A flipper assembly for guiding a spreader to engage a container is provided, the flipper assembly comprising a flipper hingedly mounted to the spreader, said flipper moveable between an open and closed position about said mounting; a motor mounted to the spreader distal from said flipper; a spacing assembly located between the motor and the hinged mounting of the flipper, wherein said spacing assembly is capable of transmitting a torque from the motor to the hinged mounting so as to move the flipper between the closed and open positions.