What a Raymond order picker is and why warehouses use them

A Raymond order picker is a type of electric forklift designed to lift a worker up to high shelves so they can pick items by hand. Unlike a standard forklift that lifts pallets from the ground, a Raymond order picker has a platform or cage that rises with the operator, letting them reach inventory stored 20 or 30 feet high without climbing a ladder or moving heavy boxes down manually.

Warehouses and distribution centers use them because they speed up picking work and reduce the physical strain on workers. Instead of walking back and forth between shelves at ground level, or waiting for someone to retrieve items from high storage, an order picker operator can move vertically and grab multiple items in one trip. This cuts the time it takes to fill an order and reduces the number of people needed on the floor.

Raymond is one of several manufacturers of this equipment — others include Toyota, Crown, and Nissan — but Raymond has been making them since the 1950s and remains a common choice in North American warehouses.

Key Takeaways

  • Raymond order pickers are electric lifts that raise an operator and a small platform up to high shelves, letting workers pick items by hand instead of using a forklift to lower pallets.
  • New Raymond order pickers typically cost between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on the lift height and platform size, while used models may cost $15,000 to $35,000.
  • Operating one requires training and usually a certification, which most warehouses provide to employees before they use the equipment on the job.
  • Maintenance costs run roughly $1,500 to $3,000 per year per machine, covering battery charging, tire replacement, and routine repairs.
  • Rental is an option for warehouses with seasonal demand or temporary projects, typically costing $800 to $1,500 per month depending on lift height and local availability.

How much a Raymond order picker costs to buy

The price of a new Raymond order picker depends mainly on the maximum lift height and the size of the platform. A model that lifts 20 feet with a standard platform typically costs between $30,000 and $40,000. Models that reach 30 feet or higher, or that have larger platforms to hold two workers or extra inventory, can run $45,000 to $55,000 or more.

Used Raymond order pickers are cheaper but vary widely in price based on age, hours of use, and condition. A machine that is 5 to 10 years old with moderate wear might sell for $15,000 to $25,000, while a newer used model or one with low hours could reach $30,000 to $35,000. Prices also shift based on local demand — a warehouse in a region with heavy competition for used equipment may find lower prices than one in an area where few machines are for sale.

Buying used from a dealer or equipment broker usually includes some warranty coverage and a pre-sale inspection, which adds to the cost but reduces the risk of buying a machine with hidden problems. Buying directly from another warehouse or business typically offers no warranty and requires the buyer to inspect the machine themselves or hire a technician to do so.

Operating costs and maintenance

Once you own a Raymond order picker, you will need to budget for battery charging, repairs, and routine maintenance. Most Raymond order pickers run on rechargeable lead-acid or lithium batteries that need to be charged daily or after each shift. Charging costs are low — roughly $2 to $5 per day depending on local electricity rates — but the battery itself will need replacement every 4 to 6 years, which costs $3,000 to $6,000.

Routine maintenance includes tire replacement, brake inspection, hydraulic fluid checks, and repairs to the lift mechanism. A well-maintained machine typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 per year in maintenance and repairs. Machines that are used heavily or not maintained regularly can cost significantly more. Some warehouses contract with a dealer for a maintenance plan that covers routine service and emergency repairs for a flat monthly fee, which can range from $150 to $400 per month depending on the coverage level.

Downtime is also a cost. If a machine breaks down during a busy shift, the warehouse may need to rent a replacement or reassign workers to slower manual picking methods until the machine is repaired. This is why some warehouses keep a spare order picker on hand or maintain a relationship with a rental company that can deliver a replacement quickly.

Training and certification requirements

Most states and many insurance companies require that anyone operating a Raymond order picker complete formal training and pass a test before using the equipment. The training typically covers how to start and stop the machine, how to control the lift and platform, how to load and unload safely, and what to do if something goes wrong.

Training usually takes 4 to 8 hours and is often provided by the warehouse or by a third-party trainer hired by the warehouse. Some dealers offer training as part of the purchase, and some rental companies include it with a rental agreement. After training, the operator receives a certificate or card showing they are certified to operate that type of equipment.

Certification does not transfer between employers — if a worker moves to a different warehouse, they may need to retrain on that warehouse's specific machines and procedures, even if they have operated Raymond order pickers before. Some warehouses accept outside certification if it is recent and from a recognized trainer, but this varies by company.

Renting instead of buying

If your warehouse has seasonal demand or a temporary project that requires extra picking capacity, renting a Raymond order picker may be cheaper than buying. Rental rates typically range from $800 to $1,500 per month, depending on the lift height, local market rates, and the length of the rental agreement. A short-term rental (a few weeks) usually costs more per month than a long-term rental (6 months or longer).

Rental agreements usually include basic maintenance and battery charging, so you do not have to budget separately for those costs. If the machine breaks down, the rental company will repair or replace it at no extra charge. This makes renting predictable and low-risk compared to owning, especially if you are unsure how long you will need the equipment.

The downside of renting is that the total cost over several years can exceed the cost of buying. If you need an order picker for more than 3 to 4 years, buying is usually more economical. Rental also means you are dependent on the rental company's availability — if they do not have a machine in stock when you need it, you may have to wait or pay a premium for expedited delivery.

Comparing Raymond order pickers to other picking methods

Before investing in a Raymond order picker, it is worth comparing it to other ways of reaching high inventory. Manual picking with ladders or step stools is the cheapest upfront but is slow and tiring for workers. Pallet racks with lower shelves reduce the need for high reaching but require more floor space and more walking between locations.

Automated systems like carousels or conveyor-based picking can be faster than order pickers but cost $100,000 to $500,000 or more to install and require significant warehouse redesign. They also work best for high-volume, repetitive picking of small items — not for varied orders or bulky goods.

A Raymond order picker sits in the middle: it costs less than automation, works with existing warehouse layouts, and is faster and safer than manual picking. The right choice depends on your order volume, the types of items you pick, how high your shelves are, and how much space you have available.

Safety considerations and common risks

Order pickers are generally safe when operated correctly, but they do carry risks. The main hazards are falling from the platform if the operator leans too far or if the machine tips, being struck by the platform or load if the operator is not paying attention, and colliding with other equipment or people on the warehouse floor.

Most accidents happen because operators are rushing, are not paying attention to their surroundings, or are not following the safety rules they learned in training. Warehouses reduce these risks by enforcing speed limits in picking areas, requiring operators to wear hard hats and safety vests, keeping the warehouse floor clear of obstacles, and conducting regular safety meetings.

Machines also need to be inspected regularly — daily before use and more thoroughly every month or quarter — to catch problems like worn brakes, loose bolts, or damaged hydraulic hoses before they cause an accident. A machine that is not maintained properly is more likely to fail suddenly, which can be dangerous if it happens while the operator is high in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person operate a Raymond order picker, or do you need a spotter?

One person can operate a Raymond order picker alone. The operator controls the lift from the platform and can see the area around them. However, many warehouses require a spotter on the ground for safety, especially in busy areas or when the operator is picking from high shelves where visibility is limited. This is a warehouse policy choice, not a legal requirement.

How high can a Raymond order picker lift?

Raymond makes models that lift between 20 and 40 feet, depending on the model. The most common heights are 20, 25, and 30 feet. Taller lifts cost more and require more stable warehouse floors and higher ceilings. Check your warehouse ceiling height and shelf layout before choosing a model.

What is the difference between a Raymond order picker and a man-up lift?

A man-up lift is a general term for any lift that raises a worker into the air. A Raymond order picker is one type of man-up lift. Other types include scissor lifts and boom lifts. Raymond order pickers are designed specifically for warehouse picking and are narrower and more maneuverable than most other man-up lifts.

Do I need a forklift license to operate a Raymond order picker?

No. A forklift license and an order picker certification are separate. You need specific training and certification for an order picker, but it is not the same as a forklift license. Some people hold both certifications if they operate both types of equipment at their warehouse.

What happens if a Raymond order picker battery dies during a shift?

If the battery dies, the operator can usually lower the platform manually using a hand pump or emergency descent system, though this is slow and tiring. Most warehouses charge machines overnight so they have a full battery at the start of the shift. If a machine dies during the day, the warehouse will either swap in a charged machine or call the rental or maintenance company for a replacement.