A kind of equipment that is particularly used to load and unload heavy, large freight containers is called a container forklift. They are utilized to shuttle freight off and on ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the largest and most sturdy types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to lift large containers safely. They usually have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift utilizes forks in order to raise the containers. Forks should be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are just designed to raise the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize another 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 machinery is counterbalanced with weights to maintain stability.
Lifting and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the most weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.