A stock picker or order picker machine is really similar to a standard forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks currently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These type of equipment are mostly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and finishing 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 close to the ground. The operator is able to direct the machinery to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. As soon as the operator has positioned the unit in place the forks could be raised to the required level which makes it really convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the needed materials, are located on a shelf that the operator could not 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.
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 the majority of models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, although, several businesses might have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be used to finish these specific tasks at some companies instead.