A stock picker or order picker machinery is very similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic forks 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. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These kind of machines are mainly used in a warehouse setting. Most often they are utilized for moving pallets and doing specific jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The operator of the oder picker sits up on a platform where they operate the controls. These controls help to direct the machine forward, backward or steer it from side to side. As soon as the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be raised to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the required materials, are located 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 situated at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
The platform is then 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 companies might have procedures and policies 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 can be used to complete these specific tasks at some companies instead.