How drum handling equipment work
Do you need to empty, load, store, or stack drums? Or do you need to increase efficiency and reliability when handling drums at your workplace? Drums are one of the most common objects that we at Lifts All help our customers lift. Light or heavy drums, big or small- we design our drum lifters based on your specific type of drum and handling requirements, which is why our grippers vary in appearance and function. Here are some examples of our different drum lift models:
Mechanical drum lifters
Mechanical drum lifters use a gripping mechanism that clamps onto the drum. This is a convenient solution for example when a washing machine drum needs to be mounted into a frame, when a drum needs to be stored away on a shelf, or when a secure grip is needed when lifting along the drum’s rim.
Vacuum drum lifters
Vacuum drum lifters use vacuum suction cups to attach either to the top or the side of the drum. These lifters can also be equipped with tilt or rotation functions, allowing you to empty or turn the drum to a horizontal or vertical position. Vacuum drum grippers are typically used for lifting airtight materials such as metal or plastic.
Drum lifters with hooks
A drum lifter can also utilize a hook, which grips for example an eyelet. The hook is attached to a pneumatic cylinder, making the load completely weightless during the lift.
Customized, durable, ergonomic and easy drum handling equipment
When investing in a lifting tool for drums, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you make the right choice.
Is the lifting solution tailored to your specific drums, facility and handling needs? By choosing a customized lifting tool, you get a solution that is optimized for your unique conditions. This allows for faster work and more ergonomic operation. Lifts Alls lifting advisors are experts in material handling and have vast experience in solving various handling challenges in different industries. Together with our designers, they create tools that are customized to the product, work environment, and handling requirements.
Choosing a quality lifting tool made from robust materials ensures that it will withstand frequent use and daily handling. Lifts All´s drum lifting solutions are handmade in Sweden. The parts for each lifting tool are cut, welded, and assembled under one roof. Additionally, every gripper undergoes rigorous testing before being CE-marked and delivered to the customer.
Is the drum lifting tool ergonomically designed for comfortable operation? Lifts All´s drum grippers prioritize the ergonomics of the user, ensuring that hands and arms remain in a comfortable position without straining the back and shoulders. The tool takes the weight of the load, making lifting effortless.
Is the lifting tool easy for your entire team to use? Lifts All´s grippers are equipped with control units that are designed to be easy for anyone to use.
What are the risks of manual drum handling?
Risk of physical strain
Lifting drums manually is often extremely heavy and uncomfortable. If the drums are large with a wide circumference, it can even be difficult to get a proper grip. The person lifting the drums subjects their body to considerable strain, which can lead to injuries and chronic pain.
Risk of damaging the load
Manual handling of drums also poses a risk to the load, as drums can easily be dropped or damaged during the process.
Risk of slow and inefficient loading
Another disadvantage of manual drum handling is its slow pace, as the process of lifting and transporting the drums is both physically demanding and exhausting. A drum gripper can often help in increasing efficiency. No particular strength is needed when using the drum gripper.
Should drums be lifted manually when stacked?
If lifting drums manually is difficult, stacking them is often even more challenging, typically requiring two people. We do not recommend either moving or stacking drums manually, as there’s a risk that the drum could topple over and injure the person handling it.
Instead, we recommend using one of our lifting tools for drums. Combined with an extended handle, you can reach higher and stack heavy drums easily at various heights. Weightless lifting ensures optimal ergonomic conditions. It can also increase efficiency and save money.
How to move drums safely – Safety and ergonomics in drum handling
Many companies require staff to move drums and barrels, but doing so manually exposes workers to the risk of injury and repetitive strain. Safe and ergonomic drum handling is largely about eliminating the strain on your body, which can otherwise lead to painful spinal disc compressions. Lifts Alls lifting tools are ergonomically designed and make the load essentially weightless. When the load is light, you can work faster, more efficiently, and with greater ease. This also allows you to change working positions, avoiding the risk of staying static while moving the drums.
Lifts All’s lifting tools are equipped with safety features such as a built-in load guard and a lifting safety system. The load guard ensures it is impossible to release the load while mid- air. The lifting safety system prevents the tool from lifting the load until a secure hold is confirmed, such as when the vacuum cups have reached the correct vacuum level. Other safety features include a two-hand grip, which requires both hands on the controls to prevent accidental pinching during lifting.
Use a forklift or a lifting tool?
Many companies rely on forklifts and pallets for transporting and storing drums. While forklifts are effective for moving pallets loaded with multiple drums, they are not always the best option for precise handling or stacking in tight spaces. Lifting tools for drums offer greater control and safety when handling drums. They are especially useful when drums need to be rotated, tilted, or carefully positioned. By integrating drum grippers, companies can streamline their material handling processes, ensuring both efficiency and safety.
Need advice on how to lift drums more efficiently and safely?
There are many benefits to using a lifting tool. Barrels, kegs and drums are easily transported, lifted without effort, and efficiency is increased- all while keeping your staff safe. Do not hesitate to contact our skilled lifting advisors to find out how your business can benefit from using lifting solutions! We have helped customers all over the world to lift their drums with ease.
