An order picker or stock picker equipment is really 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 presently do not offer. Usually, order pickers are operated by electricity. These kind of equipment are mostly used in a warehouse environment. Usually they are used for moving 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 usually sits fairly close to the ground. The operator could direct the equipment to go forward, backward or steer it from side to side. When the operator has positioned the unit in place the tines could be raised to the required level that makes it convenient for the operator. Like for example, if the materials needed, are located on a shelf that the operator cannot reach, then whole platform can be raised up to certain level. Due to the counterweight situated at the other end, the unit remains balanced, even at higher levels.
The platform is then lowered back to its original position after the order has been picked. The order picker is then driven or directed to its next location. With most models, it is possible to move the order picker while the platform is raised, however, some businesses may have procedures and policies in place preventing such maneuvers for safety reasons. An order picker can also place pallets on a shelf. Forklifts and stackers may be used to complete these specific tasks at several companies instead.