Combilift receives second Red Dot design award

Combilift was among the winners of the 2020 Red Dot Design Award for its recently launched Combi-CBE8 model, the world’s first compact counterbalance design electric powered multi-directional forklift with its patented traction on all wheels.

The “Red Dot” distinction is now established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design, and as one of the world’s largest product competitions, these awards attract submissions from more than 50 countries every year. This is the 2nd Red Dot Award that Combilift has received; it was a winner in 2014 with the Combi-WR4 multi-directional pedestrian operated reach stacker.

The Combi-CBE, with 8,000lbs lift capacity, features the company’s internationally patented independent electric traction which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100% traction control, therefore negating the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces. By inputting the wheel-base parameters, the traction commands are calculated by the control system. As the truck drives, the speed and rotational direction of the wheels are controlled independently, and tight turns can be negotiated with no tyre wear. This also offers precise acceleration and deceleration control for the operator, significantly reducing long load momentum twisting when traveling sideways.

The Red Dot jury commented: “This compact, multi-directional forklift truck is characterized by its extraordinary maneuverability and high traction as well as emission-free operation.”

The CB-series is the smallest counterweight forklift in the world, with a capacity of 8,000lbs and a dimension from the back to the front of forks of only 73 inches, which reduces operating aisles to less than 137 inches. This 3-in-1 solution from Combilift allows the operator to handle pallets in less space than all other forklifts on the market, and by flicking a switch allows operators to change to sideways mode for handling long loads in less than 3 seconds, in the same aisle, with the same machine.

“We are very proud that one of our products has once again been recognized as a worthy winner by the jury,” said Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar. “Both these accolades are testimony to the high caliber of our product designers and R&D department, and to the benefit achieved in collaboration with our clients during the design process of a new model.”

McVicar continued: “If there was ever a time to make sure that your warehouse is working at optimum capacity and efficiency, then it’s now. A multi-purpose forklift allows you to do more with less, to optimize space safety and efficiency. It also enhances and improves the return of your investment (ROI) and reduces the total cost of ownership to an absolute minimum. In recent years demand for storage facilities has risen due to the continued growth of E-Commerce, and the Coronavirus has had a further dramatic impact on shopping habits and therefore the warehousing sector. Combilift’s innovative, multi-directional technology coupled with over 20 years of experience in volume optimization means we’re experts in making your space work harder. Our free warehouse planning consultancy service lets you visualize the potential Combilift can unlock within your existing footprint.”

The 2020 Red Dot Design award is the second one awarded by the jury for a Combilift product. In 2014 the company was among the winners for its CombiWR4 multi-directional walkie reach truck. This was also the second accolade for this model in the same year as it had previously won the 2014 Ergonomics Award at the UK Fork Lift Truck Association Awards for Excellence.

The Combi-WR4 was another world first: a pedestrian reach stacker which combines multi-directional travel with features such as a pantograph reach, side shift and tilting fork carriage. It not only ensures a very safe environment for operators and those working alongside them but also enables space saving handling and storage of palletized and long loads in very narrow aisles. A salient aspect of the WR4’s design is its unique patented multi-position tiller arm which rotates the rear wheel parallel to the chassis and back again, enabling the operator to stand at an offset position and therefore outside of the danger zone.

“Due to the consistently high quality of the entries, it was not easy for the jury to make their decisions. Only the best products were bestowed with the sought-after award for design excellence. You have proved your know-how and competed with the best in your industry and I congratulate you on your award and your success,” commented Professor Peter Zec, Initiator and CEO of Red Dot.