Order Picker Lift Trucks
Case and piece picking at height for Chicago warehouses and distribution centers
Apex Companies helps Chicago-area warehouses and distribution centers select order picker lift trucks for efficient case and piece picking at elevated rack levels. These electric lift trucks raise the operator to the pick location, providing access to inventory stored above floor level.
Built for three core tasks:
- Case picking
- Piece picking
- Split-pallet picking in racked storage
Beyond equipment sales, Apex provides rentals, leasing, parts, service, and operator training throughout the Greater Chicago Area.
Here’s how order pickers compare with other common warehouse lift trucks:
Reach truck
Stays at floor level. Full-pallet put-away and retrieval in racking
Counterbalance forklift
Stays at floor level. Full-load movement, loading, and transport
Pallet jack or walkie
Walks or rides at floor level. Floor-level pallet movement and staging
Where order pickers fit best
The type of inventory being picked, the frequency of picks, and the storage layout all influence whether an order picker is the right equipment choice.
Common applications include:
- High-SKU environments with multi-level racking where each pick location needs direct operator access
- Operations running frequent partial-pallet or case picks across many SKUs per shift
- Facilities with narrow-aisle rack configurations designed for elevated case and piece picking
- 3PL and fulfillment operations where labor efficiency per pick cycle drives the cost structure
- Cold storage applications, where models rated for that environment are available
When another solution may be a better fit
- Full-pallet put-away and retrieval with no case splitting. Reach trucks move full pallets more efficiently
- Throughput is the constraint, not reach height. Pick modules, conveyor-assisted picking, or mobile robots may cut travel time more than new lift equipment. Automation and pick module design sit with Apex Warehouse Systems
- Aisles too tight for minimum order picker clearances. Turret trucks or very narrow aisle configurations may be the better equipment match
Across these applications, order pickers support faster, more efficient case and piece picking by bringing operators directly to inventory at multiple rack levels. They also help facilities make productive use of vertical storage space while supporting accurate order fulfillment.
Planning an order picker purchase or fleet upgrade?
Call (630) 957-4020 to discuss your equipment requirements with an Apex specialist.
Order picker types and configurations
Order pickers are grouped by how high the operator platform travels and how the truck navigates the aisle. Selecting the right configuration requires considering rack heights, aisle dimensions, and picking requirements.
Low-Level Order Pickers
Low-level order pickers are designed for frequent case and piece picking from lower rack positions. Depending on the model, operators can remain near floor level or use an elevated platform to reach inventory above the first rack level. Compact configurations help operators move between pick locations without repeatedly walking back to a staging area.
Mid-Level Order Pickers
Mid-level order pickers provide access to inventory across several rack levels. Apex offers models with operator platform heights of approximately 11 to 16 feet, depending on the equipment and configuration. These trucks are well-suited for operations that need elevated case and piece picking without the reach of a high-level order picker.
High-Level Order Pickers (Man-Up)
High-level order pickers extend picking access into taller rack systems, with available models offering lift heights approaching 30 feet. They are designed for warehouses that store frequently picked inventory at upper rack levels and need operators to retrieve cases or individual items directly from those locations.
Some high-level configurations use wire or rail guidance for travel in very narrow aisles. Rack heights, aisle clearances, floor conditions, and guidance requirements should all be evaluated when selecting equipment.
What to evaluate before choosing an order picker
Consider these key factors when choosing the right order picker for your operation.
Picking height
Know the maximum picking height you need to reach. This helps determine the right order picker model.
Pick frequency
Pick volume and frequency affect equipment utilization, throughput requirements, and battery planning.
Aisle width
Know your aisle widths when evaluating equipment. Requirements vary by model.
Load type
Consider the size and weight of the cases or individual items being picked. These factors help determine equipment capacity and load-handling configuration.
Battery and charging
Consider battery and charging requirements based on your operating hours and shift schedule. Explore battery and charger options.
Floor and slab condition
Relevant for wire-guided narrow-aisle configurations, where floor tolerance affects performance.
Operator experience and certification
Man-up order pickers require training on elevated operation, fall protection, and safe travel at height.
Need help planning your system?
Call (630) 957-4020 or send the list over and an Apex equipment specialist will work through it with you.
Buy, lease, or rent an order picker in Chicago
Three paths are available through Apex. The right one comes down to how stable your picking volume is and how your capital budget is structured.
Purchase
Full ownership makes sense when picking volume is steady and the equipment will remain in service long term. Apex offers new Linde, Big Joe, and CLARK order pickers, along with pre-owned equipment based on availability.
Lease
A fixed-term agreement helps when capital budget is tight or when you want a defined refresh cycle rather than an aging fleet. Leasing and financing options are available through Apex.
Rental
Short-term rentals cover peak season demand, temporary facility gaps, and coverage while a unit is down for repair. Availability and lead times vary by configuration.
Operator training and safety for order pickers
Order picker operators need training specific to the equipment they use, including travel, load handling, and elevated platform operation.
Apex offers operator training to help operators develop safe equipment handling practices.
What training typically covers
- Load limits and capacity plate interpretation
- Travel speed and aisle clearance practices
- Battery maintenance and charging procedures
- Pre-shift inspection routines
- Emergency lowering procedures
- Platform and harness practices for man-up configurations
Order picker support from Apex, Chicago
Delivery lead times, service response, and parts availability can all be affected by your supplier’s location.
Apex Companies has an established presence in the Greater Chicago Area, with equipment, parts, and service resources ready to provide the responsive local support your operation depends on.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an order picker and a reach truck?
A reach truck handles full pallets and keeps the operator at floor level. An order picker raises the operator to the pick location for case or piece picking. Both often work in the same facility, but they serve different points in the pick cycle.
What order picker brands does Apex carry?
Apex offers order picker lift trucks from Linde, Big Joe, and CLARK. Purchase, leasing, and rental options depend on model and availability.
Do order picker operators need special training or certification?
Yes. Order picker operators must receive training and evaluation appropriate to the equipment they operate. Apex offers operator training, including instruction for elevated-platform configurations.
What aisle width does an order picker require?
Aisle width requirements vary by model and configuration. Knowing your existing aisle dimensions helps Apex recommend equipment that fits your operation.
Can I rent an order picker for a short-term project in Chicago?
Apex offers rental options for material handling equipment. Rental availability depends on current inventory and configuration. Contact Apex to discuss short-term needs and current lead times.
Does Apex provide service and maintenance for order pickers after purchase or lease?
Apex provides order picker parts, service, and maintenance within its service area. Contact Apex to discuss support options for your equipment and location.
