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Wednesday, 22 September 2021 12:14

Launch of Combilift’s new XLE model

Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models. In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5-ton lift capacity, combines emission-free operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL C-Series model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce. Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

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The Combi-XLE incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids / lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18yrs ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range. As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology - LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473 tons of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

Published in Transport & Logistics
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Combilift officially launched the latest addition to its product portfolio in a virtual press conference on February 3rd. The NEW Aisle Master-OP (AME-OP) is a pioneering stand-on electric powered model that combines the advantages of a narrow aisle articulated forklift and an order picker for versatile operation in warehousing applications.

The development of this model was influenced by customer feedback - as has often been the case with Combilift’s innovations - as well as the recent soaring growth of e-commerce. “Customers already using the Aisle Master for space saving, storage and efficiency in their warehouse asked if we could redevelop the Aisle Master to meet their ever-growing demand for order picking customised orders”, said Combilift CEO Martin McVicar.

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Research & Development carried out in 2019 & 2020 has created the Aisle Master-OP. The main feature of this unit is the step-through operator compartment which has design copyright protection (European Design Registration No. 002676809-0001) across multiple markets worldwide. The low floor height of just 280mm (11”) enables convenient, single step access from both sides of the truck which speeds up order picking compared to the operator having to get on and off from a seated position. The AME-OP truck has all the key advantages of the conventional Aisle Master - indoor/outdoor, for loading/offloading and for stock replenishment at other times during shifts when order picking is complete.

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The Aisle Master-OP is available in a number of variants, with lift capacities from 1,500kg to 2,500kg, lift heights up to 12.1m and can operate in aisles as narrow as 1650mm.  It features a patented chain steering system (EU Patent No. 3008008), which allows the truck to articulate more than 205°, with an inline drive motor and front drive axle assembly, all of which enable narrower aisle operation. The multifunctional programmable joy stick control lever in the operator compartment, which includes controls for the hydraulics and traction, is adjustable to enable comfortable and ergonomic working conditions for operators of all sizes. The Operator Presence Detection floor pad engages the parking brake automatically when the operator steps off the truck to carry out Order Picking.

“Before we officially launch any new model, Combilift carry out extensive field testing on customer’s sites, this was the case with the Aisle Master-OP”, said Martin McVicar. The AME-OP is now a production model within Combilift, with units currently in build for customers in the United States and in New Zealand - one of which is Sorted Logistics based in Christchurch New Zealand, a third-party logistics provider and freight forwarder who will be receiving eight AME-OP units shortly.

“This is a major innovation in the warehousing sector,” added Martin, “and the versatility to use the one Aisle Master for multiple applications - narrow aisle operation, truck to rack handling, bulk picking and item order picking - will result in strong demand for this new product in our home and export markets around the world.”       

Video Link to AME-OP in operation  https://youtu.be/ze5_5D1r3vE

AME-OP Landing page: https://combilift.com/aisle-master-op/

Published in Food & Materials