28 years of safe handling: the Combilift that still delivers

As National Forklift Safety Day highlights the importance of safe material handling practices, the story of the first-ever Combilift C-Series demonstrates the lasting value of choosing the right tool for the job

Still in operation after 28 years at J.G. Kelly Supplies in Monaghan, Ireland, the original multi-directional forklift has transformed 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 began operating a Combilift, traditional forklift methods created significant operational and safety challenges.

Long PVC stillages 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.

Operator Tony McManus explains: “Before, we just used to use counterbalance trucks. We had to reverse a lorry in here and were on a main busy road in the town.” He adds: “But now, it just pulls up in the loading bay. We can offload it safely, on both sides if needed, with minimal obstruction to traffic.”

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 site operations and the way the company handles long loads. The benefits extend beyond reducing traffic disruption. It has also shortened unloading times and significantly improved safety for operators, pedestrians and passing vehicles.

Tony continues: “With the C-Series, it’s less labour-intensive than it used to be. It would take a lot of people to offload containers before, but now one operator can offload a container in a fraction of the time.”

Another key safety feature is the forklift’s integrated platform, which has further enhanced load stability when handling long products. Operators can safely support lengthy stillages during transport, reducing the risks associated with moving oversized loads and making the entire process more controlled and efficient.

Tony adds: “We know that it’s a lot safer. Once you get the load on the platform, you can almost relax. You’ve got the 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 says: “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 that it’s still running after 28 years.”

While multiple conventional forklifts have come and gone over the same period, the original C-Series remains in operation. Its continued performance is attributed to robust engineering, regular preventative maintenance and responsive local support.

Tony comments: “It doesn’t really take much maintenance. We have changed filters and 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 lifespan.

Having a machine out of action can have a major impact on day-to-day operations. However, according to McManus, that has rarely been an issue.

“In 28 years, it’s very rarely had to be taken away for repairs,” he says. “Any issues we’ve had have usually been fixed on site, and quickly. That’s the main thing, because if the machine is out of action for any length of time, we’re in trouble.”

The success of the original C-Series led J.G. Kelly Supplies to expand its fleet with additional Combilift equipment, including a pedestrian Combi-CS and an Aisle Master at its Limerick warehouse. The company continues to value Combilift’s ability to tailor equipment to specific operational requirements rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Paul adds: “Combilift are very good at looking at what you need and tailoring the product to suit you. We had the mast height and weight capacity tailored to exactly what we needed for our Combi-CS.”

Today, the first-ever multi-directional C-Series stands as a powerful example of how investing in the right material handling solution can deliver lasting returns.

Nearly three decades after it first entered service, the forklift continues to enhance operations, driving productivity, improving safety and maximising storage space while demonstrating that quality engineering and preventative maintenance can stand the test of time.

Hear the full story here: www.youtube.com/shorts/HuLCbsoTc-4. For further information on Combilift, see www.combilift.com.