Double Stacking Containers

Double stacking is where one container is placed on top of another, to save floor or ground space. We recommend that operators receive training in this technique before attempting it themselves.

This topic explains how to double stack and unstack.

Double Stacking - lifting container from Sidelifter to place on top of another container

The table below shows the trailer to container positioning limits for different heights of the container on the ground.

1. Shorten the chain assemblies in accordance with the relevant "Chain Shortening Instructions"
2. Park the Sidelifter away from (see table above) and parallel to the side of the container on the ground with the container ends level with each other.
3. Fully extend the stabiliser legs and place the feet on the ground. Packing needs to be placed under the feet in soft or doubtful ground.
4. Connect the lifting chains.
5. Raise the container off the Sidelifter to clear the top of the container on the ground. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Move the bottom arms OUT until the lifted container almost touches the container on the ground.
   2. Raise the container vertically until the lifted container clears the top of the container on the ground. Be very careful not to allow the container to move over the offside/non lift side.
6. Keeping the lifted container as low as possible above the top of the container on the ground, move it out across the top of the container on the ground.
7. Align the corner castings of the bottom and the top containers, then lower the container onto the container on the ground.
8. Remove and unshorten the lifting chains. Use a ladder to reach up to remove the lugs from top container; do not walk on the crane arms or legs!
9. Return the stabiliser legs to the stowed position. It is also good practice to fully stow cranes when transporting containers between facilities
10. Let the powerpack engine idle for at least 1 minute to allow it to cool down gradually.
11. Stop the engine, turn the key off and stow the controls. With cable remotes avoid twisting and knotting the cable.

Unstacking - lifting top container back onto Sidelifter

1. Shorten the chain assemblies in accordance with the relevant "Chain Shortening Instructions"
2. Park the Sidelifter away from (see table above) and parallel to the side of the container on the ground with the container ends level with each other.
3. Fully extend the stabiliser legs and place the feet on the ground. Packing needs to be placed under the feet in soft or doubtful ground.
4. Connect the lifting chains using a ladder to reach up to attach the lugs to the container. Do not walk on the crane arms or legs!
5. Lift the container no more than 150mm (6 inches) above the container on the ground. Lift it gently as it may swing a little when first lifted. Once the container is lifted and is stable, move it towards the Sidelifter across the top of the container on the ground.
6. Bring the lifted container in towards the Sidelifter until it is just clear of the container under it. Manoeuvre the container over the twistlocks on the Sidelifter. Be very careful not to allow the container to move over the offside/non lift side.
7. Once the container is above the twist locks, completely lower the top arms and then the bottom arms, to sit the container on the twist locks.
8. Remove and unshorten the lifting chains.
9. Return the stabiliser legs to the stowed position. It is also good practice to fully stow cranes when transporting containers between facilities
10. Let the powerpack engine idle for at least 1 minute to allow it to cool down gradually.
11. Stop the engine, turn the key off and stow the controls. With cable remotes avoid twisting and knotting the cable.

The Sidelifter is ready to be transported or the container can be removed as per procedure for unloading a container from the Sidelifter to the ground.