Warehouse Motivation: 5 Reasons to Invest in Electric Order Pickers.

In the fast-paced world of modern warehousing and distribution, efficiency and productivity are paramount. 

To meet the ever-increasing demands of e-commerce and streamlined supply chains, businesses are moving away from traditional order-picking processes and towards modern, innovative solutions. Among these game-changers is the rapid adoption of electric order pickers, revolutionising the way goods are retrieved and dispatched within warehouses.

What are electric order pickers?

Electric order pickers have emerged as a powerful ally in the quest for enhanced productivity and improved worker safety. These electrically-powered workhorses are designed to tackle the labour-intensive task of order fulfilment with speed, precision, and minimal physical strain.

By replacing manual labour with cutting-edge technology, these machines have become indispensable in modern warehousing operations.

In this article, we will delve into the world of electric order pickers, exploring their key features, benefits, and the transformative impact they have on warehouse efficiency. 

From determining the types of forklifts you need to understanding which financial option works best for you, The Warehouse Manager’s Handbook will help you assess your overall business needs and objectives.

5 reasons to invest in electric order pickers

1. Electric order pickers make operators’ jobs easier

Order pickers are specifically designed to make the demanding job of order picking less arduous. They offer efficient vertical movement, allowing operators to effortlessly reach high shelves or racks without the need for manual lifting or climbing ladders, which saves time and minimises physical strain. 

These machines are highly manoeuvrable and compact, enabling operators to navigate through narrow warehouse aisles and tight spaces with ease, optimising efficiency. The enhanced visibility provided by clear sightlines through the mast and operator's compartment allows operators to have better visibility of the load and their surroundings, promoting safety and reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. 

Additionally, electric order pickers often come equipped with operator-assist features such as height positioning systems and load weight indicators, simplifying tasks and improving accuracy.

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2. Electric order pickers enable you to work at a variety of heights

Equipped with advanced electric motors, order pickers offer smooth and precise manoeuvrability, allowing operators to access elevated storage areas effortlessly. 

With adjustable forks and platform heights, electric order pickers enable operators to reach different levels within the warehouse, ensuring easy retrieval of goods from high shelves and racks. For example, order pickers like the TCM low-level order picker range can reach picking heights of up to 2,600 MM and the maximum picking height of the medium and high-level order picker range reaches as high as 12,100 MM. 

Their ergonomic design and user-friendly controls enhance operator comfort and safety, enabling efficient and seamless operations at varying heights throughout the warehouse environment.

3. Electric order pickers are ergonomically designed

Ergonomic order pickers are designed with the operator's comfort and safety in mind. These specialised pieces of equipment feature adjustable operator platforms, strategically positioned controls, and cushioned surfaces to minimise strain and fatigue. 

The ergonomic design ensures that operators can maintain proper posture while operating the order picker, reducing the risk of injuries and fatigue. Additionally, order pickers often have features like tilt and reach adjustments, maximising accessibility to goods without excessive stretching or bending. With their compact and manoeuvrable design, ergonomic order pickers allow operators to navigate narrow aisles and tight spaces efficiently. 

With features such as adjustable armrests, and strategically placed, intuitive controls, order pickers create a conducive work environment, enhancing productivity and promoting operator well-being, which contributes to a safer and more comfortable working environment and efficient operations throughout the warehouse.

Related read: How FB Electric 3-4 Wheel Counterbalance Truck Ensures Operator Comfort

4. Electric order pickers provide optimal safety

Equipped with safety features such as non-slip operator platforms, guardrails, and safety harnesses to prevent falls and accidents while working at heights, electric order pickers incorporate various features to ensure optimal security for both operators and the warehouse environment. 

Many modern order pickers have built-in sensors and warning systems that detect obstacles, automatically slowing down or stopping the equipment to avoid collisions. In addition to these key features, electric order pickers further enhance safety by providing excellent visibility from the operator's position, minimising blind spots and allowing operators to navigate with confidence. 

By prioritising safety measures, electric order pickers provide operators with peace of mind and create a secure working environment within the warehouse.

Related read: 5 Recommended Safety Features to Reduce Forklift Truck Accidents

5. Electric order pickers improve TCO (total cost of ownership

Electric order pickers offer several advantages that contribute to improving TCO. They have lower energy costs compared to internal combustion engine-powered alternatives, run on lithium-ion (Li-Ion) or lead-acid battery power – which are highly sustainable – reduce operating costs, and require less maintenance and the accompanying expenses.

Additionally, electric order pickers generally have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of equipment replacements and minimising capital expenditure. They also align with regulations promoting sustainability, making businesses eligible for incentives and grants that lower the initial purchase cost.

Electric order pickers provide quieter operation – reducing the risk of operator hearing damage or loss – and enhanced operator efficiency, leading to increased productivity and reduced downtime. 

Overall, the energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, longer lifespan, decreased fuel costs, and potential incentives associated with electric order pickers contribute to a lower total cost of ownership. By considering these factors, businesses can make informed decisions when selecting equipment, optimising their operational costs, and improving their bottom line.

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TCM’s range of electric order pickers

At TCM, our order pickers have been designed for all heights and warehouse operations to cover you from top to bottom.

EO series: medium and high-level order picker

The EO-series order pickers have been designed with usability and ergonomics as the foremost priority. The impressive reach of the EO series means that you’ll be able to maximise the use of space in your warehouse whilst keeping safety standards high.

Key specifications:

These medium and high-level order pickers have a capacity ranging from 1,000 - 1,250 KG, a truck width ranging from 810 - 1,350 MM, a maximum picking height ranging from 2,800 - 12,100 MM, a maximum platform height ranging from 1,200 - 10,500 MM and the length of the truck including the forks ranges from 2,805 - 3,290 MM.

As part of our ongoing commitment to operator safety and comfort, we’ve replaced the cumbersome dead man’s foot switch with smart sensors embedded in the floor of the operator’s area.

Along with the rest of our product range, you’re also able to configure the operator’s cabin as you’d like, with terminals, scanners, label printers and more to suit your processes.

Download your free brochure today to explore the key features and benefits of TCM’s order pickers and discover how they can support your business operations.

LO: low-level electric order picker

The LO-series order pickers offer an exceptional combination of manoeuvrability, user-friendly design and flexibility.  With rapid acceleration, high top speed and gentle braking, it moves quickly between picking stations. The series has been designed for safe and effective first/second-level order picking in heavy warehouse environments.

Key specifications:

These low-level order pickers have a capacity ranging from 1,200 - 2,000 KG, a truck width of 800 MM, a maximum picking height ranging from 1,723 - 2,600 MM, a maximum lift height ranging from 220 - 800 MM and the length of the truck including the forks ranges from 2,421 - 2,471 MM.

Its slender footprint means that the LO-series pickers navigate narrow aisles with ease whilst keeping safety standards high. Other features include a spacious driving platform with a comfortable backrest, an optional adjustable seat, a low step-in and plenty of space for terminals, scanners, label printers and more to suit your processes.

Our range boasts heights from low to industry-leading highs to ensure your warehouse is efficient and your operators are safe.

Are you considering investing in a forklift truck? Whether you’re purchasing a single truck or a forklift fleet, material handling machinery represents a significant investment for any business, so it’s crucial to:

• Identify your business and operation’s needs

• Understand exactly what you’re paying for

• Consider the total cost of ownership

• Understand the different types of forklift equipment available

• Identify your company’s key objectives and desired approach

• Determine the best-fit financing solution for your needs

• Discover how to improve health and safety in the workplace

• Weigh up the pros and cons of forklift dealers vs. manufacturers

Download this free guide to discover how to assess your application requirements, balance acquisition and fuel costs, and understand the different types of material handling equipment currently available.