An order picker or stock picker equipment is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic forks 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 offer. Usually, order pickers are powered by electricity. These equipment are mainly utilized in a warehouse setting. Usually they are used for moving pallets and completing certain jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits fairly close to the ground. The operator could direct the equipment to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. Once the operator has positioned the unit in place the blades can be raised to the required level which makes it really convenient for the operator. For instance, if the materials required, are situated on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then entire platform can be lifted up to certain level. Due to the counterweight situated 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 whilst the platform is raised, although, several companies 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 utilized to finish these specific jobs at several companies instead.