A kind of equipment that is particularly utilized to unload and load heavy, huge freight containers is called a container forklift. They are used to shuttle freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and largest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on terrain which is uneven and have sufficient torque and power to safely lift large containers. Normally, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks need to be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are only meant to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler utilizes a device affixed to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machine is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
Lifting and transporting containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities must never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.