📦 Material Handling Equipment
Reach Stacker Inspection & Certification in Saudi Arabia
A reach stacker is a heavy mobile machine with a telescopic boom and a rotating top-lift spreader that picks up, stacks and transports ISO containers, and can place them in the second or third row. Reach stackers are used in Saudi ports, dry ports, container depots and logistics yards where a typical laden lift is tens of tonnes. A fault in the boom, spreader or twistlock mechanism can drop a laden container, so periodic third-party inspection and load testing are routinely required by terminals and shipping clients.
What we inspect on a reach stacker
- ✓Telescopic boom sections, wear pads, pivot pins and lift cylinders checked for cracks, wear and play
- ✓Spreader frame, telescopic beams and rotation unit inspected for structural damage and hydraulic leaks
- ✓Twistlocks checked for wear, correct locking and release, landing indicators and the interlock that prevents release under load
- ✓Load chart and load-sensing system verified for the first, second and third row container positions and for correct warnings
- ✓Boom hoses, hose guides and cylinder rod ends inspected for chafing and leaks
- ✓Cabin elevation, camera system, mirrors and operator visibility to the spreader checked
- ✓Steering, brakes and large pneumatic tyres inspected, including wheel nut security and brake performance with a laden container
- ✓Chassis, counterweight and boom base structure examined for fatigue cracking and weld repairs
Common defects we find
- ✓Twistlock rotation limit switches or landing sensors out of adjustment, giving a false locked indication
- ✓Spreader telescopic beam wear or bent beams
- ✓Worn boom wear pads and pivot bushes causing boom droop and play
- ✓Overload or load-sensing alarm out of calibration
- ✓Hydraulic hose damage at boom or spreader flex points
Risks of operating uncertified
- ✓Dropped container if twistlocks fail to engage or release unexpectedly
- ✓Machine tip-over from lifting beyond load chart limits in the second or third row
- ✓Collision or crush injury caused by limited visibility from the cab with the boom raised
Testing, standards & frequency
Load / performance test
A load test is typically carried out with certified test weights or a weighted container at 100% of the rated capacity, and in some cases up to 110% or 125% depending on the standard and client. The test covers lift and lower at several chart positions, spreader rotation, load-sensing alarms and braking.
Inspection interval
Typically at least annually, with pre-mobilisation checks and more frequent re-inspection under heavy terminal duty or where client or port rules require.
Standards referenced
- ISO 3874 (Series 1 freight containers, handling and securing)
- ASME B30.20 (below-the-hook lifting devices, for the spreader where applicable)
- Manufacturer specifications and load charts
- Saudi Aramco General Instructions (GI), where applicable
Part of our Lifting Equipment Inspection & Load Testing service. You receive an inspection report, Certificate of Conformity and inspection tag for passing equipment.
Reach Stacker inspection by city
Industries using this equipment
FAQs
What is the difference between a reach stacker and a container handler?＋
A reach stacker uses a telescopic boom to reach over the first row and stack containers in the second row or above. A container handler is a mast-type truck that picks up and stacks containers directly in front of the machine.
Should the spreader be inspected separately from the reach stacker?＋
Yes. The spreader is a lifting device in its own right, with twistlocks, interlocks and structural parts that need specific checks. A competent inspector examines it as part of the reach stacker inspection, with its own findings recorded.