Drum Handling FAQ's

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Frequently Asked Questions about drum handling equipment


How to Select the Right Drum Handler


Drum Handling Equipment

Customer Service

Answers to Drum Handling Equipment FAQ's

1. What if I have a custom application?
Please feel welcome to request a quote. Our engineers have designed drum equipment for many custom applications, and will consider requests for new ideas. Our engineering and new product development departments are equipped with the technology to develop, analyze and test custom drum handling equipment.
2. Where can I find a parts diagram for my Morse drum handler?
In most cases, to find the correct parts diagram you will need the model number and serial number from the name plate on your Morse drum equipment.

  1. Enter your model number in the Search field, and click the model number in the results
  2. Click the "Documents" tab
  3. Enter your serial number to refine the results
  4. Click the document
3. What spare parts are recommended for preventative maintenance?
Recommended Spare Parts Kits are available for most current models. Find them in the Options section on the web page for your model number.

Recommended spare parts are also noted within the model's Parts List.

You may also call your local Morse dealer for recommended spare parts... or call Morse at (315) 437-8475
4. What drum handling safety procedures should I be aware of?
Heavy drums should always be moved with proper drum equipment specifically designed for that purpose. Mishandling a heavy drum can cause serious injury, damage the drum, waste valuable contents or contaminate the environment. All employees who handle drums should be trained in proper procedures and use of drum equipment.
5. What is the "half-full" capacity rating?
The capacity of drum equipment for tilting a drum is reduced for a partially full drum due to the unbalanced and shifting load. A half-full drum is harder to tilt, and places more stress on the gearing and other components.

The half-full rating of a drum handler indicates the capacity for tilting an unbalanced, bottom-heavy drum.

Example: Capacity of Hydra-Lift Drum Karriers is 800 Lb. (363 kg) for a full drum, but reduced to 500 Lb. (227 kg) for a half-full drum.
6. Are there forklift attachments to handle a cardboard drum?
Yes, there are forklift attachments to handle your cardboard drums, also called fiber drums. They are made of paper in layers and may have metal rims. However, some have no metal parts.

Use MORSPEEDTM forklift attachments to move upright drums with your forklift. The MORSPEEDTM jaws grip the metal top ring of a fiber drum. Therefore, require that the top is on and secure.

Use a Morse Forklift-Karrier to lift and pour a drum with your forklift. Insert the correct size Diameter Adapter for a smaller drum. You can also install a Top Rim Clamp or Bracket Assembly to prevent a fiber drum from slipping.
7. Can I disconnect the air hose to move my air powered drum handler?
Short answer: For drum handlers with hydraulic drum lift, you may disconnect the air hose for moving. You only need the air hose connected to lift or turn the drum.

More detail: Units with hydraulic drum lift, using oil, not air in the lifting cylinder. The air motor turns the hydraulic pump to push oil into the cylinder for lifting. There is a hydraulic check-valve that holds the oil in the cylinder to hold up the drum. There is a hand-operated release valve for lowering of the drum. The drum will stay up without the air supply. The hose need not be attached. The operator can lower the drum without the hose attached.
The air hose must be connected only when the operator wants to activate the drum lift or tilt action. You can move the drum handler without the air hose connected. Hoses with quick-connect couplings can be installed at several locations in your facility where lifting or pouring is required.

We recommend against moving the unit very far with the drum raised far off the floor. This is because the unit is more stable with the drum closer to the floor. If pouring is required at a given location, plan to enable lifting and have an air hose installed. Avoid unreasonably rough or non-level surfaces. Move at moderate speed. Carry drum only high enough to avoid contact with the floor or obstacles.

The air supply line should include Filter, Regulator and Lubricator (FRL). If the connection points are relatively close, more than one hose might connect to a single set of FRL. If connection points are relatively far apart, each should have a set of FRL.
8. What standards does Morse below-hook drum handlers comply with?
Morse below-the-hook drum handlers and pail handlers are manufactured by Morse Mfg. Co., Inc. in Syracuse, NY 13208 U.S.A.

IMPORTANT: Every Morse below-hook drum handler is individually load tested at the factory at 125% of rated capacity as per American National Standard ANSI/ASME B30.20 and ships with a Load Test Certificate enclosed.

Morse drum lifters comply with ANSI/ASME B30.20 standard for mechanical, below-the-hook lifting devices as it applies to the following:
  • Rated load markings and unit identification
  • Minimum design safety factor of 3, based on yield strength, for load bearing structural components
  • Welding is performed by certified welders who have passed the ANSI/AWS D14.1 welding qualification test
  • All welding is in accordance with ANSI/AWS D14.1 and ASME BTH-1
9. Where can I get a Certificate of Compliance?
  1. Enter your model number in the Search field, and click the model number in the results
  2. Click the "Documents" tab
  3. Click on Certicficate of Compliance

Customer Service

1. Can I purchase directly from Morse?
All Morse products are sold through our worldwide dealer network.
2. Who is my local Morse dealer?
To find your local Morse dealer, please submit an RFQ form, email: inquiry@morsedrum.com or call us at (315) 437-8475
3. Who can I call to recommend drum equipment?
Your local Morse dealer can assist with your drum equipment needs. They can help select the best model for each drum handling application.
4. Where can I get price and lead time?
Please contact your local Morse dealer, request a quote online, email: inquiry@morsedrum.com or call us at (315) 437-8475