A container forklift is specifically designed to load and unload huge, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight on and off trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the biggest and most sturdy kinds of forklifts manufactured. They have to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough torque and power to safely lift bulky containers. They typically have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Some types of container forklifts are just meant 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 an apparatus affixed to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machinery is counterbalanced with weights to maintain stability.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to raise and transfer containers. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the most weight they could handle. The forklift's capabilities must never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.