05 May 2026 | St Clare Engineering

Buy or hire drum handling attachments?

Choosing between hiring and buying a forklift drum handling attachment is not always straightforward

For some businesses, hiring is the practical option. It gives you access to the right equipment for a shutdown, short-term project or temporary increase in demand without committing to a full purchase.For others, buying makes more sense. If drum handling is part of day-to-day operations, ownership can offer better long-term value, immediate availability and more consistent handling on site.Our latest blog looks at the key factors behind the decision, including:

when hiring makes sense
when buying makes sense
cost comparison
maintenance responsibility
long-term value

If you are weighing up the best option for your site, this guide will help you make a more informed decision.

Not sure which route is right for your operation? Speak to St Clare Engineering for practical advice on the right attachment for your drums, forklift and usage level.

Other Press Releases from St Clare Engineering

18/3/2026 - Will your drum handling attachment fit your forklift? Many warehouses rely on drum handling forklift attachments to move steel or plastic drums safely. However, forklifts can vary in fork length, fork width, fork thickness and fork spacing, which means a standard attachment may not always fit correctly.

11/3/2026 - The safest way to handle steel drums in your warehouse Steel drums are among the most commonly mishandled loads in warehouses. A full 200-litre steel drum can weigh over 250kg. Rolling, tilting or steadying them manually increases the risk of strain injuries, crush hazards and loss of control — particularly where drums are moved regularly or stored in racking.

29/1/2026 - Why safe drum handling matters in industrial environments Handling 200-litre drums safely remains a common challenge across manufacturing, logistics, chemical processing and energy sectors.

12/12/2025 - Choosing the right forklift attachment for safe whisky cask handling A practical guide to choosing safe and reliable forklift attachments for moving whisky casks throughout production, storage and bottling

03/12/2025 - Improve safety and control when moving whisky casks Whisky casks are heavy, valuable and difficult to handle safely with standard equipment. Their rounded shape, liquid movement and weight make lifting unpredictable, especially in fast-moving production areas. When you need to keep operations running smoothly, the right forklift attachment is essential for safe, consistent and controlled movement.