Container spreader

Types of container spreaders

A container spreader is used as a lifting device crucial for handling large and heavy containers. Moreover, it is the prime device that takes the containers out of ships. Normally, container spreaders are designed and manufactured with slots, hooks, or clamps that fixed the container firmly. Here are the main types of container spreaders:

• Fixed container spreader

  A fixed container spreader has a rigid width that can support containers with different sizes. This type of container spreader has a crossbeam with some locking mechanisms for locking the containers. A fixed container spreader is usually used for spreading tasks with standard containers and tasks that need stability and precision.

  Advantages:

  -Simple structure

  -Stable and firm

  Applications:

  -Ideal for handling standard containers

  -Commonly used in ports and warehouses

• Fixed length container spreader

  The fixed-length container spreader is similar to a fixed container spreader, but it can only handle containers of specific lengths, like 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers. It usually has adjustable legs or beams to secure and support containers. The fixed-length container spreader is also stable, precise, and safe, and it is commonly used in port and warehouse operations.

  Advantages:

  -Adaptable for various container lengths

  -Maintain stability and accuracy

  Applications:

  -Suitable for handling containers of different lengths

  -Widely used in port and warehouse operations

• Extendable container spreader

  An extendable container spreader has a mechanism that can adjust its width to adapt to different container sizes. This type of container spreader has locking devices that can fix and lock the containers securely. Moreover, it offers excellent stability and precision for handling tasks. An extendable container spreader is ideal for dealing with tasks that need to handle various-sized containers.

  Advantages:

  -Flexible adjustment

  -Can handle various container sizes

  Applications:

  -Ideal for dealing with tasks that need to handle various-sized containers

  -Commonly used in neutral ports and logistics centers

Specifications and maintenance of container spreaders

Specifications

• Capacity

  Container spreaders come in various capacities, ranging from 20ft to 40ft. Additionally, there are abilities to control and handle different weights of containers.

• Attachment

  Container spreaders have different kinds of attachments, like twist lock, frame lock, and lashing rod, that are used to hold the container steady and firm while it is being moved.

• Adjustability

  Some container spreaders can change width and length to fit various container sizes.

• Materials

  A container spreader is usually made of aluminum alloy, steel, or any other material that is strong enough to carry containers.

Maintenance

• Inspection:

  Users should perform regular inspections. The inspections mainly check for the damages and signs of wear on the container spreaders. They should specifically pay attention to the locks, cables, and any other movable parts. Keeping them in good shape will ensure that the containers are safely lifted and held while they are being moved.

• Lubrication:

  Parts of the container spreader that are movable are usually exposed to friction. Lubricating them regularly is convenient and reduces friction. It also makes moving the parts smoother. By frequently and properly lubricating the container spreader, users can help maintain its performance and prolong its service life.

• Cleaning:

  Users should clean the container spreaders now and then. Cleaning the spreaders helps to remove debris and dirt that have collected over time and could damage or harm the equipment. Dirt, dust, or containers' residual materials could easily damage or wear out the movable parts, locks, and pulleys of the container spreader. Cleaning it frequently will help maintain its performance and keep it working right.

• Storage:

  Users should store the container spreaders properly. Storing it in the dry and roofed areas will protect it from weather elements, like hail, rain, snow, and sun, which are likely to cause damages and reduce its lifespan. Proper storage will protect the container spreader's quality and suitable use.

Scenarios of container spreaders

The main use of container spreaders is to lift and lower heavy goods, especially large containers. They are essential parts of port facilities and also good helpers for distribution centers and warehouses. Container spreaders make it easy for bulky containers to be loaded onto or off various kinds of transport vehicles, like ships, trucks, and trains. Here are some use scenarios of container spreaders:

• Hanging container spreader

  A hanging container spreader is often found in a wharf or freight yard. It works together with a stacker crane or a gantry crane to lift containers from or to a vehicle, ship, train, or other means of transport. For example, in a port, spreaders suspended under a gantry crane would move containers from a cargo ship to a truck or another means of land transport. The crane would use the spreader to lower the container onto the flatbed of the truck, and then the truck could drive away.

• Container spreader with hitch

  This device is like a truck that can be used for many purposes. It acts like a link between a container and a transport vehicle, such as a container chassis. When a container is fixed to a chassis with a spreader having a hitch, the spreader's hitch connects with the chassis. The container can be loaded onto the chassis for easy transportation to various locations, or vice versa; the container can be unloaded from the chassis with the spreader and then placed onto a freight train or ship for delivery at another destination.

• Fixed container spreaders

  These types of spreaders are usually placed on a flatbed truck or railcar. The spreader helps to stabilize a container while it is being transported over some distance on a truck, train, or vessel. For instance, when a container needs to be moved from a warehouse to an export dock to be loaded onto a ship, fixed container spreaders can be employed to secure the container onto a flatbed truck. This would ensure that the container would not shift around on the truck while the truck driver is driving over various kinds of roads.

• Rotating container spreader

  A rotating container spreader has a special merit that allows it to rotate containers that have an awkward weight distribution. They can be found in areas crowded with containers, such as ports and container yards. The main job of rotating container spreaders is to adjust the position of the container to make stacking and unstacking of containers easier and more effective. For instance, in a port where large cargo ships are present, workers may need to turn or face containers in a certain direction so that they can be properly loaded onto the ship or moved out of the way of another ship. A crane equipped with a rotating container spreader would be able to do this task with precision and ease. It would turn the container around until it was in the desired position, and then it could be stacked or unstacked accordingly.

How to choose container spreaders

A container spreader is no small investment, so it is important to choose the correct container spreader type, model, and specification in order to suit operational needs while also keeping costs at a reasonable level.

Big industrial businesses will often have a lot of large containers to handle on a daily basis, which is why they will need high-capacity container spreaders that can cope with industrial demands and will be used at busy ports and warehouses. Such high-capacity, heavy-duty container spreaders are usually designed with telescopic, adaptable, and cantilevered characteristics and are made with high-tensile steel to ensure they can lift containers weighing several tons. These will often have a high maximum load capacity and will be able to cope with a high level of daily usage.

Smaller businesses that deal with fewer cargo containers every day, or that only occasionally need to lift bulky containers, can get away with investing in low-cost container spreaders. These will usually have a limited maximum load capacity and not have as many advanced features or heavy-duty construction but will be sufficient for smaller operations. Low-cost spreaders are typically made with regular steel, have fewer block pallets, and come with standard lifting slings that are suitable for non-overweight containers. They are easy to operate and store, which is ideal for businesses with limited staff who do not need to use spreaders daily.

If businesses need to lift containers that are not standard in their shape and size, they will need to look for specialized container spreaders that will have the ability and features necessary to cope with the particular shape and size of the non-standard container they will need to handle.

FAQ

Q1: How do container spreaders work?

A1: Container spreaders use specialized hooks, latches, and other gripping mechanisms to securely hold the container's corners. They are designed to match the corners castings of ISO containers. Once the spreader is positioned, it either lowers or raises the container onto or from a stack.

Q2: Are spreader bars always used for lifting?

A2: In most cases, spreader bars are used to lift wide objects and safely bring them horizontal. They are also sometimes used in rigging and lifting to lower an object's center of gravity, making it safer to lift.

Q3: What is the difference between a container spreader and a container lifter?

A3: A container spreader is used to take a container from one place to another and is often used when stacking containers on ships. A container lifter will lift the container straight up and is more commonly used to load containers onto trucks.