Container Handler
Empty container handlers built for stacking empty shipping containers safely and repeatedly, shift after shift. Filter by capacity, stack height and spreader type.
3 Products
X Series Empty Container Handler
X Series Empty Container Handler 3-4 Layer
XH Series Empty Container Handler 9T
Empty container handlers for sale: stacking 3 to 8 high
An empty container handler lifts empty 20 ft and 40 ft shipping containers from the top with a spreader on a tall mast, so a depot can stack empties high in a small footprint. DJJ Equipment sells three Hangcha empty container handlers rated from 6 to 9 tonnes, in diesel and high-voltage lithium, for container parks, empty depots, ports and logistics yards.
Our empty container handlers
- X Series Empty Container Handler 3-4 Layer: 6,000 kg for 3 layers or 7,000 kg for 4 layers, with a Cummins B6.7 Stage V or Yuchai diesel of 116-118 kW.
- X Series Empty Container Handler: 9,000 kg, stacking 7 or 8 high, with a Volvo or Cummins diesel of 179-185 kW and a Stage V option.
- XH Series Empty Container Handler 9T: 9,000 kg on a 423 kWh, 618V high-voltage lithium battery, stacking 7 or 8 high with a 6,000 mm turning radius.
How high do you need to stack?
Choose the handler by the stack height of your depot. Layer counts are quoted for standard 8 ft 6 in containers; with 9 ft 6 in high cubes the 9 t models stack one layer fewer, 6 or 7 high instead of 7 or 8. The 3-4 layer model keeps the same count for both container heights. Check the mast lowered height as well, because it decides whether the machine fits through your workshop door: about 10.9 to 11.8 m on the XH 9 t.
Empty containers only
All three machines are built for empty containers, and the X Series models are rated at a 1,220 mm load centre. They must not lift a laden box, however light it looks on the paperwork. If your yard also moves laden containers, a container reach stacker rated at 45 tonnes in the first row does that job.
Spreader and handling
The X Series handlers use a single-container spreader with 600 mm of sideshift each way, which helps line up the twistlocks without moving the machine. The XH Series uses an ELME spreader. Ask which spreader and options suit your container mix, including 20 ft and 40 ft boxes.
Diesel or electric
The XH Series 9 t produces no exhaust in the yard, which suits depots near homes or sites with emission targets, but it needs a charging plan for a 423 kWh battery and a site power supply to match. The diesel X Series machines refuel in minutes and suit long shifts; choose a Stage V engine where your site or customers ask for lower emissions.
Licence, warranty and support
No regulator names a licence class for empty container handlers, so confirm the requirement with SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Queensland or WorkSafe WA before anyone operates one. The 3-4 layer and XH Series handlers show a 24 month or 4,000 hour warranty on the product page; for the 9 t X Series diesel, confirm the warranty in writing with your quote. Every machine we sell gets a pre-delivery inspection before it leaves us. These handlers are listed for sale, so ask our team about availability and transport options to your yard. Servicing, repairs and parts come from our branches in Silverwater, Meadowbrook and Bayswater, with on-site service within 50 km of each branch.
Before you choose, check:
- Stack height in your depot and the container heights you handle
- Mast lowered height against workshop doors
- Pavement strength and turning space
- Diesel or electric, and site power for charging
- Spreader type for your container mix
Tell us your stack height, container mix and yard, and our team will recommend an empty container handler. Call 1800 355 388 or send an enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you speak with the team.
Can an empty container handler lift laden shipping containers?
No. These machines are built and rated for empty containers, with capacities of 6 to 9 tonne across the range. Laden boxes need a machine rated for the loaded weight, such as the 45 t container reach stackers, so tell the team your heaviest laden container before choosing.
How many layers high can these empty container handlers stack?
It depends on the model and mast. The Hangcha X Series 6-7 t handler is listed for 3 to 4 layer stacking, while the 9 t X Series and XH Series handlers stack 7 or 8 high with 8 ft 6 in containers, or 6 or 7 high with 9 ft 6 in containers. Confirm the stacking height for your container type with the team before ordering, rather than relying on the model name.
Is there an electric option for empty container handling?
Yes. The range includes the Hangcha XH Series 9 t empty container handler, powered by a high-voltage lithium battery, alongside the X Series models. Battery capacity and charging needs should be checked against your shift pattern and site power supply before you commit.
What licence does an empty container handler operator need?
Regulators do not name empty container handlers in a specific licence class, so confirm the requirement with SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Queensland or WorkSafe WA before anyone operates one. A container reach stacker is different: one of more than 3 tonnes capacity needs a high risk work licence in class RS. Whatever applies, operators need training on the specific machine and your yard's traffic rules.
Are container handlers available to hire as well as buy?
Container handlers are listed for sale, and hire availability for this machine type is not published online. If your need is short term or seasonal, ask the team about availability, and include your container volumes, stack height and site location so they can advise on the options.
Will DJJ deliver and service a container handler outside capital cities?
DJJ doesn't run its own delivery service, so ask our team about transport options to your yard. Servicing is available on site where practical in selected areas, subject to technician availability, so agree service and parts support for your location before you buy.
Next Step
Tell Us About Your Application
Share what you need to move, how high it needs to lift and where it will operate. Our team can help narrow suitable models for purchase or hire.
Buy & Hire · 1800 355 388
Service · 1300 646 747