Order Picker vs. Reach Truck: Which One Does Your Warehouse Need?

By Pollies Forklifts Ltd., Edmonton’s Go-To for Material Handling Solutions

When it comes to warehouse efficiency, choosing the right equipment can make all the difference. At Pollies Forklifts, we often get questions about two commonly used machines: the order picker and the reach truck. Both are essential tools in warehouse operations, but they serve different purposes.So, when should you choose an order picker, and when is a reach truck the better option? Let’s break it down.

🧶 What Is an Order Picker?

An order picker is a type of forklift designed to lift the operator along with the load to pick individual items from storage racks. It’s ideal for piece-picking operations where workers need to retrieve items from multiple levels.

Best for:

• E-commerce and retail fulfillment
• Picking individual units or cases, not full pallets
• Warehouses with multiple SKU locations
• Medium to high racking systems

Advantages:

• Operator can access specific items quickly
• Excellent for custom or small batch orders
• Increases picking speed and accuracy

🚚 What Is a Reach Truck?

A reach truck is a narrow-aisle forklift designed for high stacking and deep-reach storage. It has the ability to extend its forks beyond the chassis, allowing it to place and retrieve full pallets from high racking systems.

Best for:

• Full pallet handling
• High-density storage warehouses
• Facilities with tall racking systems
• Operations requiring vertical storage

Advantages:

• Reaches high shelving with ease
• Great for narrow aisle operations
• More stable for heavier loads

✅ Order Picker vs. Reach Truck: How to Choose

Choose an Order Picker if:

• Your team picks individual items or small boxes
• You operate in e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, or retail
• Your warehouse prioritizes speed and pick accuracy over heavy lifting

Choose a Reach Truck if:

• You handle palletized inventory
• Your warehouse has tall shelving or needs space optimization
• You need to move heavy loads in narrow aisles

Pollies Forklifts Has You Covered

At Pollies Forklifts Ltd., we supply a wide range of order pickers, reach trucks, and used forklifts in top brands like Toyota, Raymond, Crown, HELI, and Zoomlion. Based in Edmonton, we understand the needs of Canadian warehouses and offer fully certified equipment backed by parts and service support.Whether you're expanding your warehouse or just need guidance choosing the right equipment, our team is here to help you make the best investment for your business.