Can a CAT 938F Lift a 40-Foot Dry Container

[MikePhua]

The CAT 938F and Its Role in Mid-Size Material Handling
The Caterpillar 938F wheel loader was introduced in the 1990s as part of CAT’s F-series, designed to serve in construction, aggregate, and industrial applications. With an operating weight of approximately 15,000 kg and a net engine output of around 150 horsepower, the 938F was built for versatility—capable of loading trucks, moving stockpiles, and handling palletized materials. Its Z-bar linkage system and hydraulic responsiveness made it a favorite among operators who needed both breakout force and maneuverability.
By the early 2000s, thousands of 938F units had been sold globally, and many remain in service today. While not a dedicated container handler, the 938F is often pressed into unconventional roles, including lifting oversized loads with custom forks or adaptors.
Understanding Container Weight and Load Dynamics
A standard 40-foot dry container has the following characteristics:

• Empty tare weight: ~3,750–4,000 kg
  
• Maximum gross weight: ~30,480 kg
  
• Typical loaded weight (non-heavy cargo): ~15,000–25,000 kg
  
• Length: 12.2 meters
  
• Width: 2.44 meters
  
• Height: 2.59 meters
  

The challenge is not just lifting the container, but doing so safely and without overstressing the loader’s frame, hydraulics, or tires. The container’s length introduces leverage issues, especially if the load is not evenly distributed or if the loader’s forks do not support the full underside.
Terminology Notes

• Tare Weight: The weight of an empty container.
  
• Gross Weight: The total allowable weight including cargo.
  
• Breakout Force: The maximum force the loader can exert at the bucket edge.
  
• Center of Gravity: The point where the container’s mass is balanced, critical for lifting stability.
  
• Lift Capacity at Full Height: The maximum weight the loader can raise to its maximum dump height.
  

CAT 938F Lift Capacity and Limitations
The 938F’s rated lift capacity varies depending on configuration:

• Static tipping load (straight): ~9,500–10,000 kg
  
• Static tipping load (articulated): ~8,000–8,500 kg
  
• Lift capacity at full height: ~4,500–5,000 kg
  
• Fork carriage rated load: ~4,000–5,000 kg depending on fork length and spacing
  

This means that lifting an empty 40-foot container is technically possible, but only under ideal conditions:

• Container must be empty and evenly balanced
  
• Loader must be equipped with long, reinforced forks or a spreader bar
  
• Lift must be low to the ground to avoid tipping
  
• Surface must be level and compacted
  
• Operator must avoid sudden movements or turns
  

In one port-side operation in Louisiana, a 938F was used to reposition empty containers for staging. The crew fabricated a custom fork frame with 2.5-meter extensions and added counterweights to the rear. The loader could lift and move containers short distances, but only with spotters and strict safety protocols.
Risks and Structural Considerations
Attempting to lift a loaded container with a 938F introduces serious risks:

• Overloading the hydraulic lift arms
  
• Frame stress and potential cracking
  
• Tire blowouts or sidewall collapse
  
• Loss of steering control due to front-end weight
  
• Tipping hazard during turns or uneven terrain
  

Even lifting an empty container can cause:

• Fork bending or deflection
  
• Pin wear and bushing damage
  
• Reduced visibility and maneuvering space
  

Operators should never exceed the rated lift capacity, especially with extended forks or offset loads. The loader’s center of gravity shifts forward dramatically, reducing rear axle traction and braking effectiveness.
Recommended Alternatives and Solutions
For safe container handling:

• Use a dedicated reach stacker or container handler
  
• Retrofit a telehandler with a container spreader
  
• Employ a forklift rated for 15,000 kg or more
  
• Use a tandem lift with two machines and a spreader bar
  
• Break down container contents and move in smaller loads
  

If a 938F must be used:

• Limit lifts to empty containers only
  
• Install rear ballast or counterweights
  
• Use long forks with reinforced carriage
  
• Keep lift height minimal
  
• Operate on level ground with spotters
  

In one mining camp in Western Australia, a 938F was used to lift empty containers for site storage. The team added a steel ballast box to the rear and used a custom fork frame with locking pins. The loader performed well, but only within a tightly controlled perimeter.
Final Thoughts
The CAT 938F is a capable wheel loader, but lifting a 40-foot dry container—especially when loaded—pushes it beyond its intended design. While empty containers may be moved with care and proper setup, the risks of overloading, tipping, and structural damage are significant. In material handling, the right machine for the job isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about geometry, safety, and control. When it comes to containers, size matters—and so does judgment.