An order picker or stock picker machine is really like 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 presently do not provide. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machines are mainly utilized in a warehouse environment. Most often they are utilized for moving pallets and finishing specific jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The order picker operator uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits fairly close to the ground. The operator could direct the machine to go 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 which makes it very convenient for the operator. Like for instance, if the needed materials, are located on a shelf which the operator cannot 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 most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, however, several businesses might have policies and procedures in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts can be used to finish these particular tasks at some companies instead.