Handling 2 drums at once is a common requirement in chemical plants, workshops, and warehouses. Whether you are moving two 205-litre steel drums from storage to the production line or positioning them for dispensing, the attachment you choose determines safety, speed, and spill risk. WONTONNE has spent over 20 years manufacturing forklift attachments and material handling equipment for global export, and we have seen how the wrong setup for 2 drums creates unnecessary hazards. This guide explains the main options, what to check before you buy, and how to match the attachment to your load.
Why handling 2 drums at a time changes your attachment choice
A single drum handler is often a simple clamp or lifter. When you move to 2 drums, the load centre shifts, the required stability increases, and the consequences of a dropped drum multiply. Two drums side by side can weigh well over a tonne when full, and any attachment must be rated for that combined load. The mounting class, the fork spacing, and the clamping force all need to suit the drum diameter and weight. Buyers sometimes search for terms like atlas 2 drums or xpand 2 drums when comparing equipment, but the underlying question is always the same: does the attachment hold both drums securely through every lift, travel, and set-down?
There is also the question of what you are doing with the 2 drums. Moving them is one task; storing them safely against leaks is another. The sections below separate these jobs so you can specify the right product.
Spill containment for 2 drums: the WONTONNE Spill Pallet
If your priority is safe storage or temporary placement of 2 drums, a spill pallet is the correct starting point. The WONTONNE Spill Pallet is available in configurations for 1, 2, or 4 x 205 litre drums, with 110% spill containment capacity. The two-drum model, SL2, has a spill capacity of 250 litres and weighs 60 kg. It uses close spacing support bars to keep drums stable, and it supports loads up to 2000 kg. That makes it suitable for industrial and workshop safety applications where chemical spills must be contained.
The SL2 is a fixed, fork-mounted unit compatible with major forklift brands. It is not a clamp; it is a containment base that lets you lift and reposition 2 drums while keeping any leakage inside the sump. For facilities that store or stage drums before use, this is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to handle 2 drums safely.
Comparing drum handling options for 2 drums
The table below summarises the main approaches. Note that the WONTONNE product data covers the Spill Pallet range specifically; for fork clamps and other mechanical attachments, confirm the rated capacity for your exact drum size and weight with our team.
| Option | Best for | Key specification | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spill Pallet SL2 | Storage and staging of 2 x 205L drums | 250L spill capacity, 2000kg load, 60kg unit weight | Fixed fork mounting; containment is built in |
| Spill Pallet SL1 | Single-drum containment | 240L spill capacity, 55kg unit weight | Use when only one drum is staged |
| Spill Pallet SL4 | Four-drum containment | 245L spill capacity, 70kg unit weight | Higher throughput, larger footprint |
| Fork clamps | Lifting and moving drums without a pallet | Verify clamp capacity for your drum weight | Requires hydraulic function; check mounting class |
| Other mechanical attachments | Specialised drum handling tasks | Task-specific; confirm with WONTONNE | Match to drum type and operating environment |
What to check before you buy for 2 drums
Before specifying any attachment for 2 drums, work through the following checklist. It will save time and reduce the risk of a mismatch.
- Drum size and material: Confirm whether you are handling 205 litre steel or plastic drums, as rim geometry affects clamp and support design.
- Loaded weight: Calculate the combined weight of 2 full drums, not the empty weight. The SL2 is rated to support up to 2000 kg.
- Task: Decide whether you are storing, moving, stacking, or dispensing. A spill pallet is for containment and staging; a clamp is for lifting.
- Forklift compatibility: Check the mounting class and fork spacing. WONTONNE attachments are compatible with major forklift brands.
- Spill risk: If the contents are hazardous, choose a containment solution with adequate sump volume. The SL2 provides 250 litres, exceeding the 110% containment principle for 2 x 205 litre drums.
- After-sales support: Confirm spare parts and technical support availability. WONTONNE provides both.
Fork clamps and mechanical attachments for 2 drums
When you need to lift 2 drums without a pallet, fork clamps and other mechanical attachments come into play. These are part of WONTONNE's special attachments and clamp ranges. The design principle is straightforward: the clamp grips the drum body or rim, and the forklift's hydraulic system provides the clamping force. The critical specification is the rated capacity per drum and the clamp opening range, which must match your drum diameter.
Because capacities vary by model and drum type, we do not publish a single figure for all clamps. Instead, we recommend confirming the exact model against your load. If you are also comparing terms such as push 2 drum sequencer or xpand 2 drum kit from other equipment searches, treat those as unrelated to forklift attachments and focus on the load and task requirements above.
Matching the attachment to the drum type
Steel drums with rolling hoops behave differently from plastic drums with moulded ribs. A clamp that works well on one may not grip the other securely. Always test with your actual drums, and check that the clamp's contact surfaces will not damage the drum coating. For hazardous contents, a secondary containment approach such as the Spill Pallet is preferable to lifting alone.
FAQ: 2 drums and forklift attachments
Can I move 2 drums at once with a standard forklift?
Yes, provided you use an attachment rated for the combined weight and suitable for the drum type. A spill pallet such as the SL2 supports 2 x 205 litre drums up to 2000 kg. Fork clamps are also available but must be matched to your drum size and weight.
What is the difference between a spill pallet and a drum clamp?
A spill pallet is a containment base that holds drums and captures leaks; it is ideal for storage and staging. A drum clamp grips and lifts drums directly. For 2 drums with hazardous contents, the spill pallet adds a layer of spill protection that a clamp does not provide.
How do I choose between the SL1, SL2, and SL4?
The model number indicates the number of drums: SL1 for 1 drum, SL2 for 2 drums, and SL4 for 4 drums. Choose based on how many drums you need to stage at once. The SL2 has a 250 litre spill capacity and weighs 60 kg, making it a practical choice for two-drum operations.
Next step: specify your 2-drum handling solution
Whether you need a spill pallet for safe containment or a clamp for direct lifting, WONTONNE can help you match the attachment to your 2 drums. With over 20 years of manufacturing experience and a global export business, we support buyers with technical guidance and after-sales service. Browse our all forklift attachments or view the Spill Pallet range, then contact WONTONNE with your drum size, weight, and task so we can recommend the right configuration.
