Moving drums by hand is awkward, slow and risky. Even when a drum is not full, it can still be difficult to grip, unstable when tilted, and easy to damage if it is dragged or rolled across a site.
That is where forklift drum handling equipment comes in. The right attachment allows a forklift truck to lift, move, position or tip drums more safely, without relying on manual handling. For warehouses, factories, yards, recycling sites and industrial premises, it can make a big difference to day-to-day handling.
At Mammoth Attachments, we supply forklift drum grabs and drum handling attachments for UK businesses that need a practical way to handle steel, plastic or industrial drums.
What is forklift drum handling equipment?
Forklift drum handling equipment is a category of forklift attachment designed specifically for lifting and moving drums. Instead of trying to balance a drum on forks or move it manually, the attachment secures the drum so it can be handled in a more controlled way.
Common drum handling attachments include drum grabs, drum lifters, drum tippers and drum rotators. The right option depends on what you need to do with the drum. Some businesses only need to move drums from one area to another. Others need to lift them from pallets, load them onto vehicles, or empty contents into another container.
If you already use a forklift on site, a drum attachment is usually one of the simplest ways to improve handling without investing in a separate machine.
Why use a forklift drum handler?
Drums are not always easy to handle safely. They can be heavy, round, slippery, dented or partly filled, which makes them less predictable than a standard palletised load.
A forklift drum handler helps by giving the operator a more secure way to grip and move the drum. This can reduce manual lifting, improve control and speed up regular handling tasks.
- Reduces the need for manual drum handling
- Helps operators move drums more efficiently
- Improves control when lifting or transporting drums
- Can reduce the risk of drum damage from dragging or poor handling
- Makes better use of existing forklift trucks
For sites that handle drums every week, or every day, a proper attachment is usually far safer and more practical than improvised methods.
Types of forklift drum handling attachments
Forklift drum grabs
A forklift drum grab is designed to grip the drum securely so it can be lifted and transported by forklift. These are commonly used where drums need to be moved around a warehouse, yard, production area or storage facility.
Drum grabs are a strong choice where speed and simplicity matter. The operator can approach the drum, secure it using the attachment, then lift and move it without needing to manually strap or wrestle with the drum.
You can view our current range here: forklift drum grabs.
Drum lifters
Drum lifters are used to raise and move drums, often from pallets or storage areas. They are useful when the main job is lifting and transporting rather than pouring or rotating.
They are commonly used in factories, workshops, warehouses and chemical handling environments where drums need to be moved between storage, production and dispatch areas.
Drum tippers and rotators
Drum tippers and rotators are designed for emptying or pouring drum contents. Instead of simply lifting the drum, they allow it to be tilted or rotated in a controlled way.
These are useful where liquids, powders or loose materials need to be dispensed from a drum. The correct attachment depends on the drum type, contents, weight and how controlled the tipping action needs to be.
Where are forklift drum grabs commonly used?
Drum handling attachments are used across a wide range of sectors. Any site that stores or moves drums can usually benefit from a dedicated attachment.
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Manufacturing sites
- Chemical storage areas
- Food production facilities
- Recycling and waste management sites
- Workshops and maintenance departments
- Construction and industrial yards
They are especially useful where drums need to be moved repeatedly between storage areas, production lines, loading bays or waste handling zones.
Choosing the right forklift drum attachment
The best drum handling attachment depends on the job. Before buying, it is worth checking exactly what type of drum you are handling and what you need the forklift to do with it.
1. Check the drum type
Not all drums are the same. Some attachments are better suited to steel drums, while others may be suitable for plastic drums or specific rim types. The size, shape and condition of the drum all matter.
If the drum is damaged, badly dented or not suitable for gripping, it may not be safe to lift with certain attachments.
2. Check the drum weight
Always consider the weight of the drum when full, not just when empty. A drum that feels manageable when partly filled can become a very different load when full of liquid, oil, chemicals or dense material.
The attachment, forklift truck and operating conditions all need to be suitable for the loaded weight.
3. Decide whether you need to lift, move or tip
If you only need to transport drums around site, a drum grab or lifter may be enough. If you need to pour contents, you will need a tipping or rotating attachment.
Buying the wrong type of attachment can make the job slower or unsafe, so it is worth being clear on the actual task before ordering.
4. Check forklift compatibility
Forklift attachments need to suit the truck they are being used with. Check fork pocket dimensions, forklift capacity, load centre and the working environment.
Attachments change the way a forklift handles a load, so operators should always work within the forklift’s rated capacity and follow safe operating procedures.
Drum grabs vs drum rotators: which do you need?
A drum grab is usually the better choice when the main job is moving drums from one place to another. It is simple, practical and suited to regular drum transport.
A drum rotator is better when the job involves emptying or pouring contents from the drum. It gives more control over the tipping action and is better suited to dispensing applications.
In simple terms:
- Choose a drum grab if you mainly need to lift and move drums.
- Choose a drum rotator if you need to tip, pour or empty drums.
- Choose a drum lifter if you need straightforward lifting and transport without rotation.
Safety considerations when handling drums with a forklift
Forklift drum handling can be much safer than manual handling, but only if the equipment is used properly. The attachment should be suitable for the drum, the forklift should have enough capacity, and the operator should be trained to use the attachment correctly.
- Never exceed the rated capacity of the attachment or forklift
- Check the drum is suitable to be lifted before use
- Inspect the attachment before each use
- Keep loads low and stable while travelling
- Avoid sudden braking, turning or uneven ground where possible
- Do not use damaged drums unless they can be handled safely
- Make sure operators understand how the attachment works
For other site handling tasks, you may also want to look at our wider range of forklift attachments, including attachments for waste handling, lifting and access work.
Related forklift attachments for waste and material handling
Drum handling is often just one part of a wider material handling setup. Many sites that use drum grabs also need other forklift attachments for waste, lifting or site maintenance tasks.
- Forklift tipping skips for loose waste, scrap and site debris
- Forklift wheelie bin handlers for moving and emptying bins
- Forklift lifting jibs for suitable suspended loads
- Forklift fork extensions for longer and oversized loads
Buying forklift drum handling equipment in the UK
When buying a forklift drum attachment, the cheapest option is not always the best choice. Drum handling equipment needs to be strong enough for regular use, suitable for the drum type, and appropriate for the site environment.
Before ordering, check:
- The drum size and material
- The full loaded drum weight
- Whether you need lifting, moving or tipping
- Your forklift capacity and fork dimensions
- The working area and ground conditions
- How often the attachment will be used
If you are unsure which option is right, it is better to ask before ordering. You can browse our forklift drum handling range or contact Mammoth Attachments for guidance.
Forklift drum handling FAQs
What is a forklift drum grab used for?
A forklift drum grab is used to lift and move drums with a forklift truck. It helps secure the drum during handling and reduces the need for manual lifting or dragging.
Can a forklift lift a drum without an attachment?
It is not recommended to lift loose drums directly on forklift forks unless the load is properly secured and the method is safe. A dedicated drum handling attachment is normally a better option because it is designed for the shape and handling requirements of drums.
What is the difference between a drum grab and a drum rotator?
A drum grab is mainly used for lifting and moving drums. A drum rotator is used when the drum needs to be tipped, poured or emptied in a controlled way.
Are forklift drum handlers suitable for plastic drums?
It depends on the attachment and the type of drum. Some drum handlers are designed mainly for steel drums, while others may suit plastic drums. Always check compatibility before use.
Do I need to check forklift capacity when using a drum attachment?
Yes. The weight of the drum, attachment and load centre all affect forklift capacity. Always make sure the forklift is suitable for the full loaded weight and the way the attachment changes the load position.
Where can I buy forklift drum grabs in the UK?
Mammoth Attachments supplies forklift drum grabs and drum handling attachments for UK businesses, with options for industrial, warehouse and site handling applications.
Final thoughts
Forklift drum handling equipment is a practical investment for any business that regularly moves drums. It can reduce manual handling, improve control and make day-to-day operations more efficient.
The key is choosing the right attachment for the job. If you mainly need to move drums, a forklift drum grab may be the right choice. If you need to pour or empty drums, a tipping or rotating attachment may be more suitable.
To compare options, browse our full range of forklift drum grabs and drum handling equipment, or get in touch if you need help choosing the right attachment for your forklift and drum type.