A container forklift is specifically designed to load and unload big, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to transport freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and largest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They need to be extremely maneuverable on terrain that is uneven and have sufficient power and torque to lift large containers safely. They usually have heavy-duty diesel engines and big pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all kinds of forklift, uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Some container forklift models are just meant to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize another technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler makes use of a device 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 sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should be posted prominently in the cockpit and must never be exceeded.