An order picker or stock picker machinery is very similar to a standard forklift. It has hydraulic blades 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 provide. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machines are mainly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and finishing particular tasks in the stocking and shelving department.
The operator of the oder picker sits up on a platform where they operate the controls. These controls help to direct the equipment forward, backward or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be raised to the required level that makes it really convenient for the operator. For instance, if the required materials, are situated on a shelf which 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.
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 while the platform is raised, although, several businesses may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker is also able to place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers could be used to finish these specific jobs at some companies instead.