An order picker or stock picker equipment is very similar to a typical forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers could also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not offer. Typically, order pickers are powered by electricity. These type of machinery are mainly used in a warehouse environment. Most often they are used for moving pallets and completing specific tasks in the shelving and stocking department.
The operator of an order picker utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits quite near the ground. The operator can direct the machine to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be lifted up to the required level that makes it convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials needed, are situated on a shelf that the operator cannot reach, then entire platform is capable of being raised up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
When 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 while the platform is raised, however, some companies might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker could also place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers may be used to finish these specific tasks at several companies instead.