Container spec forklifts, also known as container handlers, are specialized industrial vehicles designed for lifting, moving, and stacking shipping containers in ports, terminals, intermodal yards, and container depots. These machines range from compact electric handlers for empty containers to massive diesel-powered reach stackers capable of lifting 45+ tons.
Primary Container Forklift Types
Type Primary Use Capacity Range Typical Applications
Empty Container Handler Lifting and stacking empty containers 6,000 – 11,000 kg Container depots, ports, intermodal terminals
Laden Container Handler Lifting and moving loaded (heavy) containers 26,000 – 52,000 kg Ports, shipyards, heavy terminal operations
Reach Stacker Stacking containers multiple rows high and deep 45,000 – 48,000 kg Ports, rail yards, intermodal facilities
Empty Container Handlers – Specifications
Empty container handlers are purpose-built for stacking empty shipping containers up to 3–9 high, depending on the model.
Hyster J6-7XD-EC3/4 Series (Electric)
Hyster's new battery-powered empty container handler series features integrated lithium-ion batteries and a 350V system architecture.
Specification Detail
Load Capacity 6,000 – 7,000 kg
Stacking Height 3–4 containers high
Drive System Electric, lithium-ion battery
Architecture 350V system
Charging Standardized CCS for interim charging
Hyster Heavy-Duty Empty Container Handlers (Diesel)
Model Series Capacity Stacking Height
H6XD-12EC3 – H7XD-12EC4 6,000 – 7,000 kg 3–4 high
H8XD-EC6 – H11XD-ECD9 8,000 – 11,000 kg 6–9 high
Montini MR 7 Container Electric Forklift (2018–2026)
Specification Detail
Nominal Load 7 t
Weight 11.5 t
Total Width 1,670 mm
Construction Height 2,250 mm
Lifting Height 4 m
Turning Radius 2.777 m
Voltage 96 V
Travel Speed (with/without load) 18 / 18 km/h
Laden Container Handlers – Specifications
Laden container handlers are built for lifting loaded (heavy) containers, typically weighing 26–31 tons for a standard loaded 20-foot or 40-foot container.
Hyster Laden Container Handler Series
Model Series Capacity
H28-32XM-16CH 26,400 – 31,000 kg
H40-52XM-16CH 40,000 – 52,000 kg
General Specifications for Laden Handlers
Specification Range
Load Capacity 26,000 – 52,000 kg
Load Center Typically 1,220 mm
Power Source Diesel (Cummins, Volvo engines)
Mast Type Clear-vision mast with heavy-duty tilt cylinders
Features Side shift, rear counterweight, corrosion-resistant components, hydraulic stabilizers
Reach Stackers – High-Capacity Container Specialists
Reach stackers are the most powerful container handling machines, capable of stacking containers up to 5 high and 3 deep.
Toyota THD9900-R68 Reach Stacker (2019–2026)
Specification Detail
Nominal Load 44.9 t (99,000 lbs)
Weight 82.917 t
Total Width 4,191 mm
Construction Height 4,597 mm
Lifting Height 15.392 m
Travel Speed 31.1 km/h
Turning Radius 8.712 m
Wheelbase 5.994 m
Engine Cummins QSM11, 246 kW
Displacement 10.815 L
Max Torque 1,674 Nm @ 1,400 rpm
Emission Level Tier 3
XCMG XCS4545K Reach Stacker (2024–2026)
Specification Detail
Nominal Load 45 t
Lifting Height 13.6 m
Wheelbase 8 m
Engine Cummins / Volvo
Emission Level EU3/Tier 3, EU4/Tier 4F, EU5
Sany SRSC45H4 Reach Stacker (2025–2026)
Specification Detail
Nominal Load 45 t
Weight 72 t
Total Width 6,053 mm
Construction Height 4,770 mm
Lifting Height 15.1 m
Travel Speed (with/without load) 21 / 25 km/h
Turning Radius 8 m
Wheelbase 6 m
Engine Cummins QSL9, 248 kW
Max Torque 1,424 – 1,500 Nm
Emission Level Tier IV
Kalmar Reach Stacker (DRG450S)
Specification Detail
Lifting Capacity 45 tons (99,000 lbs)
Stacking Height Up to 8 containers high
Stacking Depth Up to 3 containers deep
Container Sizes ISO 20ft – 40ft, 45ft – 56ft in 40ft position
Key Specifications Summary Table
Equipment Type Brand/Model Capacity Weight Lifting Height Power
Electric Empty Handler Hyster J6-7XD-EC3/4 6–7 t — 3–4 high Electric Li-ion
Electric Empty Handler Montini MR 7 7 t 11.5 t 4 m 96V Electric
Laden Handler Hyster H28-32XM 26.4–31 t — — Diesel
Laden Handler Hyster H40-52XM 40–52 t — — Diesel
Reach Stacker Toyota THD9900-R68 44.9 t 82.9 t 15.4 m Cummins 246 kW
Reach Stacker XCMG XCS4545K 45 t — 13.6 m Cummins/Volvo
Reach Stacker Sany SRSC45H4 45 t 72 t 15.1 m Cummins 248 kW
Reach Stacker Kalmar DRG450S 45 t — 8 high Diesel
Container Compatibility
Container handlers and reach stackers are designed to handle standard ISO shipping containers:
20-foot containers: Standard handling
40-foot containers: Standard handling
45-foot to 56-foot containers: Can be picked up in 40-foot position
Load Center Considerations
Standard load center for laden handlers: Typically 1,220 mm (48 inches)
Reach stacker load centers: Up to 1,900–1,981 mm
Common Features Across Container Spec Forklifts
Feature Purpose
Side Shift Enables precise container alignment during pick-up and placement
Heavy-Duty Tilt Cylinders Provides stability during lifting and transport
Rear Counterweight Balances heavy front loads for stability
Hydraulic Stabilizers Provides additional stability during lifting
Corrosion-Resistant Components Protects against saltwater exposure in port environments
Smart Backup Alarm Enhances safety in busy terminal operations
Clear-Vision Mast Improves operator visibility during container handling
Summary
Container spec forklifts are specialized machines designed for shipping container handling in ports, terminals, and intermodal yards. Empty container handlers (6–11 ton capacity) stack empty containers up to 9 high; laden container handlers (26–52 ton capacity) move loaded containers; and reach stackers (45–48 ton capacity) provide the highest versatility, stacking containers up to 8 high and 3 deep. Leading manufacturers include Hyster, Toyota, Kalmar, Sany, and XCMG, with electric options emerging from Hyster (J6-7XD-EC3/4 series) and Montini (MR 7). Key specifications to evaluate include load capacity, lifting height, stacking capability, power source, and emission compliance.