Order picking continues to be a key area in material handling, with a continuing demand for increased choice for consumers and competition amongst retailers. As a result, the need for the maximum efficiency, particularly in low-level operations, remains high. The latest range of low-level order picking forklift trucks from Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) sets new standards, not least because of the importance that is attached to the role of the operator within the order picking process.

 BT Optio L-series has been developed with clear objectives. Firstly, it has been designed to ensure that customers can select exactly the right forklift truck for the task, due to the wide variety of model configurations offered. Secondly, the trucks have been designed around a smooth operator concept, recognising the essential role that human beings play within order picking, and the importance that the truck offers the most efficient and effective ‘place of work’.
Toyota Material Handling Europe (TMHE) has a worldwide reputation for innovation in forklift design. The iF Design Awards also have an international reputation for recognising industry-leading achievements. Inevitably TMHE has on a number of occasions been recognised for product design. For 2012 the BT Optio L-series is the latest winner. Entered in the category Special Vehicles/construction/agriculture, the new model was selected for an iF product design award from 2,923 entries.

A Wide Range of Models
Analysis of the order picking process will invariably determine the most appropriate warehouse layout, and this is particularly true in order picking operations. The BT Optio L-series provides the basis for companies to select the optimum truck to suit the preferred layout of their operation.

Time and productivity are usually the key business factors in high-pressure retail distribution systems. A good example of the choices offered by the new range includes the standard low-lifting model OSE250, which offers fork lengths up to 3375 mm, allowing up to 5 roll cages to be carried at a time. This provides users with the ability to dramatically increase productivity levels due to the number of consignments that can be handled on a single picking run.

Like all models in the new Optio L-series range, the OSE250 offers the option of elevating driver platform to allow accession at higher second level storage positions. For occasional second level use, a new SureStep-up facility provides slip-free access to a wide picking platform over the motor compartment.