VDL Container Systems

VDL Container Systems from Hapert in the Netherlands is part of VDL Groep and, by its own account, the leading supplier of container-handling equipment in the Benelux, with more than 25 years of experience. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 3834 and EN 1090 certificates. The programme comprises loading systems for vehicles and spreaders for port and intermodal cranes.

Hooklift system

The hooklift system is the most widespread way of handling containers on vehicles. VDL builds it to fit the specific vehicle and application, using lightweight, high-quality materials that leave more payload for the cargo itself. The system can be operated manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically from the cab via the VDL I-Control unit, which is based on CAN Plus® technology and allows remote maintenance and customised software. The Dynamic Control Plus (DCP) function adapts energy consumption to the actual load weight, shortening the tipping cycle.

Benefits

• More payload for the cargo. A lightweight construction of high-quality materials means a higher useful payload for the vehicle.
• A shorter cycle and lower consumption. The DCP system matches energy to the actual load, shortening the tipping cycle and cutting CO₂ emissions.
• Built-in safety. The system detects excessive vehicle tilt and intervenes automatically.

Applications

• Waste handling and recycling – setting down, picking up and transporting containers.
• Construction and industry – transporting construction containers, material and equipment.
• Fire services, defence and public utilities – fast, reliable handling of interchangeable modules.

Portal loader and the VDL Stratus

The portal loader (skip loader) is designed for safely loading and unloading containers of various sizes, even in very confined spaces. The hexagonal lifting arms operate independently of each other, allowing a container to be picked up at an awkward angle in narrow streets, while the hexagonal profile provides extra stability. The equipment also includes an automatic container-sheeting system with wireless remote control, a height limiter that prevents lifting above the safe working height, a loading bed that keeps the container level despite debris beneath it, and high side supports with adjustable front stops. The newer VDL Stratus generation is based on a modular design that can be configured from a universal base for different applications and markets.

Benefits

• Working in tight spaces. Independently moving arms allow pick-up where the vehicle cannot be aligned with the container.
• Safety when working under obstacles. The height limiter prevents lifting above the safe working height under wires, canopies and branches.
• A modular, upgradeable design. The Stratus base can be configured for different applications, extending the life of the investment.

Applications

• Municipal services and waste collection – swapping containers at collection points in city centres.
• Construction – delivering and removing skips on sites with restricted access.
• Recycling and processing – circulating containers between collection points and the plant.

Cable loading system

The cable loading system is designed for heavy loads and containers with sticky cargo that requires a large tipping angle. A differential keeps both cables evenly tensioned, a telescopic cylinder enables heavy containers to be lifted, and a free-wheel system distributes the forces evenly. The container lock is available in mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic versions, and the system can also be operated from the rear of the chassis, where the operator has the best view. The construction is completed by an extended tipping frame with a scissor mechanism, a reinforced rear axle and a height-adjustable chassis with rollers.

Benefits

• A large tipping angle for sticky cargo. Material that clings to the container walls pours out without manual intervention.
• Even cable tension. The differential prevents skewed pulling and keeps the container in a straight line during loading and unloading.
• Low maintenance. The hydraulic components are designed for long maintenance intervals.

Applications

• Waste handling – containers with damp, sticky material.
• Construction and excavation – transporting soil, construction waste and inert materials.
• Industry – circulating heavy containers between the plant and disposal.

Chain loading system

The chain loading system is designed for the heaviest loads and containers of all sizes. The gripping point is on the underside of the container, allowing shipping containers and compactors to be lifted from both the front and the rear. The hydraulic chain drive has a multi-plate brake that keeps the container locked in place if pressure suddenly drops. The system allows locking in several positions with a combined rear lock, a lifting chain with a hook that can be attached from the cab, and a push-off device for moving containers horizontally onto trailers or wagons. Discharge-valve openers operated from the cab are available as an option.

Benefits

• Safety if the hydraulics fail. The multi-plate brake holds the container in place if pressure drops.
• Handling containers and compactors. Gripping from below allows shipping containers to be worked from both sides.
• Transfer without extra machinery. The push-off device moves the container horizontally onto a trailer or wagon.

Applications

• Intermodal transport – moving containers between vehicle, trailer and rail wagon.
• Recycling and compactors – collecting full compactors from collection points.
• Heavy industry – circulating very heavy containers around the plant.

Ship-to-shore crane spreaders

Ship-to-shore crane spreaders are designed for the most intensive use in continuous operation, day and night. VDL uses a twin-beam design derived from the most demanding applications on high-speed STS cranes. They are fitted as standard with four hydraulically driven corner guides, with a six-side-guide version also available; a 45-foot stop is fitted as standard. Various mounting versions allow attachment to practically any crane. Options include twin lift and separating twin lift, which can separate two 20-foot containers by 5 feet, twin-twenty detection, height detection, automatic lubrication, a damping system and diagnostic tools; a fully electric spreader is available in the single-lift version.

Benefits

• Designed for continuous operation. The twin beam comes from the most heavily loaded applications on fast ship-to-shore cranes.
• Double handling. Twin lift and separating twin lift increase cycle capacity with 20-foot containers.
• Adaptation to the existing crane. Various mounting versions allow installation on existing equipment.

Applications

• Container terminals – ship-to-shore handling in 24-hour operation.
• Terminals with mixed container sizes – additional position stops for 45 feet.
• Replacing existing spreaders – a swap on a working crane without replacing the crane.

Mobile harbour crane (MHC) spreaders

The spreader for mobile harbour cranes is robust yet light – thanks to high-quality steel, more capacity remains for the container itself. It has a twin-beam design and six guides as standard, while telescoping is driven by hydraulic cylinders in a three-point suspension with a damping package of spring washers and a pressure-relief safety valve. A redundant hydraulic power unit is built in. Options include twin lift, twin-twenty detection, a double pin coupling, platforms for safely inserting and removing pins, a damping system, transverse adjustment, position stops up to 45 feet, a cold-climate package, height detection and a 30-degree guide position limiter.

Benefits

• Reliability in remote locations. The redundant hydraulic power unit reduces the risk of downtime where no substitute equipment is available.
• A lighter structure, a heavier container. High-quality steel leaves more capacity for the cargo.
• Safe maintenance. Pin platforms allow safe insertion and removal.

Applications

• Multi-purpose terminals – container handling with a mobile harbour crane.
• Smaller and remote ports – where reliability matters more than maximum capacity.
• Cold-climate operation – with the optional low-temperature package.

Yard crane (RMG and RTG) spreaders

Yard crane spreaders are intended for terminals with no back-up equipment, where any stoppage directly halts the flow. The design therefore uses as little electronics and as few mechanical and rotating parts as possible. All four twistlocks holding the container can move up and down individually by 10 centimetres, absorbing impacts. Most spreaders delivered today are fully electric; for these versions VDL has developed a hybrid guide that combines the advantages of hydraulics and electrics – it absorbs impacts as effectively as a hydraulic system, while the limited use of oil reduces the risk of leaks. Versions are available with four or six guides, with or without fixed guides, with built-in rotation and centre-of-gravity adjustment, position stops up to 45 feet, and cameras and weighing systems.

Benefits

• Fewer potential points of failure. A reduced number of electronic and rotating components lowers the risk of stoppage.
• An electric version with lower costs. According to the manufacturer it needs less maintenance, uses less energy, is quieter and uses no oil.
• Impact damping. Individually moving twistlocks with 10 cm of travel reduce loads during pick-up.

Applications

• RMG and RTG yard cranes – stacking and retrieving containers in the terminal's storage yard.
• Smaller terminals without back-up equipment – where availability is decisive.
• Terminals with environmental requirements – fully electric versions with no hydraulic oil.

Piggyback spreaders for intermodal terminals

The piggyback spreader is designed for rail and intermodal terminals with a balanced mix of containers and semi-trailers, where fast switching between the two is essential. The four piggyback arms can be retracted within the spreader's envelope, allowing block stacking and the placement of containers and semi-trailers into ship cells. The system covers 20- and 40-foot containers and, in the telescopic version, up to 45 feet. All four twistlocks move individually by 10 centimetres, and a dual motor-and-pump system keeps the spreader working even if one unit fails. In the hybrid version only the piggyback arms are hydraulically driven, while all other functions are fully electric. A stand-alone piggyback frame is also available, which any standard spreader can operate after coupling in the 20-foot position.

Benefits

• Fast switching between containers and semi-trailers. The same device covers both cargo types without changing equipment.
• Operation even with a partial failure. The dual motor-and-pump system keeps working if one unit fails.
• Lower consumption and quieter running. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid version with only hydraulically driven arms substantially cuts energy consumption and extends maintenance intervals.

Applications

• Rail and intermodal terminals – transhipment between wagons, vehicles and the storage area.
• RoRo and maritime terminals – placing containers and semi-trailers into ship cells.
• Terminals with existing spreaders – the stand-alone piggyback frame as an add-on to existing equipment.

Completed projects

Cordia — VDL hooklift system

Komunala Kranj — VDL skip loader

PreZero — Terberg tractor with VDL system

LUF — VDL 25 t

LUF — VDL 25 t

LUF — VDL 25 t

The VDL product range

VDL semi-trailers 25 t, 30 t or 40 t + Terberg

VDL Stratus self-loader