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Best way to load/unload 55g barrels?

teksavy

teksavy

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I have a need to unload (and possibly load) 55g barrels containing BIODIESEL fuel into my lifted Avalanche. Any ideas on how best to do that?

Obviously a Tommy Gate isn't an option. :) I was thinking a set of ramps with a barrel dolly, but I can see that being a bad deal. Any suggestions?

-Ed
 
Loading dock or a fork lift are your safest option.

You're not going to pull a loaded drum up a ramp with a dolly unless you're backed down in a 3' ditch.  It's hard enough just to load up one of my 4 wheelers with a ramp.  It's dangerous.
 
why not get 2 barrels and pump fromfull one in the Av to the empty one on the ground?
 
grnxnam said:
why not get 2 barrels and pump fromfull one in the Av to the empty one on the ground?
Click to expand...

That sounds like a USAF answer!  You sure your in the Army?  :laugh:









:kidding:
 
Tango Chaser said:
That sounds like a USAF answer!? You sure your in the Army?? :laugh:









:kidding:
Click to expand...
I think I'm one of the few that use the "work smarter, not harder" plan.

whats the saying?  "of course I don't look busy.  I did it right the first time."  ot something like that.
 
Well I'm sure this wont be the OSHA approved way but i delivered 55 gal drums off the back of a commercial truck.  The back of the truck was about 4 feet high.  one of my customers Didn't have a lift or a dock so he kept 2 tires on hand.  He had me lay it down and roll it to the end of the truck, he then would stack the tires on eachother and line them up with the middle of the barrel.  He then would grab it on each side and roll it off the truck onto the tires.  Guiding it with his hands and stabilizing it once it hit the tires.  The first time we did this I had him sign for it first.  Works Great.  I also have a friend who makes biodiesel  after i told him he tried a couple other ideas but now does it my way.  If you do try it make sure its a good solid barrel and the Bung hole Plug is tight and watch your Toes.  Oh ya NO RIMS.  Good Luck
 
I assume this is for home use, so you will not always have access a forklift or a dock, but if you are at a business that has these, that would be the way to go. However for home use, if time is not an issue, my recommendation would be to get yourself an extra barrel and a 12V or 120V pump to transfer from the full barrel to the empty barrel. You have a 120V plug on your AV, so that would work out perfectly!

If this will be a regular, daily task, the above would not be logical. If an investment is appropriate, they do make barrel lifters that are hydraulic and come in various lifting heights. The more expensive units will also tilt the drum/barrel for emptying.

Hope this helps...

 
Heck, I just wresteled the damn things out of the Av!

I'm no top-shaped muscle-dude in my old age but a couple of 2X6's and a cushion to stop them, I rolled two out of the Av. (They fit horizontally, under the covers.)

I was concerned at first but when they filled mine (one off-highway Diesel and one gasoline) they rolled them into the Av that way! ( I doubt I could have done that part.) `Glad they didn't leak! :eek:

Uprighting them isn't that hard but a refrigerator dolly was useful to put them in place.
 
UNLOAD?

Ramp and roll....
 
I've unloaded quite a few drum of oil out of a pickup using the previously mentioned tire method.? I only used one tire in the middle of the barrel and never had a problem.? Like said above, place tire on ground at end of tailgate and roll off.? Drops onto tire which absorbs impact and all is good.? No rim is key on this one.


Later,

Ryan
 
Load: A few good friends, and some misleading favors to ask >:D.

Unload: A nice short hill about 4ft that would serve as some what of a loading dock.
 
Wow... great ideas. Man this board is great. It so happens that I actually have my old factory tires (sans rims) available for this purchase.

Question- when you roll the drum onto the tire, I assume the drum is horizontal and not upright?

How do you keep the drum from tilting during the drop so the corner doesn't slam into the pavement?

-Ed
 
Get an elephant to laod it for you...then when you get to your destination back up and slam on brakes :D


All kidding aside..the stack of tires seems like a good idea!
 
teksavy said:
Wow... great ideas. Man this board is great. It so happens that I actually have my old factory tires (sans rims) available for this purchase.

Question- when you roll the drum onto the tire, I assume the drum is horizontal and not upright?

How do you keep the drum from tilting during the drop so the corner doesn't slam into the pavement?

-Ed
Click to expand...

Hold the barrel on each end with you hands.  Your Just guiding it at that point and keeping it from tilting or bouncing off.  You feet are on the ground for this part facing the barrel.  The key is rolling it off square so it drops straight off your gate.  Your just for support  gravity will do the hard part.
 
I didn't have any old tires handy but the pile of sand worked to stop them from rolling away too far. :eek:

Yes, gather up a few friends. Doing it yourself is a bit much, but you still should be able to handle it - watch your fingers!
 
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