An order picker or stock picker equipment is really like a typical forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers could also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts currently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These machinery are mostly used in a warehouse setting. Most often they are utilized for transporting pallets and finishing specific jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting that usually sits fairly near the ground. The operator could direct the equipment to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be lifted up to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials needed, are located on a shelf which the operator could not reach, then entire platform can 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 most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, however, several companies might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts can be utilized to complete these particular tasks at several companies instead.