Self-Loading Side Loader Trailer for 20ft, 30ft and 40ft ISO Containers
STU Sidelifter Container Trailers are produced for container transport operations that need loading and unloading independence. With twin hydraulic side-lifting cranes, hydraulic stabilizer legs and ISO container interface, the trailer can pick up, transfer and place 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers without relying on a terminal crane, reach stacker or forklift at every delivery point. Fixed and extendable chassis configurations can be selected according to container length, route and operating market.
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A sidelifter container trailer gives the operator the ability to load, unload and transfer containers without relying on a fixed crane, reach stacker or forklift at every location. This makes the trailer useful for ports, container depots, industrial sites, construction projects, agriculture, remote storage yards and customer deliveries where container handling equipment is not always available.
Each crane delivers 42 tonnes — exceeding the maximum gross weight of fully loaded ISO containers.
Handles both TEU and FEU standard containers with ISO 668 twistlock engagement.
Single-operator design removes the need for port or terminal crane infrastructure.
Hydraulic stabilizer legs are deployed before lifting to create a wider support footprint. This helps support safe container handling during ground placement, trailer transfer and loading cycles. Ground condition, outrigger pads, container weight and operating angle must always be considered before lifting.
Wide footprint prevents tipping during container lifting and lowering operations.
Specially reinforced crane mounting points and outrigger attachment zones.
Full cycle control from cab or remote handset — no ground crew required.
The side loader system uses twin hydraulic cranes mounted on the trailer structure to lift and position ISO containers from the side. Crane capacity, control system and hydraulic layout should be selected according to the target container weight, operating market, duty cycle and customer loading routine.
Front and rear lifting units work together for balanced side-loading movement.
Hydraulic movement helps the operator place containers accurately in restricted areas.
Hydraulic and structural configuration can be matched to frequent container handling operations.
The trailer is positioned for ISO container transport and handling, including 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers. Fixed chassis layouts can be selected for regular container work, while extendable sidelifter chassis options support operations that handle different container lengths on the same trailer. Configuration details such as chassis length, twistlock layout, lifting equipment and axle specification should be confirmed according to container size, weight, local regulations and transport routes.
STU produces trailer solutions from Turkiye and can configure the sidelifter trailer around the target market, container size, axle and suspension preference, hydraulic system, chassis structure, safety equipment, finish and customer branding. The correct configuration starts with container weight, route, loading frequency and local road rules.
Axles, brakes, suspension and lighting can be aligned with regional requirements.
Hydraulic, axle and safety components can be selected according to service network needs.
RAL colour, warning markings and branding can be prepared for customer fleets.
Twin hydraulic crane system for container side lifting
Hydraulic stabilizer legs for safe lifting footprint
ISO twistlock interface for 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers
Remote and operator control options for loading cycles
Fixed or extendable chassis with reinforced crane mounting zones
In the Field
Global Reach
A sidelifter is a self-loading semi-trailer equipped with twin hydraulic cranes mounted along its sides. It can independently pick up and set down ISO shipping containers — both 20ft and 40ft — without requiring any external crane, reach stacker, or terminal infrastructure.
The STU sidelifter is engineered to handle both 20ft (TEU) and 40ft (FEU) ISO standard containers.
Each hydraulic crane on the STU sidelifter provides 37 tonnes of lifting capacity.
No. The sidelifter is fully self-contained. The twin hydraulic cranes handle the entire pick-and-place cycle independently.
The sidelifter is designed for single-operator use. The driver controls the full container handling cycle from the cab or via a remote handset.
Hydraulic outriggers extend from the trailer frame before crane operation begins. These create a wide, stable footprint that prevents tipping.
Yes — with appropriate outrigger pads or bearing plates, the sidelifter can operate on compacted gravel, earth, or other unprepared surfaces.
Intermodal logistics operators, container depot management, remote site construction delivery, agricultural storage container placement, industrial equipment containerisation, and any location without crane infrastructure.
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Read moreTransparent pricing. No hidden costs. Complete container handling independence.
Type
Self-Loading Container Trailer
Container Sizes
20ft (TEU) and 40ft (FEU) ISO
Lifting Capacity
37 tonnes per crane
Crane Type
Twin hydraulic, synchronised
Chassis Steel
ST52 / S355J2+N reinforced
Stabilisation
Hydraulic outriggers
Operation
Single-operator (cab or remote)
Container Interface
ISO 668 twistlock engagement