equipment available to rent. Whether you need to hire an order picker or rent a reach truck for either the long or short term, our team of experts will be able to provide you with a cost-effective, high-calibre solution that’ll suit your needs and your budget.
No matter what industry you work in, you’ll be able to benefit from our range of high-quality warehouse equipment available for hire. As well as reach trucks and order pickers, all made by some of the most renowned manufacturers in the industry, our customers are also able to hire:
- Diesel forklifts
- Electric forklifts
- LP Gas forklifts
- VNA forklifts
- Pallet trucks
- Stackers
- Scissor lifts
- Cherry pickers
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, and as proud Mitsubishi dealers since 2009, you’ll always be able to count on our specialist team to provide you with the most effective solution to help improve the efficiency and productivity of your warehouse operations.
For more information about our long or short term hire service, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to help.
