Order Pickers Vs. Reach Trucks: What’s The Difference?

For people outside of material handling and warehousing, most forklifts appear to be essentially the same. But for those inside of innovative warehousing businesses, the different types of forklifts are notable and important. Specialized models are commonly seen on warehouse floors, especially order pickers and reach trucks. They are both designated as Class II forklifts by OSHA, meaning they are frequently lumped together.

These key pieces of equipment are important for warehousing and distribution centers. While their settings are similar, the differences between order pickers and reach trucks are many. 

What is an order picker?

Order pickers are designed to take forklift operators up to the rack level. Operators stand on a platform that moves up with the mast and forks. With access levels up to 36 feet high, order pickers require harnesses and other safety equipment. Order pickers allow operators to pick items from bins of different SKUs for order fulfillment quickly and easily. Thanks to order pickers, online shopping order fulfillment has sped up rapidly in recent years. 

Order pickers are only used for picking items and cases from warehouse racks, not for loading and unloading pallets of product. 

What is a reach truck?

Reach trucks are used for narrow aisle warehouse applications and function similarly to standard forklifts. The operator stands to operate the reach truck, which has one set of wheels beneath the operator and two outer wheels attached to “legs” that distribute the load on either side of the mast. The mast is attached to a mechanism called a pantograph, that is able to extend outward to reach pallets that are stored in single or double reach racking. These machines can have very tall masts, making them key for distribution and warehousing centers.

What’s the difference between order pickers and reach trucks?

Essentially, reach trucks function as regular forklifts in warehouses with narrow aisles and highly optimized racking configurations. Order pickers, however, serve only for order fulfillment in warehouse centers. While you may sometimes see order pickers and reach trucks in the same facility, they fulfill very different needs. 

Want to learn more about specialized equipment available on the market? Get in touch with the experts at Mid-Columbia Forklift and MidCo Material handling. We’ll help determine what makes and models will meet your needs and keep your business working effectively. 

Contact us online or by phone:

Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137