What is an Order Picker?
An Order Picker is a specialized type of forklift engineered to aid warehouse employees in “picking” items from tall storage racks and safely transporting them to ground level for packaging and shipment. Primarily utilized in warehouses and distribution centres, these machines proficiently manage small to medium-sized items at varying heights.
Unique to order pickers is the presence of an elevating platform for the operator, complete with controls. This feature grants the operator the ability to manually manipulate goods from elevated positions, thereby enhancing efficiency and safety.
Key characteristics of Order Pickers
- Height Accessibility: Order picker machines are designed to reach high shelves in warehouses, allowing operators to pick items from multiple levels.
- Manoeuvrability: These machines are typically compact and agile, capable of navigating narrow aisles in a warehouse.
- Safety Features: Most order pickers come equipped with safety features like guard rails, safety harness points, and non-slip platforms to protect the operator.
- Load Capacity: Order pickers have specific load capacities that must not be exceeded for safe operation.
- Power Source: Most order pickers are battery-powered and require regular recharging.
- Controls: The controls of an order picker are designed to be intuitive and easy to operate, often including steering, lifting, and lowering functions.