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Forklift Drum Mover
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DG500 Series Heavy Duty 500kg Forklift Drum Lifter With Single Grips
- Universal Rim Engagement: “Eagle-Grip” mechanism secures 30 and 55-gallon steel, plastic, and fiber drums with a 500kg (1102 lbs) Working Load Limit (WLL).
- Zero-Hydraulic Actuation: Purely mechanical linkage eliminates the need for electrical harnesses or hydraulic connections, reducing maintenance.
- Precision Fork Fitment: Features fully enclosed fork pockets for rigid slide-on mounting.
- Dynamic Load Locking: Positive-action jaws increase clamping force in proportion to the drum weight, preventing slippage on uneven terrain.
The DG500 Series forklift drum lifter is a single-head mechanical attachment designed for the efficient transport of cylindrical payloads in Class I and II industrial environments. Engineered with a rated capacity of 500kg (1102 lbs), this unit utilizes an automatic “Eagle-Grip” clamping system that secures the upper chime of 30 and 55-gallon drums without requiring hydraulic or electrical integration. The chassis features a fixed fork spacing of 590 mm(23.2 in) and a structural net weight of 52–60 kg(115–132 lbs), ensuring minimal deration of the host truck’s lift capacity. Its purely mechanical operation makes it the standard specification for handling steel, plastic, and fiber drums in warehouses where rapid, slide-on deployment is required.
Model for Forklift Drum Lifter
| Model | DG500A | DG500B | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rated Capacity
|
kg
|
500
|
500
|
|
Acceptable Drum Type
|
|
Steel, plastic, fiber
|
Steel, plastic, fiber
|
|
Net Weight
|
kg
|
52
|
60 |
|
Overall Size
|
mm |
910x730x850
|
910x760x850
|
|
Fork Pockets (LxWxH)
|
mm
|
750x150x55
|
750x150x55
|
|
Fork Opening
|
mm
|
590
|
590
|
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Performance
Gravity-Actuated Mechanical Clamping
The DG500 eliminates the failure points associated with hydraulic drum handlers (e.g., hose ruptures or seal leaks) by utilizing a gravity-actuated linkage. As the forklift masts up, the 500kg (1102 lbs) payload weight is translated into lateral clamping force via the Eagle-Grip jaws. This positive-action mechanism ensures that the grip strength is directly proportional to the load mass; heavier drums result in tighter locking. This engineering guarantees secure retention of standard steel, plastic, and fiber drum rims during dynamic braking or cornering forces up to 0.5 m/s2.
Universal Carriage Integration
Designed for rapid interchangeability, the unit features dual enclosed fork pockets measuring 750 (L)×150 (W)×55 (H) mm(29.5×5.9×2.2 in). This precise tolerance minimizes vertical oscillation (“chatter”) on standard forklift tines, protecting both the drum chime and the forklift carriage from impact fatigue. The slide-on design allows a single operator to convert a standard counterbalance forklift into a specialized drum handler in under 60 seconds, secured via a safety chain or cam-lock to the fork heel.
Bumper-Protected Structural Chassis
The main frame is fabricated from reinforced structural steel to withstand daily impact in high-throughput docks. To protect the drum sidewalls from denting or puncture during the lift cycle, the vertical apron includes an integrated shock-absorbing bumper pad. This is critical when handling sensitive fluids in thin-walled 55-gallon plastic or fiber drums. With a net weight starting at 52kg (115 lbs), the attachment maintains a high center of gravity stability ratio while maximizing the residual capacity of smaller 1.5-ton to 2.5-ton electric forklifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of forklift drum lifters are available?
Common types of forklift drum lifters include single-drum grabbers, double-drum handlers, automatic drum grippers, drum tilters/rotators, and fork-mounted drum craddles. They are designed for different applications such as lifting, moving, pouring, and storing steel or plastic 55-gallon drums in warehouses and industrial environments.
How much weight can a forklift drum lifter safely handle?
Most standard forklift drum lifters have a safe working load of 500 kg to 1,000 kg per drum. Heavy-duty models can handle up to 1,500 kg or more. Always follow the manufacturer’s rated capacity and do not exceed the safe load limit of either the attachment or the forklift.
What safety precautions should I follow when using a forklift drum lifter?
When using a forklift drum lifter, inspect the attachment and drum before use, ensure the drum is securely gripped, and never exceed the rated capacity. Keep the drum low to the ground while moving, drive slowly, avoid sudden turns or stops, and only use the attachment for its intended purpose. Proper operator training is also required to ensure safe handling.
Reference
[1] Conger. “Types of Forklift Attachments: A Complete Guide”. Conger, Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.conger.com/types-of-forklift-attachments-guide/.
[2] Lifting365. “Forklift Attachments & Accessories”. Lifting365, Accessed February 22, 2026. https://lifting365.com/collections/forklift-attachments-accessories.
[3] KAUP GmbH & Co. KG. “KAUP Attachments”. KAUP, Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.kaup.de/en/forklift-attachments.