A container forklift is particularly designed to load and unload huge, heavy freight containers. They are utilized to shuttle freight off and on ships, truck beds and trains. Container forklifts are the most sturdy and biggest types of forklifts made. They need to be extremely maneuverable on uneven terrain and have sufficient power and torque to safely raise bulky containers. Normally, they have heavy-duty diesel engines and large pneumatic tires.
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 types of container forklifts are just meant to lift the containers several meters off the ground. Other container handlers use a different technique for carrying containers to greater heights. A container handler makes use of a device 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 be able to maintain stability.
Carrying and transporting 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 maximum weight they can handle. The forklift's capabilities should never be exceeded and must be posted prominently in the cockpit.