Combilift has added to its order picker range with a re-designed Aisle Master, and the model will be coming to Australia.
Irish manufacturer Combilift has just launched its new Aisle Master-OP machine with orders already being built for a New Zealand customer.
The new Aisle Master-OP is a stand-on electric powered model that combines the advantages of a narrow aisle articulated forklift and an order picker for versatile operation in warehousing applications.
Australian distributor Adaptalift has confirmed to TradePlantEquipment that the model will be made available in Australia.
The development of this latest Combilift model was influenced by customer feedback and the recent soaring growth of e-commerce.
Combilift chief executive Martin McVicar says “Customers already using the Aisle Master for space saving, storage and efficiency in their warehouse asked if we could redevelop the Aisle Master to meet their ever-growing demand for order picking customised orders.”
Research and development carried out in 2019 and 2020 has helped create the Aisle Master-OP to bring it to the customers that wanted an updated machine.
The main feature of this unit is the step-through operator compartment which has design copyright protection across multiple markets worldwide. The low floor height of just 280mm (11 inches) enables convenient, single step access from both sides of the truck which speeds up order picking compared to the operator having to get on and off from a seated position.
The AME-OP truck has all the key advantages of the conventional Aisle Master, both indoor and outdoor, for loading/offloading and for stock replenishment at other times during shifts when order picking is complete.
The new model is available in a number of variants, with lift capacities from 1,500kg to 2,500kg, lift heights up to 12.1m and can operate in aisles as narrow as 1650mm.
It features a patented chain steering system which allows the truck to articulate more than 205°, with an inline drive motor and front drive axle assembly, all of which enable narrower aisle operation.
The multifunctional programmable joystick control lever in the operator compartment, which includes controls for the hydraulics and traction, is adjustable to enable comfortable and ergonomic working conditions for operators of all sizes.
The operator presence detection floor pad engages the parking brake automatically when the operator steps off the truck to carry out order picking.
Martin added: “Before we officially launch any new model, Combilift carry out extensive field testing on customer sites, and this was the case with the Aisle Master-OP.”
The AME-OP is now a production model within Combilift, with units currently being built for customers in the United States and in New Zealand.
One of these customers is Sorted Logistics based in Christchurch, New Zealand, a third-party logistics provider and freight forwarder who will be receiving eight AME-OP units shortly.
“This is a major innovation in the warehousing sector,” added Martin. “The versatility to use the one Aisle Master for multiple applications, such as narrow aisle operation, truck to rack handling, bulk picking and item order picking, will result in strong demand for this new product in our home and export markets around the world.”