Unloading a 20’ shipping container is one job. Moving the container once it’s empty is another. Most yards need two separate machines to do both. This container forklift with fork clamp does the lot with one machine, a Heli 7 tonne unit built for both jobs. This 7 tonne configuration forms part of Allied’s broader Heli container forklift range developed for heavy lifting.

This is a genuinely clever combination and one we don’t see often in Perth. It’s a low profile diesel forklift built to fit and work inside a standard 20’ sea container, fitted with a fork clamp that extends once the machine is back outside, giving it the ability to pick up and reposition the container as well.

The Problem With Standard Container Work

Most container unloading is handled by a smaller forklift fitted with a low-profile container-entry mast. These machines can enter the container and move the freight, but they are generally not designed or equipped to lift and reposition the container once the unloading is complete..

That leaves businesses relying on a second container handler, reach stacker or crane to move the empty container around the yard. Two separate jobs, two machines and more time, labour and coordination than the operation should require.

Built for the Inside: A Forklift That Actually Fits

The Heli 7 ton machine is a purpose built low profile diesel forklift, engineered specifically to meet the height and width limits of a standard 20’ container. The narrow body and reduced overhead height allow it easy access to a container.

Under the bonnet, the machine carries the same drivetrain technology found across Heli’s container entry range. A load sensing dual pump hydraulic system improves lifting speed while keeping fuel use down, and the specialised transmission and drive axle system has more than 20 years of proven use in the field.

Operator comfort hasn’t been an afterthought either. Overhead guard mounted headlamps light up the inside of the container, the seat to guard clearance gives the operator real headroom, and a wide view mast plus wide angle mirror keep visibility sharp in a tight space. A CAN-bus LCD display keeps engine and machine data in front of the operator at all times.

The Fork Clamp: Where This Machine Earns Its Keep

Here’s the part that makes this build stand out. Once the freight has been unloaded and the forklift has reversed clear of the container, the fork positioner adjusts the tyne spacing while the extendable tynes reach forward to align with the container’s fork pockets.The operator can then lift and reposition the empty 20-foot container around the yard, whether that means clearing the unloading area, lining it up for transport or making room for the next container. One machine handles the freight inside, then takes care of the empty container outside.

1. 01Drive inside a 20’ container and unload or load goods.
2. 02Reverse out clear of the container.
3. 03Extend the fitted fork clamp.
4. 04Clamp onto the container and reposition it — no second machine required.

Who This Machine Suits

If your team is currently running a standard forklift for the unload and a separate container handler for repositioning, this is worth a serious look. Compare Allied’s complete range of 6 to 10 tonne container forklifts, including available capacities and configurations.

See It in Action

Video and photos of the Heli 7 tonne container forklift with fork clamp in operation, showing it working inside a 20’ container and then extending the clamp to reposition the box outside.

Why Buy Through Allied Forklifts

Allied Forklifts has been servicing Perth since 1996 and is the exclusive WA dealer for Heli. We stock, sell and support the full Heli container forklift range from our Malaga and Henderson branches, backed by our own parts and service team.

View our container forklifts for sale or speak with Allied about the right machine and we’ll walk you through the right setup for your site.