Reach stacker or container forklift? Which machine is best suited to which type of container handling?

Anyone who moves containers on their own premises – at a rail terminal, an inland port, a container yard or within a factory’s logistics operations – will sooner or later face the same question: reachstacker or container forklift? Both lift 20- and 40-foot containers, and at first glance both look like ‘large forklift trucks’. In practice, however, they are two different pieces of equipment for two different tasks. Anyone who buys the wrong one either pays for reach they’ll never need – or wastes time and space every day.

The reach stacker: reach beyond the first row

Reachstacker: Kalmar DRF450-75C5XS, 45 t in the first row, telescopic boom with spreader · view advert

The defining feature of this reachstacker is its telescopic boom with spreader. The spreader grips the container from above at the four corner fittings and locks automatically in place with twist locks. Because the boom is telescopic, the machine can reach across one row of containers into the second – and, in certain models, even into the third – row.

This is precisely what determines the lifting capacity specification, which you need to understand when making a purchase: a 45-tonne reachstacker lifts 45 t only in the first row. In the second row, depending on the model, the capacity is around 27–31 t, and significantly less in the third row. Example: Kalmar DRF450: 45 t in the first row, 27 t in the second row, stacking height of five containers high, operating weight around 67 t, engine power 256 kW, fuel consumption in normal driving conditions approximately 20 l/h. For 90-degree stacking, it requires an aisle of at least 11.2 m (20 feet) or 13.6 m (40 feet).

Who it’s for: Anyone who needs to stack containers in multiple rows – in other words, those looking to save space – such as terminals, depots and ports with limited space. And for anyone who lifts containers from rail wagons or chassis where it is not possible to approach from the front.

View used reach stackers on machinery-market.eu – Kalmar, Hyster, SMV, full and empty container models.

The container forklift: fast, simple, more affordable – all in one range

Empty container forklift: Kalmar DCG100-45ED7, 10 t load capacity, 18.8 m lift height · view listing

At its core, the container handler is a counterbalanced forklift with a lifting mast. Instead of forks, it is fitted with a top-lift spreader (which grips from above) or – in the case of empty container handlers – often a side gripper. It lifts vertically in front of it, meaning it can only handle the top row at any one time. As a result, it is mechanically simpler, lighter, more manoeuvrable and cheaper to purchase and maintain than a reach stacker of the same class.

There are two distinct types:

• Empty container handlers: typically with a lifting capacity of 8–10 t, stacking empty containers seven to eight high. Example from our fleet: Kalmar DCG100-45ED7 with a lifting capacity of 10 t and a lift height of 18.8 m – built for the depot, where the focus is on volume per hour, not weight.
• Full container handler: Lifting capacity 30–45 t, stacks loaded containers three to five high in a single row. The alternative to the reachstacker wherever single-row stacking is required and space is not an issue.

View used container handlers on machinery-market.eu.

The decision in three questions

1. How do you stack? Single-row with an aisle between each row → container stacker. Multi-row, block by block → reach stacker. Rule of thumb: the reach stacker requires less space per stored container, whilst the container stacker costs less.
2. Empty or loaded? Mainly empty containers in the depot → empty container forklift – by far the most cost-effective machine for this job. Loaded containers → full container forklift or reach stacker.
3. What are you lifting from? From railway wagons or over obstacles → Reachstacker. From the ground or directly from the chassis with unobstructed access → A container forklift is sufficient.

What to look out for when buying second-hand

Check the following when buying second-hand: boom, telescopic guides and spreader – here is an SMV 108TC6 · view listing

For both types of machine, the condition of the load-handling equipment determines the ongoing costs. For reach stackers, these are the boom, telescopic guides and spreaders (twist locks, locking sensors, side shift); for container handlers, they are the lift mast, chains and spreaders. In addition, for both: operating hours in relation to the year of manufacture (more than 1,000 hours per year is considered intensive use), the condition of the tyres – large tyres are a real cost factor – the transmission and axles, the tightness of the hydraulics after 15 minutes of operation of all functions, and the latest test report in accordance with FEM 4.004 (the annual expert inspection, formerly known as the ‘UVV inspection’).

A note on logistics: a 45-tonne reach stacker weighs around 67 tonnes and is over four metres wide. Transport, installation space and ground-bearing capacity must be clarified before purchase – not afterwards.

And the terminal tractor?

Terminal tractor: CVS Ferrari TT2516BV 4x2 for manoeuvring trailers on site · view listing

Where containers are not stacked but moved on trailers – between the ramp, the warehouse and the storage area – the third machine in the fleet is required: the terminal tractor (a tractor unit with a hydraulically lifting fifth wheel). It does not replace either of the other two, but complements them wherever manoeuvring sets the pace. View terminal tractors in stock.

At a glance

Figures are for guidance only; the load capacity chart for the specific machine always takes precedence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a reach stacker and a container forklift?

A reach stacker lifts using a telescopic boom and spreader and can reach across the first row of containers into the second and third rows. A container forklift lifts vertically in front of it using a mast and only serves the first row – but is simpler, lighter and cheaper.

How much can a 45-metric-tonne reachstacker lift in the second row?

Significantly less than in the first row: the Kalmar DRF450 has a capacity of 45 t in the first row and 27 t in the second row. The lifting capacity decreases with reach – the load chart for the specific model is the decisive factor.

When is an empty container handler sufficient?

When mainly empty containers are being moved and stacked high, for example in a container depot. Empty container stackers with a lifting capacity of 8–10 t can stack seven to eight containers high and are the most cost-effective solution for this job.

How much space does a reach stacker need?

For 90-degree stacking, a 45-t reach stacker requires an aisle of at least approximately 11.2 m for 20-foot containers and 13.6 m for 40-foot containers. In return, it can stack in multiple rows, saving space overall.

What should I look out for when buying a second-hand reach stacker?

Check the boom, telescopic guides and spreader – including twist locks and sensors – as well as operating hours in relation to the year of manufacture, tyre condition, hydraulic integrity and a current inspection report in accordance with FEM 4.004.

Looking for a reach stacker, container handler or terminal tractor? On machinery-market.eu, you’ll find used container handling equipment from verified dealers – complete with technical specifications, operating hours and photos for every machine. View reach stackers · Container forklifts · Heavy-duty forklifts · All machines from Hinrichs Flurfördergeräte (Oldenburg).