MONAGHAN, Ireland - Material handling specialist Combilift has won a 2020 Red Dot Design Award for its recently launched Combi-CBE model, the world’s first compact counterbalance design electric powered multidirectional forklift with patented traction on all wheels.

This is the second Red Dot Award for the company, which won in 2014 for its Combi-WR4 multidirectional pedestrian operated reach stacker.“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.” 

The continued growth of e-commerce, and the impact of the coronavirus on shopping habits, has had a significant impact on the warehouse/storage sector, McVicar added. “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 and reduces the total cost of ownership to an absolute minimum.”

The Combi-CBE has an 8,000-pound lift capacity and features the company’s internationally patented independent electric traction, which provides all front and rear drive wheels with 100 percent traction control, therefore negating the need for differential lock on slippery surfaces. By inputting the wheel-base parameters, Combilift says, 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 tire wear. This also offers precise acceleration and deceleration control for the operator, significantly reducing long load momentum twisting when traveling sideways, the company adds.

In its comments on the product, the Red Dot jury said, “This compact, multidirectional forklift truck is characterized by its extraordinary maneuverability and high traction as well as emission-free operation.”

“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," said Professor Dr. Peter Zec, initiator and CEO of Red Dot. "You have proved your know-how and competed with the best in your industry and I congratulate you on your award and your success.”

Headquartered in Monaghan, Ireland, Combilift has a North American office in Greensboro, North Carolina.