Anti-overload device improves forklift safety

Ireland-based forklift company Combilift unveiled a new anti-overload device, Combi Safe-Lift, at an online media briefing of the company’s performance over the past year.

The Combi Safe-Lift incorporates a strain sensor on the mast section of the forklift and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is being potentially overloaded.

There is also an audible alarm that warns the operator of an overload situation, and a load moment indicator is fitted to the dashboard in the cab.

From the dashboard, the operator can instantly see from the green, amber and red ‘traffic light’ signalling when there is a risk of overloading or when the forks are not fully engaged, for example, to take appropriate action. Managing director Martin McVicar said the safety feature took the guesswork out of how much weight or how high a load could be lifted, which in turn reduced the pitfalls of potential overload and improved forklift safety. The device can be retrofitted on Combilift trucks currently in operation, but Vicar said the “simple and costeffective system should become a standard option on all counterbalance trucks in future because of its ability to reduce risks for the operator and other personnel, and to avoid produce damage as well as costly repairs”.

Combilift started out selling 18 trucks when it was launched in 1998 and has sold more than 85 000 units to over 85 countries since then.

Sales have been climbing steadily since 2009, with the company selling roughly 9 380 units last year and expected to surpass this number in 2024.

‘IT REDUCES RISKS FOR THE OPERATOR AND OTHER PERSONNEL, AND AVOIDS PRODUCE DAMAGE’