Hi, I have just read your post and we have the perfect solution to your problem a Fork Attachment Whiskey Barrel Grabber - see photos attached. We manufacture drum handling and materials handling fork truck attachments in the UK, we also manufacture bespoke handling equipment to suit customer specification.
The Special Base Gripper Model 1-DLR-BG Whiskey Barrel automatically garbs the barrel at the base, the 'arms' close around the base of the barrel and when raised hold it securely in position, to release just set to the ground and reverse away.
There are no electric or hydraulic connections, this is purely a mechanical process that is very safe, quick and simple to use, we can also offer this unit in a double barrel handler to reduce the handling times even further.
Please visit our website www.stclare-engineering.co.uk or direct email me at sales@stclare-engineering.co.uk so we can talk directly about you whiskey barrel handling issues.
I look forward to your response in due course.
Regards
Andy