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 currently do not provide. Typically, order pickers are operated by electricity. These machinery are mainly used in a warehouse environment. Usually they are used for transporting pallets and finishing particular jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting which usually sits fairly close to the ground. The operator is able to direct the equipment to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades could be raised to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the required materials, are located on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then whole platform is capable of being lifted 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, some businesses may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be used to complete these specific tasks at several companies instead.