Four-way lift truck pioneer Combilift always likes to stand out from the crowd at exhibitions, both in terms of its technology and display. Ligna was no different. Every hour on its stand two of its new CB compact trucks ‘danced’ to the rhythm of what’s probably best described as Irish ‘electro-jig’ music.
It was fitting that the CB took centre stage. It was launched only last autumn but nearly 500 have been sold, said managing director Martin McVicar.
“The recession has hit the fork lift market – it’s estimated to be down 50%,” he said. “Although our business has not reduced that much, we have been affected, but the CB has helped compensate for a fall in demand for bigger models.”
Versatility
The attraction of the CB, he said, was partly price, but its appeal is also due to versatility. It is 1m shorter than the equivalent standard fork lift, but has a 7.5m lift height and can handle loads up to 2.5 tonnes, with the option of adaptation to three tonnes.
“The CB can operate in very tight spaces and, as it doesn’t have the usual deck platform, it can lower loads down to the ground which further maximises storage space,” said Mr McVicar. “It also has three power options, diesel, LP gas and electric, so can operate inside and out.”
Other machines on show included an XL truck, newly adapted to handle wider loads, and a variant of the SL given larger wheels for rougher terrain.
