What is a reach stacker?

A reach stacker is essential port equipment — a self-propelled, wheeled machine designed to lift, move, and stack intermodal containers in ports, rail terminals, and container depots. Unlike a forklift, its telescopic boom and spreader arm can reach over existing container rows, allowing the operator to place or retrieve containers in the second or third position of a stack without repositioning the entire row.

Key specifications

• Lifting capacity: typically 40–45 tonnes at the first container position; capacity decreases as the boom extends outward.
• Stacking height: 4 to 6 containers high depending on the model and configuration.
• Reach depth: most models can access containers in positions 1–3 across a stack.
• Drive: diesel or (increasingly) hybrid/electric powertrains.

What is a reach stacker used for?

Reach stackers are the workhorses of mid-size container terminals and intermodal yards where a full automated stacking crane would be oversized. Common applications include:

• Loading and unloading rail wagons and road trailers.
• Container storage and reorganisation in the yard.
• Feeding quay cranes or ship-to-shore operations at smaller berths.
• Stuffing and stripping operations at inland container depots.

Leading manufacturers

• Kalmar (Cargotec) — DCF range; the most common brand in European ports.
• Konecranes — SMV and Noell series; strong in Asia and the Middle East.
• Hyster — RS range; widely used in North America.
• Sany — competitively priced units popular in emerging markets.

Reach stacker vs. empty container handler

An empty container handler (ECH) is optimised for lightweight empty containers and cannot safely handle laden boxes. A reach stacker is built for full 20 ft and 40 ft containers and can usually handle empties as well, making it the more versatile machine.

Browse port equipment on Portneeds: used and new reach stackers for sale.