An order picker or stock picker equipment is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to raise a pallet. Order pickers could also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts presently do not offer. Typically, order pickers are powered by electricity. These kind of machines are mostly utilized in a warehouse setting. Usually they are utilized for moving pallets and doing particular tasks in the stocking and shelving department.
The operator of an order picker uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting that usually sits fairly close to the ground. The operator can direct the equipment to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades could be raised to the required level which makes it really convenient for the operator. For instance, if the required materials, are located on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then whole platform is capable of being lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
The platform is lowered back to its original position after the order has been picked. The order picker is then driven or directed to its next location. With most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, however, some businesses might have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker could also place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be used to complete these specific tasks at several companies instead.