A container forklift is specially designed to unload and load big, heavy freight containers. They are used to transport freight on and off truck beds, trains and ships. Container forklifts are the most durable and largest types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on terrain that is uneven and have enough power and torque to raise large containers safely. They typically have big pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Various 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 an apparatus affixed 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. Standard forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities should be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.