Why Simple Engineering Is the Smartest Choice for Extreme Climate Drum Handling

Whether you're working in the heat of the Arabian Gulf or the sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic Circle, your equipment has to perform—consistently, safely, and without fail. That’s why the Grab-O-Matic drum handling attachments from St Clare Engineering are engineered without hydraulics, electronics, or plastic components.

This purely mechanical design isn’t just a feature — it’s a deliberate engineering choice. And it’s why Grab-O-Matic devices perform in environments where more complex systems struggle or fail.

What happens to hydraulic and plastic parts in extreme climates?

Sub-Zero Conditions
In freezing temperatures, hydraulic systems become sluggish. Standard hydraulic oil thickens, freezing at around –10°C unless you use specialist fluids, which are expensive and may not be available in remote regions. The result? Slow response times, equipment failure, and safety risks.

Plastic parts, including electrical cable insulation, are also affected. Below freezing, many plastics lose flexibility, increasing the risk of cracking, splintering, or complete failure in the middle of operations.

High Temperatures
In hot climates, hydraulic systems face the opposite issue — overheating. High ambient temperatures reduce the cooling capacity of hydraulic oil, leading to performance drop-offs and heat-related failures.

UV rays also degrade plastic. Continuous exposure to sunlight causes plastic housings, seals, and connectors to break down, increasing the need for replacements and downtime in high-temperature environments.

Why a mechanical design is ideal for all climates
The answer? Keep it simple — and keep it mechanical.
Our Grab-O-Matic forklift drum handling attachments are made from high-grade British steel and operate through purely mechanical principles. There are no fluids, no electronics, and no plastic parts.

Benefits of this design include:
• Reliable operation in temperatures from –40°C to 50°C+
• No frozen oil, no overheated circuits, no brittle components
• Long product life with fewer failure points
• Easy servicing without specialist tools or engineers

Real-world export: Drum handlers for desert and arctic use
Recently, a logistics customer in Saudi Arabia ordered a set of Grab-O-Matic rim grippers for use in desert conditions where daytime temperatures routinely exceed 45°C. Their main requirement? Equipment that wouldn’t fail due to melted seals or electronic faults in the heat.

At the same time, we’ve supplied equipment to an energy facility in Finland, where temperatures fall below –20°C during winter. The customer needed attachments that could operate outdoors without performance loss or brittle failures — and had previously experienced issues with imported hydraulic alternatives.

One mechanical solution, two completely different climates — one reliable outcome.

Industries that rely on simple, reliable engineering
Our mechanical drum handling attachments are trusted by clients in:
• Oil & Gas – Refineries, drilling platforms, and chemical plants
• Chemical Processing – Where temperature control and safety are essential
• Transport & Logistics – Operating across varied outdoor conditions
• Remote Storage & Warehousing – Especially where electrics are impractical

Built in the UK – exported worldwide
Every Grab-O-Matic attachment is manufactured at our UK facility in Eastleigh, Hampshire, under strict quality control. We're proud to serve global customers, shipping regularly to:
• The Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
• Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand)
• Scandinavia and the Arctic (Finland, Sweden)

Want to know how we handle international shipping and support? Read our guide on how we export drum handling equipment.

Annual inspection & certification
Even the most durable equipment needs regular checks. That’s why we offer an annual LOLER-compliant inspection and servicing plan. We’ll test your attachment and provide full certification — essential for health and safety compliance.

FAQs: What buyers want to know about drum handling in extreme climates
Will this work in high-humidity or coastal environments?
Yes. Because there are no electronics or plastic components to degrade, Grab-O-Matic attachments are well suited to humid and coastal climates. For salt-exposed locations, we recommend ATEX stainless steel versions, which offer enhanced corrosion resistance.
Does extreme cold affect the mechanical operation?
Not under normal working conditions. The steel components and mechanical action are designed to remain reliable down to –40°C, provided the correct lubricants are used and basic care is taken during winter operations.
Can this be used in ATEX-rated hazardous zones?
Yes — we offer ATEX-compliant stainless steel attachments suitable for explosive or flammable environments. These are often required in oil refineries and chemical plants where safety regulations are strict.
Is specialist training required to use Grab-O-Matic attachments?
No — they are designed to be straightforward to use by trained forklift operators. We provide operating instructions, and additional on-site or remote training is available on request if required.
How easy is it to maintain these attachments?
Maintenance is simple and requires no specialist tools. Routine checks, occasional lubrication, and our annual LOLER inspection service are typically all that’s needed.
What forklift types are compatible?
Our attachments are made to fit standard fork tines. We also offer custom solutions for non-standard configurations — just get in touch with the team to discuss your requirements.
Can I order a single unit for export?
Yes. We export both individual units and larger batch orders worldwide. We’re also happy to work with your freight forwarder or arrange shipping on your
Built to perform. Built to last.
If you need reliable drum handling in extreme conditions, don’t overcomplicate the solution. Grab-O-Matic attachments are trusted by engineers, operators, and procurement teams around the world — because they do exactly what they’re built to do.