In June as National Forklift Safety Day highlighted the importance of safe material handling practices, the story of the first-ever Combilift C-Series demonstrated the lasting value of choosing the right tool for the job.
Still in operation after 28 years at J.G. Kelly Supplies in Monaghan, the original multidirectional forklift has helped transform the company’s handling of long loads, improving safety, increasing efficiency, and proving that purpose-built equipment can deliver exceptional returns for decades. Before the company started operating a Combilift, traditional forklift methods created significant operational and safety challenges.
Long PVC loads measuring up to six metres had to be moved through a doorway only four metres wide. Conventional counterbalance forklifts could not handle the task safely or efficiently.
The C-Series’ multi-directional capability provided the ideal solution, allowing operators to move long loads sideways with greater control and stability, while navigating tight spaces and narrow doorways safely and efficiently.
For nearly three decades, the C-Series has transformed the site operations and the way the company used to handle long loads. And the benefits extend beyond traffic disruption. It has also shortened unloading times and significantly improved safety for operators, pedestrians, and passing vehicles.
An additional safety feature is the forklift’s integrated platform, which has further enhanced load stability when handling such long products. Operators can now safely support lengthy loads during transport, reducing the risks associated with moving oversized loads and making the entire process more controlled and efficient.
Forklift operator Tony McManus said, “We know that it’s a lot safer, once you get the load on the platform, you can almost relax. You’ve got that stability of it being on the rest beds.”
Safety on site has been greatly improved by the introduction of the C-Series, but equally remarkable is the machine’s longevity.
Managing Director Paul Kelly highlights: “I never expected we’d still be using the same forklift nearly three decades later. But it’s a testament to the build quality of the machine as it’s still running after 28 years. It’s continued performance is attributed to robust engineering, regular preventative maintenance, and responsive local support”.
Tony McManus mentions: “It doesn’t really take much maintenance. We have changed filters or timing belts over the years, but it’s still got the original engine from when it arrived here.”
Routine checks of oil, coolant, hydraulics, tyres, and greasing have helped keep the machine operating reliably, while major repairs have been rare throughout its 28- year lifespan.
Having a machine out of action can have a major impact on day-to-day operations. However, according to Tony, that has rarely been an issue.
The success of the original C-Series led J.G. Kelly Supplies to expand its fleet with additional Combilift products, including other Combilift models, such as the pedestrian Combi-CS and an Aisle Master in their Limerick warehouse. The company continues to value Combilift’s ability to tailor equipment to specific operational requirements rather than offering a onesize-fits-all solution.
Paul Kelly highlights: “Combilift are very good at having a look at what you need and then they can tailor the product to suit you. We had the height of the mast and weight limit tailored to what we needed in our Combi-CS. Today, the first-ever multidirectional C-Series stands as a powerful example of how investing in the right material handling solution delivers lasting returns”.
“Nearly three decades after it was manufactured and operated for the first time, the forklift continues to enhance operations, driving productivity, improving safety and maximising storage space while proving that quality engineering and preventative maintenance can stand the test of time”.
