Drums are among the most awkward loads in any company: round, heavy, without good grip points and often filled with liquid that starts to move when the drum is tipped. Even so, in many places they are still edged, rolled, lifted and poured by hand. A drum lifter takes this work off employees' hands. With the TransOrt MobilLift and a drum attachment, drums can be lifted, rotated and tipped without physical effort and in a controlled movement. This guide shows where the risks of manual drum handling lie, what a drum lifter needs to do and which criteria help you choose the right device.
Why manual drum handling is risky
Handling drums combines several strains at once. The main risks at a glance:
- Weight: even a medium-sized, filled drum quickly exceeds the reference values that SUVA publication 88190 gives for occasional lifting: 25 kg for men and 15 kg for women.
- Shape: a drum offers no good handles. The load sits far from the body, which puts additional strain on the spine.
- Edging and rolling: anyone who tilts a drum onto its rim or rolls it risks it tipping over uncontrollably. Hands and feet can be crushed.
- Pouring: when pouring by hand, the drum is held in a bent-forward posture while the contents, and with them the centre of gravity, shift. This is tiring and easily leads to spills.
- Contents: with oils, chemicals or other liquids, splashes and spills add their own risk to people and surroundings.
When this work is done regularly, the strain adds up. Where loads are lifted more than four times per hour, SUVA requires an assessment from as little as 12 kg for men and 7 kg for women. How companies tackle musculoskeletal strain systematically is covered in our article on preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
What a drum lifter must do: lift, rotate, tip
A drum lifter does more than replace the lift itself. It takes over the whole sequence of movements involved in drum handling:
Lifting and lowering
The drum is brought from the floor to working, filling or transfer height and held there securely. Nobody has to bend down or carry the weight.
Rotating
Rotating brings the drum into the right position, for example to align the opening or to position the drum for the next work step.
Tipping and pouring
When tipping, the drum lifter tilts the drum in a controlled way so that the contents can be poured in measured amounts. The movement comes from the device rather than from the operator's strength, which clearly reduces the risk of spills and poor posture.
Drum handling with the TransOrt MobilLift
The TransOrt MobilLift is a mobile lifting aid that becomes a multi-purpose solution through interchangeable attachments. With a drum attachment it becomes a drum lifter: drums can be lifted, rotated and tipped. For drum handling, the model overview explicitly lists lifting, tilting and pouring of drums. Because all MobilLift models are mobile, the device comes straight to the drum instead of the drum being rolled by hand to the workstation.
The MobilLift devices are made by TransOrt GmbH of Schmallenberg, which has been developing and manufacturing ergonomic lifting aids since 1998. They are AGR-certified (Campaign for Healthier Backs), meaning they are ergonomically designed and demonstrably relieve spinal strain. A further advantage: with other attachments, the same base unit can also handle crates, containers, rolls or coils.
| Model | Load capacity | Tilting | Rotate / swivel |
|---|---|---|---|
| MobilLift Impact 80 | up to 80 kg | yes | optional |
| MobilLift Impact 200 | up to 200 kg | yes | yes |
| MobilLift K16 | up to 400 kg | no | optional |
The table shows the functions of the base units according to our model overview. Which combination of device and drum attachment suits your drum is something we clarify together with you based on drum type, size and filled weight. All models and attachments are on our page on TransOrt MobilLift mini lifts.
Selection criteria for the right drum lifter
Before choosing a drum lifter, it pays to describe the task precisely. These points are decisive:
- Drum type and size: the diameter, height and material of the drum, and whether it has a rim or bead, determine which attachment holds it securely.
- Weight including contents: what counts is the weight of the full drum, not the empty container. It must match the load capacity of the chosen combination.
- Movement sequence: does the drum only need to be lifted and transported, or also rotated, tipped and poured?
- Routes and space: how far is the drum moved, and how narrow are aisles and workstations?
- Frequency: how often per day are drums handled? With regular use, a suitable lifting aid pays off in particular.
- Environment: production, laboratory or warehouse each place different demands on size and equipment.
Ergonomics and occupational safety in drum handling
A drum lifter is a technical measure in terms of occupational safety. The SECO guidance on Ordinance 3 to the Employment Act states in relation to Art. 25 that suitable work equipment must be provided for moving loads, and technical measures take priority over organisational ones such as job rotation or breaks. The reason is simple: a device provides relief in every shift, even under time pressure. A sensible starting point is a risk assessment: record where drums are lifted, edged or poured, how heavy they are and how often this happens. Drum handling is often just one of several lifting tasks in a company. Our guide to lifting aids at work gives an overview of which lifting aid suits crates, pallets or workpieces.
For businesses and private customers across Switzerland
Tirugo is the authorised Swiss dealer for TransOrt and supplies MobilLift devices to businesses and private customers alike. You receive advice, quotation, delivery and service from a single source, across all of Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions about drum lifters
What is a drum lifter?
A drum lifter is a lifting device that raises drums and, depending on the version, also rotates or tips them. At Tirugo, this is the TransOrt MobilLift with a drum attachment: a mobile lifting aid that is brought to the drum and replaces manual lifting, edging and pouring.
Can a drum lifter also tip drums and pour from them?
Yes. With a drum attachment, the MobilLift can lift, rotate and tip drums, and the contents can be poured in a controlled way. According to the model overview, tilting is possible with the Impact 80 and Impact 200 models.
How heavy can a drum be for the MobilLift?
The MobilLift models have load capacities of up to 80 kg (Impact 80), up to 200 kg (Impact 200) and up to 400 kg (K16). The load capacity that applies with a specific drum attachment depends on the combination. We clarify this based on drum type, size and filled weight.
Is a drum lifter also available to private customers?
Yes. Tirugo supplies TransOrt MobilLift devices to businesses and private customers alike, with advice, quotation, delivery and service across all of Switzerland.
Would you like to handle drums more safely in your company? Tell us the drum type, size, filled weight and the movement you need. We will suggest the right combination of MobilLift and drum attachment and check on request whether a test unit is available for your application. Submit your enquiry.
