In most types of warehouses and distribution centers, the forklift is the most used vehicle for material handling. However, there are other types of vehicles available to run an efficient and profitable operation. The utility vehicle is versatile and can increase productivity, along with offering multiple uses and applications. These vehicles provide exceptional economic solutions for warehouse transportation from one area to another. They can respond to the many demands of moving people, equipment and inventory throughout the warehouse.

Types of utility vehicles include: carriers, both personnel and burden as well as stock chasers and tow tractors. Following are descriptions and features of the types of utility vehicles available.

Burden Carriers

Burden carriers have a high-load capacity to move heavy loads with some models loading up to 4,000 lbs and towing up to 18,000 lbs. They support transportation of materials, equipment and inventory. With the ease of maneuvering in tight spaces, these carriers can enhance efficiency through all phases of the warehouse operation. Those with electric power can reduce emissions and provide for a quiet indoor drive. Models are available with seating from two to four workers. You can also find burden carriers with comfortable seating and ergonomic features to support the operator. This type of carrier is available in stand-up or seated models.

Personnel Carriers

Personnel carriers can provide comfort and convenience while safely transporting workers and guests across the warehouse facility. Features such as handlebar steering, headlights and wide seats add to the comfortable ride. A reliable personnel carrier can handle demanding tasks and consistent performance throughout the work day, completing multiple trips on one battery charge. Personnel carriers have the seating capacity ranging from two to sixteen people. Some models can be outfitted with sides and roofs or a cargo hold. You can also find a small stand-up model with handlebar steering for moving a worker across the warehouse floor quicker than utilizing a larger vehicle.

Stock Chasers

Stock chasers are stand-up, electric-powered vehicles that feature a deck for carrying inventory, tools or equipment. Streamlining order picking and inventory management, stock chasers are easy to navigate narrow aisles. Operating efficiently, this utility vehicle can increase productivity and accuracy. Being electric-powered, the vehicle usage results in low operational costs. The stock chasers are excellent for indoor use in a warehouse. Some models come with an extra-large towing capacity and a comfortable backrest for the operator. Warehouse stock chasers are essential for improving workflow efficiency, reducing manual labor, and ensuring timely order fulfillment in warehouse operations.

Tow Tractors

Tow tractors are capable of transporting the heaviest loads horizontally through any warehouse or distribution center. They have the added benefit of being smaller in scale with greater maneuverability in small spaces. Useful in multiple applications, tow tractors can withstand fast-paced, continuous movement while ensuring durability. Electric-powered tow tractors offer an alternative to internal combustion machines. Using a tow tractor for moving pallets or similar items is extremely helpful in warehouse processes. They are built with safety in mind with ergonomic seats and easy-to-operate steering. They can house larger-sized batteries for extended use. Some of the larger tow tractors are available with gas, diesel or LPG options.

There are a variety of ways and tasks to utilize utility vehicles for material handling and facility maintenance. The benefits are numerous.

Energy Efficiency

These smaller vehicles are electric-powered and will save on costs by being energy-efficient, without the need to supply fuel to the tanks. They conform to high environmental standards, offering emissions-free operation. The long battery life in utility vehicles guarantees multiple trips without recharging. Utilizing electric-powered utility vehicles in warehouse operations provides increased cost savings in comparison to equipment using internal combustion engines. Electric-powered personnel carriers will easily comply with environmental regulations.

Enhanced Productivity

For faster material handling and optimized work flow, utility vehicles can generally maneuver in tighter spaces better than forklifts. For the most part, this smaller-scaled set of equipment is easier to operate and usually safer than the larger machines. There is less of a learning curve so workers can quickly get up-to-speed for using the equipment. A single utility vehicle can be utilized multiple times for multiple purposes, reducing the time to complete a warehouse operational task. Using a utility vehicle to transport a worker searching for inventory or equipment can cut labor costs by speeding up the transport time and having the ability to load materials or inventory directly to the vehicle. Each type of utility vehicle offers increased versatility by customizing the accessories and utilizing a vehicle for a range of tasks, including order picking, stocking and transporting. Electric-powered utility vehicles cause less downtime than fuel-powered vehicles due to the speed of recharging the batteries. They also have longer battery life for continuous movement.

Worker Safety

Utilizing burden carriers, stock chasers and tow tractors can enhance worker safety throughout the warehouse by reducing the amount of manual labor. Transporting heavier loads via the vehicles can decrease warehouse accidents and physical injuries of the operators. Maneuvering in narrow aisles is easier with the utility vehicles and can enhance the flow of inventory while keeping workers safe from large equipment collisions. Using vehicles equipped with horns, lights, safety rails and reliable braking systems can further provide safety for the operators and warehouse floor workers.

Terrain Versatility

Utility vehicles such as tow tractors are excellent for typical warehouse flooring or outdoors in rough terrain. There are some models that are smaller in size but can carry heavier loads across warehouse floors or through outdoor sites. This saves the cost of purchasing two types of machinery. Easy maintenance of the utility vehicles assists with durability and longevity of the equipment.

Columbia Electric Utility Vehicles

Columbia has manufactured quality electric utility vehicles for over 70 years. Their electric vehicles will boost productivity and operational efficiency throughout a wide range of material handling in warehouses.

Darr Equipment Company can assist with any of your utility vehicle needs. We are proud to carry a full line of electric industrial vehicles including burden carriers, personnel transport, stock chasers and tow tractors. We know how to move people, cargo and equipment quickly and safely around a warehouse operation. Let us recommend efficient material handling and transportation solutions for your warehouse operations.