Can be moved in all directions - ideal for long goods

Röder HTS Höcker constructions are sold all over the world from the ultra-modern, 64,000 square meter production site in Kefenrod, Hesse. The name Röder has been inextricably linked with temporary tent system constructions for over 50 years. The company manufactures pagoda tents, large marquees, polygonal sports halls and rapid deployment tents and supplies them to restaurants, the military, aid organizations and industrial companies.

The multidirectional sideloader from Combilift can even maneuver loads up to 18 meters in length. Photo: Combilift

In the high season, the company can work 24 hours a day to produce up to 60,000 square meters of tent constructions every week. This requires a considerable volume of materials to be handled. Due to the various sizes and the sometimes unusual dimensions of the raw materials such as steel and aluminum as well as the finished products, the internal transport of the loads poses a challenge for conventional industrial trucks.

By purchasing a Combilift multidirectional sideloader, even the longest loads of 18 meters can be maneuvered efficiently and in a space-saving manner. "The new 5-ton Combilift C5000SR diesel model with the 180-degree rotated cab replaced an old swing stacker and is in many respects the best solution for Röder HTS Höcker's requirements," says Dirk Eisenträger from IMA-Aschaffenburg, who recommended the Combilift forklifts to the tent manufacturer.

Thanks to the cab position, the load always remains in the driver's field of vision. Photo: Combilift

Thanks to the cab position, the load always remains in the driver's field of vision and, together with the additionally mounted cameras (one on the mast and two on the sides of the platform), an optimum view of the entire load is guaranteed. For Mirco Neun, responsible for material delivery at Röder HTS Höcker, the Combilift not only offers increased safety, but also faster material handling.

"In contrast to 'normal' forklift types, the 4-way C5000SR is much more maneuverable, eliminating the need to maneuver back and forth in bottlenecks. I can also lift larger capacity loads - up to five tons - at once. Driving sideways has enabled us to make the aisles in the warehouse narrower. With lanes just 2.5 meters wide, optimum use of the space is guaranteed."

From 10 to 100 tons

The C5000SR 4-way stacker can lift up to 5 tons at a time. Photo: Combilift

The robust Combilift is ideally suited to the demanding conditions: depending on requirements, it transports 10 to 100 tons of material per day between the outdoor storage area, the production facility and the warehouse. The device is in constant use from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and covers at least 20 kilometers a day on the large company premises. After just seven months of use, the operating hours counter is already showing over 800 hours, proving its high workload.

Irish expansion

In order to keep up with the demand for its products, Combilift began building a new 46,000 square meter production facility last year. This is where the global headquarters will be relocated and the R&D center will be located. Combilift is investing 40 million euros in this project. The 40-hectare site is located not far from the two original factories in Monaghan, Ireland. Production is scheduled to start in the new premises in 2017. With this expansion, the company is on track for the planned significant increase in production figures and a doubling of the current turnover over the next five years.

Mirco Neun is impressed by the comfort and performance of the device: "I spend a lot of time in the cab and, given my height of 1.91 meters, I can only say good things about the comfort. The Combilift is ideal for transporting long goods and small Euro pallets. It also masters inclines effortlessly and is indispensable for efficient handling."

Liz Townsend