A kind of machine which is specially designed to unload and load heavy, big freight containers is known as a container forklift. They are utilized to shuttle freight on and off trains, ships and truck beds. Container forklifts are the biggest and most durable kinds of forklifts manufactured. They need to be extremely maneuverable on terrain which is uneven and have sufficient power and torque to safely raise large containers. They typically have large pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Like all kinds of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks must be positioned to ensure the load is secure during transport. Some container forklift models are only meant 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 an apparatus affixed to the front of the vehicle to clamp down on either end of the container like jaws. The machinery is counterbalanced with weights to be able to maintain stability.
The main purpose of a container forklift is to raise and transport containers. Regular forklifts do not have enough reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities should never be exceeded and should be posted prominently in the cockpit.