The material handling industry has embraced innovation and expanded into a variety of forklifts. These machines have been grouped by the OSHA into seven different classes. And while this helps clarify the types of equipment, customers can still be confused on when a certain forklift should be used.

A question our salespeople get often is the main difference between order pickers and reach trucks. Grouped together under Class II, electric motor narrow aisle trucks, they are used in similar settings which can foster uncertainty. The key difference is that an order picker lift the operator to rack level, whereas with a reach truck, operator stay in the cab.

Order Pickers Bring the Operator Up

An order picker is quite unique to the material handling industry. Unlike traditional forklifts, an operator is elevated to rack level with or without a load. These machines are used when it is necessary for operators to be on the same level as inventory and makes it easier for workers to efficiently hand-pick specific goods.

Reach Trucks Keeps the Operator in a Cab

A reach truck keeps operators grounded in a cab, while its forks move whole pallets in the racking up and down mechanically. Used primarily in narrow aisle applications, these machines excel in warehouses with high-racking operations. Reach trucks feature a pantograph, which is a scissor reach mechanism. This design enables the machine’s forks to efficiently extend forward into a rack with less effort.

Have more questions on the differences between these machines? Our expert sales representatives are ready to help pair you with the right equipment for your jobsite. Speak to one of our people today.