Atomoving

Forklift Attachment

Forklift Drum Grabber

YL4/YL6 Barrel Lifter for Forklift

High-Volume Throughput: Simultaneously transports 4 (YL4) or 6 (YL6) drums with a maximum payload of 3000kg (6614 lbs), increasing handling density.
Zero-Hydraulic Actuation: Features a purely mechanical “Eagle-grip” mechanism, eliminating hydraulic maintenance, hoses, and seal failures.
Universal Fork Integration: Chassis includes 175 x 65 mm (6.9 x 2.6 in) fork pockets and 960mm (37.8 in) sleeves for secure Class II/III carriage fitment.
Structural Rigidity: The YL6 utilizes a 308kg (679 lbs) dead-weight steel frame to ensure torsional stability and low center of gravity.
Auto-Adjusting Grip: “Eagle-grip” jaws automatically secure steel, plastic, and fiber drums based on rim diameter without manual tooling.

The YL Series barrel lifter for forklift is a heavy-duty mechanical attachment engineered for high-density chemical logistics and warehouse operations. Designed to replace inefficient single-drum handling, the YL4 and YL6 models maximize operational throughput by handling four or six drums per cycle. The system utilizes a proprietary, gravity-actuated “Eagle-grip” core frame that secures the load using the drum’s own mass, ensuring a fail-safe hold on standard steel, plastic, or fiber drums.

Engineered for durability, the YL6 model features a robust 308kg (679 lbs) steel chassis, providing exceptional rigidity when transporting a full 3000kg (6614 lbs) load. With 960mm (37.8 in) fully enclosed fork sleeves, this unit integrates seamlessly with existing forklift fleets, requiring no hydraulic modifications or electrical connections. This is the optimal solution for facilities prioritizing ROI, safety, and maximum pallet-free handling efficiency.

Model for Barrel Lifter for Forklift

Name	Crane Dedicated Four Drums Clip	Forklift Four Drums Clip	Truck & Crane Six Buckets Hanging Folders
Model	TY4	YL4	YL6
Length (mm)	630	980	1220
Width (mm)	630	960	960
High (mm)	540	500	630
Weight (kg)	125	170	308
Load (kg)	500*4	500*4	500*6
Forkholesoutsidethe net(mm)	/	880	780
Fork hole net (mm)	/	520	420
Fork hole L * W (mm)	/	175*65	175*65
Fork sleeve length (mm)	/	960	960

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Performance

Maximized Payload Efficiency (Throughput Focus)

For warehouse managers focused on cycle times, the YL series delivers a quantifiable leap in efficiency compared to standard clamps. The YL4 provides a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 2000kg (4409 lbs) across four drums, while the YL6 expands this to 3000kg (6614 lbs) across six drums. By consolidating 500kg (1102 lbs) per drum station, operators can clear shipping containers up to 600% faster than manual methods. This density allows for rapid stacking in tight configurations, supported by the YL6’s compact 1220mm (48.0 in) length, which preserves the forklift’s aisle turning radius.

Fail-Safe Mechanical "Eagle-Grip" Engineering (Maintenance Focus)

The “Eagle-grip” mechanism offers a significant reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for procurement teams. Unlike hydraulic attachments that necessitate auxiliary valves and seal replacements, the YL series operates mechanically. The gripping jaws automatically adjust to the drum rim diameter, and the clamping force is directly proportional to the payload weight—meaning a heavier drum results in a tighter grip. This design eliminates the risk of hydraulic pressure drop causing load slippage. With zero electronic components, the primary maintenance requirement is simple lubrication of pivot points.

Carriage Compatibility and Load Stability (Safety Focus)

Operational safety is critical when moving volatile liquids. The YL series minimizes load oscillation using deep 960mm (37.8 in) fork sleeves that fully envelop the forklift tines. The fork pockets act as a structural spine, measuring 175mm x 65mm (6.9 in x 2.6 in), machined to accommodate standard industrial tines with precise tolerances to prevent wobbling. Furthermore, the substantial chassis weight—170kg (375 lbs) for the YL4 and 308kg (679 lbs) for the YL6—lowers the combined center of gravity, ensuring the attachment remains grounded and stable even when cornering with a maximum 3000kg (6614 lbs) load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barrel lifter for forklift and how does it work?

A barrel lifter for forklift is a heavy‑duty attachment that mounts onto forklift forks to safely lift, move, and transport industrial barrels. It uses a strong gripping or cradle structure to lock onto the top rim or body of the barrel. The lifter uses the forklift’s hydraulic lifting system to raise and lower loads, providing stable, secure, and damage‑free handling without manual lifting.

What is the weight capacity of a barrel lifter forklift attachment?

Most standard barrel lifter forklift attachments have a safe weight capacity ranging from 500 kg to 1,000 kg per barrel. Heavy‑duty models can handle up to 1,500 kg for industrial applications. Always follow the manufacturer’s rated capacity and do not exceed the forklift’s safe load limit.

Can a barrel lifter forklift handle different types of barrels?

Yes, most barrel lifter forklift attachments are designed to handle different types of barrels, including steel drums, plastic barrels, fiber drums, and standard 55‑gallon barrels. Many models feature adjustable or universal gripping mechanisms to fit various sizes and materials, making them versatile for warehouses, factories, and chemical facilities.

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.