Drum Handling Attachments Buyer's Guide

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORKLIFT DRUM HANDLING ATTACHMENT

Selecting a forklift drum handling attachment involves more than checking how much weight it can lift. The drum's construction, gripping arrangement, forklift compatibility, and required handling movement all affect which attachment is suitable.

A grab designed for lifting and transporting steel drums may not be appropriate for a plastic drum, while an attachment intended for vertical lifting will not necessarily provide controlled tipping or rotation.

This forklift drum handling buyer's guide explains how to assess these requirements, compare attachment configurations, and avoid costly selection mistakes. Once you have established your operating requirements, you can explore the extensive range of drum handling attachments available from LES - Lifting Equipment Store.

1: START WITH THE DRUM YOU NEED TO HANDLE

Before comparing attachment mechanisms, establish the exact characteristics of the drums being handled.

Two drums with the same nominal capacity may require different lifting arrangements because of differences in construction, rim profile, dimensions, or weight.

CHECK THE DRUM MATERIAL & CONSTRUCTION

Steel and plastic drums do not necessarily respond to gripping forces in the same way.

If you're unsure about the construction or dimensions of the drums you're handing, our guide to industrial drum types and sizes will help you identify the characteristics before selecting a suitable attachment.

Steel drums may be suitable for certain rim-gripping or body-gripping attachments, provided their construction matches the attachment manufacturer's requirements.

Plastic drums can have different rim profiles and wall characteristics. An attachment intended exclusively for steel drums should not be assumed suitable for plastic containers.

Check:

• Whether the drum is steel, plastic, or another material
• Whether it has an open or closed head
• The rim, chime, or gripping profile
• The drum's diameter and overall height
• Whether the drum is full, partially filled, or empty
• Whether the drum is structurally sound and suitable for mechanical lifting

BUYING ADVICE

Never assume that a nominal 210-litre drum is compatible with every attachment advertised for that capacity. Confirm the drum's physical construction and gripping arrangement against the manufacturer's specification.

ESTABLISH THE MAXIMUM LOADED WEIGHT

The attachment must be suitable for the maximum weight of the drum and its contents, not simply the empty cntainer.

For example, a 210-litre drum containing a liquid with a density of 1.2kg per litre would have a contents mass of approximately 252kg when full.

The drum's own weight must then be added.

This calculation illustrates why selecting an attachment solely by drum volume can be misleading. The actual maximum load should be established from reliable product and operational information.

2: CHOOSING THE GRIPPING & HANDLING METHOD

The attachment mechanism should match the movement required and the drum's approved lifting points.

Our collection includes drum grabs, rim-gripping configurations, drum positioners, and rotating and tilting devices.

DRUM GRABS FOR LIFTING & TRANSPORTING

A drum grab is worth considering when the principal requirement is to lift a compatible drum and transport it while maintaining its intended orientation.

The gripping mechanism is particularly important. Some designs engage with the drum rim, while others secure the drum using a different contact arrangement.

Before ordering, establish whether the grab is designed for the specific drum material and profile. Also confirm whether the gripping mechanism requires any manual engagement or release.

RIM-GRIPPING ATTACHMENTS

Rim-gripping mechanisms rely on engagement with a suitable part of the drum's rim or chime.

They can provide a practical solution for compatible drums, but suitability depends on the gripping geometry and the structural integrity of the drum.

Do not assume that all rim-gripping attachments accommodate plastic drums or that every steel drum has a compatible rim.

DRUM ROTATORS & TILTERS

A drum rotator or tilter should be assessed for its permitted rotation, control method, drum compatibility, and operating clearance.

Pay particular attention to how the load is restrained during rotation and whether the mechanisms is suitable for the drum's contents and fill condition.

SINGLE VERSUS DOUBLE DRUM HANDLING

Single-drum attachments may be preferable where individual positioning, restricted access, or variable drum types are the main considerations.

Double-drum attachments may be worth assessing when compatible drums are handed together regularly.

However, the decision must account for combined load weight, attachment capacity, forklift residual capacity, and the space required to handle both drums.

COMPARING ATTACHMENT CONFIGURATIONS

** These are general selection characteristics, not guarantees of capability for every model.

3: CHECK FORKLIFT ATTACHMENT COMPATIBILITY

Even if an attachment is suitable for the drum, it must also be compatible with the forklift truck.

FORK DIMENSIONS & MOUNTING ARRANGEMENTS

For fork-mounted attachments, confirm the manufacturer's specified fork pocket dimensions and mounting requirements.

Important measurements can include fork width, fork thickness, fork spacing, and the available fork insertion length.

An attachment that cannot be correctly mounted or secured must not be used.

Check whether the attachment requires retaining pins, locking arrangements, or other positive securing features to prevent unintended movement or detachment.

FORKLIFT RESIDUAL LIFTING CAPACITY

A forklift's nominal lifting capacity is not automatically its available capacity when an attachment is fitted.

The attachment introduces additional weight and can change the load centre. This may reduce the truck's effective lifting capacity.

The assessment should account for:

• The attachment's own mass
• The maximum loaded drum mass, or combined mass for multiple drums
• The attachment's effect on the load centre
• The lifting height required
• The forklift manufacturer's approved capacity information for the attachment arrangement

IMPORTANT

An attachment's rated capacity does not establish that the forklift and attachment combination can safely lift the same weight.

Where necessary, obtain confirmation from the forklift manufacturer or a competent supplier - like Lifting Equipment Store - regarding the approved configuration and residual capacity.

OPERATING CLEARANCES

Consider the complete operating envelope rather than the attachment's dimensions alone.

Check whether the combined truck, attachment, and load can safely negotiate warehouse aisles, doorways, racking approaches, and loading areas.

Rotating or tipping arrangements may require additional clearance during movement.

Where the drum must be placed in a confined location, assess the approach angle, visibility, and available manoeuvring space before selecting the attachment.

4: UNDERSTAND THE SPECIFICATIONS THAT MATTER MOST

A product's rated lifting capacity is only one part of the selection decision.

WHY A HIGHER CAPACITY RATING IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER

Purchasing an attachment with a much higher rated capacity does not automatically improve suitability.

A heavier or larger attachment may affect the forklift truck capacity, manoeuvrability, or access to the required lifting position.

An attachment must also be compatible with the drum's dimensions and construction.

The objective is to select equipment with an appropriate rated capacity and verified compatibility, rather than choosing the highest rating available.

REVIEW MANUFACTURER DOCUMENTATION

Before purchasing, request the relevant technical information, including the rated capacity, compatibility requirements, operating instructions, and any applicable inspection or maintenance guidance.

Where documentation is incomplete, obtain clarification rather than assuming suitability.

You can compare the available drum handling attachment configurations and review individual product details before making a final decision.

5: CONSIDER THE CONTENTS & OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The contents of the drum can influence both attachment selection and the wider handling procedure.

HAZARDOUS OR CHEMICALLY AGGRESSIVE SUBSTANCES

Chemical and pharmaceutical operations may involve substances that create additional handling risks.

These can include corrosive liquids, flammable substances, or materials requiring contamination controls.

Before selecting an attachment, review the relevant safety data sheets and site risk assessment.

Consider whether the attachment's materials, coatings, and operating mechanism are appropriate for the environment. 

Where hazardous substances are handled, appropriate storage arrangements are also important. Explore our Hazardous Goods Storage & COSHH equipment to find solutions designed to support safer storage and compliance with relevant workplace requirements.

Where a potentially explosive atmosphere may occur, specialist assessment of equipment suitability and applicable hazardous-area requirements is necessary.

A standard forklift attachment must not be assumed suitable for such conditions.

CLEANLINESS & CONTAMINATION CONTROL

In pharmaceutical and controlled manufacturing environments, equipment may be subject to specific cleaning and contamination-control requirements.

Consider whether the attachment's construction allows the necessary cleaning and inspection procedures.

Surface finishes, exposed mechanisms, and areas where residues could accumulate may affect suitability.

Do not assume that an attachment is suitable for hygienic or controlled environments without appropriate supporting documentation.

LIQUID MOVEMENT DURING HANDLING

Partially filled drums may experience movement of their contents during acceleration, braking, turning, or rotation.

This can affect load behaviours and the handling process.

Where drums are titled or rotated, confirm that the attachment and process are suitable for the contents, fill level, or required movement.

6: MATCH THE ATTACHMENT TO THE HANDLING PROCESS

The number of drums handled per shift and the sequence of movements can influence the most practical attachment configuration.

ASSESS THE COMPLETE HANDING CYCLE

Rather than selecting equipment based only on its ability to lift a drum, examine the full movement from collection to placement.

Ask whether the operator must:

• Approach drums positioned closely together
• Lift drums from pallets or other storage positions
• Transport drums through restricted routes
• Place drums accurately at a workstation
• Rotate or tip drums as part of the process
• Repeat the same movement frequently throughout a shift

The attachment should be evaluated against the most demanding stage of the intended operation.

CONSIDER THE LEVEL OF OPERATOR INTERACTION

Different attachment designs may require different levels of manual intervention to engage, release, or position the drum.

Where frequent handling is required, consider whether the operating sequence creates unnecessary operator movements or repeated manual tasks.

The appropriate solution depends on the actual process and the manufacturer's operating instructions.

EVALUATE PRODUCTIVITY WITHOUT COMPROMISING SUITABILITY

Handling two drums simultaneously may appear more efficient than handling them individually.

However, that advantage depends on the availability of suitable paired drums, sufficient space, compatible load geometry, and adequate forklift capacity.

For variable loads or confined working areas, individual handling may remain the more practical arrangement.

Productivity should be assessed against the complete handling cycle, not simply the number of drums an attachment can lift.

7: COMMON MISTAKES WHEN CHOOSING FORKLIFT DRUM ATTACHMENTS

SELECTING BY DRUM VOLUME ALONE

A 210-litre rating does not establish the weight of a full drum or guarantee that the gripping mechanism will fit.

Avoid this by: Checking the loaded mass, drum material, dimensions and gripping profile.

ASSUMING ALL ATTACHMENTS WORK WITH PLASTIC & STEEL DRUMS

An attachment suitable for a steel drum may not be appropriate for a plastic drum with a different rim or wall construction.

Avoid this by: Obtaining explicit manufacturer confirmation of the supported drum types.

IGNORING FORKLIFT RESIDUAL CAPACITY

An attachment can change the effective load centre and reduce the capacity available for lifting.

Avoid this by: Verifying the approved capacity of the forklift and attachment combination.

BUYING A LIFTING GRAB WHEN TIPPING IS REQUIRED

An attachment designed to lift and transport a drum may not allow controlled rotation or discharge.

Avoid this by: Defining every required handling movement before comparing models.

OVERLOOKING FORK MOUNTING DIMENSIONS

An attachment may have an appropriate lifting rating but incompatible fork pockets or securing arrangements.

Avoid this by: Measuring the forks and checking the manufacturer's mounting specification.

CHOOSING ON PURCHASE PRICE ALONE

The lowest initial cost may not provide the most suitable handling arrangement for repeated or specialist operations.

Avoid this by: Considering compatibility, operating requirements, inspection needs and the full handling process.

8: FORKLIFT DRUM ATTACHMENT PURCHASING CHECKLIST

Use this checklist before placing an order.

9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN ONE FOKLIFT DRUM ATTACHMENT HANDLE BOTH STEEL & PLASTIC DRUMS?

Some attachments are designed for more than one drum material, but compatibility must be confirmed for the specific model and drum construction. Check the manufacturer's approved materials, dimensions and gripping profiles before ordering.

CAN A FORKLIFT DRUM ATTACHMENT BE USED WITH DIFFERENT FORKLIFT TRUCKS?

Potentially, but each forklift and attachment combination must be assessed separately. Fork dimensions, mounting arrangements, securing methods and residual lifting capacity may differ between trucks.

DO I NEED A DIFFRENT ATTACHMENT FOR SEALED DRUMS CONTAINING HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS?

Not necessarily, but the attachment must be suitable for the drum and the operating environment. Consider the substance's hazards, the drum's condition, the site's risk assessment and any specialist equipment requirements.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I PROVIDE WHEN REQUESTING A DRUM ATTACHMENT RECOMMENDATION?

Provide the drum material, dimensions, maximum loaded weight, gripping profile, handling movement, forklift make and model, fork dimensions and relevant operating conditions. This allows the supplier to assess suitability against the available equipment documentation.

10: FINDING THE RIGHT ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR OPERATION

Once you have confirmed the drum characteristics, handling method, forklift compatibility and required lifting capacity, you can narrow your choice to attachments suited to the operation.

LES – Lifting Equipment Store offers forklift-mounted drum grabs, rim-gripping arrangements and equipment for drum positioning and rotation.

Explore the LES Drum Handling Attachment Collection to compare available options and review product specifications.

Where compatibility or operating conditions are uncertain, contact one of our team with your drum and forklift details before purchasing.