Now launching is the Combi-MR4, a four-wheel electric powered multidirectional reach-truck which incorporates Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° steering, which provides rotation on each wheel, enabling seamless directional change of the truck while on the move. The system allows this extremely agile forklift to work in forward, sideward and crab steer mode for swift operation and excellent manoeuvrability, says Combilift.
The impetus for the development of this latest addition to Combilift’s portfolio was to develop a multi-directional truck with a very low platform to maximise storage density within racking. The Combi-MR4 is available in two models with capacity ranges of 2,500kg - 3,000kg and 3,500g -4,500kg respectively, and can operate in aisles as narrow as 2,265mm when guided (based on 1200mm deep material). To maximise all storage space in racking systems, the configuration of two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm, allowing otherwise redundant areas towards the floor to be used.
To achieve this level of manoeuvrability, Combilift utilised its newly developed-in-house Dynamic 360° steering. This novel steering concept enables operators to manipulate the truck’s positioning and orientation without the need to stop and change driving mode. Intuitive and easy-to-operate, this is achieved by simply twisting the control joystick right or left to adjust the wheel positions simultaneously – providing crab steering and allowing direction change on-the-go.
Combilift always likes to ensure that any new product has been thoroughly tried and tested in the field to make certain that it is 100% fit for purpose. Following the initial operation of 3,000kg Combi-MR4 units, a 4,500kg model was developed after receiving a request from Combilift’s dealer in the Benelux region - Mabo Benelux, for a larger capacity unit for their customer TABS (Timber and Building Supplies Holland). It now has MR4 trucks at several locations in the Netherlands and is about to take delivery of its 15th and 16th trucks, which will work at its distribution centres in Zaandam and Bleiswijk.