Order Picker Forklifts – Benefits of Hiring

Modern warehouses have become the beating heart of e‑commerce. Every time a customer clicks “Buy now” a chain of operations begins – locating the correct product, retrieving it, checking the quantity and shipping it. Order picking is the crucial link between digital orders and the physical shipment, and it is expensive. Studies estimate that order picking accounts for more than 50 % of labour expenses and up to 60 % of total process time in many warehouses. Research by the Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistics Institute further shows that travel alone accounts for about 55 % of a picker’s time, followed by paperwork (20 %), searching (15 %) and extracting items (10 %). With the volume of orders surging and delivery windows shrinking, warehouses must maximise the productivity of their pickers. One of the most effective ways to do this is to use order picker forklifts and to hire this equipment rather than purchase it.

This article explains what order picker forklifts are, how they boost efficiency and why hiring them – especially from trusted suppliers like iLift – can give e‑commerce operations a competitive edge.

What are order picker forklifts?

Order picker forklifts (sometimes called stock pickers or cherry pickers) are purpose‑built machines that allow an operator to travel with the load and pick individual items from shelving at various heights. Unlike standard counterbalance forklifts that carry entire pallets, order pickers have a compact design and a specialised mast that elevates the operator along with the lifting platform. They are designed for narrow‑aisle environments, providing tight turning radii and fine control in high‑density storage.

In a comparative analysis of standard forklifts versus order pickers, a New Zealand materials‑handling blog noted that order pickers are more compact and specifically designed to pick individual items from shelves at various levels, whereas standard forklifts handle bulk pallets. The specialised mast allows the operator to ride up to the racking, reach high locations and pick orders with precision. Because of their compact chassis, order pickers navigate narrow aisles easily and maximise storage capacity. This makes them ideal for e‑commerce fulfillment centres, distribution centres and retail warehouses where high SKU counts and frequent small‑order picking are common.

Man‑up and high‑level picking

Order pickers come in different configurations. Low‑level order pickers work at ground or first‑level shelves, while medium‑ and high‑level machines raise operators several metres. Electric order pickers from manufacturers such as EP Equipment (whose products iLift supplies) can lift operators to heights exceeding 12 m. The ability to reach multiple levels without ladders or mezzanines improves vertical storage density and reduces travel distances within the warehouse.

How order pickers speed up warehouse picking

1. Reduced travel and retrieval time – Traditional picking methods require pickers to walk or push carts up and down aisles, climb ladders and manually handle items. An electric order picker transports the operator directly to the correct height. The combination of vertical travel and a compact footprint allows operators to move quickly between picks, cutting travel time drastically.

2. High manoeuvrability in narrow aisles – Order pickers are intentionally compact. They commonly feature turning radii of around 1.2 m and frames less than 1.5 m wide, allowing them to work in narrow warehouse aisles. The JX0 electric vertical order picker from iLift, for example, has a footprint of 1 365 × 1 440 × 750 mm and a turning radius of 1 260 mm. This agility means aisles can be narrower, increasing storage capacity without sacrificing access.

3. Higher picking heights – Electric order pickers can lift the operator several metres. Medium‑ to high‑level order pickers from TCM can reach picking heights up to 12.1 m, enabling retrieval from high racking without ladders. iLift’s JX1 order picker offers a picking height of up to 6.3 m with a platform height of 4.8 m. High‑level picking minimises the need for multiple trips or additional equipment and enables warehouses to exploit vertical space.

4. Improved accuracy and productivity – Mistakes in picking are costly. Onramp Funds notes that returns cost businesses roughly $743 billion annually, and 81 % of shoppers will stop buying after multiple mistakes. Best‑in‑class operations maintain picking accuracy above 99 % while most fulfilment centres achieve 96–98 %. Electric order pickers enhance accuracy by reducing manual handling and providing clear operator visibility. They often incorporate height positioning systems, load‑weight indicators and built‑in sensors. Combined with barcoding and pick‑to‑light technology, these machines help operators achieve near‑perfect accuracy, reducing costly mis‑picks and returns.

5. Enhanced ergonomics and operator wellbeing – Order pickers are designed with operator comfort in mind. TCM notes that ergonomic order pickers feature adjustable platforms, strategically positioned controls and cushioned surfaces to minimise strain and fatigue. Operators maintain proper posture while elevated; features such as tilt and reach adjustments reduce bending and stretching. iLift’s JX0 and JX1 include guardrails, anti‑slip surfaces and electronic steering, providing a safe working environment. Better ergonomics translates into happier workers and fewer injuries.

6. Safety – Modern electric order pickers prioritise safety. They incorporate guardrails, non‑slip platforms, emergency lowering controls and sensors that detect obstacles and automatically slow or stop the machine. iLift’s models add electromagnetic braking, optional blue safety lights and a two‑feet safety switch. These measures protect operators working at height and prevent collisions in busy warehouses.

7. Lower environmental impact and operating cost – Electric order pickers use lithium‑ion or AGM batteries that produce zero emissions and low noise. They are ideal for indoor use, especially where hygiene and air quality matter. TCM notes that electric order pickers have lower energy costs than internal‑combustion alternatives and require less maintenance, delivering a lower total cost of ownership. They also run quietly, reducing noise pollution and improving workplace comfort.

Why hire order picker forklifts?

While order pickers can transform warehouse operations, purchasing them outright is capital intensive. Hiring (renting) order picker forklifts offers several advantages:

• Cost‑effective – When you rent, you pay only for the period you need the equipment. A U.S. industry guide explains that renting a forklift can be more cost‑effective than buying, since buying means paying for the full equipment even if you use it only a few weeks a month. iLift rents order pickers from around £100 per week, making them accessible to businesses of any size.

• No maintenance burden – Forklift rental companies handle routine maintenance, ensuring the equipment is safe and reliable. Noblelift notes that when renting, the rental company is responsible for maintaining the equipment, saving time and money. iLift’s rental packages include inspections, servicing and LOLER certification, so you remain compliant without additional costs.

• Flexibility and scalability – Demand in e‑commerce fluctuates seasonally or during promotions. Renting provides the flexibility to scale your fleet up or down, add specialised units for peak periods and trial different models. If your business experiences rapid growth or unpredictable spikes, you can quickly adjust without long‑term commitments. Renting also helps preserve capital and credit lines, since there are no large upfront costs or loans.

• Access to modern technology – Rental fleets are regularly updated. Hiring enables you to use latest‑generation equipment with lithium‑ion batteries, advanced safety systems and ergonomic features. If you decide to purchase later, renting gives you a chance to evaluate machines in your working environment. iLift supplies equipment from EP Equipment, one of the leading manufacturers of lithium‑ion forklifts and pallet trucks, ensuring that rental customers receive cutting‑edge technology.

• Simplified budgeting – Rental rates are predictable weekly or monthly costs. There are no unexpected repair bills, and routine servicing is handled by the provider. For businesses watching cash flow, this budgeting certainty is valuable.

iLift’s order picker range and complementary equipment

iLift offers a range of order picker forklifts for hire or purchase. All models run on EP lithium‑ion technology, delivering long run times, fast charging and zero emissions. Below are highlights of their flagship models and related pallet trucks.

JX0 electric vertical order picker

• Compact and manoeuvrable – With an ultra‑small footprint (1 365 × 1 440 × 750 mm) and a tight 1 260 mm turning radius, the JX0 navigates narrow aisles and store rooms easily.

• Working height and capacity – A duplex mast gives a maximum platform height of 2.99 m and a total working height of 3 m, with a capacity up to 90 kg.

• Safety and ergonomic features – Guardrails, a stable chassis, electronic steering and electromagnetic braking ensure safe operation.

• Battery options – Comes with a 24 V/120 Ah AGM battery and optional lithium‑ion upgrade.

• Pricing – Purchase from £12 700 (ex‑VAT) or hire from around £100 per week.

This model is ideal for smaller warehouses, retail stockrooms and maintenance tasks where space is tight but picking heights up to three metres are needed. You can view the details and enquire on iLift’s website: JX0 electric vertical order picker.

JX1 electric vertical order picker

• Designed for high‑volume e‑commerce – Built for medium‑level picking, the JX1 is suited to warehouses handling many orders. It provides picking heights up to 6.3 m and is perfect for e‑commerce fulfilment, retail distribution and parts warehouses.

• Narrow‑aisle specialist – The chassis measures 1 590 × 1 500 × 800 mm with a turning radius of 1 385 mm, allowing it to operate in high‑density storage.

• Heavy‑duty stability – Reinforced mast, balanced load distribution and a 2.2 kW lift motor deliver smooth, precise lifting.

• Flexible battery options – Standard configuration includes a 24 V 224 Ah AGM battery; optional lead‑acid or lithium‑ion packs allow multi‑shift use.

• Comfort and safety – Large standing compartment, electronic steering, electromagnetic braking and optional safety lights, buzzers and a two‑feet safety switch.

• Pricing – Purchase from £16 250 (ex‑VAT); hire from around £100 per week.

For busy operations looking to boost throughput without compromising safety, the JX1 offers high‑level capability and robust construction. Check out the JX1 electric vertical order picker for detailed specifications.

EPL series electric pallet trucks

Order picker forklifts work best when complemented by efficient pallet trucks for transporting goods between zones. iLift’s EPL series includes models such as the EPL1531 and EPL154/185, which are available for hire or purchase. Key advantages include:

• Plug‑and‑play lithium batteries – The EPL1531 features a removable 24 V/20 Ah lithium‑ion battery with an external spare battery, enabling continuous operation. Smart battery management ensures safety and long life.

• Ergonomic control and manoeuvrability – A newly designed handle provides excellent operator control; mechanical steering and electromagnetic brakes ensure stability. The truck weighs only 120 kg, travels at 4.5–5 km/h and operates at less than 74 dB, making it ideal for retail and warehouse use.

• Capacity – The EPL1531 handles up to 1 500 kg. The broader EPL range (including EPL154/185) supports loads up to 1 800 kg, while the RPL series (also available from iLift) handles up to 3 000 kg. Electric pallet trucks dramatically reduce operator fatigue compared with manual pallet jacks, which typically max out at 600 kg.

• Pricing – The EPL1531 can be purchased from £1 200 (ex‑VAT) or rented from around £150 per week.

These pallet trucks complement order pickers by moving assembled orders efficiently to packing and shipping areas. See the EPL1531 electric pallet truck for more details.

Best practices and technology for picking efficiency

Order picker forklifts are most effective when combined with optimised warehouse design, proven picking strategies and technology upgrades:

• Layout and flow – Travel is the largest component of picking time. A U‑, L‑ or I‑shaped warehouse flow reduces distance between receiving and dispatch and helps manage volume. Placing fast‑moving SKUs in the “golden zone” (waist‑to‑shoulder height) minimises bending and stretching. Narrow aisles increase cubic capacity but require compact machines like iLift’s order pickers.

• Picking methods – Choose a strategy that fits your order profile. Discrete picking offers high accuracy for low volumes but requires more walking; batch picking combines orders with common SKUs to reduce travel; zone and wave picking divide work across zones or scheduled waves for high‑volume operations. Data‑driven metrics such as lines picked per labour hour, cost per error and on‑time delivery rate help you choose and refine the method.

• Technology upgrades – Warehouse management systems (WMS) create pick lists, optimise routes and generate instructions. Mobile barcoding reduces manual entry errors by 40–60 %; scanners costing £240–£650 pay for themselves within six months. Pick‑to‑light and voice‑directed systems cost £4 000–£12 000 but deliver 30–50 % efficiency gains with payback in 12–18 months. Semi‑automated tools, such as vacuum lifters or autonomous mobile robots, can cut physical strain by up to 80 %. Combining these technologies with order picker forklifts multiplies gains.

• Training and standardisation – Errors erode customer trust. Proper training, documented procedures and cross‑training ensure consistent processes. Gamification – tracking accuracy and speed on a leaderboard – can boost morale.

Raise efficiency with iLift order picker forklift hire

In the age of e‑commerce, efficient and accurate order picking is a make‑or‑break capability. Order picker forklifts provide the agility, reach and precision needed to speed up picking while protecting workers and reducing errors. Electric models further deliver quiet, emission‑free operation and lower total cost of ownership. Hiring rather than purchasing gives businesses access to the latest equipment without capital outlay, maintenance headaches or long‑term commitments.

iLift combines premium EP Equipment with expert support, LOLER‑certified service, and flexible rental options. Whether you need the compact JX0 for tight retail aisles, the high‑reach JX1 for e‑commerce fulfilment or EPL pallet trucks to move heavy loads, iLift can tailor a solution. With rental rates from around £100 per week, there has never been a better time to modernise your picking operation. Contact iLift today to discuss your requirements, book a demonstration or request a quote, and let their specialists help you unlock new levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction.