A type of equipment which is specially designed to unload and load heavy, large 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 sturdy kinds of forklifts made. They have to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient torque and power to safely lift bulky containers. They typically have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all kinds of forklift, uses forks to lift the containers. Forks need to be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are only 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 makes use of 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 be able to maintain stability.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to raise and transfer containers. Standard forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they can handle. The capabilities of the forklift must be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.