To properly understand what a drum lifter is, let's begin by talking about the very basics. What is a drum? A drum is a storage tank that can hold and store a variety of substances. These drums are typically cylinders made of plastic or steel with flat tops and bottoms. I'm sure you can imagine the array of purposes these drums might serve in a warehouse.

The transportation of drums is where drum lifters come in. To move drums throughout your warehouse, you need special equipment to move, tilt, lift, stack, and pour the barrels. Drums can hold hundreds of pounds of materials that sometimes cannot be moved by human force. Drum lifters allow you to safely and efficiently move your drums throughout the warehouse. Let's dive in and discuss what benefits drum lifters can offer, the different types, and how to determine the right type of drum lifter for your warehouse.

What benefits can a drum lifter offer?

Increased Warehouse Safety

Drums can contain hazardous materials and should be moved carefully. Moving these with a drum lifter is crucial to ensure proper warehouse protocol and warehouse workers' safety. It is important to understand that sometimes attempting to move a drum with only human force can result in serious injury for an employee. Only experienced, professional warehouse employees should operate a drum lifter or move drums. Professional employees and equipment are critical to having a positive experience moving a drum.

Increased Warehouse Efficiency & Productivity

Drum lifters help to maintain an efficient and productive warehouse environment. Instead of several employees attempting to use non-specialized equipment to move a drum, a drum lifter gets the job done quickly and effectively. This prevents wasted time trying to move a drum without proper equipment. The ability to move a drum as needed also promotes a more organized warehouse environment with a better flow. Drums can easily be moved out of walkways and production areas. Better organization leads to faster production times. Faster production times lead to increased revenue.

What are the different types of drum lifters?

Grabs

A grab is a forklift attachment that allows you to use a forklift to safely move a drum. The attachment grabs the drum at the center or top of the drum. This attachment can help move heavy drums that can't be moved by human force. Forklifts should always be operated by trained professionals.

Palletizers

Palletizers are pieces of equipment that allow the user to transport heavy drums from one pallet to another. There are a variety of designs depending on the need of the company. Some can be operated by a single user, and others are fully automated allowing for much more efficient movement of drums. Traditionally, palletizers use a catch to lock onto the rim of the drum that aids in safe movement. Additionally, most palletizers are designed to lock on to various drum rims.

Mixers

Mixers are special equipment used for mixing the contents of drums. A mixer is necessary if you need equipment that will allow you to mix the content in your drums for production purposes. There are two different types of mixers: rollers and tumblers. A roller will gently roll a drum on its side to mix the contents. A tumbler will mix the contents end over end, flipping the entire drum to mix the contents.

Vertical Lift-Pourers

Vertical lift-pourers make it possible to lift and pour the contents out of a drum. The specific vertical lift-pourer you will need depends on how high you need to lift the drum. For example, a single-stage lift-pourer will allow you to lift the drum up to 60" high, and a two-stage vertical lift-pourer will lift a drum up to 106" high. Another aspect to consider is whether your job requires a manual or automatic pourer. In other words, think about whether your drum can be rotated on its own or if you will need the assistance of a machine. Single-stage and two-stage pourers come with both of these options.

Other Movers

If you are looking for a lower-cost option, a dolly might be a good fit, depending on the warehouse. A dolly is a cost-effective solution when moving lighter drums (light enough to be moved by human force) across short distances. It is important to ensure that the employee is not being put at risk by moving the drum with a dolly. Hazardous materials in drums should not be moved by dollies.

How do I determine which type of drum moving equipment is right for me?

You should consider several aspects when deciding which drum-moving equipment is right for your warehouse. Consider how far the drums need to be moved, whether the drums need to be mixed or poured, how much the drums weigh, and what contents are inside. If the drums cannot be easily maneuvered with human force assisted by a dolly, investing in more expensive equipment is necessary. It is also important to consider who will be operating the equipment and what their training and qualifications are. After considering all of these aspects, seek a professional opinion. Preparing this information will help you have a smooth consultation.

In conclusion

As we explained in this article, adding a drum lifter to your warehouse operation can benefit you in a multitude of ways. If you are considering adding a drum lifter to your warehouse, contact our team at Hoj Innovations. Our team of professionals has years of experience helping individuals and companies worldwide. So whether you need questions answered or you're ready to buy, we can provide expert advice and exceptional service at any point in your journey.