A container forklift is specifically designed to unload and load huge, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to transport freight off and on truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest types of forklifts made. They need to be extremely maneuverable on terrain that is uneven and have enough torque and power to raise bulky containers safely. Usually, they 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 have to be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are just designed to raise the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler makes use of 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 transfer containers. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the maximum weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.