One of the world’s largest crane manufacturers, Liebherr, is benefiting from the versatile attributes of two Combilift 4-way forklifts to handle a diverse range of bulky products at its manufacturing facility in Biberach in the South of Germany. This site specialises in the production of industrial cranes of all sizes and classifications, as well as drive and steering components for the domestic and export markets.
The massive volume of raw materials and finished product moved around the site requires a handling system that can guarantee the utmost safety and efficiency. This was previously the job of conventional sideloaders, but their operational shortcomings, such as a lack of manoeuvrability, were limiting. The size of many of Liebherr’s products also pose a challenge – the heaviest and largest elements for the tower cranes measure 12.43m by 2.3m, and weigh around 12 tonnes each.
Two diesel powered Combilifts, including the first ever 14t model to be shipped to Germany, are now hard at work and have proved to be invaluable additions to the fleet. The heavy duty truck works mainly outside – its large tyres and good ground clearance being ideal for easy operation on uneven and muddy terrain. The smaller, 4t capacity truck is used for lighter work in the undercover storage area. The Combilift 4-way capability, easy changeover to sideways mode and excellent visibility from the cab makes for smooth operation across the busy site.
The statistics make impressive reading: the trucks work around the clock on a three shift basis, unloading and loading around 90 HGV’s a day. They keep the dispatch, assembly and paint shop departments constantly supplied with materials, and have proved to be extremely reliable. Southern Germany’s harsh winters pose no threat of disruption, as the Combilifts have a proven track record of unhampered operation in snow and ice. Combilift’s Export Sales Manager in Germany Ilya Morich: “It would be hard to find an application that works its trucks so hard, and it is testimony to their robust design and build that they just keep on going. Combilift’s designers specifically chose to use as few sensitive electronic parts as possible, favouring hydraulics and standard components, which all add up to long-life trucks which are simple to maintain.”
Combilift Ltd lives up to its slogan “Customised Handling Solutions” by offering a range of extras and attachments tailored to an operation’s specific loads. Hydraulic fork positioners and telescopic forks fitted to Liebherr’s Combilifts allow easy handling of the oversized and varied dimensions that are produced at Biberach.
All Combilifts are manufactured by Combilift Ltd in Monaghan Ireland. The current range now encompasses fifteen base models with capacities ranging from 2.5 – 14 tonnes, with LPG, diesel or AC electric power available. A team of design engineers at the factory 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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