Just a few weeks after the Combilift’s new Combi-CS counterbalance pedestrian stacker was premiered at IMHX, the first model was in operation at Leeds based JT, the UK’s leading manufacturer of shower trays. JT’s daily production rate has risen from 800 per day to 1,500 in the past two years and keeping products on the move in and around the warehouse is a priority.

The Combi-CS was recommended by Adam Hughes of Spartan Forktrucks, JT’s materials handling provider. “When I saw a demo of the Combi-CS I knew immediately that it would fit with the requirements for a pedestrian truck to place and pick pallets in the racking and to take them to the pallet wrapping stand. Due to the narrow aisles and confines involved, a compact and manoeuvrable piece of equipment was essential.”

With a load capacity of 1000kg @ 500mm, the Combi-CS is the only pedestrian counterbalance stacker that will operate in a conventional reach truck aisle and it handles JT’s various sized pallets with lengths from 1200 to 1800mm with ease. Key to this is the patented multi-position tiller arm, which can be turned to the left or right of the unit to position the rear drive wheel, allowing the operator to remain at the side of the machine rather than at the rear as is the case with other pedestrian stackers.

Safety is therefore guaranteed as this position allows for full visibility of the load, the forks and the surroundings and eliminates the risk of operators being trapped or crushed between the back of the machine and racking when handling products.

As the first user of a Combi-CS, Warehouse Manager Richard Sharpe is impressed: “It’s the best piece of kit we have on site and Adam definitely made the right call when he recommended it. It’s strong and well-built and the rollout battery also makes it quick and convenient to remove for charging.”