What to consider when investing in barrel lifting equipment

Investing in drum barrel equipment

There could be a number of reasons why the thought of investing in drum lifting equipment is making you cautious. The upfront cost might appear daunting, particularly if budgets feel tight. It’s important to consider the business needs and carry out a cost-benefit analysis to help make the best decision for your business. After all, there are other important considerations such as the longevity of the product and if the purchase could improve operations and staff safety.

Cost-benefit analysis

You’re likely to be looking at new drum handling equipment because you need to replace an old product or you’ve identified how a process could be improved in your organisation. Either way, there is a cost-saving associated with this process improvement. It may be something obvious such as saving time getting a drum from A to B, or it could be something more critical. Maybe a reduction in damaged drums during transport, leading to an increase in downtime, plus the cost of damaged materials. When making your case, take time to consider all the ways in which the investment in new drum handling equipment could lead to cost savings.

With cost in mind, consider how long you expect the equipment to last alongside potential maintenance and repair. If you’re replacing drum lifting equipment, how long did it last and what did it cost you during its lifetime? There are a number of products available on the market, but the quality and durability vary.

Consider your needs

Selecting the right equipment for your manual handling jobs means that you can improve productivity and make the most of your purchase. It is therefore important to find out as much as possible about the equipment you’re buying and the supplier you’re buying from.

Think about what you need the equipment for. What’s the weight of your heaviest drum? How and where will the drums be moved? How many do you need to move at a time? Drums come in all materials, shapes and sizes to suit different business needs, which you can read about in our guide Help with Handling: Types and Sizes of Industrial Drums. Ensure you’re up to date with Drum Handling Safety, Tips and Procedures will also be helpful.

Appraise your potential drum handling suppliers

Take a look at their website to understand their product range and processes as well as exploring their existing case studies. Better still, arrange a conversation with potential suppliers to find out what they know about the products they’re selling. A good manufacturer will not only be able to understand your problems but may also be able to suggest a range of products and different options to meet your needs.

We manufacture our barrel lifting equipment to last. Products such as our Manual Drum Lifter are not only made from quality materials but have been designed with features such as a universal drum catch which means it can be adapted to a range of barrel sizes. This means that you can avoid the wear and tear associated with misuse.

Taking the time to research manual handling equipment will ensure you can make informed decisions that align with your needs. It allows you to compare features, prices, and customer experiences, helping you identify high-quality equipment that offers the best value. Understanding the options available, you can select products that not only improve efficiency but safety for your team as well. This can prevent costly mistakes,put you ahead of the competition, and ultimately lead to long-term savings and greater satisfaction with your investment.

If you’d like to learn more about us, our process and our product range, why not get in touch with our team?