The Combi-PPT is a high-performance pedestrian operated powered pallet truck with a range of capacities up to 35,000 pounds which enables the safe and secure transportation of very heavy loads without the need for a ride-on forklift. The features, which include Combilift’s unique, patented multi-position tiller arm and design ensure optimum visibility of the load and surroundings for the operator and guarantee maximum safety in areas where other personnel may be present, in busy production plants for example. Its maneuverability enables efficient and productive operation in confined spaces.
Combilift has been nominated as a finalist in one of the most prestigious and hotly contested international awards in the materials handling industry. The Combi-PPT powered pallet truck is one of three products shortlisted by the jury in the Warehouse Truck category of the IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) which honors the best products and solutions of the year.
Enhancing Operations
Cummins UK wanted to enhance operational safety and product flow across its sites. Working with its materials handling provider and manufacturer Combilift, a solution was found for the safer internal transportation of heavy and potentially dangerous loads in the form of specially designed walk behind power pallet trucks.
Cummins UK delivers Cummins generator sets from four to 3000 kilowatt for a variety of applications including marine, retail, telecommunications, oil and gas, data centers, hospitals, construction sites and mining. The substantially heavy products that are handled at the company’s sites across the country can be potentially dangerous if not handled and transported in the appropriate manner. Cummins’ management therefore wanted to ensure the highest levels of safety for operators and other personnel.
Visits to the plant identified the various challenges and concerns that Cummins faced, particularly when moving the heavy assembled engine units, which can weigh up to 35,000 pounds. Cummins management were looking for more reliable and robust equipment compared to that previously used, which would be easier to control when moving large products in restricted or confined areas, and which would also offer multi-functionality across the plant. A further issue, in line with a growing trend in the materials handling sector, was the wish to move away from ride on forklifts, which are considered to pose more risks in busy production areas than walk behind, or pedestrian, trucks.
After assessing feedback from all concerned, including operatives on the production floor, Combilift developed the new high capacity walk behind Combi-PPT (power pallet truck). Combilift products ranging from 3,000 to 35,000 pounds capacity are in use at Cummins’ plants, but this new product specifically addressed the requirements of the assembled 35,000-pound engines when they are transferred from the production area to the testing and dispatch areas.
Improved Visibility
The Combi-PPT includes a feature common to all Combilift’s pedestrian models: its unique, patented multi-position tiller arm. This enables the operator to stand at the side of the unit rather than at the rear, as is the case with other walk behind brands, for excellent visibility of the load and the surroundings. This gives Cummins’ operators full visibility of one side of the heavy and bulky load, and by fitting a camera to the opposite side, this combination of the tiller arm plus camera collectively allows complete visibility at every stage of operation. This has reduced the number of banksmen required while adhering to the highest safety standards, eliminates any possibility of crush risk when working in confined areas and prevents product damage to what are very expensive loads.
The power steering, dual rear wheel drive and AC motor technology make the Combi-PPT effortless and stress free for operators. It is said to glide across the floor even when moving these very heavy loads and its maneuverability enables tight corners to be negotiated safely and with ease. The high capacity and performance of the customized Combi-PPT makes the environment safer for all onsite.
About Combilift
Combilift is the largest global manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts and an acknowledged leader in long load handling solutions. More than 38,000 units have been sold in over 85 countries since Combilift was established in 1998. Combilift continually invests seven percent of all revenue in research and development as part of its relentless quest to find safer, more productive and more cost-effective ways to lift challenging loads in challenging environments. The company’s commitment to new product development continues to blaze a trail through the lifting and handling industry worldwide, cementing the company’s reputation as a global leader. Combilift employs more than 550 people and occupies a brand new, multipurpose-built facility in Monaghan, Ireland.
For more information, visit www.combilift.com.
