Combilift gives Galvanizers a lift

Edward Howell Galvanizers, part of the Wedge Group Galvanizers, is using a C5000XL Combilift 4-way forklift to address the need to handle ever longer loads at its base in the West Midlands.

By increasing the size of its pre-treatment tanks and galvanizing kettles from 7m to 10.25 m the company can offer a more cost effective service, but the resulting length of finished materials necessitated a rethink of handling procedures as the counterbalance forklifts previously used were not up to handling these loads safely in confined spaces.

Other methods such as overhead cranes were discounted due to the disruption that structural alterations would have caused.

The diesel powered C5000XL's 5t capacity at 600mm load centre is more than well equipped to cope with the heaviest loads handled at Edward Howell's site. It features a large cab, higher ground clearance and was also supplied with hydraulic fork positioners which make for easy handling of varied load sizes. Combilift also supplied a customised tapered platform which prevents round bars or similar products from rolling for more secure transportation.

“Efficient materials handling which also conforms to the highest levels of health and safety is a key part of our operations, and this is now what we have in place,” says director Malcolm Wright.

“Inch by inch manoeuvring of long and heavy loads through a relatively narrow side door with counterbalance trucks is now a thing of the past due to the Combilift's 90° turning ability. The speed with which we can transport goods from the galvanizing bays to the storage yard enables us to keep up with the very considerable volume of products we process, handle and deliver on a daily basis.”