Combilift dances on a global stage

As befits a machine that accounts for over 20% of Combilift’s global sales after just three years on the market, prime position on the company’s stand was occupied by the compact CB four-way truck.

But, while it’s remained small and manoeuvrable, with the latter again demonstrated with a truck “dance display”, the CB has put on muscle since its last Ligna outing. As well as the original 2.5-tonne capacity model, it now comes in three- and four-tonne versions.

“The CB has proved itself worldwide in a range of sectors where its size and ability to cope with long loads gives it a real edge, including timber frame, timber merchants and now furniture manufacturing,” said Combilift managing director Martin McVicar. “Giving it extra lifting capacity broadens its appeal further.”

Recent customers for the CB, he added, include kitchen furniture maker Howdens Joinery which now has a fleet of 11.

An electric variant of the truck was also on show, next to diesel and LPG models.

“Of course, electric trucks appeal on environmental grounds,” said Mr McVicar. “But we’ve also improved the performance of our LPG models with engine technology from IMPCO making emissions almost immeasurable.”

AisleMaster lift trucks were also put through their paces. These are designed specifically for handling pre-packed and palletised loads and are now made at sister company Combilift’s plant.

The mix of visitors to the stand reflected Combilift’s increasingly global reach.

“We’re seeing particularly good growth in South America and Russia,” said Mr McVicar. “And in October last year we shipped our first truck to China. It was bought by an existing US customer which has set up a factory there.”