Toyota picks up the pace with new order pickers

The BT Optio H-series of high-level order pickers now goes up to heights of 12m, giving maximum operational flexibility and helping firms to use all available warehouse space. It has a travel speed of up to 12km/hour, quick acceleration and fast lifting and lowering. Every time the cab is lowered or the truck decelerates, energy is regenerated back to the battery. Because of this, in many applications the BT Optio H-series is able to work for two full shifts on one battery charge. Two new H-series models are available, both with a maximum platform height of 10.5 m for picking up to 12m. The OME100H has a load capacity of 1 tonne and auxiliary lift with fixed or adjustable forks, and is available in nine cab widths from 1.0m to 1.8m. The OMH120HW can life 1.2 tonnes and has a 'walk-through' design for the picking of large items. Both are available in cold store versions. Toyota is also soon to launch the BT Optio L-series of low-level order pickers. Order picking is a repetitive task so equipment details matter – small improvements can deliver big gains in terms of efficiency and cost reduction. The BT Optio L-series has an option for improved vibration damping and storage compartments, an integrated shrink film holder, a more comfortable backrest, and an advanced 'step-up' design for second-level picking. The new BT Optio L-series will range in capacity from 1 tonne to 2.5 tonnes. "Order picking is a rapidly expanding process in material handling operations across Europe,"said Sam Coles, commercial director of Toyota Material Handling UK. "This, in turn, is making greater demands on the performance and reliability of order picking trucks. It is also driving picking to higher levels in a literal sense, in order to make the best use of available warehouse space."