Convoys Complete Cargo Care prides itself on finding innovative ways to improve performance, and in line with this ethos, it has reconfigured one of its timber storage areas at its Chatham Dock terminal to work around the capabilities of the equally innovative Combilift 4-way forklift, 5 of which are now at work at the 29 acre site on the River Medway.
The company, which has been handling forest product since 1920, brought in the Combilifts after calculations by Technical Director David Rhodes showed that the 4-way capability and excellent manoeuvrability of these forklifts would enable space utilisation to achieve an increase in stock capacity of 30%.
The advantages of a Combilift compared to a conventional sideloader convinced David of the multiple benefits to be had with the 4-way system: “The Combilifts offer the best of both worlds,” he says. “They are extremely manoeuvrable and can block stack, unlike sideloaders, giving us much improved storage density when free stacking to a height of 4 packs of timber.” David’s calculations were spot on – when the 5 diesel powered Combilifts arrived a few months ago, aisle widths could immediately be cut from 7m to 3.25m. Even the longest 6.2m length packs can easily be manoeuvered in this much reduced space.
Convoys had had their eyes on the Combilift for some time, after seeing articles on other satisfied users in the trade press. Combilift’s Paul Hopkinson did a demo of the relatively new C5000L, the so called “Lumber Truck” originally developed for the USA market. It was immediately apparent to all at Convoys that this model was going to be ideal for the working environment at the docks: It has excellent cab ergonomics for good driver comfort and high ground clearance and larger super elastic tyres for smooth operation on any uneven surfaces. Low-level transportation of long loads has also improved visibility for the drivers and consequently improved health and safety procedures. The forks are fitted with side shift which is particularly handy when loading lorries for delivery. The 5tonne capacity easily copes with the heavier 3 tonne loads, and enables smaller packs to be handled as pairs.
Convoys is moving to more and more outdoor timber storage, and David Rhodes is looking to convert the other two main timber storage areas to work along the same lines. “By using these versatile trucks, we have been able to consolidate timber storage, which has improved handling for the operators and made locating stock quicker. Added to the increased volume of 30%, these changes to the handling and storage system have not only been good for our operations, but have also been beneficial to our customers. ”
All Combilifts are manufactured by Combilift Ltd in Monaghan Ireland. The current range now encompasses over a dozen models with capacities ranging from 2.5 – 14 tonnes, with LPG, diesel or electric power available. The trucks are designed to work inside and out, on semi-rough terrain and in all weather conditions. A team of design engineers at the Monaghan factory in Ireland will also draw up warehouse layouts, free of charge, to illustrate the best possible use of available storage space using the Combilift system.
Combilift Ltd
Tel UK: 07815 314 990
Email: info@combilift.com
www.combilift.com
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