Drums in industry are seldom straightforward to deal with. They are cumbersome and not safe to manually handle due to their weight, size, and round shape. From chemicals and fuels to food grade liquids, drums are essential in various storage and conveyance needs of industries. Forklift drum lifters are typically the answer to handling them in a safe and productive manner.
A forklift drum lifter is designed to safely lift in a proper manner while also being rapid. With the addition of such attachments, plants can reduce hazards, prevent product damage, and boost performance. They are also used to organise material flow within warehouses, so that they can operate with minimum delays. Furthermore, drum lifter usage also helps to maintain the stringent safety regulations that characterise the industrial arena.
Why Use Forklift Drum Lifters?
Drum lifters mounted on forklifts increase their usefulness and increase their efficiency. These attachments:
- Minimise manual handling injuries.
- Improved efficiency, thanks to a drum that requires less time and energy to rotate.
- When transferring or shipping, take precautions to protect any fragile or hazardous contents.
- Enhance the organisation of your warehouse and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
It’s as easy as that; the right attachment can make drum handling faster, safer, and more efficient drum handling, minimising downtime, and labour costs.
Types of Forklift Drum Lifters
Different workplaces require different solutions. Here are the typical forms of lifters:
1. Vertical Drum Lifters
These lifters are designed to hold drums by the top so they stay upright during transport. They are great with liquid containing jars that need to be spill proof.
2. Horizontal Drum Lifters
These lay down pail carriers are designed for stacked or side by side rolling of pails. Use them in industries that handle drums horizontally, loaded, or empty.
3. Drum Grabbers
Forklift-mounted drum grabbers lock onto the sides of drums as the forklift advances. One or two drums may be handled at a time, so they are extremely well-suited when space is limited.
4. Drum Rotators
Drum lifters are also known as drum rotators, which are more complex than drum lifters and have the ability to lift and turn respectively. For example, for discharging or blending directly from the barrel. They provide accurate timing for liquids and powders.
5. Clamping Drum Lifters
Fitted with mechanical gripping arms, clamping lifters firmly grip varying drums of various materials. They are versatile and can be used in applications for a wide range of drum types.
Choosing the Right Drum Lifter
The ideal lifter depends on:
- Type of drum (steel, plastic, or fibre).
- If it is used to handle vertical or horizontal.
- Frequency of drum movement.
- Types of content in the drums (hazardous, liquid, solid).
For example, Drum rotators are ideal for companies needing to regularly tip out contents, whilst vertical lifters offer safe handling and storage.
Applications Across Industries
Industries that use Forklift Drum handlers many different industries that must transport large, heavy drums require Forklift drum handlers, including:
- Manufacturing: Chemicals, greases, and materials.
- Warehousing: Stack and arrange drums in a warehouse.
- Food & Drink: Dealing with oils, syrups, or liquids etc.
- Construction: Delivering fuels, coatings, or adhesives.
- Agriculture: Fertiliser, pesticide, feed liquids control.
The use of these lifters assists industries in maintaining a workflow that is both safe and efficient.
Final Thoughts
Drums are necessary in a number of industries, yet handling them manually can be dangerous. Drum lifter attachments turn your forklift into a safe, economical drum handling system; lifts, transports, and rotates steel, plastic and fibre drums. From Verti-Lifters, Pull Lifts, Grapplers, Rotator Lifts, to Clamp Lifts – one for every need.
DHE Materials Handling Equipment provides solutions for all of your material handling needs. The right attachment selection is guaranteed to provide a safe, efficient, and long-term cost saving solution for today’s place of work.
