A stock picker or order picker machinery is very similar to a typical forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts presently do not provide. Usually, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machinery are mainly used in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for moving pallets and finishing 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 fairly near the ground. The operator is able to direct the machinery to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be lifted up to the required level that makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials required, 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 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, although, some businesses might 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 may be utilized to finish these specific tasks at several companies instead.