A stock picker or order picker machinery is really like a standard forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to raise a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machinery are mostly used in a warehouse setting. Usually they are utilized for moving pallets and completing specific tasks 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 forward, backward or steer it from side to side. Once 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. Like for example, if the needed materials, are situated on a shelf which the operator cannot reach, then whole 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.
The platform is then 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 the majority of 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 place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts can be used to complete these particular tasks at several companies instead.