Tips for Managing Drums and Other Large Containers in Your Warehouse
Tips for Managing Drums and Other Large Containers in Your Warehouse
Every warehouse has its own material handling challenges, but the goal is always the same: move products safely, efficiently, and with as little manual effort as possible. From drums and pails to IBC totes and pallets, BASCO offers material handling solutions designed to streamline operations, improve workplace safety, and make demanding jobs easier. Explore some of the most common handling challenges and the equipment that's built to solve them.
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 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 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 are a bit more durable and sturdy than their aluminum counterparts, making them the perfect choice for long-term use. However, aluminum drum trucks 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. However, if you’ll be moving drums outdoors, you’ll likely want a drum truck equipped with pneumatic tires. 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.
Q: What about drum lifters?
BASCO also has a variety of drum lifters available. 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 handlers are similar to drum lifters. You can choose a drum lifter with brakes or without brakes, depending on your application.
Q: Can a drum lifter work as a substitute for a drum truck or dolly?
A drum lifter model can absolutely work as a substitute for a drum truck 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 or 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 equipment allow you to manipulate your drums onto shelves and racking, or pour at a 90-degree angle, with models available to handle a wide range of drum weights.
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 equipment for the job.
BASCO has a complete selection of drum handling equipment, along with the experience and expertise to help you properly select and use it. For answers to all your material handling questions, give us a call. Our customer service team is available Monday through Friday and ready to help you find the right solution for your drum handling application.
