Description

The Combi-PPT is a high capacity pedestrian operated powered pallet truck. It comprises dual wheel drive, power steering, a 24 V/ 375 Ah battery, a heavy-duty lifting platform (which can be customised to specific operational requirements) and the Combilift unique patented multi-position tiller arm. European Patent No. 2892841, US Patent No. 9586797.

The robust lifting platform is smoothly raised and lowered by a single fingertip control switch on the tiller arm. The drive direction and speed are also controlled by a single ergonomic toggle switch on the end of the tiller. This means that minimum manual effort is required for the operator to drive, steer and position the truck under the load, raise it up, transport it to the required location and lower it safely.

The Combi-PPT is designed to replace large and cumbersome ride-on forklifts for the safer, more efficient internal movement and storage of goods, especially in busy manufacturing plants where there are a lot of personnel present. With all its unique features the Combi-PPT makes it easy for the operator to safely and smoothly handle very heavy and bulky loads.

The option of an automatic folding operator’s platform enables stand-on operation, which is particularly useful and beneficial for operators when large distances have to be covered.

Innovations

The AC powered drive, steer and lifting technology ensures efficient operation and reduces all maintenance costs. The dual wheel drive system maintains compact design while obtaining the load capacity and reducing ground pressure. The electronic differential system ensures maximum traction for superior manoeuvrability. Coupled to the proportional fingertip control switch, the dual vertical hydraulic lift cylinders provide the power and control to raise and lower loads safely and smoothly.

The robust lifting platform is designed for smooth and always level lifting and lowering due to the parallelogram lifting mechanism. While lifting, the load moves backwards to reduce the load centre, transferring more load to the traction wheels, for stable and safe travelling. The filament-wound lubricant free bushings in the lifting mechanism optimise reliability, reduce maintenance costs and provide a clean environment.

The internationally patented multi-position tiller incorporates push button rotation of the rear wheel parallel to the chassis for placing and picking in confined spaces. The operator therefore remains at the side of the truck rather than at the rear, improving forward visibility. The risk of incidents is reduced as the operator is not positioned between objects and the truck. To rotate the rear wheel parallel to the tiller the operator merely needs to push the button again. Safer travelling around corners is ensured as the Combi-PPT reduces travel speed when cornering.

Market relevance

The Combi-PPT was developed following a customer request for a solution to a specific handling challenge: how to replace ride-on forklifts with a pedestrian unit to improve safety when handling heavy products whilst guaranteeing efficient procedures and improved material flow. Ride-on forklifts travel at faster speeds, posing more of a danger to personnel in the vicinity, and using pedestrian trucks reduces these risks.

One target for this very relevant addition to Combilift’s range is the manufacturing sector, which is at an all-time high in many countries. Manufacturers are making more customised products than before and are needing to move more SKUs and various large pieces of equipment such as tools, dies, and finished products around the factory on a regular basis, and the high lift capacities available in the range (up to 16,000kg) allow them to switch to pedestrian operation. Cummins (engine and generator manufacturer) and Komatsu are two examples of customers who have achieved this with the Combi-PPT.

Other companies that can benefit are those needing to safely lift and move long loads found in the steel, aluminium and building products sectors, and those with bulk storage, low level storage and order picking operations.
The market potential, in numbers, for this product is as yet unknown, but as with any new concept from Combilift, once it has been introduced, it automatically creates and grows its own market as customers recognise the benefits over other methods.

Customer benefits

Customers benefit from increased safety – a number one priority in most sectors. Pedestrian operation increases the operator’s visibility and therefore the level of awareness of the load, the forks and surroundings for safer working practices.
Its compact dimensions enable large loads to be moved in and around facilities without the need for areas of redundant space to be set aside for manouevering (as would be the case with many heavy duty capacity ride-on forklifts). More space can be given over to storage for increased productivity and cost benefits.

The ergonomically designed unit is effortless and stress free to operate – it “glides” across the floor and its manouevrability enables tight corners to be negotiated safely and with ease. It is easy to control for exact movement of products in restricted or confined areas and also offer multi-functionality across production plants. The multi-position tiller eliminates crush risk for the operator when working in tight spaces. Training is quicker than on a ride-on truck, 2-speed operation is controlled by a rabbit/turtle switch, and speeds can be adjusted or customised to the operator’s level of experience.

Being able to use electric powered equipment rather than diesel forklifts is also be an attractive option for environments where low emissions and low-noise operations are required. Energy efficiency, low maintenance and therefore low operating costs guarantee economical operation and good ROI.