An order picker or stock picker equipment is really like a typical 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 currently do not provide. Usually, order pickers are operated by electricity. These type of machinery are mostly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are used for moving pallets and doing certain jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The operator of an order picker utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting that usually sits fairly near the ground. The operator is able to direct the equipment to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades can be raised to the required level which makes it really convenient for the operator. For example, if the materials needed, are located on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then entire 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.
After the order has been picked, the platform is lowered back to its original position. Then the order picker could 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 businesses may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker is also able to place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers can be utilized to finish these particular jobs at some companies instead.