How to lift a 55 gallon drum

[trook]

I am considering using a 55 gallon barrel as an economical fuel storage tank for my tractor. I am hoping some of the geniuses on here can tell me the best way to lift a full barrel of diesel by using a FEL.

For example, can I weld hooks or angle iron to the top edges of the barrel (when empty of course) and use chains? Does the market have a good cost effective alternative I can use?

I realize that placing the barrel on top of a pallet and using forks is a good option, but I don't have pallet forks.

Please give me your ideas.

 

[JohninCT]

Northern Tool
Drum lifter

Northern Industrial Drum Lifter | Drum Pullers, Rotators + Stackers | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[handirifle]

Roll, roll your barrel gently down the road...merrily merrily merrily life is like a,,,

Oh you wanted a real answer I bet.

I'd suggest sealing it nice n tight and lay it on it's side and lift it in the bucket.

Should be able to get the lip of the FEL under the edge to stand it back up.

either that, or, before filling it with flamables, weld on 3 or for hooks on the sides, and make up a chain lift to attach to it and the FEL.

Post pics when you figure it out.

 

[smiley]

I've got one of these someplace but it only has a single rod on each side. I've never used it but would be very easy to fabricate.
Below-Hook Drum Lifters - Drum Lifter Hoist Attachments

 

[Gods Country]

I was considering this for a while myself.
My plan was to utilize two outer shackle points on the bucket, and just strap it in. I figured on practicing on a drum of water first.

 

[SandburRanch]

I am considering using a 55 gallon barrel as an economical fuel storage tank for my tractor. I am hoping some of the geniuses on here can tell me the best way to lift a full barrel of diesel by using a FEL.

For example, can I weld hooks or angle iron to the top edges of the barrel (when empty of course) and use chains? Does the market have a good cost effective alternative I can use?

I realize that placing the barrel on top of a pallet and using forks is a good option, but I don't have pallet forks.

Please give me your ideas.

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Build or have some barrel tongs built. I don't see them available to purchase like we used at work. They were similar to skidding tongs but did not scissor. They were just two steel straps with hooks bent on the ends and a steel ring connecting the two hooks. They were made to lift the barrel horizontally by hooking to the top and bottom lip of the barrel. A chain from your bucket hook to the barrel tongs ring should do it. To fuel the tractor or anything else that needs fuel, connect a hose and nozzle to the 3/4 or 2 inch bung, elevate the barrel with your bucket and lower it when finished.

Edit: yep, just like Smiley's pic example except two solid steel straps or rods forged flat on the ends and hooks bent .

 

[MF 1532]

Before I had a tractor I loaded barrels with a cherry picker . I made a cradle out of conveyer belting . Bolted plate on end of belts with chain and hooks .

 

[rockinmywaypa]

I always lifted barrels by wrapping a chain around the barrel just under the top but near the middle rib and hooking with a slip hook then take the other end up and over a hook and finally hooking a grab hook into the loop around the barrel on the opposite side as the slip hook. Lifted many barrels onto trailers, pickups, whatever without ever a slip. the weight of the load keeps the chain tight around the barrel.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Unless the drum is new, at least fill it with water before you weld on it. Lots of welders have been killed by containers going KABOOOOOM.

I know - I know, some of the folks here have welded tens of thousands of barrels with nary a problem. But then, we don't have any members that were killed by explosions, do we?

 

[BHD]

Take a flat strap of iron and measure out the drum and bend the ends so one can bolt it around the drum and then weld the lift points on it before bolting it on to the Drum, that way if the Drum get messed up one can put it on a new drum.

NO chance of burning through the drum or any chance of explosion,