A container forklift is particularly designed to load and unload large, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to transport freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the biggest and most durable kinds of forklifts manufactured. They have to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient torque and power to lift large containers safely. They usually have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks need to be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Some container forklift models are only designed to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize another method for carrying 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 machine is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
Lifting and transporting containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. 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 should be posted prominently in the cockpit and must never be exceeded.