An order picker or stock picker machine is really like a standard forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to raise a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts presently do not provide. Usually, order pickers are operated by electricity. These equipment are mainly utilized in a warehouse setting. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and completing certain jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting that usually sits quite near the ground. The operator can direct the machine to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. As soon as the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines can be raised to the required level that makes it very convenient for the operator. For instance, if the needed materials, are located on a shelf that the operator cannot reach, then entire platform is capable of being lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
The platform is 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 whilst the platform is raised, however, some businesses may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker can also put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be used to complete these specific tasks at several companies instead.