A container forklift is specially designed to unload and load big, heavy freight containers. They are used to shuttle freight on and off ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and largest types of forklifts manufactured. They need to be very maneuverable on uneven terrain and have enough power and torque to lift large containers safely. They typically have large pneumatic tires and heavy-duty diesel engines.
A container forklift, like all types of forklift, uses forks to be able to raise the containers. Forks need to be positioned to make certain the load is secure during transport. Some types of container forklifts are only designed to raise the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for lifting containers to greater heights. A container handler makes use of an apparatus 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.
Lifting and transferring containers is the main purpose of a container forklift. Standard forklifts do not have sufficient reach for working in ports. The forks are rated according to the most weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities should be posted prominently in the cockpit and should never be exceeded.