Innovation is in Combilift’s DNA. The company annually invests 7% of its revenue in R&D, with about 98% of it focused on the development of new electric material-handling solutions. Evidence of such investment is the 5 new products that were launched in 2023, to mark Combilift’s 25 years in business. These are the Combi-Cube, the Combi-CB70E and the Combi-AGT, all of which are fully electric; in addition, the Combi-LC Blade and the Combi-Connect were also launched last year. Furthermore, 2024 has already unveiled two other innovations: the Combi-SafeLift and the Combi-CLL (Log Loader).
In the field of AGVs, the Combi-AGT is the first autonomous sideloader with the option to operate manually. Developed by Combilift’s dedicated automation team, the Combi-AGT is a 4-wheel electric stand-on model, which is the world’s first autonomous dual-operational sideloader for long loads. This new model, with a lift capacity of 5,000kg and up to 12m lift height, addresses the requirements of steel service centres and the metal industries, which typically handle long loads.
In the industrial truck market, two of the latest innovations are the Combi-Cube and the Combi-CB70E. Both feature the new Combi-Eco green colour and are fully electric. With driver’s comfort in mind and to reduce their day-to-day strain, these two models are fitted with Combilift’s newly developed Auto Swivel Seat – patent pending – as a standard option. This new feature automatically engages and swivels the seat and armrest 15° to the right or left to accord with the direction of travel selected by the operator. The Combi-CB70E, with a lifting capacity of 7t, is the shortest counterbalance truck on the market of its capacity whilst also benefitting from multidirectional ability, enabling the versatile space-saving handling of both long and bulky loads. With a load capacity of up to 3t, the Combi-Cube features Combilift’s unique Dynamic 360° Steering that enables seamless directional change as optional, making this model the most manoeuvrable counterbalance forklift on the market.
Sustainability is on every company’s agenda, and Combilift’s commitment to making material-handling operations greener is reflected in its investments and efforts towards launching new electric equipment, such as the ones mentioned above. Additionally, renewable energies are advancing, leading to increased demands for handling larger components. The Combi-LC Blade, developed in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, was specifically designed to meet the load-handling needs of large-scale offshore wind manufacturers. This equipment is capable of transporting wind turbine blades and towers, some as long as 115m and weighing around 70t.
The integration of software into machinery is becoming more and more popular. Combi Connect is a cutting-edge telematics software that empowers companies to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity. It is tailored to meet each customer’s specific needs, revolutionising how you operate and manage your fleet.
Ensuring safe forklift operations is paramount to Combilift. It’s crucial for forklift operators to be aware of the type of load they are handling, its load centre and overall weight, as well as the height it needs to be lifted. Not being knowledgeable about these can lead to potentially exceeding the forklift-rated capacity, risking overloading, which can place operators and everyone working around them at risk.
Fitting your forklift with an anti-overload sensor, such as the Combi SafeLift, will enable operators to avoid the pitfalls of potential overloading, which can have serious consequences if it occurs.
This simple and cost-effective system consists of a strain sensor on the mast section and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is potentially overloaded.
Since the groundbreaking C4000 model was first designed in 1998, Combilift has developed a wide array of innovative material handling solutions. These advancements serve as a testament to Combilift’s commitment to continuing their Lifting Innovation for many years to come.
Comments are closed.