A kind of equipment which is particularly used to unload and load heavy, large freight containers is called a container forklift. They are used to transport freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most durable and largest types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on terrain that is uneven and have enough 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 designed to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use another technique 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 machine is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to lift and transfer containers. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they can handle. The capabilities of the forklift must never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.