An empty container handler (ECH) is a counterbalanced lift truck, a specialised piece of port equipment, built to stack and move empty shipping containers. It grips the container from above with a top-lift spreader, which lets it work faster and stack higher than a reach stacker when the boxes are empty.
How an empty container handler works
Because empty containers are light, an ECH trades raw lifting power for height and speed. A top-lift spreader clamps the container's top corner castings, and many models carry a double- or triple-deep spreader so the machine can lift two or three empties in one move. This is why empty depots use ECHs rather than reach stackers.
Key specifications
| Specification | Typical range |
|---|
| Lifting capacity | 8–10 tonnes (empty boxes) |
| Stacking height | 7–9 containers high |
| Spreader options | Single, double-deep, or triple-deep top-lift |
| Travel speed (laden) | 20–25 km/h |
| Engine | Diesel, increasingly electric |
Leading manufacturers
| Brand | Note |
|---|
| Kalmar | Widely used, large dealer network |
| Hyster | Strong in North America and Europe |
| SANY | Growing share, competitive pricing |
| Konecranes / Taylor / CVS Ferrari | Established alternatives |
Typical use cases
- Empty container depots that stack and sort idle boxes
- Container terminals separating empties from laden stacks
- Inland yards and rail terminals with high empty turnover
Used market pricing (2026)
| Age / condition | Price range |
|---|
| 10+ years, high hours | €40,000 – €80,000 |
| 5–10 years, average hours | €80,000 – €130,000 |
| Refurbished / low hours | €130,000 – €200,000 |
Browse used empty container handlers for sale on Portneeds.
