Container Lifters Compared
Look in many yards and you will probably see a mini-straddle carrier. Straddles, such as Combilift or Mobicon, are a versatile piece of kit, able to lift containers and move them around a site. But how does it stack up against the challenger - Bison Container Jacks.
Mini Straddle Carrier - comprised of a gantry lifting mechanism with 3 to 4 wheels, the mini Straddle is operated from within a cab housed within the structure itself. Mini straddles come in a range of lifting capacities, speeds and models.
Bison C-Jacks are relatively new to the market but are already in service in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australasia. They consist of 4 independent legs, which lift containers vertically into the air.
| Mini Straddle Carrier | Bison C-Lifts | |
| Max Lift Capacity | 20 - 100,000 kg (44,000 lb)* | 32,000 kg (70,000 lb) |
| Lift Speed | < 2 minutes | 4 - 15 minutes* |
| Cost | USD 300,000+ | USD 30,000 ~ 75,000 |
| Footprint | 40m2 (430 sq ft) | < 6m2 (64 sq ft) |
| Operators | 1 | 1-4* |
| On-site Mobility | Yes | Yes |
| Stack Containers | 2 high* | No |
| Handles 20' and 40' | Yes | Yes |
| Usable in Narrow Spaces | No | Yes (very tight) |
| Usable under Low Ceilings | No | Yes |
| Keeps Container Level | Yes | Yes |
| Container Volume | Medium - High | Low - Medium |
| Equipment Weight | 17,000 kg + | 450 kg (990 lb) - 1320 kg (2800 lb)* |
| Can Damage Site Surface | Yes | No |
| Fuel Consumption | Yes | None |
* Depends on the model
If you are are worried about cost, and you just need to get heavy containers on and off a truck chassis, then the Bison C-Lift is the clear winner. At a fraction of the cost of a Mini Straddle Carrier, and with much less fuel consumption, it is the affordable container lifting choice. Its ability to get containers on and off a truck in tight spaces is an asset for warehouses and cramped work sites. Also, the C-Lift's small size means it can be more easily stored when not in use. However, if you need to stack containers, or move them around a site regularly, a Mini Straddle Carrier such as a Combilift or Mobicon might be just what you need.
Disclaimer: This comparison is intended as a rough guide only. For exact product specifications contact producers directly.
