Containerlifter.com - Frequently Asked Questions


What is a Containerlifter?	Containerlifters are purpose built trailers, [but can be truck mounted] designed to be part of a complete ISO shipping container lift and transport system, utilising only one prime mover, one Containerlifter trailer, and one driver who is also the operator! Or the cranes can be mounted on a Truck chassis [permanently or demountable]. When mounted on a Truck, the Truck will often also pull a trailer, to allow two 20’ containers to be transported. Most New Zealand Containerlifters semi trailers are totally self contained. The Containerlifter comprises of a heavy duty but flexible trailer; with hydraulic operated stabilisers and crane arms mounted at both ends. A diesel engine, which drives a tandem hydraulic pump, is mounted on the trailer chassis. Modern Containerlifters usually have electric controls on wander leads or radio controls. On used units and new lightweight Containerlifters the manual hydraulic operator’s controls are usually mounted at the rear. The lift chains are connected to the bottom corners giving great flexibility, negating the need for weighty top frames and even allows container flats to be lifted. There are many variations and models utilising this basic concept. These range from MiniLifters for handling empty containers through 10, 12, 14 tonne MidiLifters to those able to lift 35 tonnes. Capacities There are three capacities to be considered when discussing a Containerlifter. 1. What the cranes can lift 2. What it can legally transport depends on your national road regulations 3. The maximum design weight of the chassis.

How long does it take to unload?	The Containerlifter allows the transport operator to speedily set down or pick up containers from ground level where they can be easily and economically [un] loaded at a speed and time that suits the recipient. As the Containerlifter rig is totally self-contained there is no need to wait for, or coordinate with a crane truck. Immediately on arrival the driver can deposit the container and be gone. The whole operation taking less than 5 minutes! Or the Containerlifter can for example deliver a heavy container and pick up an empty one.

Can it be used to transfer containers to other vehicles? Here the trailer is driven out totally unimpeded	Most NZ Containerlifters have the ability to transfer to a companion trailer or truck. Some with greater ease than others. With this transferring ability a Containerlifter rig can [un] load many companion trailers at any site and then load itself ready for transport. However the new Containerlifters sold by Containerlifter.com are unique. The stabilisers form an arch right over the deck of the companion truck or trailer and do not in any way load the companion vehicle. This removes any possibility of damage to decks or railings. Because the stabilisers arch over the deck, without resting on the deck and do not go under the companion vehicle, this Containerlifter has the unique ability to also unload a heavy container off a companion vehicle while still retaining a laden container onboard. Only the arch type stabilisers provide this facility. This ability is provided by no other type of stabiliser.

Can the Containerlifter double stack containers?	Yes some models can. But if other than empty containers are to be lifted two high, some type of opposite side stabilisers should be fitted for safety. To place a container one on top of another, necessitates lifting the second container mainly over the Containerlifter chassis. If opposite side stabilisers are fitted the pivot point for a backward rollover is then moved at least to the outside edge of the Containerlifter. If opposite side stabilisers are NOT fitted the pivot point is the only the chassis centre line, which an inattentive or uninformed operator could easily cross, resulting in a dangerous dynamic rearward rollover. Be extremely careful therefore about any claims of stacking heavy containers two high with any Containerlifter without opposite side stabilsers fitted!

What weight are these trailers?	Traditionally the tare weight of Containerlifters has been approx. 11 tonnes. However there are many variations and models and weight of new Containerlifters can be as low as 9 tonnes. Usually there are compromises to be made to achieve this low tare weight, such as needing a dedicated Prime mover with a PTO pump instead of diesel power pack. Did you notice those "Golden Arches" standing proud while folded away? The basic rule with Containerlifters is "Superior stability can not be folded away". This image seen daily on the streets of your city lets it be known, that your Company is really in the Container Handling Business. Standing proud as they do, they do not blend into general traffic shapes. Thousands of potential customers will see your rig daily. My comment is: "If you can hide the stabilisers away they must be smaller and therefore less effective"! It is impossible to tip a Containerlifter forward while lifting with this type of stabiliser.

What ISO containers can be carried?	New Containerlifters can be built to handle whatever container size you require. In the used market at this time there are both 20’ only, and 20-40’ models. The 40’ can carry one 20’ or one 40’ or two lighter 20’ containers coupled together with special connectors supplied and handled as one 40’ container. The limitations of other lengths such as 45’ 48’ are only dictated by road regulations in the country they are operated. 20’ models can also be rigged to handle 10’ or 9 cubic metre containers. The Containerlifter is a great tool for lifting flatracks on which heavy equipment is loaded, effectively allowing the Containerlifter to double as a low loader. Special low models are made to allow transportation of high cube containers where height restrictions apply.

What side does the Containerlifter lift?	As a general rule it is preferred, but not essential, that the lift is done on the same side as the truck driver. This allows the driver easier access to his cab and also it is easier to park the Containerlifter relative to the container to be lifted. That means most Containerlifters manufactured in New Zealand lift from the right side, as the Prime movers are all Right Hand Drive. However in New Caledonia for example that general rule is ignored and right hand loading Containerlifters are used with LH drive prime-movers as this allows the containers to be placed on the street edge without going against the traffic flow! There are a few units that can unload either side. New Containerlifters can be built left or right loading.

Can a Containerlifter be turned over?	Yes the photograph clearly illustrates that a sidelifter, even with very long stabilisers can be turned over by an inattentive operator. This Swinglift model cannot be turned over forward because of the wide arch stabiliser legs. The container is always handled within the arch and therefore no counter balance action is ever required to keep the trailer on the ground.

What is the history of the Containerlifter? First Containerlifter Manufactured in New Zealand 1973.	Containerlifters were first manufactured in Europe in the 60’s, but have not yet in Europe become part of their mainstream transport system. During the 70s several manufactures emerged in New Zealand and the Swinglift rapidly became an integral part of the NZ container transport scene. Now no transport company seriously involved in local container delivery is without at least one. There are hundreds of units in constant daily use in New Zealand. As one user said to me a few years after he bought one. "I don’t know how we ever operated without them!" From New Zealand the use of Swinglifts spread like a wildfire throughout the South Pacific with Fiji, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea amongst the first international customers. Most South Pacific Island Nations now boast many Swinglifts that are the backbone of Container Transport in those Islands. Australia was about ten years slower than New Zealand in their acceptance of the Swinglift, possibly because of their port systems, but have in the last two decades absorbed hundreds of Containerlifters.

How is Containerlifter.com involved? First genuine 36 Tonne Containerlifter in New Zealand. Sold by Maxwell Rotors Limited.	The director of Maxwell Rotors Limited, [Containerlifter.com] Max Tooley, has been involved with the manufacture, and [export] sales of new and used Containerlifters in and from New Zealand since the beginning in the 70’s. Containerlifter.com have entered a marketing agreement with the manufacturer Containerlifters Marketing Ltd to exclusively market their equipment in certain markets and non-exclusively in others. Additionally over the years there has been a dramatic evolution of the Containerlifter in terms of lifting capacity, number and position of axles, weigh carried, tare weights, 20-40’ capable, high cube containers, and design of stabilisers and cranes. As new models emerge complying with new NZ road regulations that allows greater legal carrying capacity on NZ roads the previous models become free for export. Containerlifter.com purchase these Containerlifters, overhaul them as necessary and now offer them as economical Export Containerlifters.

Will and can Containerlifter.com modify a used machine to fit your regulations?	Certainly we can if required move or change axles or fit other specific options before shipment so that you simply hook up to your Prime Mover and go to work! No Problem!

Will Containerlifter.com give you advice on what models will best suit you?	Yes. Send us an email or fax detailing your new or used Containerlifter requirement and we will do our best to find the best Containerlifter to meet your requirement and your budget.

What are the advantages or disadvantages of an independent diesel engine? There are several considerations in this question.	Availability. With an independent engine the Containerlifter can be changed to any standard Tractor at a moments notice. It is not dedicated to any one Tractor and can be changed between Tractors at will. It can be hired out. Most Containerlifters are kept much longer than the Tractors that pull them. It is true that a new Power Take Off and hydraulic system can be fitted to each new vehicle but this includes extra reoccurring cost. The Diesel engine is more costly than a PTO. Why maintain two engines? Tare weight. Between 600 and 800 Kgs can be taken off the GVM if an engine is not supplied. If a PTO is fitted it is locked to that Tractor. If the Tractor is off the road for any reason, your whole rig, which will be the centrepiece of your business, is also off the road. A second Tractor with a PTO and hydraulic tank pump assy fitted is also an alternative.

Operationally what advantage over traditional methods does a Containerlifter provide?	The answer is in one word. "Many!" But we will try to list some of these. Safety. Because the container is lowered to ground level before unloading there is much less chance of accidents. Speed and ease loading/unloading. With the container on the ground, Forklifts or other equipment can be driven into the container. Less Damage. Because the container can be put on the ground at the point of loading, there is no need to put product into the hands of others to load. This ensures the packing is done to your standard. You can supervise and ensure there is no damage. No need to double handle product, reducing costs and risk of damage or loss. No loss because of theft. Because the container can be loaded in your care there should be no theft. Fewer Tractors required. Your valuable investment is always working. Not standing idle. Deliver and go! Staff are not sitting round waiting. Deliver and go! No expensive crane hire. No waiting for the crane to arrive, which is stuck in traffic or still on, the last job! Deliver and go! The truck driver is also the operator. No Forklift driver or crane driver. Reduction of your trailer fleet. Because the Containerlifter does not need to wait while containers are loaded or unloaded your need of trailers is reduced. If you hire trailers this cost is either reduced or eliminated. Because you will need less trailers and or tractors you will also need less parking space. No need to own a heavy Container Forklift. The yard surface does not need to be able to handle heavy counterbalance Forklifts with the weight of the container and most of the Forklift on one axle. The load is spread over many axles and stabilisers. Any level surface on which you can drive a truck, you can unload a container. Able to load at local rail yards. With this equipment it is no longer essential to have a multi million dollar venture involving Container Forklifts, Gantries and or Straddles and large container yards to handle containers. One Containerlifter owner-operator has a complete container transport business.
Please submit your details here so we can contact you. BACK Max Tooley - Director, Maxwell Rotors Limited. P O Box 75- 400, Manurewa, New Zealand, Phone 64 9 267 0486, Fax 64 9 267 3327, Cell phones 64 21 677 789, 64 21 677 767 Email: max@containerlifter.com