Combilift forklifts have redefined how businesses manage long, bulky, and awkward loads. As the world’s leading manufacturer of multi-directional and specialist forklifts, Combilift has built a reputation for innovation, safety, and efficiency. From warehouses with narrow aisles to construction sites handling oversized materials, their forklift machines are designed to overcome the limitations of traditional forklift trucks.
If you’re comparing articulated forklifts for tight warehouse spaces or long-load handling, Combilift’s innovative multi-directional forklifts offer a powerful alternative — combining the agility of an articulated forklift with the strength and stability of a counterbalance truck.
This guide explores the different Combilift forklift models available in the UK, explains why Combilift is considered a smart investment, and helps you decide whether buying a Combilift forklift or hiring one is the right choice for your business.
Why Choose a Combilift Forklift?
Traditional forklifts are often limited by aisle width, load length, or terrain. Combilift forklifts stand out because they combine the functions of a counterbalance forklift, a sideloader, and a very narrow aisle (VNA) truck into one flexible machine — offering the same manoeuvrability benefits as an articulated forklift, but with added multi-directional capability. This design allows them to operate safely in tight spaces, move in multiple directions, and handle loads that would be awkward or unsafe with standard equipment.
Key Benefits of Combilift Forklifts:
- Maximise warehouse capacity by reducing aisle widths and cutting down on double-handling of materials.
- Enhanced operator safety with low centre of gravity and improved visibility.
- Multi-directional functionality for handling long, bulky, or awkward loads efficiently.
- Versatility across industries, including timber, steel, logistics, construction, and agriculture.
- Available for hire or sale in the UK, offering flexible solutions for short-term or long-term operations.
For businesses, this means more than just convenience. A Combilift forklift can effectively double warehouse capacity while providing safe, reliable operation across multiple environments.
Combilift Forklift Models Explained
Multi-Directional Forklifts (C-Series)
The C-Series is Combilift’s flagship range, combining the features of a counterbalance forklift, a sideloader, and a VNA truck into one versatile machine. These forklifts outperform standard articulated forklifts when handling long or awkward loads, thanks to their true multi-directional travel. Available in diesel, LPG, and electric versions, the C-Series is adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use, offering lifting capacities from 2,500 kg up to 25,000 kg+.
Compact Range (Combi-CB)
For businesses operating in restricted spaces, the Combi-CB forklift provides a smaller footprint without sacrificing power. This compact, multi-directional forklift is perfect for warehouses or production facilities where floor space is at a premium. Its manoeuvrability makes it ideal for indoor smooth flooring as well as semi-rough outdoor terrain.
Specialist Forklifts
Combilift also produces a range of specialist forklifts and machines tailored to unique applications:
- Combi-MR stand-on reach trucks for very narrow aisles.
- Sideloaders for long or heavy loads like steel beams and timber.
- Straddle carriers and heavy-duty units for oversized containers or extremely heavy materials.
- Niche solutions like poultry forklifts and container loaders, alongside warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks, stackers, and reach trucks.
Reasons to Invest in a Combilift Forklift Truck
Cost Savings and Flexibility
Hiring Combilift forklifts is often more cost-effective than purchasing outright, as it removes the need for a large upfront investment. Rental costs are typically based on usage, giving businesses the flexibility to scale their fleet up or down in line with seasonal demand or project requirements. This makes Combilift a practical solution for companies that want to manage cash flow while accessing high-quality equipment.
Access to the Latest Technology
Hiring allows businesses to operate the newest Combilift models, which often feature enhanced safety systems, improved fuel efficiency, and higher productivity.
Comprehensive Product Range
Combilift offers one of the most diverse ranges of forklifts in the industry, including diesel, LPG, and electric trucks with lifting capacities from 1.2 to 16 tons. Warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks, stackers, and reach trucks are also available, allowing businesses to source multiple solutions from one trusted supplier.
Trusted Brand Reputation
As a global leader in compact and multi-directional forklifts, Combilift is synonymous with safety, reliability, and high performance. Their machines are designed to withstand demanding environments and deliver consistent results, making them a trusted choice for businesses worldwide.
Customisable Attachments
Combilift forklifts can be equipped with attachments such as tipping skips, extension forks, and gantry jibs to suit specialised operational needs across industries, including construction, timber, steel, and logistics.
Buying vs Hiring: Which Option is Right?
Buying a Combilift Forklift
For businesses with steady, long-term material handling requirements, purchasing a Combilift forklift is often the most cost-effective solution. Ownership provides reliable access, asset value, and potential resale opportunities. Long-term operations benefit from lower ongoing costs, especially when forklifts are used across multiple shifts daily.
Hiring / Leasing a Combilift Forklift
Hiring offers flexibility and predictable costs, ideal for seasonal or short-term operations. It provides access to the newest Combilift forklift models with up-to-date safety features and efficiency improvements. Most hire agreements include servicing and maintenance, reducing downtime and operational risk.
How to Decide
The choice depends on your business’s priorities: consistent, daily use favours purchasing; unpredictable, seasonal, or growing operations benefit from hiring. At Budget Forktrucks, our hire fleet of 450+ trucks covers one-day rentals to seven-year long-term hire or lease purchase agreements tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re upgrading from a traditional counterbalance truck or exploring articulated forklifts for tighter warehouse layouts, Combilift’s multi-directional designs deliver enhanced performance, safety, and flexibility.
Buy or Hire Combilift Forklifts with Budget Forktrucks
Whether you decide to buy a Combilift forklift for long-term use or hire a Combilift forklift for short-term flexibility, Budget Forktrucks provides the expert guidance, servicing, and after-sales support your business needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find the right Combilift forklift for your UK operation. Budget Forktrucks supplies models across Berkshire, Hampshire, and the South of England.
Explore Combilift forklift models, compare buy vs hire, and select the right forklift for your materials handling needs.
