Toyota Material Handling USA Inc (TMHU) has launched a 4,500-pound (two tonnes) capacity electric pallet truck with pinwheel capabilities and advanced motor and control technology.

The new truck broadens Toyota's product range and adds another fast-charging model to the electric line.

Toyota's sister company, BT-Raymond, in Muscatine, Iowa, is manufacturing the pallet truck, which is available in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

According to TMHU, the truck is manoeuvrable, compact, efficient for use in confined spaces and incorporates advanced engineering technologies. For improved acceleration, higher speeds and precision positioning, the truck has a separately excited, or Sep Ex, drive motor and transistor control system.

The multifunction control handle has large, ergonomically-positioned buttons and dual thumb wheels for activation of controls with either hand. Angled handgrips fit the natural hand contour and reduce fatigue.

The truck is suitable for use in warehouses, retail stores, manufacturing sites and transport operations, including truck trailers.

The truck features a reduced head length and tapered fork tips.

Pinwheel capabilities permit right-angle stacking in a trailer or other confined area and allow a 40-foot-long (12 metres) by 96-inch-wide (2.4 metres) trailer to be loaded to its maximum capacity of 22 standard pallets.

For maintenance, all major components are accessible through a one-piece service access cover. The truck's system is engineered without drive contactors, reducing maintenance and inspection time.

Irvine-based THMU debuted the truck at a regional dealer advisory council meeting in Dallas, Texas, on March 18, and intends to exhibit the new model at NA 2004 in Cleveland, Ohio, next week.