A stock picker or order picker machinery is very like a typical forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers could also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that lift trucks currently do not provide. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These machines are mostly used in a warehouse environment. Usually they are utilized for transporting pallets and finishing particular jobs in the stocking and shelving department.
The operator of an order picker uses controls to control the unit from a platform setting which normally sits fairly near the ground. The operator is able to 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 that makes it really convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials needed, are located on a shelf which the operator could not reach, then whole 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.
After the order has been picked, the platform is lowered back to its original position. Then the order picker could 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, some companies might have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker is also able to place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers could be used to finish these specific jobs at several companies instead.