The Invicta IDL-1 Fork Mounted Drum Lifter provides a simple yet effective method of moving steel drums safely — lifting a single standard steel drum at 500 kg capacity, fully automatically, without the driver ever leaving the cab. The attachment slides onto standard forklift forks and locks with zinc-plated thumb screws; drive towards the drum, lower the mast, and the mechanism locks beneath the top rib — lower and reverse to release. Designed for the small-volume drum user and manufactured in Leeds by Invicta Forks & Attachments, the UK's largest mechanical forklift attachment manufacturer.
Key Features
- Fully Automatic Operation — The operator never leaves the cab. Drive forward to engage, raise the mast to lock, lower and reverse to release.
- Minimal Moving Parts — Simple mechanical design with no hydraulics or electrics, reducing maintenance requirements and downtime.
- Zinc-Plated Thumb Screws — Secure the attachment firmly to the forklift forks without tools. Quick to fit and remove.
- High-Visibility Finish — Painted bright orange for clear visibility on site, improving safety around pedestrians and other plant.
- Compact & Lightweight — At just 46 kg, the IDL-1 has minimal impact on your truck's residual lifting capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Capacity (kg) |
No. of Drums |
Weight (kg) |
C of G (mm) |
LLC (mm) |
Max Fork Section |
| IDL-1 |
500 |
1 |
46 |
515 |
Fork Length + 70 mm |
125 x 50 mm at 408 mm centres |
LLC = Load Length Centre. Ensure your forklift's residual capacity accounts for the attachment weight and centre of gravity.
UK Manufactured | LOLER Compliant
Designed and manufactured in the UK in Leeds, West Yorkshire. All standard items are held in stock for immediate dispatch. Where applicable, this product is supplied with a test certificate and EC Declaration of Conformity. LOLER 1998 thorough examinations are required every 6 months by a competent person after initial certification.
More About This Product
The Invicta IDL-1 Fork Mounted Drum Lifter provides a simple yet effective method of moving steel drums in a safe and controlled manner. Designed for the small-volume drum user, the IDL-1 lifts a single standard steel drum with a 500 kg capacity — fully automatically, without the driver ever leaving the safety of the cab. The attachment slides onto standard forklift forks and locks in place with zinc-plated thumb screws. The operator drives towards the drum, lowers the mast, and the mechanism automatically locks beneath the top rib. To release, simply lower and reverse. Manufactured in Leeds by Invicta Forks & Attachments, the UK's largest mechanical forklift attachment manufacturer.
Suitable Applications
The IDL-1 is suited to any operation that involves occasional or regular movement of standard steel drums — including warehouses, chemical stores, manufacturing plants, oil and lubricant stores, and construction sites. It eliminates manual handling of heavy drums, reducing injury risk and improving cycle times compared to drum trolleys, chain slings, or manual lifting.
How to Use the IDL-1 Drum Lifter
- Position the forks the correct distance apart to locate into the fork pockets on the drum lifter.
- Fully engage the forks into the fork pockets and tighten the thumb screws fully onto the forks.
- Drive towards the intended drum with the drum lifter arms positioned between the middle two ribs on the drum.
- Once the tip of the drum lifter arms touch the drum, continue to drive forward whilst lowering the mast.
- Once fully engaged, remain stationary and raise the mast. The drum lifter will automatically lock underneath the top rib.
- The drum lifter is now ready for use. Transport the drum as required.
- To release the drum, place it on the floor, lower the mast and reverse away.
Warning:
Do not attempt to lift damaged, open-topped, straight-sided, or empty drums with this attachment. The Invicta IRG range of drum grabs is recommended for those drum types.
Safety Information
- The manager of the department where the attachment is used must ensure operators are fully conversant with the attachment, its operation, and maintenance.
- Ensure both the truck and attachment are capable of handling the intended load and its contents.
- Do not drive into the fork pockets without retracting the thumb screws first.
- Operators must keep clear of the mechanism whilst it is in use.
- Do not shock load the attachment under any circumstances.
- The safe working load of 500 kg must not be exceeded.
- Ensure that the mast remains in the vertical position at all times during lifting.
- Ensure thumb screws are fully tightened before every use.
Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect weekly with particular attention to all weld points, fork pockets, swinging arms, thumb screws, and pivots. Any defects must be rectified immediately. General surface rusting, especially in critical areas, should be treated with proprietary inhibitors, primers, and paint on a regular basis. All pivots and thumb screws must be kept lightly greased. Certified for six months from the date of manufacture — after which the product must be re-tested at an approved testing facility or inspected and logged by a competent person as advised by the HSE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the forklift operator need to leave the cab?
No. The IDL-1 is fully automatic — drums engage and release entirely through forward/reverse driving and mast movements. The operator stays seated throughout.
Q: What is the maximum fork size the IDL-1 accepts?
The IDL-1 fits forks up to 125 x 50 mm at 408 mm centres.
Q: Can I use the IDL-1 for plastic drums?
The IDL-1 is designed for standard ribbed steel drums. Plastic drums may not have the rib profile required for the automatic locking mechanism to engage safely. Contact us to discuss your specific drum type.
Q: How often does the IDL-1 need re-certification?
Every six months from the date of manufacture, in line with LOLER 1998 requirements. The product must be re-tested at an approved facility or inspected by a competent person.
Q: What if my drums are damaged or open-topped?
The IDL-1 is not suitable for damaged, open-topped, straight-sided, or empty drums. The Invicta IRG range of drum grabs is designed for those applications.
