Container handlers belong to the category of heavy duty forklift trucks because they can lift very heavy loads. They also belong to the category of counterbalanced forklifts, and classification as 4-wheel forklift trucks is also common. They are designed specifically for container handling. A distinction is made between used container handlers for empty containers, with a capacity of about 10 t, and full container handlers, with a capacity of about 40 t.
Container handlers are used at major transport hubs such as ports or freight terminals, where they load and unload ships, trains and trucks.
In addition to container handlers, used reach stackers are also used in container handling. Because of their telescopic boom design, reach stackers can lift higher than container handlers and stack containers up to the third row. Standard container handlers are usually designed only for stacking in the first row.
Empty container handlers are also available with a double lift frame, allowing 2 empty containers to be lifted and transported at the same time. They have an operating weight of about 70 t and are usually diesel-powered, although a few models with electric drive are also available.
