A stock picker or order picker equipment is really similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic forks 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 provide. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These equipment are mostly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for moving pallets and finishing particular jobs 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 machine forward, backward or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades can be raised to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. For example, if the needed materials, are located on a shelf that the operator cannot reach, then whole platform can be 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 directed or driven to its next location. With most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, although, some companies might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers can be utilized to finish these particular jobs at some companies instead.