A kind of equipment that is particularly used to unload and load heavy, huge freight containers is referred to as a container forklift. They are used to transport freight on and off ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and largest types of forklifts made. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to lift large containers safely. Normally, they have big pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks to raise the containers. Forks should be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Some container forklift models are only designed to raise the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize another method for carrying containers to greater heights. A container handler uses a device attached to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machine is counterbalanced with weights to maintain stability.
Lifting and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the maximum weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift must be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.