It is not only production plants: distributors of packaged chemicals such as paints, cleaning agents, water treatment chemicals, foliar fertilisers and industrial solutions also run warehouses with hundreds of SKUs. A dealer order is often a few canisters of one product, a few cases of another and some small bags, so items must be picked from many locations and built onto one pallet. Here, an order picker helps staff work faster and with less strain.
What picking looks like in a packaged chemicals warehouse
- Heavy for their size: a case of liquid canisters weighs far more than a consumer goods case of the same size, so picking height directly affects the picker’s back.
- Easy to mix up: many products have similar packaging and differ only in concentration or volume, so picking needs focus.
- Stable mixed pallets: heavy canisters at the bottom, light items on top, and incompatible groups kept apart.
- Aisles: distribution warehouses use their space intensively, so aisles are not wide.
The difference between low-level and high-level pickers is covered in the order picker guide.
A note on flammable goods areas
If the warehouse has a separate area for solvents or flammable products, that area must be assessed and classified under applicable regulations. The STILL source documents we hold do not show an explosion-protected version of the order pickers in this article, so they should only work in areas confirmed as safe.
Choosing a STILL order picker
STILL OPX 20-25: low-level picking, heavy pallets
The STILL OPX 20-25 has a capacity of up to 2,500 kg, suitable when an order pallet holds many liquid canisters. The STILL Easy Drive steering wheel lets the operator steer, lift and travel without changing grip; top speed is 12 km/h. An optional elevating operator platform raises the cab to a picking height of 2.80 m for the second rack level. Batteries go up to 620 Ah, and a Li-Ion version allows intermediate charging during breaks. Curve Speed Control reduces speed in bends, helpful with tall loaded pallets.
STILL OPX-L 12: raising the pallet to working height
For heavy goods such as canister cases, the OPX-L 12 has a mast that lifts picked goods with a total weight of up to 1,200 kg to a maximum working height of 786 mm, raising and lowering the pallet automatically as it is loaded. Pickers do not have to bend low to stack canisters. Its compact size suits narrow aisles. Details at STILL OPX-L 12/20.
STILL OPX iGo neo: a truck that follows the picker
The OPX iGo neo recognises the operator, obstacles and distances, and moves along the rack aisle with the picker. According to the source, it eliminates up to 75% of getting on and off during picking; for safety it only crosses intersections after the operator allows it. Pickers can focus on reading labels and checking codes.
STILL EK-X 10: high-level picking
Where the warehouse uses high racking for loose items, the STILL EK-X 10 lifts up to 1,000 kg to a height of 6.3 metres. Optional tilting side barriers shorten the distance to the rack, the platform is cushioned and lithium-ion versions allow opportunity charging.
Guide table: step – model – reason
| Picking step | STILL type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer orders with many heavy canisters | OPX 20-25 | Up to 2,500 kg, Easy Drive |
| Stacking canister cases at the right height | OPX-L 12 | Lifts goods to 786 mm, compact |
| Many SKUs along long aisles | OPX iGo neo | Follows the picker, fewer step-ons |
| Loose items on high racking | EK-X 10 | Picking up to 6.3 m, tilting barriers |
Tips for organising the picking area
- Slot by weight: heavy canisters on low levels, near the start of the pick route.
- Separate incompatible groups: set rack layout and pallet-building rules so they are never combined.
- User management: FleetManager 4.x manages operators and records impacts.
See more models in the order picker category and other truck types under forklift solutions for the chemical industry.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small chemical distribution warehouse need an order picker?
If there are many small multi-SKU orders each day, an order picker cuts walking and carrying. Warehouses with few orders can use an electric pallet truck.
OPX or OPX-L for heavy canister cases?
The OPX-L raises goods to working height, so there is less bending; the OPX has more capacity for pallets holding many canisters.
Does the OPX iGo neo drive out of the warehouse on its own?
No. It follows the operator within the picking area and only crosses intersections when the operator allows it.
Need advice on order pickers for your distribution warehouse? Send a request via the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.