Gateshead based Diplomat Extrusions is one of the first UK companies in the extrusion sector to opt for a relatively new Combilift product – a stand-on ST model, for the storage, handling and picking of its range of steel, aluminium and U-PVC extrusions which it supplies to window manufacturers throughout the UK.
The company had been using a Hunslet Lizard forklift for over 10 years to handle the 5m or 6m long stillages of raw materials in the warehouse, but as this brand is no longer manufactured, the lack of spare parts was hampering reliability and making routine maintenance practically impossible.
John Brown of Briggs Equipment, a national forklift specialist and service provider, and Combilift’s Don Houghton both recommended the Combilift ST model as the ideal replacement. Its compact dimensions enable work in aisle widths of just 1.7m, meaning that any existing racking designed for Hunslet operation need not be reconfigured. A 2.5t lift capacity also opens up opportunities to handle larger loads for enhanced flexibility compared with the 1t Hunslet. The ST bears the hallmarks of other Combilift models as it is a 3-wheel, all-wheel drive, 4-way truck offering superb manoeuvrability in confined spaces.
The design features of the ST such as large tyres enable indoor and outdoor operation, whereas Diplomat’s old truck was confined to the warehouse, and this has been a boost for operations, as Warehouse and Transport Supervisor Edward Trott explains: “The flexibility to take the ST outside when we need to is a big advantage compared to having to switch loads to another forklift.”
The machine was supplied by Briggs Equipment, who work closely with a number of strategic partners to offer a wide range products and services that meet customers’ needs. Combilift is well known for supplying customised solutions according to operational requirements, and due to the nature of some of Diplomat’s products, the fitting of deck extensions was recommended. These support the longer 6m lengths of UPVC which otherwise may be prone to flex and have greatly reduced the risk of product damage.
The Combilift ST series offers lift heights of up to 9.5m, and is available with LP Gas, diesel or electric power, and the company also manufactures a 3 tonne capacity model. All Combilifts are designed and built at the manufacturing facility in Monaghan, Ireland, and the range encompasses multi-directional ride-on trucks, a new counterbalance forklift, sideloaders and stand-on machines with capacities from 2.5 to 14 t depending on model type.
Combilift Ltd
Tel UK: 07815 314 990
Email: info@combilift.com
www.combilift.com
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