A type of equipment that is specifically used to unload and load heavy, huge freight containers is known as a container forklift. They are used to transport freight off and on trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest kinds of forklifts made. They have to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient power and torque to safely raise bulky containers. Usually, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks in order to raise the containers. Forks need to be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Various container forklift models are just designed to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler utilizes a device 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 be able to maintain stability.
Lifting and transporting containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Regular 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 must never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.