Tips for Managing Drums and Other Large Containers in Your Warehouse
As an owner, operator, or warehouse employee, knowing how to properly and safely move and handle your drums, pails, IBC totes, pallets, or other items is crucial. Well, BASCO has you covered; whatever challenges you, we have a solution. We’ve worked with a ton of warehouse workers in the past, so let’s go over some of the most common material handling issues that they’ve faced, and find out how we’ve dealt with these issues in the past.
Q: How can I move 55 gallon drums safely around my warehouse, even with lots of other heavy steel drums in the way. Does BASCO have a solution?
The good news is that we absolutely have a solution, the complicated news is that there are multiple solutions. We just have to find the right one for your situation.
Let’s consider the type of work that you do on a daily basis. Will you typically be moving one drum at a time, or multiple drums?
If you’re moving just one drum at a time, then you’ll probably want to utilize a drum truck or drum dolly. Drum trucks will allow you to easily transport a single drum, and there are different models for all types and sizes of drums. Drum dollies are great when the load has to stay vertical during transport. With multiple small wheels, they’re super maneuverable. They can be pushed, and some include a pull handle.
If you’re planning on moving multiple drums at once, you’ll likely want to load your drums onto a pallet, and then use a pallet truck to move your drums around your workplace. This will allow you to safely move up to four 55 gallon drums at once.
Loading the pallet is another story. BASCO has drum lifters that allow you to use your forklift to lift a quartet of filled drums and precisely load them onto the pallet. This is the way to go if you’re palletizing and shipping large quantities of filled drums.
Q: What kind of drum truck should I get? What are the differences between drum trucks?
There are several different frame styles, materials, tires, and brakes available with different model drum trucks, so let’s break down each one, so you can determine which one is perfect for you.
The term frame style refers to the size, shape, and number of wheels on the drum truck, and it will affect how you move and store the truck. There are two main types of frame styles that we carry, including two-wheel models, like the Model KD68, and four-wheel models. Two-wheel model drum trucks are great for quick use cases, and for moving things short distances. Not to mention, several two-wheel styles are self-standing (when unloaded) and easier to store.
Four-wheel models are completely support the load, so they’re easier to handle, and there are several different kinds available. Let’s take a closer look at materials, tires, and brake options, and you can assume that each drum truck we refer to from this point onward will be a four-wheel model.
Material composition can make a big difference in the performance of your drum truck. Steel drum trucks, like 2895, are a bit more durable and sturdy than their aluminum counterparts, making them the perfect choice for long-term use. However, aluminum drum trucks, like the 3210, are spark resistant and a bit lighter, so they can be easier to move around.
Drum truck tires are also a big factor in your decision. Got an indoor warehouse with nice concrete or smooth wood floors? You’ll be perfectly fine with molded rubber or polyolefin wheels, like you can see on this steel drum truck. However, if you’ll be moving drums outdoors, you’ll likely want a drum truck equipped with pneumatic tires, available on this drum truck for 30 to 55 gallon drums. These wheels perform significantly better on rough ground or gravel.
Your final feature option will be brakes. Do you plan on moving drums downhill, or in and out of trailers that may be sitting on uneven ground? If so, you’ll likely want a drum truck equipped with brakes. You may think that you’ll have no problem stopping your drum truck, even while you’re heading downhill out of the trailer, but let’s consider a scenario: It’s the end of a long work day, you’re already sore, and you have to move a full 55 gallon drum out of a trailer. So, your arms are sore, you’re pushing a drum truck downhill, your hands are sweaty, and the drum weighs almost 500 pounds. There’s a chance that without brakes on your drum truck, you may lose control and drop the drum. That’s the situation that we want to avoid, so consider a drum truck with brakes, like the 3450-F.
Q: What about drum transporters, or drum lifters?
BASCO also has a variety of drum transporters and lifters available as options. The chief difference between these products and drum trucks is that drum lifters and transporters will often allow you to lift the drum, sometimes up to 4 feet in the air. Many of the options featured in drum transporters are similar to drum lifters. You can choose a drum lifter with brakes, like 4500SB, or without brakes, like the 4500S.
Q: Can a drum lifter work as a substitute for a drum truck or dolly?
A drum transporter/lifter model can absolutely work as a substitute for a lifter or dolly, but it all depends on your situation. Drum transporters/lifters are typically more expensive than regular dollies, and they have a slightly different purpose in mind. Lifters are excellent for lifting drums onto and off of pallets, or for assisting you with lifting drums onto trailers. Consider what your main use for your transporter/truck will be, and then make an informed decision.
Q: I need to store my drums sideways on a rack, and I’m wondering how to safely tilt and lift drums. Is there a material handling product to help me?
There are a few different reasons that you’d need to tilt your drums. You may need to pour product out through the bung, or store your drums on a rack. But how can you safely tilt and lift the drum up onto the rack?
There’s an easy solution: Drum handlers. By utilizing a drum handler, you can effectively load, move, tilt and lift your drums in any manner that you may need to. These handy pieces of machinery will allow you to manipulate your drums up onto shelves and racking, or pour at a 90-degree angle, all the way up to 800 lbs.
Get a More Effective, More Efficient Warehouse.
If you utilize the tips and products from this article, you’ll increase the efficiency and safety of your warehouse. You’ll be amazed by the difference you’ll find when you use the right products for the job.
BASCO has the most complete selection of the products that you need, AND all of the experience and expertise that you need to properly select and use them, something you can’t get from a “big box” seller. For the answers to all your questions about material handling, give us a call! Our expert customer service team is available Monday through Friday, ready to help you find the right solution to every container-handling challenge.