There are several tools that you can use to lift a container, one of which is a container lift trailer. The trailer can lift a container on or off its chassis using hydraulic cranes mounted on the sides.
It can transfer containers between the trailer and the ground or another vehicle, such as a truck or a rail wagon.
Here is a breakdown of what a container lift trailer is and how it works!
Contents
Definition
A container lift trailer is a semi-trailer equipped with hydraulic lifting arms or cranes mounted on its sides that can pick up standard ISO containers. It works without needing an external crane or forklift.
This is usually used to move a container from the ground, another trailer, or a railcar, and place it on the trailer bed for transport.
The common uses of a container lift trailer are freight transport, port operations, inland container depots, distribution centers, and construction sites where cranes are unavailable.
How It Works
1. Positioning the Trailer
Park the trailer next to or under a container. But, before that, you have to make sure that the ground is relatively level and firm for stability.
Then, deploy the outrigger legs (stabilizers) on both sides of the trailer to prevent tipping during the lift.
2. Attaching the Lifting Arms
The trailer has two hydraulic cranes, one at the front and one at the rear. Each crane arm is equipped with chains or hydraulic hooks that connect to the corner castings of the shipping container.
These lifting arms are telescopic, allowing the trailer to handle both 20’ and 40’ containers.
3. Lifting the Container
Once secured, the hydraulic system that has been powered by the truck’s PTO or an auxiliary diesel engine activates the lifting arms.
Then, the arms raise the container vertically until it clears the ground or another trailer. The lifting capacity typically ranges from 30 to 45 tons, depending on the model.
4. Loading onto the Trailer
Swing and slide the container sideways onto the trailer bed. Once in position, twist locks on the trailer engage to secure the container for road transport.
5. Transport
Once loaded, the container is securely fastened for road transport. The container is now locked in place, and your truck can transport it directly to its destination.
6. Unloading the Container
When unloading, you need to deploy the stabilizers, release the twist locks, and attach the lifting arms to the corners.
After the container is lifted off the trailer, place it carefully on the ground or another vehicle.
Key Features
1. Hydraulic Lifting System
The container lift trailer is equipped with two powerful hydraulic cranes at the front and rear ends of the trailer. This will make the container lift trailer able to lift, lower, and transfer containers to and from the ground, other trailers, or railcars.
The lifting system is operated via a hydraulic power system from the truck’s PTO or an auxiliary engine.
2. Telescopic Arms
The telescopic arms of a container lift trailer are adjustable, providing flexibility for multi-size container operations. They can extend or retract to handle different container sizes, such as 20’, 40’, and 45’ containers.
3. Stabilizer Legs (Outriggers)
The stabilizer legs are one of the most important components of a Container Lift Trailer. They ensure stability, balance, and safety during container lifting and lowering operations.
Stabilizer legs are hydraulically operated supports that extend from the sides of the trailer to the ground when lifting or unloading a container. They spread the load and prevent the trailer from tipping over due to the heavy, uneven weight of the container being lifted from the side.
4. Twist Locks and Locking System
The Twist Locks and Locking System on a Container Lift Trailer are used to secure containers during transport. They ensure that the container stays firmly attached to the trailer chassis, even under heavy loads, sharp turns, or rough road conditions.
These mechanical locking devices are installed on the trailer’s chassis that engage with the 4 corner castings of a shipping container. When the twist lock is inserted and rotated 90°, it locks the container securely in place.
5. High Lifting Capacity
The high-lifting capacity of a Container Lift Trailer is one of its most defining and valuable features.
It allows the trailer to safely lift, transfer, and transport heavy shipping containers that often weigh tens of tons, without the need for external cranes or lifting equipment.
The lifting capacity refers to the maximum weight that the container lift trailer’s hydraulic cranes can safely lift and handle, usually between 30 to 45 metric tons.
6. Remote Control Operation
A container lift trailer is designed to lift, transport, and unload shipping containers without the need for external cranes.
Modern trailers frequently feature remote-control operation systems that allow the operator to control all lifting and stabilizing functions from a safe distance.
7. Self-Loading and Unloading Capability
With a container lift trailer, you can load/unload containers independently, eliminating the need for external cranes or forklifts. This makes it ideal for remote or off-port locations.
8. Durable Chassis Construction
Built from high-tensile steel, a container lift trailer can support heavy loads. It also has a reinforced frame to handle the stress from lifting operations.
9. Hydraulic Power Source
The hydraulic power source for a container lift trailer is either a truck PTO (Power Take-Off) or an auxiliary diesel engine mounted on the trailer. Both of them ensure efficient lifting even when the main truck engine is not running.
Conclusion
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