A container forklift is specifically designed to load and unload large, heavy freight containers. They are used to transport freight off and on ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest kinds of forklifts manufactured. They have to be extremely maneuverable on terrain that is uneven and have enough torque and power to safely raise bulky containers. Typically, they have big pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Like all types of forklifts, a container forklift uses forks in order to lift the containers. Forks need to be positioned to make sure the load is secure during transport. Various kinds of container forklifts are just designed to lift the containers a few meters off the ground. Other container handlers utilize a different method for carrying 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. Regular forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated based on the maximum weight they could handle. The capabilities of the forklift should be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.