When empty, a 200-litre steel drum weighs about 20 kilograms. However, when filled, that weight can exceed 200 kilograms – too heavy for workers to move with a hand truck or other manual tools.

Fortunately, a forklift drum attachment can easily lift a full container and move it quickly to where it belongs. Furthermore, various forklift drum attachments can be used for multiple tasks.

Lifting made easy

A standard drum handler is clamped to the top of the drum. The clamp is attached to a sheath that fits over the forklift’s prongs and supports the drum’s base while providing enough height to lift the heavy drum. Forklift drum handlers are typically available in single-drum or double-drum configurations.

The second type of forklift drum handler uses a side clamp to grasp the drum in the same way you would hold a beer can. Like the standard drum handler, this forklift attachment has a sheath that fits over the forklift tines. When you move the forklift forward, the clamp is pushed against the drum, and the handles close around and grip the drum. It then locks under the rolling hoop when you raise it. To release a clamp forklift drum handler, simply lower the drum to the ground and reverse the forklift. Drum clamp forklift attachments are also available in single and double drum configurations.

Versatility

A forklift drum handler can do much more than just lift drums. Some models are designed to rotate the drum vertically, partially or completely. This can be used to tip a drum and empty its contents. The operator can usually rotate the drum 360 degrees along the vertical axis on most models.

Instead of using onboard equipment, another type of forklift drum handler with a rotator appliance has a hand chain that the operator can manually rotate when the drum is lifted higher than the operator’s chest height.

Plastic drum lifting

Plastic barrels necessitate the use of specialised forklift drum handlers. This includes optional cradles fitted to the existing forklift drum handler to avoid damaging the less durable plastic barrel. Furthermore, many cradles have an optional chain-and-belly strap to secure the drum or barrel.

Forklift drum attachments can make the difficult task of moving heavy drums more manageable and efficient while lowering the risk of worker injury or accident.

Contact Micron MHE for details

Contact Micron MHE today if you’re still not sure about the proper attachment for your application. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution. Alternatively, please visit our website for more information about our offers.

With the right forklift attachments, you can turn your forklift into a multifunctional machine, increasing productivity while saving money. Using the proper forklift attachment can reduce handling time, manpower, fuel consumption, and product damage.

Consider these questions before purchasing your next forklift attachment to ensure you get the right accessory for your needs.

What is the weight of the load to be lifted?

Knowing the maximum load weight the forklift attachment must lift is critical for selecting an attachment with the appropriate safe lifting capability. Lifting weights greater than the forklift and forklift attachment are rated to lift can cause severe unit instability, increasing the risk of the forklift and load tipping and causing significant injury or damage to the product and nearby surroundings or equipment.

How high must the load be lifted?

Similarly, knowing how high the load must be raised is crucial when purchasing a forklift attachment that can elevate to the necessary height. Overloading a raised forklift attachment can also cause instability, increasing the risk that the unit will tip over, potentially resulting in disastrous consequences.

What hydraulic functions are needed?

Standard counterbalance forklifts frequently use two or three hydraulic actions to raise, lower, tilt and perform side-shift functions.

A fourth hydraulic function may be required to ensure proper operation of a forklift attachment like a bin rotator or tipper that uses hydraulics to rotate bins around or tip them forward. To operate the attachment, your forklift must have hydraulic capabilities.

Is a permanent or temporary attachment required?

Knowing whether the forklift attachment will be used permanently or temporarily can help you decide whether to purchase one if it will be used frequently or hire one if it will only be used occasionally.

Is it necessary to re-rate your forklift after installing an attachment?

All forklifts must be re-rated with updated data plates following the installation of any forklift attachment. A forklift’s safe rated capacity will decrease to accommodate the increased weight of the forklift attachment, lowering the unit’s safe lifting capability. Therefore, understanding the unit’s re-rated safe lifting capacity is vital to avoid overloading it.

Is it necessary to train operators to use the attachment?

Following the installation of specific forklift attachments, your operators may require additional training to ensure they can operate the forklift attachment safely.

Typical forklift attachments

Now that you have a better idea of the attachment you require for your application consider the following forklift attachments.

Fork positioners

These forklift attachments allow operators to precisely align loads by hydraulically moving the forklift carriage and tines from left to right.

Bale clamps

A hydraulically controlled clamp forklift attachment allows a forklift to safely and efficiently lift cylindrical bales of scrap metal, cotton, textiles, and wool.

Paper roll clamps

This forklift attachment is specifically designed for the paper industry. It’s a hydraulically controlled clamp for lifting and transporting paper bales with minimal damage.

Rotators

These forklift attachments can lift and rotate loads up to 360 degrees.

Forward bin inverter

With a hydraulically controlled forklift attachment, a forklift can lift and transport loads and safely empty bulk loads by tipping the bin forward.

Push/pull

This towbar attachment allows a forklift to transport trailers or related equipment safely.

Advantages of forklift attachments

Forklift attachments can help reduce operator stress and increase efficiency. If you understand the most popular forklift attachments, their benefits, and the industries that use them, you can easily make an informed selection and choose the correct forklift attachment for your individual needs.

Several of these forklift attachments are simple to attach and detach, often without the need to remove the forks. As a result, a single piece of equipment – your forklift – can perform multiple functions, which is an excellent way to reduce operational costs.

Contact Micron MHE for details

Contact Micron MHE today if you’re still unsure about the proper forklift attachment for your application. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution. Alternatively, please visit our website for more information about our offers.

For handling various materials, forklift attachments can be fitted to your machine. Furthermore, removable forklift attachments can be removed at any time, increasing your forklift’s versatility in handling various tasks.

Using the proper forklift attachment for the job can significantly boost your company’s productivity. However, selecting the right forklift attachment can be difficult with so many different options on the market. These are some common forklift attachments to consider.

Fork positioners

The fork positioner is a common forklift attachment that hydraulically moves the forks closer or further away from each other for faster and more effective handling of different pallet sizes and odd-size objects. This forklift attachment requires an additional hydraulic valve and moves the forks independently of one another.

Benefits

• Quicker load handling times.
• Reduced pallet damage, truck wear, and fuel consumption.

Paper rolls clamps

Paper roll clamps are used in paper handling industries like newspaper printers, paper manufacturers, and tissue manufacturers to handle various sized paper rolls. Furthermore, these forklift attachments are available with multiple gripping pads and automatic pressure controls to prevent paper roll damage. Clamps are the preferred forklift attachment when a load cannot be transported by pallet.

Benefits

• Intended primarily for the paper industry
• A large selection of clamp pads
• 360-degree rotation
• Cost savings due to less paper damage

Advantages of forklift attachments

Forklift attachments can help reduce operator stress and increase productivity. With a better understanding of the most common forklift attachments, their uses, and benefits, you can make an informed decision and select the best attachment for your specific needs. Keep in mind, however, that some forklift attachments require an additional hydraulic valve, which comes at an additional cost. Fortunately, several of these forklift attachments are simple to attach and detach, often without removing the forks. A single piece of equipment that can perform multiple functions is an excellent way to reduce operational costs.

Contact Micron MHE for details

Contact Micron MHE today if you’re still unsure about your application’s proper forklift attachment. Our material handling specialists can help you choose the most suitable solution. Alternatively, please visit our website for more information about our offers.