An order picker or stock picker equipment is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machines are mostly used in a warehouse setting. Usually they are utilized for transporting pallets and finishing certain jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting that normally sits quite near the ground. The operator can direct the machinery to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. As soon as the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines can be raised to the required level which makes it really convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the needed materials, are situated on a shelf which the operator cannot reach, then whole platform could be raised up to certain level. Due to the counterweight situated at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
When the order has been picked, the platform is lowered back to its original position. Then the order picker can be driven to its next load. With most models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, however, some companies might have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also put pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers can be used to complete these specific tasks at several companies instead.