A kind of equipment that is particularly used to unload and load heavy, big freight containers is referred to as a container forklift. They are used to transport freight on and off ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They have to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to safely raise large 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 raise the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Several types of container forklifts are just designed to raise the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers use another 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 machinery is counterbalanced with weights to maintain stability.
Carrying and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities must never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.