An order picker or stock picker machinery is really like 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 offer. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These machines are mostly utilized in a warehouse environment. Usually they are utilized for moving pallets and finishing certain jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The operator of the oder picker sits up on a platform where they operate the controls. These controls help to direct the equipment backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines can be raised to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. For instance, if the required materials, are situated on a shelf which the operator cannot reach, then entire platform is capable of being raised up to certain level. Due to the counterweight situated at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
After 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, although, several companies might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker could also put pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers could be used to complete these particular jobs at several companies instead.