As forklift trucks have been and will continue to be a mainstay of many job sites, I'll be talking about them in this piece. Having the correct equipment and accessories can help you get the most out of your fork truck machines.
When it comes to pharmaceutical facilities, chemical plants, or oil sectors that work with liquid materials in steel or plastic drums, drum handling is a regular activity. These are frequently dangerous materials, therefore it is important to ensure careful handling. Over the years, there have been various safety requirements imposed on people handling materials of this kind, and for good reasons: to lower the risk of accidents and injuries and to safeguard the environment.
The oil industry, which handles the most drums annually and produced up to 35 billion barrels of oil in 2017, is an example of a sector where drum handling is done on a daily basis. Drum handlers are crucial equipment for a variety of sectors; in this article, we'll examine the different attachments that are available and their features and advantages.
DRUMS TO BE TRANSPORTED SAFELY!
Drums have previously been transported by some fork truck operators just using the forks on the trucks with a sling. This is against the law and extremely dangerous; only licensed equipment that complies with safety requirements and health laws can be used for drum handling and transportation. For lifting operations to be secure and effective, it's critical to know which drum handler to use and where.
Even when completely packed with liquids, steel barrels can weigh up to 20 kg more than when they are empty. Even plastic drums have a dry weight limit of 15 kg. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid, the weight of full steel drums can reach 300 kg; this is far too heavy for personnel to lift and move around by hand. Drum handlers were created in order to increase the efficiency and security of lifting and moving drums. A full drum that was being manually lifted or rolled to be transported posed a serious concern since it might cause harm to nearby individuals.
FORKLIFT DRUM GRABS HAVE BENEFITS
With lifting capacities ranging from 0.5 ton to 1 ton and the option to lift up to two drums at once with some variants, it is no wonder that they are one of our best-selling drum grabs. They also come in a variety of fork widths to suit many different sizes and are just a great product for moving steel drums around the factory. Simple or "entry level" Forklift Drum Grabs are an affordable option. They simply attach onto the forks of the fork truck.
They are totally autonomous, so as the grab clings underneath the drum's rolling hoops and elevates, it tightens its grip to make sure it is stable and safe to lift. In consequence, this grab eliminates the need for physical handling of drums, making it a fantastic replacement for earlier techniques. Any organization must prioritize site health and safety, which is improved by this drum grab.
CARRIAGE MOUNTED DRUM HANDLER
Our carriage mounted drum handler is another quick and simple-to-use addition. If you want to dedicate the drum handler truck to lifting drums, this drum handler is an excellent option. When turning space is constrained or limited and a forklift truck with attached forks cannot fit, this attachment is also perfect.
There are many different kinds of drum grabs; some can raise two or more drums at once or from various angles. Next, we'll look at a rim grip handler.
RIM GRIP FORKLIFT DRUM HANDLER
Additionally, we provide the rim grip forklift drum handler, which works with both steel and "L" Ring plastic drums and has a steel head that enables it to grab the top of the drum very tightly. When de-stuffing or stuffing containers for transportation, the rim gripping characteristics make it easier to handle drums with little to no space between them. Due to its practical grip, this handler is suitable for even very thin drums, preventing damage and associated costs.
Zinc is applied to the head of the rim grip for enhanced protection and product longevity. These drum handlers are a versatile option for drum handling, with a capacity of up to 750kg for the single drum lifter and 1500kg for the twin drum rim gripper, both suitable for hauling drums of 210 liters.
Being able to pick up two drums at once with the dual gripper speeds up drum transport, making this task more effective for big drum moving operations. Additionally, it supports a rubber-lined cushion on which the drum rests; this aids with preventing any movement of the drums during transit.
FORKLIFT DRUM POSITIONERS' FEATURES
When it comes to moving and transporting drums, one more excellent alternative that we provide is a variety of drum positioners. Ideal for manipulating drums that need to be lifted from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The forklift truck driver does not have to get out of the cab to operate these drum handlers.
They are entirely mechanical in operation and may stack drums in a variety of configurations, including pyramidally or on drum stands. They are made of comparatively soft steel, and they are painted a bright yellow color to increase visibility. Its straightforward construction and small number of moving components contribute to its extended lifespan and low maintenance requirements. Drums can then be set on any flat surface without the requirement for any physical handling because there is no girdle holding them in place. The self-locking draw cord makes it possible for the forklift truck driver to control it from inside the cab.
BEING EQUIPPED WITH THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS
Forklift drum attachments are specifically made to lift, transport, and handle industrial drums swiftly, safely, and efficiently; they reduce the danger of harm and are a cost-effective solution. Handling drums weighing hundreds of kilograms is actually not an issue.
However, there are several forklift drum attachments available. The particular version of a tool you ought to use depends on the assignment at hand.
FORKLIFT DRUM ROTATORS
On any job site where working with drums is common, having a rotating tool is essential for emptying, pouring, or moving drums. As drums frequently need to be moved around or emptied on a busy worksite, working with drums is a common task. Different techniques are used to operate these equipment, which we shall look at in the following section, but the drum rotator mentioned above has a crank handle that makes rotation much simpler by providing swift turning with a smooth movement.
Using Drum Rotators for Forklifts
It is crucial that the rotation is done smoothly to avoid spilling the contents of the drum cap or moving the drum's contents too quickly, which could change the weight. For spinning the drums, these drum rotators can include crank handles, manually turning chains, or even a hydraulic alternative. To get the most out of these tools, it's vital to determine your goals and which items work best in your setting. The solutions range in price and ultimately fit some environments better than others.
These drum rotators are compatible with both steel and plastic drums, and they provide regulated and precise drum pouring capabilities by utilizing a high-quality gearbox.
WHAT HYDRAULIC OPTION MAKES SENSE?
Having an effective workflow can ultimately save time and money when it comes to huge operations for handling and transporting drums. The drum rotator used for this is a hydraulic drum rotator, which allows the forklift truck driver to rotate the drum either manually or without leaving the cab using controls inside the cab. This increases productivity and lowers the risk of back pain. This has a manually adjustable drum girdle, which has the advantage of tightly gripping the drum and preventing any slippage or loss of contents.
SIDEWAYS DRUM ROTATING
The drum may be spun in any direction sideways using the crank handle and high-quality gearbox that are included with this rotator, as can be seen in the image. It is simple to use and requires little force to turn.
Full rotation may be accomplished quickly and effortlessly within minutes thanks to the smooth and constant turning action. An excellent drum rotator attachment for forklifts that can only rotate sideways in confined or space-constrained situations with little space.
SUMMARY
We have taken a brief look at these tools and what they are used for, from beginner level drum grabs that can easily pull their fair share to drum positions lifting drums in small areas or even when it comes time to emptying out the drums utilizing drum rotators. With our selection of high-quality Drum Lifters, we hope you can find something that meets all of your needs. Please take the time to view our full range of products by visiting our forklift attachment web store. Having the right tools for the job is essential for maintaining a safe and productive work environment.