When a search for "4 drum" lands on a material handling site, the intent is usually industrial: four 205-litre drums that need to be stored, moved or contained without a spill reaching the floor. WONTONNE has built forklift attachments for drum and carton handling for more than 20 years, and the 4 drum configuration is one of the most requested layouts in chemical plants, workshops and tobacco processing lines. This guide explains what a 4 drum attachment does, how capacity and containment are specified, and where a clamp-based solution fits when the load is not a drum at all.
What a 4 drum attachment actually is
In the WONTONNE range, the 4 drum reference appears in two distinct product families. The first is the Spill Pallet, a static containment platform sized for 1, 2 or 4 x 205 litre drums. The second is a family of clamps that handle multiple cases per cycle, including models built for 4 cases at a time. Both are mounted or placed by forklift, but they solve different problems: one protects the floor from leaks, the other grips and transports cartons without pallets.
Buyers often arrive with loosely formed search terms. Someone may type 5 4 drum or 3 4 drum while checking whether a pallet exists for a different drum count, or search tom 4 drum and 4 drum pad when they are really looking for a containment tray or a cushioning surface. Others search battery 4 drum kits, battery 4 drums, alesis 4 drum pad, all 4 drums or mds 4 drum stand and find musical instrument results. Those are different product categories entirely. For industrial drum handling, the specification that matters is the number of drums, the containment volume and the load rating, not the number of pieces in a kit.
Spill Pallet: containment for 1, 2 or 4 drums
The Spill Pallet is the clearest expression of the 4 drum idea in the WONTONNE catalogue. It is offered for 1, 2 or 4 x 205 litre drums, with 110% spill containment capacity and a spill capacity of 240–250 litres depending on the model. Close spacing support bars carry the drums, and the platform is rated to support drums up to 2000 kg. The design principle is straightforward: any leakage from a drum is captured inside the pallet rather than spreading across the workshop floor.
Models and capacities
| Model | Drum configuration | Spill capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL1 | 1 Drum | 240 L | 55 kg |
| SL2 | 2 Drums | 250 L | 60 kg |
| SL4 | 4 Drums | 245 L | 70 kg |
The SL4 is the model to specify when the requirement is a 4 drum pad under a group of 205 litre drums. It weighs 70 kg empty, so it can be repositioned with a forklift or pallet truck, and its containment volume is sized to hold more than the contents of a single drum. All models share the same close spacing support bars and are compatible with major forklift brands.
When the load is cartons, not drums
Not every multi-unit handling task involves drums. In the tobacco industry, standardized cartons are handled without pallets, and the Tobacco Carton Clamps are built for exactly that. The range includes models that handle 1, 2, 4 or 6 cases at a time, with a smooth leading edge to protect carton surfaces and small rubber pads that are easy to service. Capacities run up to 2500 kg, and the low profile frame keeps visibility clear for the operator.
For a buyer comparing a 4 drum pallet with a 4 case clamp, the decision comes down to the load. A spill pallet is a passive containment device; a carton clamp is an active attachment that grips and lifts. The clamp models include MTS20E-004A, MTS20E-004B, MTS20E-005A, MTS20E-005B, MTS30E-007B and MTS30E-008B, with mounting classes ISO 2A and ISO 3A and capacities from 1900 kg to 2500 kg at a 500 mm load centre.
Selection checklist for a 4 drum project
- Count the drums: confirm whether the layout is 1, 2 or 4 x 205 litre drums before choosing a model.
- Check containment volume: the Spill Pallet provides 110% spill containment, with 240–250 L depending on model.
- Confirm the load: the pallet supports drums up to 2000 kg; heavier or non-standard loads need a separate review.
- Match the mounting: clamp models are available in ISO 2A and ISO 3A mounting classes.
- Plan service access: small rubber pads on the carton clamps are designed for easy replacement.
- Verify truck compatibility: WONTONNE attachments are compatible with major forklift brands, but capacity derating still applies.
Installation, service and after-sales support
A 4 drum spill pallet is usually placed at floor level in a designated storage or transfer area, then loaded by forklift. Because the unit is a containment device rather than a lifting attachment, the main installation checks are floor condition, access for the forklift and clearance around the pallet. Carton clamps, by contrast, are carriage-mounted and must be matched to the truck's mounting class and rated capacity.
WONTONNE provides technical support and spare parts after delivery, so questions about support bars, rubber pads or replacement components can be handled through the same channel as the original order. For operations running mixed fleets, it helps to record the model number and mounting class of each attachment against the truck it serves.
FAQ
What does 4 drum mean in material handling?
It usually refers to an attachment or containment platform sized for four 205 litre drums. In the WONTONNE range, the Spill Pallet SL4 is the 4 drum model, with a 245 L spill capacity and a 70 kg empty weight.
Does the Spill Pallet provide 110% containment for all models?
Yes. The Spill Pallet is specified with 110% spill containment capacity across the 1, 2 and 4 drum versions, with spill capacity figures of 240 L, 250 L and 245 L respectively.
Can a carton clamp handle four cases at once?
Yes. The Tobacco Carton Clamps are available in models that handle 1, 2, 4 or 6 cases at a time, with capacities up to 2500 kg and mounting classes ISO 2A and ISO 3A.
Next step
If you are specifying a 4 drum layout, start with the drum count, the containment volume you need and the weight of the loaded drums. The WONTONNE team can confirm the right Spill Pallet model or carton clamp for your truck and application. Browse all forklift attachments or contact WONTONNE with your drum size, load weight and mounting class.
