A stock picker or order picker machine is really similar to a standard forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not provide. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These equipment are mostly utilized in a warehouse setting. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and completing particular jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The operator of an order picker 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 backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the forks could be lifted up to the required level which makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for instance, 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.
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 while the platform is raised, however, some companies may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts can be utilized to finish these specific tasks at several companies instead.