An order picker or stock picker machine is very like a standard forklift. It has hydraulic tines 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. Typically, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machinery are mostly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for transporting pallets and finishing specific tasks in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting that normally sits quite near the ground. The operator is able to direct the machine to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the forks could be raised to the required level that makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials required, are situated on a shelf which the operator could not reach, then whole platform can be lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight located 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 whilst the platform is raised, although, some businesses may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be used to finish these particular tasks at some companies instead.