Combilift C-Series forklift remains in operation after 28 years

Figure: Combilift

A multidirectional Combilift C-Series forklift has been in operation at J.G. Kelly Supplies in Monaghan, Ireland, for 28 years. According to the company, the machine continues to support safe and efficient material handling operations, demonstrating the long-term value of application-specific handling equipment.

Before introducing the Combilift forklift, handling long PVC stillages measuring up to 6 m created operational challenges. The loads had to be moved through a doorway only 4 m wide. According to the company, conventional counterbalance forklifts could not perform this task safely or efficiently.

“Before, we just used to use counterbalance trucks. We had to reverse a lorry in here and were on a main busy road in the town,” recalls operator Tony McManus. “Now, it just pulls up in the loading bay. We can offload it safely, both sides if needed, with minimal obstruction to traffic.”

Safe handling of long loads

The multidirectional capability of the C-Series allows operators to move long loads sideways while navigating confined spaces and narrow doorways. According to the company, this has reduced unloading times and improved safety for operators, pedestrians and passing vehicles.

“With the C-Series, it’s less labour intensive than it used to be. It would take a lot of people to offload containers before, but now one operator can offload a container in a short space of time compared to before,” says McManus.

To further improve load stability, the forklift is equipped with an integrated platform that supports long products during transport.

“We know that it’s a lot safer. Once you get the load on the platform, you can sort of relax almost. You've got that stability of it being on the rest beds,” McManus adds.

Longevity through maintenance and support

Alongside the safety benefits, J.G. Kelly Supplies highlights the machine’s durability. “I never expected we'd still be using the same forklift nearly three decades later. But it’s a testament to the build quality of the machine as it's still running after 28 years,” says Managing Director Paul Kelly.

While several conventional forklifts have been replaced during the same period, the original C-Series remains in operation. According to the company, regular preventative maintenance and local service support have played a key role in maintaining reliability.

“It doesn't really take much maintenance. We have changed filters or timing belts over the years, but it’s still got the original engine from when it arrived here,” says McManus.

Routine inspections of oil, coolant, hydraulics, tyres and lubrication points have helped keep the machine in service for almost three decades, while major repairs have been rare.

“In 28 years, it's very rarely had to be taken away for repairs. Any issues we've had have usually been fixed on site, and quickly,” McManus explains.

The success of the original C-Series led J.G. Kelly Supplies to expand its fleet with additional Combilift equipment, including a Combi-CS pedestrian stacker and an Aisle Master truck at its warehouse in Limerick.

“Combilift are very good at looking at what you need and tailoring the product to suit you. We had the height of the mast and weight limit tailored to what we needed in our Combi-CS,” says Kelly.

According to the company, the first C-Series remains an example of how purpose-built material handling equipment can deliver long-term benefits in terms of safety, productivity and space utilisation.

CONTACT

Combilift Ltd

Annahagh

Monaghan

Co. Monaghan

H18 VP65/Ireland

+353 47 80500

www.combilift.com