A container forklift is particularly designed to unload and load large, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most durable and biggest types of forklifts made. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to safely raise bulky containers. Usually, they have large pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Like all types of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks to raise the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Several kinds of container forklifts are just meant to raise the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for carrying containers to greater heights. A container handler makes use of a device attached to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machinery 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 enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.