Handling drums with forklifts
There are many companies that, at some point, need to work with drums, and even turn them over or carry out handling processes in their manufacturing line.
A loaded drum can weigh more than 300kg, so handling drums (lifting, transferring, handling or dumping) requires extreme safety measures and carrying out the different operations with caution.
In addition to their weight, some may contain dangerous substances such as acids or highly irritating products, which require even a extremely care in handling.
The use of forklifts to handle drums and containers is the most common method, but it is necessary to equip them with the appropriate implement to guarantee maximum safety.
Kind of drums
It is important to know the type of drum that we will have to handle, as well as if necessary, apart from moving it, emptying it, in order to choose the type of implement necessary for our model of forklift.
Metal drums
Steel drums are characterized by tread bands located along their body, which serve to improve their handling and provide them with greater robustness.
There are different sizes. From those with a capacity of only 25l, to those that can hold 220l.
Metal drums can be found in two different types:
Roll-top metal drums
Two caps metal drums
Plastic drums
Although its capacity ranges from 25l to 220l, the main difference is its geometry. They are either domed or fully cylindrical with no treads.
Likewise, plastic drums are found in two formats:
Plastic drums with roll-tap
Plastic drums with two taps
On the other hand, we have containers, IBC or GRG, but these are much easier to move, since they are equipped with a pallet at their base and with simple forks, and they can be handled with practically any forklift.
Types of implements for handling drums
Once we know the type of drum that we will have to move, and if it will be necessary to empty it during the process, we can choose the ideal type of implement for our forklift.
It is also necessary to consider the frequency of use of the implement, if we are only going to make movements in the warehouse or we have to undertake the handling of the containers from the forklift.
| IMPLEMENTO | USO | MONTAJE | PESO IMPLEMENTO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinzas para bidones metálicos | Transporte de bidones de acero (metal) de 220L | Sobre horquillas | 100 kg |
| Postizos para envases | Transporte de bidones cónicos de plástico. | Sobre horquillas | 39 kg |
| Postizos frontales para bidones | Transporte, manipulación y volcado de bidones de plástico. | Sobre horquillas | 79 kg |
| Pinzas para bidones de plástico con volteo 360º | Transporte, manipulación y volcado de bidones de plástico. | Sobre tablero | 188 kg |
| Pinzas para bidones con volteo de 180º | Transporte manipulación y volcado de bidones de acero (metal) y plástico. Hasta 178kg | Sobre horquillas | 179 kg |
Handling drums with forklifts
When handling drums, whether steel or plastic, with forklifts, don’t risk it.
Always safety first. Consult our experts.
They will offer you the best possible advice without obligation, taking into account the forklift you are going to use, the drum or drums to be handled, as well as the degree of danger of the product they contain.
We are manufacturers of forklift implements.