Container Wheels for Battery Energy Storage (BESS) Containers
Battery energy storage systems are usually delivered in 20 ft or 40 ft ISO containers and set down with a crane. Once the container is on site, every small move is expensive: shifting a unit a few metres onto its foundation, into a hall for commissioning or out of the way for maintenance normally means booking a crane again. Our container wheels lock into the ISO corner castings, so you can roll the container into position instead.
How much does a BESS container weigh?
Much more than a normal shipping container. A fully loaded 20 ft BESS container typically weighs between 24 and 35 tonnes, depending on the battery chemistry, cooling system and ballast. The empty container shell, before the battery racks go in, weighs only a few tonnes. Always use the gross weight from the manufacturer’s data sheet, and check whether you are moving the container before or after the batteries are installed.
Which wheel set fits a BESS container?
| Situation | Total weight | Wheel set (dynamic load per set of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Empty container shell or enclosure, before battery installation | Up to 5,400 kg | Compact, 5,400 kg |
| Partly fitted container or small storage unit | Up to 13,500 kg | Pro or Pro SL, 13,500 kg |
| Loaded 20 ft BESS container | Up to 30,000 kg | Xtreme, 30,000 kg |
| Loaded BESS container above 30,000 kg | Above 30,000 kg | Custom solution, engineered for your container |
The total weight must be at or below the dynamic load capacity of the wheel set. Many fully loaded BESS containers sit close to or above 30,000 kg, so send us the data sheet and we will check it with you. You can also enter your weight in the container wheel selector for an instant load check.
Why put a BESS container on wheels?
- No second crane booking. Do the final positioning on site yourself, on your own schedule.
- Easier assembly and commissioning. Move containers between assembly, testing and dispatch areas inside a production hall.
- Maintenance access. Pull a unit out of a row to reach doors, cooling units or cable entries.
- Reusable. The wheels come off after the move and go onto the next container.
Before you move a BESS container
- Confirm the gross weight from the data sheet or by weighing.
- Check that all four bottom corner castings are ISO 1161 and undamaged. Enclosures without corner castings can be fitted with weld-on steel corner castings.
- Check that the floor or ground can carry the load. A 30,000 kg container puts about 7,500 kg on each corner.
- Battery racks are not always spread evenly. Ask the manufacturer where the centre of gravity is.
- Move slowly and set the brakes once the container is in position.
Frequently asked questions
Can container wheels carry a fully loaded BESS container?
Yes, up to 30,000 kg dynamic load with the Xtreme set. Many loaded 20 ft BESS containers weigh 24 to 35 tonnes, so check the gross weight first. Heavier units need a custom solution, which our engineers can size for you.
What if my battery enclosure has no ISO corner castings?
We supply a set of ISO 1161 steel corner castings to weld onto the frame, plus the matching wheels. For special frames we can design a custom connection based on your drawings.
Do the wheels stay on the container?
No. You mount the wheels for the move, then remove them and reuse them on the next container.
Planning a BESS project? Use the selector to check your weight, or send us your data sheet for advice.
