Sidelifter Container Trailer
Self-Loading | 20ft & 40ft Container Handling
Load and unload containers anywhere — no crane required. Twin hydraulic cranes deliver complete container independence for your logistics operation.
Lift Anywhere.
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Key Features
Every system engineered for reliable container handling — wherever you need it, without depending on anyone else.
Twin Hydraulic Cranes
Two Cranes. One Trailer. Total Independence.
Twin hydraulic cranes mounted on the trailer frame work in synchronised operation to self-load and self-unload ISO containers — 37 tonnes per crane, no external equipment required.
Synchronised Lift System
Both cranes operate in hydraulic synchronisation for level, controlled container lifts — eliminating tilt and protecting load integrity throughout the pick-and-place cycle.
Heavy Lift Capacity
37 tonnes per crane — engineered to handle the maximum gross weight of a fully loaded ISO container without compromise to safety or structural integrity.
Container Compatibility
Built for the Global Standard.
Full compatibility with 20ft and 40ft ISO standard containers — the most common container sizes in global intermodal logistics.
20ft Container Handling
Full handling capability for standard 20ft TEU containers — the most widely transported intermodal unit in global shipping.
40ft Container Handling
Extended reach and frame geometry accommodate full-length 40ft ISO containers, covering the majority of maritime and intermodal traffic.
Chassis & Structure
Built to Bear the Load.
ST52 high-strength steel frame construction — reinforced at all crane mounting points and outrigger positions to handle the dynamic forces of crane operation with fully laden containers.
Outrigger Support System
Hydraulic outriggers deploy to stabilise the trailer during crane operations — providing a secure, level working platform on varied ground conditions.
High-Strength Steel Construction
ST52 structural steel provides the required strength-to-weight balance for a self-loading trailer that must carry crane assemblies, outriggers, and a full container simultaneously.
Operational Independence
Eliminate External Dependencies
No port crane, no terminal, no waiting. The sidelifter is entirely self-sufficient — reducing logistics costs and opening access to locations unreachable by conventional container transport.
One Driver. Complete Operation.
Designed for single-operator control — the driver manages the full pick-and-place cycle from the cab or via remote control, without additional ground crew requirements.
In the Field
Container handling, anywhere.
The STU sidelifter removes the infrastructure barrier — delivering containers directly to where they are needed.
Global Reach
Trusted across Europe.
STU sidelifters serve intermodal logistics operators, container depots, and transport companies across Europe and beyond.
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Poland
Tech Specs
Crane System
Configuration
Twin hydraulic cranes mounted on the trailer frame.
Lifting Capacity
37 tonnes per crane for heavy ISO container handling.
Drive System
Hydraulic with synchronised operation for level container lifts.
Control
Single-operator via cab controls or remote handset.
Containers
Compatible Sizes
20ft and 40ft ISO standard containers.
Standard
ISO 668 compliant container corner casting interface.
Chassis
Material
ST52 high-strength structural steel with reinforced crane mount points.
Stabilisation
Hydraulic outriggers for ground stabilisation during crane operation.
Trailer Type
Semi-trailer configuration for standard fifth-wheel truck coupling.
Surface Protection
Industrial coating system over blast-prepared steel substrate.
Operation
External Equipment
None required — fully self-contained loading and unloading capability.
Crew Requirement
Single operator — driver performs the complete container handling cycle.
Customisation
Options
Axle configuration, colour specification, and ancillary equipment — all configurable to order.
Lead Time
Contact us for current availability and production schedule.
Material & Engineering FAQs
What is a sidelifter trailer?
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.
Technical Details:The cranes are mounted symmetrically on the trailer frame and operate in synchronised hydraulic mode to maintain a level lift across the full container length.
What container sizes does the STU sidelifter handle?
The STU sidelifter is engineered to handle both 20ft (TEU) and 40ft (FEU) ISO standard containers — the two most common sizes in global intermodal shipping and logistics.
Technical Details:Container interface uses ISO 668 standard corner casting twistlock engagement, compatible with all ISO-compliant container types including dry freight, refrigerated, and open-top variants.
What is the lifting capacity per crane?
Each hydraulic crane on the STU sidelifter provides 37 tonnes of lifting capacity. This exceeds the maximum gross weight of a fully loaded standard ISO container, ensuring a safe margin for all standard intermodal loads.
Technical Details:37 tonnes per crane provides a safety factor above the maximum 30-tonne gross weight of a loaded 20ft ISO container, and accommodates the 34-tonne maximum for a 40ft container in most regulatory frameworks.
Do I need external equipment to load or unload containers?
No. The sidelifter is fully self-contained. The twin hydraulic cranes handle the entire pick-and-place cycle independently. No port crane, reach stacker, forklift, or terminal is required — making it ideal for remote sites, construction sites, and locations without dedicated container handling infrastructure.
Technical Details:This is the core operational advantage of a sidelifter over conventional skeletal or flatbed container trailers, which require external lifting equipment at both origin and destination.
How many operators are needed to handle a container?
The sidelifter is designed for single-operator use. The driver controls the full container handling cycle from the cab or via a remote handset — deploying outriggers, operating the cranes, and engaging twistlocks without additional ground crew.
Technical Details:Single-operator capability reduces labour costs and simplifies logistics planning, particularly on unmanned rural or industrial delivery sites.
What chassis material is used on the sidelifter?
The trailer chassis is constructed from ST52 high-strength structural steel. Crane mounting points and outrigger attachment zones are specially reinforced to withstand the high dynamic loads generated during container lifting operations.
Technical Details:ST52 (equivalent to S355J2+N) provides a minimum yield strength of 355 MPa — appropriate for the combination of static trailer loads and the dynamic crane forces applied during pick-and-place operations.
How does the trailer stabilise during crane operation?
Hydraulic outriggers extend from the trailer frame before crane operation begins. These create a wide, stable footprint that prevents tipping or lateral movement while the cranes are lifting or lowering a container.
Technical Details:Outrigger deployment is required before crane operation. Outrigger pads distribute the load over a larger area to reduce point pressure on soft ground.
Can the sidelifter operate on unprepared ground?
Yes — with appropriate outrigger pads or bearing plates, the sidelifter can operate on compacted gravel, earth, or other unprepared surfaces. This is one of the key advantages over terminal-based container handling equipment.
Technical Details:Ground bearing pressure under outriggers should be assessed before operation on soft ground. Outrigger pads distribute the load over a larger area to reduce point pressure.
What markets and applications is the sidelifter suited for?
The STU sidelifter is ideal for intermodal logistics operators, container depot management, remote site construction delivery, agricultural storage container placement, industrial equipment containerisation, and any application requiring container handling at locations without crane infrastructure.
Technical Details:Particularly valuable in markets with dispersed delivery points where fixed crane infrastructure is not economically viable at every delivery location.
Ready to Order Your Sidelifter?
Transparent pricing. No hidden costs. Complete container handling independence.