How to Choose the Proper Drum Handling Equipment for your Application

Gather Info for Safe, Ergonomic Drum Handlers

Choosing the right drum handling equipment is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and productivity in your operations. With the ability to shake, lift, tilt, rotate, mix, and more, having the appropriate tools can make a significant difference. Whether you’re lifting, transporting, or pouring drums, using the right equipment not only enhances your operational workflow but also ensures the safety of your team and the integrity of your materials.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

STEP 1: Drum Information

Start by collecting specific details about the drums you handle:

• Type(s) of Drum: Identify whether you are handling steel, plastic, or fiber drums.
• Drum Sizes: Note the sizes of your drums, such as 55-gallon (210 liters) or 30-gallon (114 liters).
• Weight of Heaviest Drum: Determine the maximum weight of the drums you handle.
• Top Rim Presence: Confirm if all drums have a top rim, which is essential for certain types of handlers.
• Drum Contents: Identify the type of contents in your drums, such as liquids, powders, or granules.

STEP 2: What You Need to Do with Drums

Next, define the specific tasks you need to perform with the drums:

• Move Upright Drum: Determine if you need to transport drums while keeping them upright.
• Lift and Pour Drum: Assess if you need to lift and pour contents from the drum, and specify the required height.
• Rack Drum: Decide if you need to rack drums upright or horizontally, and specify the maximum height.
• Mix Contents Inside Drum: Identify if you need to mix the drum’s contents. TUMBLER: Choose for a vigorous mix. ROLLER: Opt for a gentle mix.

STEP 3: Type of Drum Handler

Finally, choose the type of drum handler that best suits your needs:

• Forklift Attachment: For lifting drums with a forklift.
• Below-Hook Drum Handler: For handling drums using a crane or hoist.
• Mobile Drum Handler: For moving drums around your facility.
• Powered or Manual Drum Handler? Decide between powered and manual options based on your needs. Battery Powered: Ideal for mobility and ease of use. Air Powered: Suitable for environments where air power is preferred. Plug-in Electric Powered: Ensure compatibility with your power supply’s phase, voltage, and frequency (Hz). Fully Manual: Cost-effective for low-frequency or lighter tasks.
• Special Requirements: Stainless Steel Equipment: Necessary for food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries to ensure hygiene and corrosion resistance. Spark Resistant Equipment: Essential for hazardous areas with flammable or explosive materials.

Drum Handling Safety Solutions

Choosing the right drum handling equipment is not just about efficiency; it’s also about ensuring safety. Our solutions help:

• Reduce Risks and Safety Concerns: By providing stable and controlled handling of drums.
• Avoid Back Strain and Hand Injuries: Ergonomically designed equipment minimizes physical strain on workers.
• Prevent Spills: Secure handling mechanisms ensure that drum contents are transported safely.
• Ensure Safe Drum Handling in Hazardous Environments: Specialized equipment is available for handling drums in areas with flammable or explosive materials.
• Eliminate the Need for Bare Fork Drum Handling: Our equipment offers more secure and precise handling compared to using bare forks, reducing the risk of accidents.

By following these steps and considering safety solutions, you can identify the precise drum handling equipment that meets your operational needs while ensuring safety and efficiency. W.W. Cannon has been serving customers just like you with the best drum handling equipment in the world for over 25 years and is recognized as a platinum dealer for Morse Manufacturing. ?

For more information on choosing the right drum handling equipment, or to find the perfect solution for your application, contact us today.