Need to pick items quickly and efficiently in your warehouse? An order picker forklift is the perfect solution. They lift the operator up to the racking height, allowing for easy picking of individual items or cartons, which can then be placed in a storage tray or picking bin.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what an order picker is, how it works, where it’s used, and what to consider before investing in one——especially if you’re operating in tight warehouse spaces across Australia.
At DJJ Equipment, we help Australian warehouses upgrade with cost-effective, high-performance order picker forklifts.
What Is an Order Picker Forklift?
An order picker forklift is a specialised lift truck designed to raise the operator to storage rack height, allowing them to manually retrieve individual items or boxes and place them on a picking tray. These machines are compact, highly manoeuvrable, and ideal for piece-picking in high-SKU warehouses.
According to the ANSI/ITSDF B56 classification system, order pickers fall under Class II – Electric Narrow Aisle Trucks, meaning they are designed for tight warehouse spaces and efficient vertical access.
Common Uses for Order Picker Forklifts in Australia
Order pickers are widely used across industries that require fast, accurate picking:
- E-commerce fulfillment centres (Amazon, Catch, etc.)
- 3PL warehouses and logistics hubs
- Retail restocking
- Cold storage facilities (especially models with enclosed cabins)
Types of Order Pickers by Lift Height
Order pickers are generally categorised by maximum lift height:
- Low-Level Order Pickers – 120–250 mm
Primarily used for ground-level picking, these units allow operators to travel with the machine while carrying items—reducing the need for walking and increasing efficiency. Commonly used in large-scale warehousing environments.
- Mid-Level Order Pickers – 3–5 m
- High-Level Order Pickers – 4.5–12 m
There are also storage assist vehicles, lightweight lifts used for manual item retrieval or basic maintenance. These usually don’t have forks and support up to 300 kg at heights of 3–4 m.
Key Structural Components for Order Picker
A quality order picker should have:
- Mast system – strong, stable, and low vibration
- Motor & battery – energy-efficient motors and long-life lithium batteries are best
In busy warehouses, higher-capacity batteries ensure longer runtime.
- Electronic control system – precise control over lifting, driving, and steering
- Chassis & balance – Poor balance can cause forward tilt or side-to-side sway, especially when the mast is raised
Order Picker Attachments & Safety Features You Should Know
Unlike counterbalance forklifts, order pickers are designed to lift both the operator and load platform, so safety is critical.
Attachments:
Optional: small manual trays or baskets for different load types
Safety Features:
Standard:
- emergency lowering switch：Allows the operator to manually release the hydraulic system and lower the platform safely in case of an emergency.
- interlocks：Prevents the machine from operating when the platform gate or guardrails are not properly secured—enhancing operator safety.
- Buzzer Alarms：Audible alerts during reversing, lifting, or when approaching obstacles to warn nearby personnel.
- Speed Limiters：Includes fixed and dynamic speed control to reduce the risk of collisions from high-speed travel.
Optional：
- Platform Extension：Extends the front of the platform to help operators reach into deep or irregularly stacked shelves.
- Tilt Alarms：Triggers an alert or stops operation when abnormal tilting is detected—useful for warning against uneven ground, load imbalance, or unsafe turns. Highly recommended for elevated work environments.
Order Pickers Licensing in Australia (LO&LF)
Operating an order picker forklift in Australia requires the correct licence:
- LF Licence: for standard counterbalance forklifts (drive-on style)
- LO Licence: for order picker forklifts where the operator is lifted to height
LO training is more safety-focused, as operators must work at height while handling goods.
From types to safety features, this guide gives you a full picture of what to look for in an order picker forklift. We hope it helps you choose the right one for your warehouse!
Need a high-level order picker forklift for your busy warehouse in Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth? At DJJ Equipment, we supply Hangcha electric order picker forklifts designed for Australian warehouses — combining energy efficiency, safety, and long-lasting performance. Contact us today to learn more and get a quote!
— FAQ —
An order picker forklift is a specialised lift truck designed to raise the operator to storage rack height, allowing them to manually retrieve individual items or boxes and place them on a picking tray.
Yes. In Australia, operating an order picker requires an LO licence, which covers forklifts that lift the operator. It’s different from the standard LF licence.
A standard forklift (counterbalance) moves entire pallets from the ground, while an order picker lifts the operator to pick individual items from racking.
Yes—when used properly. Most models come with safety features like interlocks, tilt alarms, speed limiters, and emergency lowering systems to protect the operator.
High-level order pickers can reach up to 12 metres, depending on the model. Mid-level options typically go up to 5 metres.
