Loading Plastic Drums: Safe Cradling Techniques

how to load plastic drum cradle

Plastic drum cradles are an essential tool for transporting and storing drums, typically those with a capacity of 55 gallons (205 litres) and weighing up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms). They are designed to make the process of moving and setting up drums easier and more secure. The drum cradles are manufactured from rugged angle iron and feature four MORTUF polyolefin wheels for easy transportation. Additionally, they can be equipped with a tipping lever to eliminate manual lifting. When purchasing a plastic drum cradle, it is important to consider the specific requirements, such as the size and weight of the drums, to ensure safe and efficient handling.

Characteristics Values
Capacity 55-gallon (200L) drums
Weight capacity Up to 600 pounds (272 kg)
Material Steel, poly, rugged angle iron
Features Loading bar grips, MORTUF polyolefin wheels, Model 31 Tipping Lever
Use Moving, setup, storing, tipping, draining
Additional information Some drum cradles offer tax-free purchases for customers outside the USA

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Loading bar grips and positioning

Loading a plastic drum cradle requires a good grip on the drum to ensure it can be smoothly shifted into a horizontal position. The loading bar grips the drum chime, which is the protruding rim at the top and bottom of the drum. This grip allows for controlled movement and positioning of the drum.

To achieve a secure grip, ensure the loading bar is firmly in place and clamped onto the drum chime. The loading bar should be adjusted to match the diameter of the drum chime, providing an even and tight hold. This secure grip will prevent the drum from slipping or shifting during transport.

The loading bar's design includes a curved or contoured surface that matches the shape of the drum chime. When properly positioned, the loading bar should make full contact with the drum chime, maximizing the surface area of the grip. This even distribution of force ensures that the drum remains stable and secure during handling.

For additional safety, some drum cradles may have mechanisms to lock the loading bar in place once it securely grips the drum chime. This locking feature further reduces the risk of accidental slippage or movement during transportation or when the drum is in a stationary horizontal position.

By following these steps and ensuring proper loading bar grips and positioning, users can safely and efficiently load plastic drum cradles, facilitating the smooth and controlled movement of drums.

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Steel or poly drum cradles

Drum cradles are also available with tipping levers, which eliminate the need for manual lifting. The Cary Company offers drum cradles in steel and polyethene, with bulk and wholesale pricing options. Baytec Containers offer a range of combination drum cradles, including welded and knocked-down models, in materials such as steel, polyolefin, and hard rubber.

When using a drum cradle, ensure that the loading bar grips the drum chime securely. This permits the smooth shifting of the drum into a horizontal position. Drum cradles are suitable for drums weighing up to 600 pounds (272 kg) or up to 800 pounds, depending on the model.

It is important to note that the shape of plastic drums can be affected by temperature and weight. Therefore, some drum cradles are not recommended for use with plastic drums. Always check the specifications and recommendations provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe and proper use.

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Lifting equipment and attachments

Loading a plastic drum cradle requires the use of specialised lifting equipment and attachments. These tools are designed to improve safety and efficiency when handling heavy and awkwardly shaped drums.

One common type of attachment is a drum lifter, which can be used with cranes, hoists, and forklifts. Drum lifters provide a secure grip on drums, reducing the risk of accidents during lifting operations. They are particularly useful when frequent lifting, lowering, and moving of drums are required. Some drum lifters feature a three-arm design, allowing them to securely grip both open and closed-head drums with a top lip.

Drum clamps and tongs are other attachments that enhance safety during lifting operations. They provide a super-strong grip on the drum, eliminating the worry of dropping the heavy load. Drum clamps are lightweight and cost-effective, making them a popular choice for industrial applications.

For rotating and pouring the contents of a drum, drum rotators are the ideal attachment. These devices enable the drum to be mixed or emptied via a rotating axis once lifted. Drum tilters and tippers are also useful for controlled pouring of liquid contents while reducing physical strain on workers.

When handling plastic drums, it is essential to consider the unique challenges posed by their shape. Placing braces on both the top and bottom of the drum helps stabilise it during rotation and emptying. Additionally, drum dollies provide a simple yet effective solution for moving drums across facilities, even in tight spaces. They offer a stable platform and smooth-rolling wheels, enhancing workplace efficiency and reducing strain on personnel.

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Forklift jibs and hooks

A jib arm is a steel boom that attaches to the forks of a forklift truck, turning it into a multifunctional crane by extending its reach. This enables the user to lift and move bulky loads to and from higher and lower areas without manually unloading or moving the item. Adjustable forklift jibs offer the most versatility, as the position of the boom and hooks can be adjusted for different loads, making them ideal for handling a variety of drum sizes.

Forklift drum attachments are designed to simplify the handling of drums and barrels, making the process easier and more flexible. Drum clamps, for example, enable secure vertical and horizontal lifting by providing a super-strong grip, reducing the risk of accidents associated with moving heavy items.

When using a forklift to lift a drum, the first step is to securely attach its drum handler. This should grip tightly around the drum to prevent slippage and be properly aligned and locked before lifting. A smooth and steady lifting technique is crucial to maintaining stability. Keeping the drum close to the ground during transit helps reduce the potential impact of drops, and adhering to forklift load capacity limits is essential.

Some specific models of drum lifters include the FPDL-8-L, which features adjustable arms for 55-gallon tapered round bottom plastic drums, and the FPDL-11-H, a top lip plastic drum lifter for 30 and 55-gallon plastic closed-head drums. Additionally, the Deluxe Combination Fork Mounted Drum Lifter includes attachments to lift any type of drum, including 30 and 55-gallon steel, plastic, and fiber drums.

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Transportation and delivery

The Drum Cradle is manufactured from rugged angle iron, ensuring durability and longevity. It is equipped with four MORTUF polyolefin wheels, providing smooth and effortless transportation. For even greater convenience, consider adding the Model 31 Tipping Lever, which eliminates the need for manual lifting.

When ordering the Drum Cradle, you can expect efficient delivery services. The website provides an "Estimated Lead Time To Dispatch," indicating the preparation time for shipment. During checkout, you can select your preferred shipping option, such as "Standard Ground Shipping 2-3 days." For international orders, delivery times may vary, and tax exemptions may apply for purchases made outside the United States.

To enhance your purchasing experience, some suppliers offer the option to buy online internationally or contact their export department for a quotation. This flexibility ensures that you can receive your Drum Cradle wherever you are located. With a global network of logistics partners, these companies are well-equipped to deliver their products to most parts of the world.

Frequently asked questions

A plastic drum cradle is a device that allows for the easy moving and setup of a drum, typically a 55-gallon (200L) drum weighing up to 600 lbs (272 kg).

To load a plastic drum cradle, you can use a forklift or other specialist drum handling attachment. The loading bar grips the drum chime and permits a smooth shift of the drum into a horizontal position.

Plastic drum cradles are typically made from rugged angle iron or polyolefin.

You can buy a plastic drum cradle from specialist suppliers such as Lifting Equipment Store USA, BascoUSA.com, and The Cary Company.

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