Container loading and unloading: 3-ton forklift body size and gantry configuration reference

3-Ton forklift body size reference for container operations

Body base size requirements

The internal width of a conventional 20-foot and 40-foot standard container is generally around 2.35 meters, and the depth varies from 5.9 meters to 12 meters depending on the box type. Therefore, the total length of a 3-ton forklift suitable for container operations is usually controlled between 2.6 meters and 2.9 meters. When the fork is fully retracted, it will not exceed the body too much, and it will not bump the door or inner wall when moving back and forth in the box. The width of the body should be controlled between 1.15 meters and 1.25 meters, leaving enough operating margin to avoid scratching the walls of the box on both sides when lifting the goods.

Turning radius parameter reference

The inner space of the container is narrow, and there is no extra steering margin. The minimum turning radius of the suitable 3-ton forklift needs to be controlled within 1.8 meters. Even in the smallest 20-foot container, the steering adjustment can be successfully completed, without the need to repeatedly move the car to waste working time. It can also avoid improper operation and scratch the box wall, reducing the loss of containers and goods.

Reference for gantry configuration of 3-ton forklift truck suitable for container operation

Standard container gantry configuration

The internal clear height of an ordinary standard container is generally around 2.38 meters. It is recommended to choose a two-stage fully free gantry. The total height of the gantry should be controlled within 2.2 meters. When entering and leaving the container, the top will not be scratched. When the gantry lift height reaches 3 meters, it can meet the yardage requirements of conventional pallet goods. During operation, the driver has a better field of vision and can clearly observe the placement of the goods, reducing the probability of operation errors.

High box work gantry configuration

If it is loading and unloading a 40-foot-high box, with an internal clear height of 2.69 meters, two or three fully free door frames can be selected according to the operation requirements. The door frame's stacking height can be controlled within 2.5 meters to enter the box smoothly. If you need to complete double-layer cargo stacking in the box, you can choose a door frame configuration with a lifting height of 3.5 meters to 4 meters to meet higher stacking requirements.

When actually selecting the configuration, it is also necessary to adjust the weight of the goods and the size of the pallet for daily loading and unloading. Before operation, the actual internal size of the container used can also be measured in advance to avoid situations where the configuration does not match and cannot be operated. At the same time, attention should be paid to the total weight of the forklift not exceeding the load-bearing limit of the container to ensure the safety of the entire operation.