A kind of equipment which is specially used to unload and load heavy, big freight containers is known as a container forklift. They are utilized to shuttle freight on and off trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the largest and most durable types of forklifts made. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient power and torque to lift large containers safely. Usually, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all kinds of forklift, utilizes forks in order to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Several kinds of container forklifts are only meant to raise the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for carrying containers to greater heights. A container handler uses 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.
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 according to the maximum weight they can handle. The capabilities of the forklift should be posted prominently in the cockpit and must never be exceeded.