Envision this: your warehouse operation is humming with activity, but your order pickers are caught in a cycle of inefficiency. Team members trudge long miles through narrow aisles, are forced to climb ladders over and over, and struggle with awkward equipment that wasn’t even designed for today's high-density storage settings. Stock chasers provide a focused answer to these operational pain points, overhauling how your team moves through, selects, and transports materials in space-constrained facilities.

Exaclty What Is a Stock Chaser?

A stock chaser is a compact, stand-up electric vehicle built for order picking and material movement in narrow aisles. In contrast to traditional forklifts that demand wide turning radii and substantial aisle space, these agile vehicles move through spaces as tight as standard doorways while delivering strong payload limits.

Managing Your Operational Challenges

Narrow Aisle Navigation Made Simple

Modern warehouses typically use a narrow aisle approach to optimize storage density, with some operations featuring aisles as small as 8–10 feet. Stock chasers perform best in these settings, allowing operators to move easily without the space limitations that restrict typical material handling equipment.

Ergonomic Design Reduces Worker Fatigue

The stand-up operator platform lessens the physical strain caused by constant entering and exiting that seated equipment requires. Optional ladders offer safe access to high shelving, removing the need for additional ladder retrieval and setup. This all-in-one design dramatically cuts down on the time and effort required for above-shoulder picking tasks.

Enhanced Productivity Through Speed and Agility

With travel speeds up to eight mph and exceptional maneuverability, stock chasers enable faster order completion than foot travel or using awkward alternatives. The small footprint enables operators to turn quickly, minimizing travel time between pick locations and enabling more efficient route planning.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

Improved Order Picking Efficiency

Order picking accounts for more than half of typical warehouse labor hours and up to 55% of operating costs. Stock chasers tackle this problem by supplying a platform that accompanies the picker, removing unnecessary walking. Ample cargo decks provide space for multiple orders or bulk items while maintaining stability during transport.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Equipment

While reach trucks and VNA lift trucks serve important functions in high-lift scenarios, stock chasers offer a lower-cost answer for floor-level and low-level picking activities. Their low purchase price, reduced maintenance requirements due to simpler systems, and minimal training needs make them an attractive option for operations wanting immediate productivity improvements.

Integration with Modern Warehouse Operations

Stock chasers fit into existing warehouse management systems and can be integrated into various picking methodologies. Whether you use batch, wave, or zone picking, these vehicles adapt to support optimized picking flows. Their compact size allows several units to run in parallel without the traffic congestion problems typical of larger machines.

Making the Implementation Decision

When choosing stock chasers for your business, think about your current challenges with space, efficiency, and ergonomics. These vehicles should be considered by facilities with high-frequency picking operations, multiple SKUs requiring regular access, and space limitations that prohibit bulkier material handling equipment.

The Motrec stock chasers available through Raymond West offer proven performance and reliability, with payloads from 500–2,000 lbs and the ability to tow up to 12,000 lbs. This range of options makes them ideal for various applications beyond basic order picking, including parts transport, service tasks, and manufacturing plant support.

Transform Your Warehouse Operations Today

Stock chasers go beyond standard equipment, they're a strategic investment in operational efficiency, worker safety, and bottom-line performance.

Ready to explore how stock chasers can revolutionize your material handling operations? Contact Raymond West today to go over your needs and see how Motrec stock chasers can deliver measurable boosts in your warehouse efficiency.

Raymond West's Fremont facility serves all of the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, Fremont, San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, South San Francisco, Richmond, Vallejo, Concord, Pleasanton, Livermore and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Francisco Bay Area Material Handling Equipment Supplier

41400 Boyce Rd
Fremont, CA 94538
(800) 675-2500