In container yards and container depots, where maneuverability is of crucial importance or the space is comparatively limited, the operator will employ container handler more instead of the gantry yard cranes. In Chinese, people usually call these trucks forklift, probably because their trucks develop from forklift trucks, but actually we can’t say their spreaders are forks. 

Loaded container handler (fig 35-1)

These kind of heavy-duty container handlers have been developed exclusively for ports and terminals with strong demands on productivity and high quality operation. These machines are asked for among demanding terminal operators all over the world.

These trucks cover 20’-40’container handling up to 45 ton capacity and five high stacking at full capacity. This means that you may easily find the right machine or combination of machines to suit your operational requirements.

To leverage operational productivity, it’s essential that the driver has full control over every moment of the handling sequence. This starts with the 360º visibility from the cabin and is followed by the open design of the mast and gantry. The visual contact with the stack, container corners, twist-locks and spreader is optimized.

Fine-tuning the spreader to handle uneven levels or loads, mast tilt, extension, twist lock landing is accomplished by utilizing a powerful electronic support feedback and control system.

Empty container handler

Handling empty containers is a fast-paced job. Containers have to be moved or stacked quickly and efficiently. They must be stacked high and close together in order to exploit the available land area to the full.

At the same time, land area gets more and more valuable, that’s why high stacking and a minimum of ground space becomes an important factor. Empty container handler usually can fulfill both the conditions of fast and efficient stacking and the condition of minimum ground area by about two empty container trucks ranges.

Empty stacking is a precise and time-consuming task, with simple and accurate positioning of containers as a must. Therefore, it is important that the truck chassis, the lifting mast/boom and the side spreader are strong and stable.

Empty container lift trucks usually have a capacity of no more than 10 tons for a total stacking up to 8+1 containers height, and at the same time offer an extraordinary stability and total cost-efficiency.

Reach stacker

Handling containers with reach stackers is one of the most flexible solutions whether to operate a small or medium sized port. It represents standards for reliability, performance and easy maintenance. It is available in toplift or combi-lift configurations. And it has new diagnostics for easy trouble shooting. Environmentally-friendly engines offer low emissions, smoother automatic gear shift and driver controls.

A reach stacker is one of the most flexible options for empty container handling. It comes in with a stacking height of 6 or 5 as standard. The empty reach stacker is designed for high, top lift, stacking, and narrow gangways.

But reach stackers are also often designed for loaded boxes. In this case, it enjoys the same maneuverability with other types of loaded container trucks.