EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-149183, 333-138054,
333-138053, 333-124574, 333-69002, 333-83809, 33-65509, 33-53401, and 33-53361 on Form S-8 of our
reports dated August 19, 2009, relating to the financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (the Company), and the effectiveness of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting, appearing in and incorporated by reference in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2009.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
August 19, 2009