A container forklift is specially designed to unload and load huge, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight on and off truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the largest and most sturdy kinds of forklifts made. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to safely lift bulky containers. Usually, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks to raise the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are only designed to raise the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler utilizes an apparatus 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.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to lift and transport containers. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the maximum weight they could handle. The forklift's capabilities should be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.