Lifting aid for drums and containers: lift, tilt, empty
- Zeilhofer HHT
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
and containers makes lifting, turning, tilting and emptying heavy containers safe and ergonomic. Instead of wrestling drums by hand, a manipulator with a drum gripper guides the load pendulum-free, up to 1,200 kg. Zeilhofer Handhabungstechnik from Holzkirchen, Germany, engineers every gripper individually.
For an overview of all types of lifting aids, see our guide Lifting aids for production and industry. This article focuses on drum and container handling.
Handling drums and containers safely
Drums, buckets, canisters and IBCs are heavy, top-heavy and roll away easily. A suitable lifting aid solves exactly these problems:
drum or clamp grippers hold the container with a form fit.
pour out drums in a controlled way, without spilling.
place containers precisely on pallet or machine.
no rolling away, no swinging of the load.
Industries and applications
Chemicals and paint: move drums and canisters with hazardous goods safely.
Food and pharma: hygienic stainless steel grippers for containers.
Waste management: lift and empty heavy containers.
Warehousing and logistics: palletise and pick drums.
Which system for which container?
For stationary workstations, the manipulator up to 800 kg is suitable; for heavy vertical lifts the ZH90 lift axis up to 1,200 kg. The drum gripper is built as an individual fixture to match diameter and material.
Ergonomics and cost-effectiveness
Lifting and tilting drums by hand is a leading cause of back strain. Which loads are permitted is shown in load limits and the Key Indicator Method. A lifting aid reduces downtime and increases safety when handling hazardous goods. Zeilhofer is certified to ISO 9001 and TISAX Level 2 with prototype protection.
Individual engineering
Every container is different. Zeilhofer plans every lifting aid from process analysis through design and manufacturing to commissioning and service, all from a single source.
Frequently asked questions about lifting aids for drums
Which lifting aid is suitable for drums?
A manipulator or lift axis with an individual drum gripper. The system takes the weight, the operator guides the drum with little effort and tilts or empties it in a controlled way.
Up to what weight can drums be lifted?
Up to 1,200 kg depending on the system. Manipulators move drums up to 800 kg, the ZH90 lift axis up to 1,200 kg. Typical 200-litre steel drums weigh around 200 to 350 kg when filled.
Can a lifting aid tilt and empty drums?
Yes. With a tilting or rotating fixture, drums can be poured out in a controlled way, without spilling and without physical strain.
Is it suitable for food and pharma?
Yes. Zeilhofer builds drum grippers in hygienic stainless steel for cleanroom-compatible areas of the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Your lifting aid for drums and containers
Talk to our engineers about your containers and drums. We develop the right gripper and lifting aid, from concept to commissioning.
