An order picker or stock picker machine is really like a regular forklift. It has hydraulic forks able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts presently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These equipment are mostly used in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for transporting pallets and finishing specific jobs 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 backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the forks can be lifted up to the required level which makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the needed materials, are located on a shelf which 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 the majority of models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, however, some companies may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers could be utilized to complete these specific tasks at some companies instead.