An order picker or stock picker machine is very similar to a typical forklift. It has hydraulic tines able to pick up a pallet. Order pickers can also lift the operator up to high places, which is a feature that forklifts currently do not offer. Normally, order pickers are powered by electricity. These type of equipment are mainly utilized in a warehouse environment. Usually they are utilized 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 that normally sits quite near the ground. The operator could direct the machine to go backwards, forwards or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the forks can be raised to the required level which makes it very convenient for the operator. For example, if the materials required, are located on a shelf that the operator could not reach, then whole platform can be 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 could be driven to its next load. With most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, however, some companies may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers in the name of safety. An order picker is also able to put pallets on a shelf. Stackers and forklifts can be used to complete these specific jobs at some companies instead.