A stock picker or order picker equipment is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic forks 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 provide. Typically, order pickers are powered by electricity. These kind of machines are mostly utilized in a warehouse setting. Most often they are used for moving pallets and doing certain tasks in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits quite near the ground. The operator can direct the machinery to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be raised to the required level which makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the required materials, are situated on a shelf that the operator cannot reach, then entire platform can be lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight situated 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 directed or driven to its next location. With the majority of models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, although, some companies may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers may be utilized to complete these particular jobs at some companies instead.