A stock picker or order picker machinery is really similar to a typical forklift. It has hydraulic forks able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers could also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not provide. Typically, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machinery are mainly used in a warehouse environment. Usually they are utilized for moving pallets and doing specific jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The operator of an order picker utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits quite near the ground. The operator is able to direct the equipment to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades can be raised to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. For example, if the needed materials, are situated on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then whole platform can be lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located 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 the majority of models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, however, some companies might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers may be utilized to complete these specific jobs at some companies instead.