A stock picker or order picker equipment is very like a regular 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 currently do not provide. Typically, order pickers are operated by electricity. These type of machinery are mainly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are used for moving pallets and finishing certain tasks in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting that normally sits fairly close to the ground. The operator could direct the machine to go backwards, forwards 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 convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the materials required, are situated on a shelf which the operator could not reach, then entire platform is capable of being 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 while the platform is raised, however, some companies may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts could be utilized to finish these specific jobs at several companies instead.