Schoeller Bleckmann Darron LTD, based in Aberdeen, Scotland provides a complete manufacturing, repair and maintenance facility for drilling products used in the oil and gas sectors. It is benefiting from the versatile capabilities of an 8 tonne
Combilift 4-way forklift to ensure safe and space-saving handling of long loads around its site.
Since SBDL purchased Darron Oil Tools, it has expanded its range of services to its extensive customer base in the UK as well as in locations such as Russia, Vietnam and Singapore. The company has invested in a raft of high tech machinery to provide the highest level of customer service, and is equally choosy when it comes to the materials handling aspect of its business.
Many of the products handled in the offshore sector, such as down hole drilling tools are exceptionally long and heavy, and therefore awkward to handle with conventional forklifts such as counterbalance trucks or sideloaders. Even when a combination of the two are used, safe operations are compromised by having to swap loads around, and large areas of potentially valuable space needs to be set aside for manoeuvering. By changing from a conventional sideloader to a Combilift, SBDL has been able to exploit the truck's manoeuvrability and 4-way capabilities to make the most of restricted yard space whilst ensuring efficient handling of its 10m long loads.
Local material handling specialist Groundwater Lift Trucks Ltd. advised on the current range of Combilifts and the wide range of customisation and attachments available, and SBDL's Production Manager Sandy Stephen chose the C8000 model as the most suitable: "Although most of our loads weigh in at around 4 tonnes, this gives us that added flexibility to handle larger products, and it is more than powerful enough to cope very well with the steep gradient in the yard." The Combilift's robust design and no-nonsense engineering, incorporating a minimum of sensitive components together with super elastic tyres enable it to work inside and out, in all weathers. As SBDL's truck spends approximately 70% of its time outside, it is well equipped to withstand the Scottish winter with no risk of operational downtime.
The diesel powered Combilift plays an integral role in the handling of SBDL's long length tools and bars: it offloads incoming materials from HGV's, transports them around the facilities, works in racking to a height of 4.6m, and also finally reloads refurbished parts back onto trucks for dispatch to customers. Four heavy duty forks ensure the stable handling of even the longest pieces of equipment that SBDL handles, and health and safety procedures have also been enhanced according to Sandy: "The Combilift's ability to travel sideways with the tools resting on the platform is much safer than the hazardous practice of having to travel with a raised load."
For operators, making the switch from the sideloaders was straightforward. Combilift's ergonomic cab design and joystick controls are extremely simple to operate, and its quick changeover to sideways travel speeds up operations. Hydrostatic drive for driving and braking also keeps maintenance to a minimum.
Combilift 4-way forklifts are all designed and built in Monaghan Ireland, where the company also has its HQ and R&D facility. The current Combilift range now encompasses at least fifteen base models with capacities ranging from 2.5 - 14 tonnes, with LPG, diesel or AC electric power available. Combilift has won numerous awards for its products since the company was established in 1998, and there are now over 10,000 units in operation around the world.
Combilift Ltd., Co. Monaghan, Ireland
t: 00353 47 80500
f: 00353 47 80501
e:info@combilift.comw: www.combilift.comClick here to view the Combilift Shopfront