Envision this: your warehouse operation is buzzing with activity, yet your order pickers are trapped in a frustrating dance of inefficiency. Team members trudge long miles through narrow aisles, climb ladders repeatedly, and struggle with cumbersome equipment that wasn’t even designed for today's high-density storage facilities. Stock chasers offer a focused answer to these operational pain points, revolutionizing how your team moves through, retrieves, and carries materials in tight-space facilities.

Exaclty What Is a Stock Chaser?

A stock chaser is a compact, stand-on electric vehicle built for order picking and material transfer in narrow warehouse aisles. Different from traditional forklifts that need a wide turning circle and substantial aisle space, these nimble machines move through spaces as tight as standard doorways while offering strong payload capacities.

Managing Your Operational Issues

Narrow Aisle Navigation Made Simple

Current 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 environments, enabling operators to navigate efficiently without the spatial constraints that hinder traditional material handling equipment.

Ergonomic Design Reduces Worker Fatigue

The upright operator platform reduces the physical strain involved in constant getting on and off with sit-down equipment. Built-in ladders provide safe access to elevated shelving, removing the need for additional ladder fetching and setup. This all-in-one design significantly reduces the time and effort spent on above-shoulder picking tasks.

Enhanced Productivity Through Speed and Agility

With speeds of up to eight mph and excellent turning capability, stock chasers enable faster order completion than walking or using awkward alternatives. The small footprint allows operators to turn in tight quarters, minimizing travel time between pick locations and allowing for more efficient route mapping.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

Improved Order Picking Efficiency

Order picking comprises more than half of typical warehouse man hours and up to 55% of operating expenses. Stock chasers tackle this challenge by supplying a platform that accompanies the picker, removing unnecessary walking. Ample cargo decks offer space for numerous orders or bulk goods while remaining stable during transport.

Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Equipment

While reach trucks and narrow aisle forklifts have key uses in high-lift applications, stock chasers deliver a lower-cost answer for floor-level and low-elevation picking operations. Their lower acquisition cost, simple design, and minimal training requirements make them an attractive option for businesses seeking a quick productivity boost.

Integration with Modern Warehouse Operations

Stock chasers fit into existing warehouse management systems and can fit into various picking systems. Whether your operation uses zone picking, batch picking, or wave picking strategies, these vehicles are flexible enough to support streamlined processes. Their compact size allows multiple units to work together at once without the traffic congestion challenges common with larger equipment.

Making the Implementation Decision

When considering stock chasers for your business, think about your current issues with order picking efficiency, aisle width constraints, and worker ergonomics. These vehicles are especially valuable for facilities with high-frequency picking operations, multiple SKUs requiring frequent access, and space limitations that prohibit bulkier material handling equipment.

Motrec stock chasers available through Raymond West provide proven durability and capability, with capabilities ranging from 500 to 2,000 pounds payload capacity and towing capabilities up to 12,000 pounds. This versatility makes them ideal for diverse jobs that go beyond picking, including carrying parts, service operations, and light manufacturing applications.

Transform Your Warehouse Operations Today

Stock chasers are more than a simple warehouse tool, 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 review your needs and find out how Motrec stock chasers can deliver measurable improvements to your warehouse efficiency.

Raymond West's San Diego facility serves all of San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Downtown, El Cajon, Escondido, Fenton Carroll Canyon, Grantville, Kearney Mesa, Levanto, Morena, National City, Oceanside, Otay, Otay Mesa, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Sorrento Mesa, Spring Valley, Vista and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | San Diego Material Handling Equipment Supplier

8221 Arjons Dr # B2
San Diego, CA 92126
(858) 679-1800