A container forklift is specially used to unload and load big, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the largest and most sturdy kinds of forklifts made. They have to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough torque and power to raise bulky containers safely. They usually have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift utilizes forks to be able to raise the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Some kinds of container forklifts are only meant to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler uses a device 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 raise and transfer containers. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the maximum weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift must never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.