Moving 20' containers

[Komrade]

All, I understand this is a little off-topic.

Coming from a relative newb on a a 35hp Kubota (I think i clocked about 150hrs on it already)

I am thinking of building container based cabins and moving them with a forklift into and out of flood plain based on season (over using trailer based cabins).

I've briefly looked into what's available on CL and ebay, and looks like a lot of machine is needed, but an oldie but (hopefully) goodie can be found in the 20K range.

My question is. Is a forklift a good idea? I noticed some containers have fork slots and some/most don't.

If the forklift is rated at 10000lbs, is it safe to lift 10000lbs and move around with it?

Other than "all terrain" and 4x4, anything else I should be looking for in terms of features.

Any makes/models you recommend (especially with finding parts, since I'll be buying "very used") or don't recommend.

 

[bcp]

On most containers I've seen, 20 foot containers have forklift holes and 40 foot or more don't. The long ones aren't strong enough to lift from the center. Any 20's without holes may not be strong enough.

Have you considered container skids?

container skids - Google Search

Bruce

 

[Komrade]

I'll pay a bit more attention on containers. I was under impression that I saw both "with" and "without" forklift holes containers in the 20' range.

I considered the skids, but I would lose a lot of flexibility in maneuvering as well ability to control the clearance between container and ground.

 

[bigtiller]

Most new forklift operators get a lot of use from the mast side-shift feature.

 

[CADplans]

My SIL just got his container a couple weeks ago,,,

I should have taken a pic of the container guys forklifts,,, they were both 20K pound rated, off-road.

My grandson thinks this should be his big playhouse,,,

He picks up the 40 foot ones with the forklifts, he just slips the forks under the containers, no pockets.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Forklifts that strong are very very heavy and will get stuck stuck constantly unless on concrete or hard road base. They have some that are geared a little more for off pavment use but the ground has to be very hard. I agree with the skid idea, get an older big tractor and drag them where you want them. Also, at 8' wide it's more maneuverable than carrying it at 20' wide and not having much in the way of visibility

Brett

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Unless you are using a rough terrain forklift on solid ground I think you need to change tactics. Even an older loader that can lift the weight is going to get stuck in a floodplain. Don't forget, 10klbs rated isn't at 4' from the pivot point, its more than likely at the pins for the bucket. If you can come up with a way to skid or attach tires or lift and place on a trailer I think you will be much better off and alot more money ahead.

 

[bcp]

Slip a wide mobile home axle under it for moving. Weld a couple of large angles to the axle for the container to rest in. Add a hook and chain to a forklift hole to keep it from sliding. Make a hitch to fasten to the lifting holes on the container end, or a long tongue to the axle.



Bruce

 

[Big Barn]

You don't NEED forklift pockets to move but they WILL keep the container from "flipping" off the forks.

If you are moving 20 footers when empty and not planning on stacking them, a 5000# + rough terrain forklift will work. Fork extensions will make it safer and/or be sure to tilt the mast back when moving.

Normal forklift practices prevail. REVERSE down slopes and drive FORWARD up slopes.

I can move our 20 foot seacan with either the 5000# R/T (left in photo) or the 7700# telehandler (far right) with no problems when empty.





I purchased the R/T new in 1992 but it's probably worth less than $10K today, WELL within your budget. Hope this helps.

Terry

 

[Komrade]

Well, the river bank should be hard (stone under a thin layer of topsoil/grass) as its in the mountains, but it also has plenty of soft spots (natural drain channels full of drift wood/leaves/etc).

Thanks for the feedback so far.

 

[Grandad4]

I am thinking of building container based cabins and moving them with a forklift into and out of flood plain based on season (over using trailer based cabins).

Depending on what you plan to add when making it into a "cabin", you could end up doubling the bare weight of the container. I would be thinking of fabbing up some kind of transport dolly for one end of the container, possibly making it towable to give more maneuverability, stability and flotation.

 

[OldMasterTech]

Google Quickloadz

 

[holeycow]

SeaCans are engineered to be slung from a crane. You can get away with supporting/moving them otherwise, or you can easily bend them...

A winch trailer with a live roll works pretty good for empty 20 footers. Longer seacans have a greater risk of folding up (seen it happen. Oops!).
The correct way to haul a seacan not by a crane is to weld steel skids under them from end to end and use those as the supports for any bottom point loads. Big forklifts/loaders with forks do work well for short trips.

I like the dolly idea. A well made dolly with integral hitch NOT using the can as the frame would be excellent.

 

[kencunningham]

Forklifts are rated at 2ft from the heel of the forks. You will have to take that into account when using a forklift to move anything. Our warehouse lift is rated 8500 pounds at 24 inches and 7600 at 30 inches, that's 900 pounds less for just 6 inches more lead center from the mast. If that container is 8ft then you will need to figure for a 48 inch load center.

 

[Komrade]

Forklifts are rated at 2ft from the heel of the forks. You will have to take that into account when using a forklift to move anything. Our warehouse lift is rated 8500 pounds at 24 inches and 7600 at 30 inches, that's 900 pounds less for just 6 inches more lead center from the mast. If that container is 8ft then you will need to figure for a 48 inch load center.

That was really useful info. Someone earlier said "at tip of forks" which didn't make that much sense, as tips can be of any length.

Forklift Safety: How Much Weight Can My Forklift Carry? - Lion Technology

Basically, at double the length (48 inches vs 24 inches), forklift loses half the load capacity. I am guessing the only way to compensate is with weights on the back (it may still be able to lift, but would run a risk of flipping fwd).

Which means that w/o a 20000lbs forklift my idea is relatively useless. 20K rated forklifts are even more expensive and heavier. The other ideas outlined here are probably cheaper alternatives.

Thanks.

P.S.
Quickloadz looks cool. Would probably cost the same as used all-terrain forklift.

 

[ishiboo]

That was really useful info. Someone earlier said "at tip of forks" which didn't make that much sense, as tips can be of any length.

Forklift Safety: How Much Weight Can My Forklift Carry? - Lion Technology

Basically, at double the length (48 inches vs 24 inches), forklift loses half the load capacity. I am guessing the only way to compensate is with weights on the back (it may still be able to lift, but would run a risk of flipping fwd).

Which means that w/o a 20000lbs forklift my idea is relatively useless. 20K rated forklifts are even more expensive and heavier. The other ideas outlined here are probably cheaper alternatives.

Thanks.

P.S.
Quickloadz looks cool. Would probably cost the same as used all-terrain forklift.

Yes, I would forget about picking them up with a forklift. A 5k container is 8'6" wide and would require a very heavy duty forklift. And that's empty. Not to mention being 20' wide, it has a TON of side-to-side leverage on the forklift even if you could safely pick it up. And that's empty. Fill them with cabin crap and you're in for a good surprise.

Plenty of ways to safely DIY this though with a tractor. I would plan on building a simple axle that connects to the ISO points on the tail end of the container and lifts it up, and then on the other end you could build the same thing that has a tongue to connect to the back of your tractor, or even a lift like a Mule shed mover.

 

[ishiboo]

Here's an overly complex example of what you could do:

Wing Lift™ Container Carrier - Instructions - YouTube

Since all containers are 8'6, you could easily make something that's simply an axle on two pivots with a hydraulic jack in the middle of the crossbars... slide it on, put two pins in it and jack it up. The front needs to turn so it's slightly more complex, but still very doable.

 

[Dadnatron]

Another option, depending upon distance to move would be something along these lines. If you have a tractor and limited move distance, the plans would be significantly more simple.

Homemade Container Hauler - YouTube