Drum Grabber Guide:
Drum grabbers are designed to help safely lift, transport, load, unload, and position drums throughout warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and industrial operations. By securely handling steel, plastic, and fiber drums, drum grabbers help reduce manual handling, improve productivity, and minimize the risk of product damage, spills, and workplace injuries. Whether you are moving a few drums per week or managing high-volume drum inventories, selecting the right drum grabber can significantly improve efficiency while supporting safer material handling practices. This guide explains the different types of drum grabbers, how they work, and the key factors to consider when choosing the best solution for your application.
Q: What is a drum grabber?
A: A drum grabber is a mechanical (sometimes powered) device that fits on the forks or carriage of a forklift and picks up anywhere from one to four drums at a time.
Q: When would I need a drum grabber?
A: Organizations that regularly load, unload, transport, or store drums can benefit from using a drum grabber. These attachments help improve productivity, reduce manual handling, and support safer drum movement throughout a facility.
Q: If I need a forklift anyway, why not just pick up the drum between the forks?
A: This takes more time and effort, and it’s a risky way to go. You can easily drop or dent the drum, or even worse, puncture it.
Q: How does a drum grabber work?
A: There are two basic types. A curved-arm grabber, like Model SAVG-53 is a very popular and economical solution for loading and unloading drums. It slips right onto your forklift's forks. Then it automatically grabs and releases the drum, either one or two at a time. There are powered versions of this type that use hydraulic control to grip the drum. The second type of grabber is the “claw-type”, like Model EG3SCM2-F. This type grabs the chime, or upper rim of the drum, and automatically releases it as it touches down. This type of grabber can handle up to four drums at once.
Q: How does the grabber pick up the drum?
A: The curved-arm grabber’s arms pivot up and out. As you drive up to the drum and the arms touch the drum, you slowly lower the forklift carriage. The arms tilt up and spread apart to get around the drum. Now for the neat part: as you lift the carriage, the arms come up against the drum’s rolling hoop. The hoop pushes the arms down and closes. The heavier the drum, the tighter the grip! Releasing the drum is just as automatic: as the drum touches the floor, you keep lowering the carriage and back away. The claw-type grabber has a mechanical jaw. As the grabber is lowered onto the drum, the jaw opens, catches the top rim of the drum, and locks securely. When the drum is lowered, the jaw opens as the drum touches the ground.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of grabbers?
A: The curved arm grabbers are economical, and they work great for one or two drums at a time, but they need space around the drum for the arms; they don’t work with closely packed drums, as you find in a truck or in storage. The claw-type grabber grabs at the top rim, so it works with closely packed drums. Some models can be mounted directly to the carriage of the forklift. This is important if you’re working in very close quarters where the extra length of fork-mount models would get in the way.
Q: Do plastic drums need a specific type of grabber?
A: Many plastic drums are essentially straight-sided. Curved-arm grabbers need rolling hoops to work properly, so a claw-type grabber is best for plastic drums. Model EG2LDCM2-F has two gripping heads per drum, It distributes the load more securely.
Q: Do drum grabbers work on different sizes and types of drums?
A: Some models of curved-arm grabber are adjustable for 85/55/30 gallon drums or 55/30/15 gallon drums. Claw-type grabbers will work with any size drum with a top rim.
Q: What are the weight capacities of drum grabbers?
A: Depending on the model, curved-arm grabbers can handle from 1,000 up to 1,500 pounds per drum. Capacity of a claw-type grabber depends on the number of gripping heads. Single head models can handle 1,000 pounds per drum, double-head grabbers can handle up to 2,000 pounds per drum.
BASCO delivers the Right solution for you. When you need a Drum Grabber, get it Right ... get it from BASCO!
We offer lots of Drum Grabbers, one for every need and budget. But more than that, we’ll help you make the right choices. BASCO has the best trained and most knowledgeable customer service people, and with our 80+ years of experience in the drum business, we’ll help you “grab” the equipment you need to get your job done right.
Looking for a product we do not currently stock? BASCO can also help source drum handling equipment and industrial supply solutions that meet your specifications, safety requirements, and operational goals. From product recommendations to custom sourcing assistance, we are committed to helping you find the best solution for your facility.
Need assistance? Call 800-776-3786 to speak with a BASCO specialist.
