A stock picker or order picker equipment is really similar to a standard forklift. It has hydraulic blades 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 powered by electricity. These kind of machines are mostly used in a warehouse setting. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and doing specific jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator sits up on a platform where they operate the controls. These controls help to direct the equipment backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. As soon as the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades could be raised to the required level that makes it very convenient for the operator. For instance, if the materials needed, are situated on a shelf that the operator could not 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 can 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, several 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. Forklifts and stackers can be used to complete these particular jobs at some companies instead.