The Mobicon container handler.

Container handling equipment specialist Powerfleet Inc has been appointed exclusive US distributor for Australian-made Mobicon container handlers.

Powerfleet vice president Ryan Mouritzen said the first Mobicon to hit the US market was currently performing demonstrations in Long Beach, California.

"Mobicon systems have been in business for more than 10 years. The manufacturer is based in Australia and has sold more than 50 machines to date," he said. Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Mobicon container handlers will be assembled in the USA.

Mouritzen said the machine, which had originated from its predecessor, a stationary gantry crane, had no "real, direct competitors".

"There are the obvious top pick container stackers that cost more but do not provide the flexibility and manoeuvrability Mobicom does."

The Mobicom was designed to unload trucks and carry containers around sites, up ramps and into buildings. It has a 73,000lb (33,112kg) lift capacity.

Mouritzen praised the machine for having the "lightest axle loading of any container handler in the world". The Mobicon has a wheel loading of six tonnes when carrying a 26-tonne container. That allowed the machine to work on pavements without damaging them.

The container handler has a low centre of gravity, leading Powerfleet to claim it was the safest container handler on the market.

Powerfleet Inc, based in Arlington, Virginia, is the sole agent in the USA for Mobicon and Meclift machinery.