Toyota Material Handling USA Inc (TMHU) has expanded its warehouse line-up with a new line of electric walkie stacker forklifts.

The new series has seven models, including straddle, counterbalanced and reach stacker forklifts with 2000 pound (900 kilogram) to 4000 pound (1.8 tonne) capacities.

Toyota, in a statement, said the Walkie Stacker models were ideally suited for pedestrian applications, from manufacturing and retail environments to general transport and product distribution.

TMHU president Shankar Basu said each model featured heavy-duty wheels and a durable frame for smooth performance in locations where stand-up or sit-down forklifts were too large.

"We are committed to providing quality and value," he said. "Our Walkie Stacker forklifts exemplify this effort, with superior engineering and design that results in increased efficiency, productivity and comfort, and overall cost-of-ownership savings."

Operator comfort was a big consideration, with each model featuring a multi-function control handle with oversized dual thumb wheels and buttons, for easy activation of all controls with either hand.

Safety also featured highly in the design, with a high-visibility mast providing a clear view of fork tips and a wider work area.

No detail of what markets the new line will be available in was available before publication.