A stock picker or order picker machine is really similar to a regular forklift. It has hydraulic blades able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks presently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are operated by electricity. These kind of machines are mostly used in a warehouse setting. Most often they are used for transporting pallets and doing particular jobs in the shelving and stocking department.
The order picker operator utilizes controls to control the unit from a platform setting which usually 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 forks can be lifted up to the required level which makes it convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the needed materials, 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 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 most models, it is possible to move the order picker whilst the platform is raised, however, several businesses may have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers could be utilized to finish these specific jobs at some companies instead.