Answers: Lifting an Empty IBC Tank
Intermediate bulk containers (IBC totes) are an ever-widening choice for storing and transporting volumes of liquids, products, and commodities, IBCs are being used, seen, and known throughout market circles and industry sectors due to their heavy duty nature, reusability, ease of handling, and efficient use of space. When it comes to IBC containers, new owners sometimes have questions on handling them and lifting them.
Can I Lift an Empty IBC Tote by Myself?
An empty IBC tote is not typically lifted by hand or by a single person. Even when empty, IBC containers can be considered heavy. How heavy will depend on the IBC type and its total storage capacity. (See our IBC Weights Table).
Most empty IBCs weigh over 100 lbs. (45 kg) with some weighing over 600 lbs. (272 kg), meaning IBCs are often too heavy for manual lifting. The poly caged IBC tote, being the most lightweight IBC type, is probably the only IBC capable of manual lifting by two or more able bodied workers. As such, proper lifting equipment is traditionally required even when moving empty IBC containers.
Empty Weights for Common IBC Totes
- 275 Gallon Caged IBC Tote: 135 lbs.
- 330 Gallon Caged IBC Tote: 155 lbs.
- 220 Gallon Ultratainer IBC Tote: 268 lbs.
- 220 Gallon Premium Stacking IBC Tote: 211 lbs.
- 550 Gallon Stainless Steel IBC Tote: 650 lbs.
Handling Empty IBCs
An empty IBC can often be shifted and nudged for repositioning or dragged along a truck bed by a single individual when this is necessary. While an empty IBC tank will be significantly lighter than a full one, it will still require appropriate handling techniques. Here are some of our guidelines on moving IBC containers:
Use a Forklift: Forklifts are common equipment used to move IBCs, both filled and empty. When doing so, it’s important to observe any markings on the IBC, such as “No Forks This Side” decals, (often on metal IBCs), to prevent damage to the container or an accident.
Use a Pallet Jack: Similar to a forklift, pallet jacks are a reliable way to maneuver IBC totes, both filled and empty. A downside to pallet jacks is they require a smooth, level surface to move on and operate.
Two-Person Lift: In some cases, an empty IBC tank might be moveable by two or more people. Even though the tote’s weight is lower when the tank is empty, this method should only be used when absolutely necessary and by individuals who are physically capable to avoid strain or harm to the person doing the lifting. Equipment lift of an IBC should always be performed rather than human lift if possible.
Use a Lift Frame: Some experienced IBC owners use a lift that allows the operator to load the IBC onto a frame. This method can be particularly useful for handling any residual product left in the IBC.
IBC Design: Different IBC types are designed differently, and the specific IBC design can affect how it should be lifted. For instance, some IBCs are built for 4-way fork access, others 2-way, metal IBCs are often 3-way, and other IBCs feature lifting lugs for use with hoisting equipment.
Lifting Equipment Inspection: Before using lifting equipment like forklifts, it’s important to inspect the IBC, the pallet base, and the lift equipment to ensure all is in good working condition.
Training and Supervision: Workers who are tasked with lifting and moving IBC tanks should receive proper training. Additionally, these tasks should always be supervised by a competent person.
Use of Slings or Straps: When lifting IBCs using a crane or hoist, slings or straps can be used. However, care should be taken to ensure they do not crush the tote. IBCs with lifting lugs and eyelets are built for vertical lift applications.
While the answer is, yes, an empty IBC tank can be lifted, technically, the totes are often too heavy for manual lifting and require lift equipment such as pallet jacks or forklifts to safely and effectively move them.