Combilift WR4 - Safer Pedestrian Long Load Handling

Improving safety was at the forefront of engineers minds when they developed Combilift’s first pedestrian model the WR reach stacker.

The WR was quickly followed by the launch of the specialist 4-way pedestrian reach stacker WR4 model.

The WR4 model was the first pedestrian stacker to integrate multi-directional travel with features such as a pantograph reach, side-shift and tilting tyne carriage for handling long loads.

Following on from last week’s blog that looked at the safety benefits provided by Combilift’s C and CB series of ride-on forklifts when handling long loads, this week’s blog highlights the improved safety and benefits of Combilift’s pedestrian long load handling units.

Slower Operating Speed, Reduced Injury Risk and Damage

Pedestrian units such as the WR4 operate at speeds significantly slower than ride-on forklifts.

The WR4 maximum ground speed is 6km/h compared to the C-Series maximum speed of 14km/h.

The lower operating speed greatly reduces the injury risk to operators and also other employees in the unit’s operational area.

Halving the units maximum operating speed means in the event of an emergency the unit will require less time and distance to brake and come to a complete stop, potentially being the difference between it actually hitting and injuring an employee or being able to stop in time without contact.

If the unit were to accidentally hit an employee, stored product or other capital equipment, due to the reduced speed the collision would occur at injury or damage can be greatly reduced or minimised.

Multi-Direction Travel Eliminates Raised Loads

Manoeuvring long loads with a standard pedestrian stacker can greatly increase risks to operators, spotters and surrounding structures and equipment as the load may need to be raised high in the air to be able to navigate around obstacles or down aisles which is considered a hazardous practice.

Due to the length of the load and its weight there is a high chance of instability and the risk the load may fall off the tynes potentially causing damage, injury or death.

The WR4’s multi-directional travel ability eliminates the need for elevated loads greatly improving workplace safety, the unit is able to safely manoeuvre long loads around objects and corners combined with the unit’s integrated low level base that allows loads to be rested securely during transport.

h2.Multi-Position Tiller Arm Provides Greater Operator Control

The WR4’s patented multi-position tiller arm allows push button rotation of the rear wheel, allowing the operator to remain to the side of the unit in the safest position possible when picking up or placing goods in narrow aisles.

By allowing the operator to stand to the side of the unit they are able to better view the load as it is being picked up or set down, whilst also ensuring that the operator cannot become stuck between the unit and the racking if an accident were to occur in a narrow aisle or confined space.

Electronic power-steering, fingertip controls on the tiller arm and dual side front wheels provide operators with superior manoeuvrability and control of the unit when in operation, allowing the for the easy handling of long and bulky loads in narrow confines and around corners.

Narrow Aisle Operation and Space Saving

The WR4’a ability to fit through doors and aisle as narrow as 2.1m wide allows adopters to increase the available storage space to allow for larger quantities of stock to be stored providing positive benefits to their stock supply chain and availability.

The aforementioned safety benefits outline why the Combilift WR4 multi-directional pedestrian stacker is one of the safest and most efficient way to transport long loads.

To find out how you can improve your operations safety through the adoption of a Combilift WR4 multi-directional pedestrian stacker contact our team on 13 22 54 or fill out a contact form.