A container forklift is particularly designed to load and unload large, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on terrain which is uneven and have enough power and torque to safely lift large containers. Normally, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks to be able to raise the containers. Forks must be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Several container forklift models are only meant to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler utilizes an apparatus 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.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to lift and transport containers. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities must never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.