Lifting 55 gallon drums

[rtadams89]

I figured some of you may have experience with stuff like this an may have advice to prevent my from hurting myself or destroying the drums.

Soon, I will need to load a bunch of 55 gallon drum barrels (about 400lbs each) into the back of my M35. I have a crane in the bed of the truck that is capable of lifting the load, but I don't currently have any way to grab on to the drums. The drums I will be lifting are metal, but not ribbed and have removable lids that are secured with a latching ring seal. Looking around, the only options I have found are slings that ratchet around the drum circumference -- but these require ribs -- and ones like a Merrill drum lifter -- but these clamp on to the rim and I'm afraid they will damage the lid/seal.

Are there other options out there I'm not finding?

 

[clinto]

This is as good as you're gonna' get.

 

[joel]

I deleted my post as it was too primitive compared to following superior methods

 

[gimpyrobb]

This is just like the one I use. I didn't spend that much on it though.


https://www.amazon.com/Vestil-VDL-22-5-gallon-Vertical-Capacity/dp/B00207QW7Q

 

[JDToumanian]

I have one of these, a Morse model 92 drum lifter. They're not cheap, but I got lucky and got one basically for free in an industrial auction lot of misc. crap.

Jon

 

[garrett7189]

chain sling northern tool item#52416-1764

I figured some of you may have experience with stuff like this an may have advice to prevent my from hurting myself or destroying the drums.

Soon, I will need to load a bunch of 55 gallon drum barrels (about 400lbs each) into the back of my M35. I have a crane in the bed of the truck that is capable of lifting the load, but I don't currently have any way to grab on to the drums. The drums I will be lifting are metal, but not ribbed and have removable lids that are secured with a latching ring seal. Looking around, the only options I have found are slings that ratchet around the drum circumference -- but these require ribs -- and ones like a Merrill drum lifter -- but these clamp on to the rim and I'm afraid they will damage the lid/seal.

Are there other options out there I'm not finding?

We use that chain sling from northern tools because it has locking tabs on it & is only 45 dollars. Item # 52416-1764

 

[gringeltaube]

Most lifting accessories are way too complicated - and expensive...
All you need is a pair of these hooks:


... and a few feet of 5/16" chain. Then you build this (with- or w/o lifting eye):


Or use a 2"-strap sling, instead.

Make a second one, a bit longer, so you can lift them horizontally, too.

 

[rtadams89]

Are those hooks/chain slings safe (both to me and the barrels) to use on ones with removable lids?

 

[garrett7189]

Are those hooks/chain slings safe (both to me and the barrels) to use on ones with removable lids?

As long as you are competent as an average Joe off of the street I would say you can operate it safely- now if a sling and and handle confuses you then yes- maybe get something easier to operate like a hired hand to do the work for you. Point being they sell them for a reason or you can overthink anything-

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTFUh9P1nlU