A type of equipment that is specially utilized to unload and load heavy, big freight containers is known as a container forklift. They are used to shuttle freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest types of forklifts made. They need to be extremely maneuverable on terrain which is uneven and have enough torque and power to lift bulky containers safely. They normally have large pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift utilizes forks to raise the containers. Forks have to be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Some types of container forklifts are just meant to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different technique for lifting 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 be able to maintain stability.
Carrying and transporting containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.