“Every year, Combilift takes part in over 80 trade fairs all over the globe. The Wood Fair in Klagenfurt is a fixture in our trade fair calendar and enjoys a high status,” Gregor Kramar, Combilift’s Country Manager for Austria, said in an interview with the Holzkurier at the trade fair. During the conversation with the sales professional, the reason for Klagenfurt’s great importance quickly became clear: The timber industry accounts for almost half of the sales generated in the DACH countries, making it the most important customer segment for the Irish forklift manufacturer.
Austrian premiere for the Combi-CB70E
“First presented at the Ligna fair last year, the CB70E is celebrating its Austrian premiere,” Kramar said happily, and added: “With its load capacity of 7 tonnes, this model is the most compact multi-directional counterbalance forklift truck on the market and therefore an interesting option for almost every customer in the timber industry.”
With its large super-elastic tires, compact wheelbase and high load capacity, the forklift truck is ideally suited for transporting large and bulky loads and therefore meets the operational demands of the timber industry perfectly, as Combilift states. “It is the ideal choice for anyone who needs both a side loader and a front loader. With the CB70E, customers get both in one truck. Thanks to its multi-directionality, it can find move around even in the tightest of spaces and enables the safe transport of lumber packages, panels, long-length materials or other wood products of almost all sizes,” Kramar explained. Great importance is also attached to ergonomics and thus to the well-being of the drivers “who often spend several hours a day on our forklifts,” the sales professional added. The ergonomic driver’s cabin of the Combi-CB70E was equipped with the patented Auto Swivel Seat. The seat (and armrest) automatically swivels 15° to the left or right with the selected direction of travel, which reduces strain on the driver, especially when travelling in reverse.
Our CB70E is the most compact multi-directional counterbalance forklift truck on the market and the ideal all-rounder for daily use in the timber industry.
Hands-on experience
At Combilift’s stand in Klagenfurt, that was not just a catchword. In addition to the Combi-CB70E, the C4500ET multi-directional forklift from the C-series was presented, an absolute long-time favorite in the company’s portfolio. “We have had the C series in our range from the very beginning, i.e. for 26 years. It is our best-selling model,” Kramar commented.
At its stand, Combilift also had the right model for users of classic two-directional side loaders. “In addition to numerous special technical features and a robust design, one of the main advantages of our Combi-FSE is the visibility. We don’t install the battery behind the mast as usual, but inside the chassis. This not only improves operator visibility and thus safety; it also optimizes the weight distribution and balance of the side loader thanks to the lower center of mass,” Kramar said, summarizing the advantages.
More than just a forklift manufacturer
“Customers in the timber industry appreciate the added value that we can offer them with our solutions, especially since we are constantly working on optimizing and improving them,” Kramar explained. “Solutions” is a word which describes Combilift’s extensive range of products perfectly. In addition to the established, successful forklifts, the Irish company also offers other innovative transport systems and solutions which are unique on the market.
For example, the Straddle Carrier was developed specifically for the timber construction sector. This carrier not only enables the safe handling of large wooden components but also the transport of entire modules. “The Straddle Carrier combines the properties of a heavy-duty forklift with those of a stationary hall crane,” Kramar said.
The Combi-CLL Log Loader is another newly developed product which was presented exclusively to the public at a US trade fair just a few months ago. This log handling solution makes the loading and unloading of logs in freight containers much easier. According to Combilift, the innovative Log Loader makes it possible for a single operator to fully load and unload a standard 40-foot container in just 6 minutes.
Across all products, Combilift’s strong suit is the successful combination of customization and the use of standard components. “This allows us to offer an efficient service and support level and pass the resulting advantages directly on to our customers,” Kramar commented.
Machine manufacturer as service provider
“In addition to our products, we at Combilift want to offer our customers added value, especially in the form of valuable services,” Kramar emphasized in Klagenfurt. “Many of our customers want and need to save space, or they often use their existing storage space inefficiently. This is where we come in and help optimize their warehousing with our free layout planning service.”
