Combilift, which stakes claim to being the largest global manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts, is celebrating 25 years of innovation this year by launching multiple products across various exhibitions around the globe.

To kick off this strategy, the Ireland-headquartered company launched one of its latest products – the Combi-Cube – at LogiMat, an international intralogistics show, held in Stuttgart, Germany, in late April. This was followed by the launch of another new model truck – Combi-CB70E – at Ligna, an international timber and woodworking show, which was staged last month (May 15 to 18) in Hanover, Germany.

Combi-Cube

Combi-Cube, a new electric model, incorporates a host of technological and design features that not only enhance handling procedures but also offer a high level of driver comfort, says the company.

Combi-Cube ... in the vibrant green colour.

“Immediately noticeable is the new vibrant colour: this bold fresh Combi-green shade will contribute to improved safety as the trucks will be easily visible in their operational environment. Aside from optics, however, the focus is on a number of ergonomic features,” says a spokesman for the company.

The driver’s position in the centre of the cab offers generous room and excellent all-round visibility. The angle of the telescopic steering column can be adjusted and the Grammer MSG65 seat, combined with hydraulic cabin mounts guarantees a comfortable ride. An adjustable arm rest is mounted to the seat suspension which incorporates a multi-function joystick and an LCD colour touch screen.

“Combilift’s unique dynamic 360 steering that enables seamless directional change while on the move can be integrated into the Combi-Cube as an optional extra, making it the most manoeuvrable counterbalance forklift on the market,” he adds.

Further notable features are the large rear wheel and rubber tyres on all three wheels. This means that, unlike certain other brands of electric multidirectional trucks, this model is not restricted to super flat floors and is eminently suitable for working indoors and out, ensuring that semi-rough terrain is no impediment to reliable operation, the spokesman points out.

And for quicker battery changeover during heavy shifts, two new easy-change roll-out batteries are provided.

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar says: “Our engineers and R&D department have been tirelessly preparing for a year of new launches, and the Combi-Cube is proof of our continued commitment to provide the best and most innovative handling solutions for our worldwide customers.”

Combi-CB70E

The new Combi-CB70E is a further addition to Combilift’s ever-growing range of electric models which offers powerful performance, extensive battery life and unrivalled ergonomics. This model, which also sports the vibrant Combi-green livery first seen on the Combi-Cube product, boasts the distinction of being the shortest 7-tonne capacity counterbalance truck on the market whilst also benefitting from multidirectional ability, enabling the versatile space-saving handling of both long and bulky loads.

“Design features incorporated into the high-capacity Combi-CB70E such as its large super-elastic tyres and compact wheelbase make it ideally suited for the operational demands of the timber industry. With a 7,000-kg lift capacity, this model benefits from an impressively small footprint as well as exceptional manoeuvrability, meaning that it can easily move bulky loads of timber around in confined spaces,” the spokesman says.

Combilift’s designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the latest generation of models are kitted out with top quality components that ensure sophisticated ergonomics for a stress-free in-cab environment.

Features in the spacious cab include generous glazing for excellent all-round visibility, a tilting steering column, hydraulic steering and the Grammer MSG65 seat.

“What sets the Combi-CB70E apart from other forklifts is its gas strut suspension cab, which uses components such as those found in large-scale industrial machinery with cab suspension. Combined with the super-elastic tyres, this guarantees the smoothest of rides over uneven or less-than-perfect ground conditions such as those typically experienced in lumber yards,” the spokesman remarks.

Combilift’s newly developed auto wwivel seat was also premiered at the Ligna show.  This optional feature automatically engages and swivels the seat and armrest 15 degrees to the right or left to accord with the direction of travel selected by the operator – reducing driver strain, particularly when travelling in reverse. 

The truck also features Combilift’s internationally patented and Red Dot awarded independent electric traction which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100 per cent traction control. This negates the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces and significantly reduces long load momentum twisting when travelling sideways. Each electric drive incorporates parking and regenerative dynamic braking for power efficiency. Roll-out access for major electrical components also simplifies maintenance tasks.

This mix of next-gen performance, extensive battery life and exceptional ergonomics combined with all the advantages of the Combi-CB range, makes this the most powerful compact electric multidirectional forklift to date.

“The increased capacities that we are offering in our electric range will answer the demand for ever more powerful products which, at the same time, help companies to achieve their aims for more sustainable operations,” McVicar concludes.