Hooklift is widely used to handle different kinds of flatracks equipped with a suitable bail bar. In some cases, the hooklift can also be equipped to handle class ISO 688 1C and 1CC freight containers. The handling principle when using the hooklift to handle the flatrack and a container varies and, in some cases, this can cause problems in the handling of the container. This thesis’ primary objective is computationally to study forces which occur in the different mechanism points of the hooklift during the container handling. The secondary objective of this thesis is to study is it possible to use polymer material to replace a wear plate of the container handling skid made of steel.

The thesis consists of a theory and a practical part. In the theory part the hooklift system and the container handling equipment are introduced to the reader. Further the theory background of the needed equations in the practical parts is introduced. In the last phase some detailed studies of four different polymer materials are made where the main weight is to understand the frictional and wear behavior of the materials.

In practical part the needed mathematical models of mechanic are developed to describe the behavior of hooklift during different loading situations. To help and to take account the perspective of a customer in skids wear plate material selection a QFD-analysis is also carried out.

As a result of this thesis, the friction between the skid and container is the major factor which causes problems during the load handling in container use. However, according to the results also the center of gravity of the container plays a markable role. This is the consequence of the friction forces between the skid and container which are dependent about the load distribution. This phenomenon can be reduced by choosing polymer material as the material of the wear plate of the skid.