A stock picker or order picker machine is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts currently do not offer. Usually, order pickers are operated by electricity. These equipment are mainly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for moving pallets and completing certain jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting that usually sits quite near the ground. The operator is able to direct the equipment to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades could be lifted up to the required level that makes it really convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the needed materials, are situated on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then whole platform could be raised up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
The platform is then lowered back to its original position after the order has been picked. The order picker is then driven or directed to its next location. With the majority of models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, although, several companies may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts may be utilized to complete these specific jobs at some companies instead.