The Invicta IDL-2 Fork Mounted Drum Lifter lifts two standard steel drums simultaneously with a combined 1,000 kg capacity — doubling throughput per lift cycle compared to the single-drum IDL-1. Operation is fully automatic with the driver never leaving the cab: drive towards two side-by-side drums, lower the mast, and the mechanism locks beneath the top rib of each drum; simply lower and reverse to release. At just 60 kg it adds minimal weight to your truck, sliding onto standard forks and locking with zinc-plated thumb screws; manufactured in Leeds by Invicta Forks & Attachments.
Key Features
- Double Drum Capacity — Lifts two standard steel drums in a single cycle, halving handling time compared to single-drum alternatives.
- 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.
- Lightweight Design — At 60 kg (only 14 kg more than the single-drum IDL-1), the impact on your truck's residual capacity is minimal.
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Capacity (kg) |
No. of Drums |
Weight (kg) |
C of G (mm) |
LLC (mm) |
Max Fork Section |
| IDL-2 |
1,000 |
2 |
60 |
500 |
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-2 Fork Mounted Drum Lifter lifts two standard steel drums simultaneously with a combined capacity of 1,000 kg — doubling throughput per lift cycle compared to the single-drum IDL-1. Like the IDL-1, operation is fully automatic: the driver never leaves the cab. The attachment slides onto standard forklift forks and locks in place with zinc-plated thumb screws. The operator drives towards two side-by-side drums, lowers the mast, and the mechanism automatically locks beneath the top rib of each drum. To release, simply lower and reverse. At just 60 kg, the IDL-2 adds minimal weight to your truck. Manufactured in Leeds by Invicta Forks & Attachments, the UK's largest mechanical forklift attachment manufacturer.
Suitable Applications
The IDL-2 is ideal for operations that regularly move drums in pairs — including warehouses, chemical stores, manufacturing plants, distribution centres, and production lines. Lifting two drums per cycle significantly reduces handling time during loading, unloading, stock transfers, and line feeding. It eliminates manual handling of heavy drums, reducing injury risk and improving efficiency compared to drum trolleys, chain slings, or manual lifting.
Grabs are chosen by load shape. For bagged material see bulk bag lifters, for cylinders a gas bottle carrier, and for banded packs brick forks.
How to Use the IDL-2 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 drums with the drum lifter arms positioned between the middle two ribs on each drum.
- Once the tip of the drum lifter arms touch the drums, 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 of each drum.
- The drum lifter is now ready for use. Transport the drums as required.
- To release the drums, place them 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 1,000 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: Can I lift just one drum with the IDL-2?
The IDL-2 is designed to lift two drums simultaneously. Lifting a single drum may create an unbalanced load. For single-drum work, use the IDL-1.
Q: Does the forklift operator need to leave the cab?
No. The IDL-2 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-2 accepts?
The IDL-2 fits forks up to 125 x 50 mm at 408 mm centres.
Q: How much does the IDL-2 weigh?
60 kg — only 14 kg more than the single-drum IDL-1, so the impact on your truck's residual lifting capacity is minimal.
Q: What if my drums are damaged or open-topped?
The IDL-2 is not suitable for damaged, open-topped, straight-sided, or empty drums. The Invicta IRG range of drum grabs is designed for those applications.
Q: How often does the IDL-2 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.