Smurf, You don't exactly mention what the draw hoe is used for doing what?

I cant imagine dragging boxes along the ground from under racking is the best approach. Stooping, streaching and pulling potentially a heavy load is something you want to try eliminate. Can the boxes be sat on a pallet, so the staff can use a hand pallet truck?

If the garden-variety draw-hoe is working for you, why not stick with that? You can also get garden hoes with a swan-neck which might give better purchase. Other things to consider might be pole-hooks (such as are used to close windows), useful if the box has a lip or band that can be snagged? Or you might want to look at Croupier's Rakes? With a bit of experiment and a few broom handles and a saw you should be able to come up with your ideal solution?

I guess it depends on the load - but the first thing to come to mind is a stevedore's 's' hook which was originally used for very similar applications? - see http://www.20thcenturylo...current_browser_object=4