Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks  announced today the addition of a new 3,000-3,500 lb capacity Heavy-Duty Electric Walkie Straddle Stacker to its North American product line. The new PWT15 and PWT18 walkie stacker models feature an AC-powered drive motor and electric power steering option, giving operators precise control when traveling at any speed.

Several helpful features extend the new walkie stacker's battery life and increase efficiency. The stacker can be easily powered-up by using a key or with an optional keyless access pad. Optionally, after a set amount of time of inactivity, the walkie stacker's auto shutdown feature powers the forklift down, conserving energy and allowing for more run time. The advanced regenerative braking system also enhances efficiency and control by smoothing out directional changes and reducing brake pad and component wear.

The forklift’s AC-powered drive motor's brushless design significantly diminishes noise levels and improves operating efficiency. The electrical system's emphasis on power and efficiency makes it ideal for repetitive stacking applications where travel distances are relatively minimal, such as storage and staging areas, skid, cart or work-table applications.

Adding the electric power steering option improves the already precise steering control.  Also, the addition of a steering motor to the system helps to reduce operator fatigue and boasts quiet activation. Further empowering the operator's control, the new walkie stacker is equipped with both pinwheel and crawl speed functions. The pinwheel function gives the operator the ability to pinwheel the forklift with the handle in a completely vertical position while pressing the crawl speed button. This function also provides better utilization of space and helps increase productivity.

The walkie stacker offers features geared toward operator security as well. The emergency reverse button will stop and reverse movement of the stacker if the operator is traveling in the forward direction and gets caught in close quarters.