Envision this: your warehouse operation is bustling with activity, but your order pickers are caught in a pattern of inefficiency. Workers move endless miles through cramped aisles, climb up and down ladders again and again, and struggle with bulky equipment that wasn’t even designed for modern high-density storage settings. Stock chasers offer a focused answer to these pain points, transforming how your team moves through, selects, and moves materials in space-constrained facilities.

Exaclty What Is a Stock Chaser?

A stock chaser is a compact, stand-up electric vehicle designed for order picking and material transfer in narrow warehouse aisles. Different from traditional forklifts that demand a wide turning circle and substantial aisle space, these agile machines navigate through spaces as tight as standard doorways while delivering impressive payload capabilities.

Tackling Your Operational Challenges

Narrow Aisle Navigation Made Simple

Modern warehouses typically use narrow aisle designs to maximize storage density, with some facilities featuring aisles as tight as 8–10 feet. Stock chasers perform best in these settings, allowing operators to work efficiently in tight quarters that hinder traditional material handling equipment.

Ergonomic Design Reduces Worker Fatigue

The standing operator platform helps alleviate the physical strain associated with constant getting on and off that seated equipment requires. Optional ladders offer safe access to elevated shelving, get rid of the need for additional ladder fetching and setup. This integrated approach dramatically reduces the time and effort spent on above-shoulder picking tasks.

Enhanced Productivity Through Speed and Agility

With speeds of up to eight miles per hour and excellent turning capability, stock chasers make possible faster order completion than manual travel or using awkward alternatives. The compact design enables operators to turn quickly, reducing travel time between pick locations and enabling more efficient route planning.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

Improved Order Picking Efficiency

Order picking comprises more than half of typical warehouse labor hours and up to 55% of operating costs. Stock chasers address this challenge by offering a platform that travels with the picker, reducing the need for repeated trips. Ample cargo decks offer space for numerous orders or bulk goods while maintaining stability in transit.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Equipment

While reach trucks and very narrow aisle forklifts are necessary in high-lift scenarios, stock chasers provide a budget-friendly approach for floor-level and low-elevation picking operations. Their lower acquisition cost, reduced maintenance requirements due to simpler systems, and minimal training requirements make them an appealing solution for facilities wanting immediate productivity improvements.

Integration with Modern Warehouse Operations

Stock chasers fit into existing warehouse management systems and can fit into various picking methodologies. Whether you use batch, wave, or zone picking, these vehicles adjust to enable efficient workflow patterns. Their small footprint allows several units to work together at once without the traffic congestion problems that come with large equipment.

Making the Implementation Decision

When evaluating stock chasers for your warehouse, think about your existing challenges with space, efficiency, and ergonomics. These vehicles should be considered by facilities with high-frequency picking operations, multiple SKUs requiring frequent access, and space limitations that prevent the use of bulkier material handling equipment.

Motrec stock chasers offered by Raymond West offer proven durability and capability, with payload and towing ranges for almost any warehouse task. This versatility makes them suitable for diverse jobs that go beyond picking, including parts transport, maintenance operations, and manufacturing plant support.

Transform Your Warehouse Operations Today

Stock chasers are more than a simple warehouse tool, they're a smart investment in productivity, safety, and profitability.

Curious about the impact of stock chasers on your workflow? Contact Raymond West today to review your needs and find out how Motrec stock chasers can provide measurable improvements to your warehouse efficiency.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500