abbey-7.jpgAbbey Stainless Steels, a stockist and manufacturer of specialist metals, recently expanded its range of services and moved to new premises in Sheffield. Handling and storage of raw materials is now based around the capabilities of two specialist 8-tonne Combilift 4-way forklifts, which have enabled Abbey to handle larger product for increased business opportunities.

Group Project Manager Scott Green first started looking into alternatives to the company’s counterbalance trucks to overcome space limitations in Abbey’s old site: “We wanted to install high racking for better use of storage space, and needed a versatile forklift able to work in the narrow aisles between racks and manoeuvre around the columns in the warehouse. Once we checked out the 4-way abilities of the Combilift, it was the obvious solution.”

Combilifts range from the relatively lightweight 2.5t models up to a hefty 14t capacity for extremely heavy duty work, and are available with a wide level of customisation. In this case, there were advantages to be had by choosing larger trucks: longer materials could be handled, enabling bigger jobs to be taken on, which in turn would lead to a growth in the business. The first truck was therefore an 8 tonne capacity, diesel powered Combilift with a slightly shorter than standard deck to fit in the 2.7m aisle-widths already in place. The benefits were immediate: this one truck easily copes with 4m long bars weighing up to 8 tonnes, which previously needed to be sawn before they could be lifted by the old, lighter weight counterbalance trucks.

Combilift’s Don Houghton recommended the Combilift guided aisle system for the new warehouse, and this has been a great success according to Scott: “Once in the guided aisle the trucks ‘self steer’, so drivers only have to concern themselves with the forks really. This system offers speed and efficiency. It enables quicker and easier stock location whilst greatly reducing the risk of damage to stock and racking.”

The initial Combilift proved to be so effective that a second truck was ordered. Both have cameras installed for best possible visibility when working in the highest racks and the forks are fitted with fork end-stops to prevent bars from rolling off. The Combilifts are on the go all the time, offloading  materials from delivery vehicles, taking stock to storage, to the saws, and putting off-cuts back in to the racking. Operational reliability is also a crucial factor here: “Once you have committed to the narrow aisle system,” says Scott, “you are at the mercy of these trucks as there is no alternative. The Combilifts have been extremely reliable however, so we have no worries on that count. What started as a solution for handling in a tight spot has developed into an integral element of the service we can offer.”

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 both 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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