Irish forklift manufacturer Combilift was among the winners of the 200 Red Dot Design Award for its recently launched Combi-CBE4 model - the world’s first compact counterbalance design electric powered multidirectional forklift with its patented traction on all wheels. 

The “Red Dot” distinction is now established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design, and as one of the world’s largest product competitions. The Red Dot awards attract submissions from over 50 countries every year. This is the second Red Dot Award that Combilift has received - it was a winner in 2014 with the Combi-WR4 multidirectional pedestrian operated reach stacker.

The Combi-CBE, with 4-tonne lift capacity, 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, 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 travelling sideways. The Red Dot jury commented as follows: “This compact, multidirectional forklift truck is characterized by its extraordinary maneuverability and high traction as well as emission-free operation.”

The CB-series is the smallest counterweight forklift in the world, with a dimension from back to front of forks of only 1.85 meters - which compared to other traditional counterweight forklifts reduces your operating aisles to less than 3.5 meters. The 3-in-1 solution from Combilift allows the operator to handle pallets in less space than all other forklift on the market, according to Combilift, and the flicking of a switch allows users to handle long loads in less than three seconds - in the same aisle, with the same machine. 

“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.”