Irish manufacturer Combilift continues to expand its range of Straddle Carriers, the first model of which was introduced just over 10 years ago. Combilift's Straddle Carrier (Combi-SC) concept was designed for the more cost effective and efficient handling of containers and oversized loads and offers many advantages over other types of heavy handling equipment such as reach stackers or cranes. These include a much lighter own weight and axle loading, enhanced manoeuvrability and the ability to easily and independently lift loads and move them directly to where they are needed.

One of Combilift's most recent developments is the Combilift Xpress (Combi-XC), specifically designed for the quick horizontal movement of containers in a typical container terminal. It shares all the attributes of the Combi-SC range, but this medium sized unit has the added advantage of speedy operation over long distances - it can travel at 25 kilometres per hour fully laden with a 35-tonne load. It can lift 20ft, 40ft and 45ft containers with its auto top-lift spreader, which side-shifts 200 mm left and right to allow easy lifting and accurate placement of containers. 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, and 4-wheel braking offer enhanced manoeuvrability and it is also very operator friendly: the cabin is mounted above the load, which offers optimum visibility and improved safety.

One very satisfied Combi-XC customer is the Lyttelton Port Company, the largest port in the South Island of New Zealand, who use it for more efficient transportation of containers between its inland MidlandPort and its adjacent iPort distribution complex using a purpose-built accessway. Sean Bradley, LPC's General Manager, inland ports, said: "the safe, efficient and timely movement of containers around the port is key. We looked at various solutions on offer around the world, and, given the distances involved, the Combi-XC was by far the most suitable. Compared to a conventional reach stacker, which has to carry the container at right angles, it can travel on smaller roadways and though narrower gates."

Dave Comber, Combilift New Zealand, said: "The Combi-XC is an excellent alternative to typical port SCs and/or shunt trucks for moving containers from the ship-to-shore crane to the stacks as it eliminates the loading/off-loading time of shunt trucks by giving the operator the freedom to lift the container and move it directly to the stacks. Recent studies show that shunt trucks spend 35% of their time waiting to be loaded and offloaded while the Combi-XC can lift and go immediately. Because the load is carried centrally it doesn't require a heavy counterweight and consequently can be fitted with a less powerful engine than conventional reach stackers, so low operating costs are also a further benefit."

For more information, please contact us:

Combilift Ltd
Annahagh, Co. Monaghan
Ireland
Web: www.combilift.com
Tel: +353(0)47 80500
Email: send an email