Side-grip drum handlers have metal arms that grasp the sides of the barrel to lift and transport drums. They attach to forks of a forklift. The forklift moves to position the arms around the drum then arms grasp the drum from the sides.

Top-grip drum handlers for forklifts clasp the lip (chime) of steel and plastic drums. Sometimes called parrot beak lifters, they don't require chains or straps.

Forklift drum dispensers tip to pour drum contents into another container in a controlled manner. The dispenser grips the drum around the center and has recesses that slide onto the fork tines.