Belgian concrete company invests in efficient logistics and material handling solutions

Mabo BeNeLux has a wide range of efficiency-enhancing and space-saving solutions. It is the exclusive importer of leading brands, such as the Aisle Master narrow aisle forklifts, Combilift and Baumann side loaders, Combilift Straddle Carriers and Innolift transport stackers. Mabo has branches in Lier (B), Zulte (B), Enkhuizen (NL), Vianen (NL) and Weiswampach (LU) and has become the reference in the Benelux.

Streamlining production flow

At customer Lithobeton, Mabo recently delivered two machines: a Combilift MG Mobile Gantry with a capacity of 25 tons and a Combilift SC Straddle Carrier that can handle up to 35 tons. Lithobeton is a manufacturer of precast concrete products for water works, road construction and electricity. In the latter segment, it is best known for the production of medium-voltage cabins, which it makes on behalf of both industrial customers and distribution system operators Fluvius (Flanders) and Ores (Wallonia), among others. Thanks to these machines, Lithobeton was able to significantly streamline its production flow.

Wim Scheldeman, head of the cabs department at Lithobeton: "Due to the strongly growing demand for our cabs, we faced a logistical problem at both our Gistel and Baudour sites. We have a fixed overhead crane there, which we also use to bring out the finished booths and load them onto the trailers. As a result, we could use the overhead cranes less and less in the actual production process. Thanks to our new Combilift MG and SC, this problem was solved and our overhead cranes were relieved."

Specific adaptations

"We produce precast concrete cabins in various sizes, with a lifting weight per part from 10 to 27 tons. The capacity of both Combilift machines is more than adequate for this. Precisely because of these different dimensions, it was important to perfectly match the lifting points on the elevators. In close consultation with Mabo, these adjustments were carried out without any problems," says Scheldeman.

Compact and high-performance

Due to their remarkable product specifications, Combilift machines can be used in a wide variety of applications and business sectors. The Combilift Mobile Gantry is a compact, mobile gantry crane that can handle loads from 20 to 80 tons. The patented telescopic elevator system provides a high lifting height and low clearance height, which means gates are not a problem and the unit can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The Combilift MG is multidirectional (carousel, diagonal, sideways, longitudinal, ...) and even allows full sideshifting. The latter is especially important for maximum storage and accessibility of loads. The Combilift Straddle Carrier is the economic alternative to traditional reach stackers and the perfect machine for storing containers safely and efficiently. Due to its limited "footprint" and enormous maneuverability, the Combilift SC can also be used on smaller sites. 

The net weight of the Combilift Straddle Carrier is only 17 tons. This is considerably less than a comparable reach stacker, which easily weighs 80 tons. So the floor does not have to be reinforced and you save on fuel. Furthermore, the floor pressure is also distributed over the three wheels, a concept that allows for a remarkably smaller turning radius.