Forklift Drum Grabs for Safer Drum Handling
Forklift drum grabs provide a practical way to lift, move and reposition drums using an existing forklift truck. They are commonly used where drums need to be moved around warehouses, loading areas, production sites, workshops, depots and waste handling areas without relying on manual lifting or awkward handling methods.
A drum grab is designed to secure the drum while it is being transported, helping operators move heavy drums more efficiently across site. This makes them useful for businesses handling oils, lubricants, chemicals, food ingredients, waste materials and other drum-based products.
Choosing the Right Forklift Drum Grab
When choosing a forklift drum grab, the first thing to check is the type of drum being handled. Some drum handlers are designed for steel drums with rolling hoops, while other models may be suitable for plastic drums, Mauser-style containers or different drum profiles.
You should also check the drum size, drum weight, forklift capacity, fork dimensions and the way the attachment grips the drum. For example, a single-drum forklift grab may be suitable for routine movement of individual drums, while larger operations may require dual drum handling, higher capacity models or specialist drum lifting equipment.
Key points to check before ordering
- The type of drum being handled, such as steel, plastic or Mauser-style drums
- The drum size and whether it has suitable rolling hoops, rims or a compatible profile
- The maximum loaded drum weight
- The forklift truck capacity and lift rating
- The fork pocket size and fork spread required for the attachment
- Whether you need to lift one drum or multiple drums at a time
- Whether the drum needs to be transported only, or tipped/rotated as well
Rim Grip or Body Grip?
Most drum grabs hold the drum round its body, just below the rolling hoop, so the jaws need a little space around each drum. A rim grip drum grab takes hold of the top rim instead, which means drums packed tightly together on a pallet or in a container can be lifted without shuffling them apart first. The rim grip forklift drum grab lifts one drum up to 750kg and the dual rim grip forklift drum grab lifts two at once, up to 1500kg. Both take steel drums and plastic drums with an 'L' or 'XL' ring.
Common Uses for Forklift Drum Handlers
Forklift drum handlers are used across a wide range of industrial and commercial sites where drums need to be moved safely and efficiently. They are particularly useful in environments where drums are too heavy or awkward to move by hand, or where regular drum movement forms part of the daily workflow.
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Factories and manufacturing sites
- Engineering workshops
- Vehicle maintenance and plant yards
- Chemical storage areas
- Waste handling and recycling sites
- Agricultural and industrial yards
- Food production and processing facilities
Fork-Mounted Drum Handling Attachments
Fork-mounted drum grabs are a simple option for businesses that already use forklift trucks on site. The attachment fits onto the forklift forks, allowing the operator to lift and move compatible drums without needing a dedicated drum truck or separate handling machine.
This makes forklift drum grabs a cost-effective choice for occasional and regular drum handling, especially where drums need to be moved between storage areas, vehicles, production lines or waste collection points.
Forklift Drum Grabs vs Drum Rotators
A forklift drum grab is generally used for lifting and transporting drums. A drum rotator or drum tipper is used when the drum needs to be rotated, poured or emptied. If your main requirement is to move drums around site, a drum grab is usually the simpler option. If you need controlled pouring or emptying, a forklift drum rotator may be more suitable. Ours holds a 210 litre drum in a strapped steel girdle and turns it through a gearbox, with a crank handle or a loop chain.
Related Forklift Attachments
Forklift drum grabs sit alongside our wider range of material handling attachments, including forklift tipping skips, forklift lifting jibs, forklift fork extensions and forklift wheelie bin handlers.
For more equipment, view our full range of forklift attachments.
Forklift Drum Grab 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 reduce manual handling and makes it easier to transport heavy drums around warehouses, yards, factories and industrial sites.
What size drums can a forklift drum grab handle?
The drum size depends on the individual model, drum type and capacity. Some forklift drum grabs are designed for standard steel drums with rolling hoops, while other drum handling attachments may be suitable for different drum profiles, larger capacities or specialist handling requirements. Always check the product specification before ordering.
Can forklift drum grabs handle plastic drums?
Some can. The universal forklift drum grab takes compatible plastic drums as well as steel, and the rim grip drum grabs take plastic drums with an 'L' or 'XL' ring. The standard forklift drum grab is for steel drums with rolling hoops only. Check the drum compatibility on the product page before ordering.
Do forklift drum grabs fit all forklifts?
Forklift drum grabs are designed to fit suitable forklift forks, but fork size, fork spread and forklift capacity must be checked before use. The product specification will show the required fork dimensions where available.
What is the difference between a drum grab and a drum lifter?
The terms are often used in similar ways, but a drum grab usually refers to an attachment that grips the drum for transport, while a drum lifter may refer more broadly to equipment used to lift drums vertically or with a crane/forklift setup.
Do I need a drum rotator instead?
If you only need to move drums around site, a drum grab is usually suitable. If you need to pour, empty or rotate drums, a forklift drum rotator is the better choice.
New to drum handling attachments? Read our Complete Guide to Forklift Drum Handling Equipment.
