Moving and storing timber around sawmills , lumber yards and processing plants can be made more efficient and safer if the handling equipment used is 100 % fit for purpose , particularly in light of the fact that conditions are tough and many of the loads in question are long , unwieldy and potentially dangerous , according to Irish specialist forklift manufacturer Combilift .
The company launched the world ’ s first ic engine powered , allwheel drive multidirectional forklift – the Combilift C4000 – in 1998 , which was specifically designed for the safe , space saving and more productive handling and storage of long and bulky loads in confined spaces .
It has sold over 35,500 units of its now diverse portfolio , which are exported to more than 75 countries . The timber sector was one of the first to recognise the benefits of Combilift ’ s innovative and customised products and thousands are in operation for familiar names such as Weyerhaeuser , Boise , Stora Enso , Tolko , Sierra Pacific and many others .
A major advantage of the multidirectional truck concept is the ability to travel sideways in narrow spaces with long loads resting on the truck ’ s platform and the extreme manoeuvrability and safety that this provides . Trying to move 5 m , 10 m or longer lengths of timber with conventional trucks such as counterbalance forklifts is problematic to say the least and also requires large areas to be set aside for manoeuvring .
This was one of the key reasons that prompted Weyerhaeuser to phase out so-called conventional forklifts and switch to Combilift fleets at its sites in North America , where around 225 models with lift capacities from 4 t to 10 t are in operation .
All the trucks were custom built to accord with Weyerhaeuser ’ s specifications to enable straightforward handling of the most extreme loads which can be 20 m long . They also play a key role in the company ’ s commitment to the safest possible materials
handling procedures .
A host of features to make life more comfortable for operators were integrated into the Weyerhaeuser trucks such as a roomy operator cab , containers for tools fixed to the body of the truck and an integrated side shifting mast which enables various dimensions of product to be easily picked up .
A recent development is Combilift ’ s new 4-wheeled , two directional sideloader ( 4WSL ) which is ideal for operations that require reliable , robust and fast operation when moving timber across extensive sites . Overheating during prolonged operation is a common problem with many sideloaders but Combilift has counteracted any risk of this by incorporating a single Bosch Rexroth variable piston hydrostatic drive motor coupled with a rugged and proven JCB differential axle as used on the JCB 3CX backhoe model .
This also provides excellent traction to the rear wheels which is advantageous when negotiating gradients . The new design of the 4WSL features a fully glazed front cab panel and the engine is situated in a low-level compartment underneath the platform , both of which contribute to excellent visibility .
“ Whether you handle extreme lengths of lumber , engineered timber , timber frames , palletised goods or a mix of products , there is a Combilift model that can deliver the goods ,” said MD Martin McVicar .
“ Since we launched our first C4000 Combilift , which is still one of our best sellers , we now offer models from 1.5t upwards with an almost infinite choice of options . Our range encompasses 4-way sideloaders , stand-on trucks for extremely narrow aisle operation , pedestrian operated stackers , the large cab XL series and straddle carriers for containers and oversized loads .
“ Our products are designed to be tough workhorses which operate inside and out in all weather conditions . We use standard and easily sourced components to make service and maintenance very straightforward
Combilift in-situ at a Weyerhaeuser operation
A Combilift machine tackles lengthy engineered loads
Irish manufacturer Combilift has grown to be a key supplier on a global scale
wherever in the world your Combilift is operating .”
Combilift is investing £ 40 million in a new manufacturing facility and global HQ on a 40 ha greenfield site in Monaghan , Ireland , and the new 46,000 m ² factory will be operational in 2017 . It is more than double the size of both current plants and will house a dedicated R & D building , purpose built testing areas as well as administrative offices . This expansion will position Combilift to double its current output and turnover in the next five years .
68 International Forest Industries | FEBRUARY 2017 / MARCH 2017