Load and unload pallets and Containment Pallets

Every model in our counterbalance drum lifter range is built to handle the demands of day-to-day pallet and spill containment pallet operations. With no legs at the front of the unit, the counterbalance design allows operators to get closer to their target, making it easier to place drums precisely onto pallets and spill containment pallets. Whether you're loading a single drum onto a low pallet or unloading from a raised pallet, our range has a model to suit - from the manual DTP08 for straightforward, low-volume tasks, to the fully electric DTP08ELD for high-throughput facilities where speed and precision matter most.

14.56” (370mm) Minimum lift clearance

Handles over 95% of drum types

Not all drums are created equal - and in busy facilities, operators often need to handle several different types in a single shift. Our counterbalance drum lifters are designed with this in mind. The DTP08 and DTP08EL feature a universal drum catch, while the DTP08ELD uses a fully automatic drum catch - each accommodating steel, plastic, and fiberboard drums from 13-58 gallons (50 to 220 liters), including MAUSER drums, covering over 95% of drum types found in the workplace. Each drum catch can be quickly adjusted to suit drums of different heights, meaning one lifter does it all.

13-58 gallons (50-220L) Drum sizes

Load drums of different heights

Drums can vary in height depending on their size. This means it is important to choose a drum lifter that can accept not only the drums you use today but also the drums you may need to handle in the future. With our unique quick-change rack, you can adjust the position of the drum catch to accommodate drums of different heights. In a matter of seconds move the catch down for shorter drums and up for taller drums.

15.74”-39.37” (400-1000mm) Drum height

Handle a wide range of drum types

Industrial drums come in many shapes and sizes, and handling them safely and efficiently requires equipment that can keep up. Every model in our counterbalance drum lifter range is compatible with steel, plastic, and fiberboard drums from 13-58 gallon (50 to 220 liters), including MAUSER drums. Whether you're working with standard tight-head steel drums, open-top plastic drums, or oversized fiberboard containers, our lifters are built to handle them all - safely, quickly, and without the need for additional equipment or time-consuming changeovers.

Highly maneuverable

Counterbalance drum lifters contain metal shot in the rear of the unit to offset the weight of the heavy drum at the front. Due to the increased weight of a counterbalanced truck versus a straddle drum lifter, steering is essential. The rear steering makes pushing and pulling this drum lifter easy for operators of all sizes providing the floor is flat and level. 

6.25” (160mm) Polyurethane tires

Improve drum handling efficiency

Every model in our counterbalance drum lifter range is designed to keep your operation moving. By eliminating the time and physical effort associated with manual drum handling, operators can move more drums in less time — with less fatigue. From the manual DTP08 for low-volume environments, to the fully electric DTP08ELD capable of moving up to 60 drums per hour, there's a model matched to the pace and scale of your operation.

60+ Drums per hour

Keep operators safe

Handling heavy drums manually is one of the leading causes of workplace injury. Our counterbalance drum lifters remove the risk by taking the strain out of every lift. With hydraulic lifting, rear-wheel steering, and ergonomic controls, operators stay in full control without overexerting themselves. For the most demanding environments, the DTP08ELD's fully automatic drum catch and electric drive eliminate manual handling - keeping your team safe, compliant, and productive.

771lb. (350kg) Lift capacity

Load and unload drum dollies and machines

Getting drums onto dollies and into process machinery requires precision - and that's exactly what our counterbalance drum lifters deliver. The counterbalance design means there are no front legs to obstruct placement, giving operators unrestricted access to dollies, mixers, and other process equipment. Combined with rear-wheel steering and hydraulic-controlled lowering, drums can be positioned quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of misplacement and keeping production lines moving. Whatever your process demands, there's a model in our range to match.

<33lb. (15kg) Operator effort

A clean hygienic solution

We offer the DTP08 and DTP08EL in a 304-grade stainless-steel version, specifically engineered for use in clean manufacturing environments. Renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance and durability, 304-grade stainless steel is ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical production industries. These versions of our Counterbalance Drum Lifter feature nickel/chrome-plated hydraulic rams for protection against corrosion. The aluminum hydraulic pump is encased in stainless steel and protected by a PVC gaiter to prevent dirt and debris ingress.

Integrated load-cell weighing system

Weighing drums can be made easier with our integrated weigh scale system, accurate to +/- 0.1kg. This system streamlines operations by weighing drums while lifting them, eliminating the need for separate floor scales. This system improves efficiency and helps operators identify over- or under-filled drums early, ensuring smoother workflows and enhanced quality control.

Load Cell must be ordered with equipment, not available as an accessory.

ATEX model for hazardous areas

For our manual-hydraulic DTP08 model, we can provide an 'Ex' rated unit, suitable for flammable and explosive ATEX areas. This version is designed with anti-static and conductive components for maximum safety and compliance. Our ATEX Counterbalance Drum Lifter is approved for zones 1, 2, 21, and 22, ensuring electrical continuity throughout the unit to eliminate risks and safeguard operators. Each ATEX drum lifter is provided with a Declaration of Conformity, confirming adherence to all relevant standards and directives.

ATEX EX

Lift drums higher with a taller model

We can offer two taller models that utilize longer lifting rams, providing a lift stroke of either 29.92” (760mm) or 49.60” (1260mm) - versus the standard 19.68” (500mm). These enhanced lifting capabilities allow operators to easily place drums onto high spill pallets and elevated storage areas, or into machines. The guaranteed lifting clearance beneath the drum is slightly less than the lifting stroke and therefore it is always best to get in touch, to allow a member of our team to recommend the most suitable model for your application.

Increase the SWL for heavy drums

We can offer all three models with an increased Safe Working Load (SWL), providing greater lifting capacity for heavier drums or materials. This is achieved by extending the chassis to move the counterweight further back, adding additional counterweight, or a combination of both, ensuring the right balance and lifting capacity for your specific requirements.

Custom tools for uncommon drum types

We design and manufacture a range of bespoke attachments and tools to tackle challenging drum-lifting scenarios. Whether it's a boom arm with chains for lifting small containers or a custom securing band for handling large screw-top drums, our team can assist. With over 25 years of experience, our team is best placed to offer safe and efficient drum lifting solutions.