Stainless Steel Drum Lifter (Counterbalance)

Product Code: DTP08-R500-SS

Features

The Stainless Steel Counterbalanced Drum Lifter is ideal for lifting from containment pallets or dispensing machines. With no front facing legs it can easily work with existing machinery. The unit has counterweight in the back box to offset the weight of a full drum.

The unit is is manufactured in stainless steel and has a smooth clean finish. The stainless steel drum lifters are generally used for food processing or pharmaceutical applications. This unit can be supplied rated to a lifting capacity of 550lb. (250kg) or 771lb. (350kg).

Image of operator using the stainless steel manual hydraulic pump on the Stainless Steel Drum Lifter (Counterbalance)

The universal stainless steel drum gripper is designed for lifting steel, plastic and fiberboard drums and barrels from 13 to 58 gallons (50-220 liters). The catch is connected to a stainless steel ladder rack at the front of the unit. This ladder rack enables the catch to be maneuvered up and down the ladder rack to accommodate a range of different height drums.

Counterbalance drum lifters contain metal shot in the rear of the unit to offset the weight of a heavy drum being lifted at the front of the unit. Due to the increased weight of a counterbalanced truck (vs a straddle drum lifter) it is important that the steering assembly is designed to make moving the unit as easy as possible. The single wheel steering and low rolling resistance wheels make pushing and pulling this drum lifter easy for operators of all sizes.

The Stainless Steel Drum Lifter can be used to handle a wide variety of drum types and sizes. For details of the different drums this product is compatible with please review the below specification document. If the drums you handle within your plant are not shown please contact us and we will endeavour to provide feedback on their compatibility.

Designed with versatility in mind, the unique STS drum catch can handle, among others, tight-head, open-top, L-ring and MAUSER-style drums with ease; to adjust the catch setting operators simply adjust the position of the top hook. For lifting very unusual drums such as plastic screw-top drums, or bulbous plastic barrels we can offer different attachments and adapters for our drum lifters. See our drum suitability document for more information on compatible drum types or alternatively please get in touch.

Manual Hydraulic Pump

Each hydraulic pump is manufactured by hand in the UK. Quality components are used making the pumps extremely reliable and long-lasting. On a stainless steel drum lifter, the pump assembly is shrouded in stainless steel, this protects it from water ingress and other debris found in the work environment. The pump is operated by hand by pulling an upright lever back and forth. The operation of the pump is easy and the force required to lift a drum is low; this means the drum lifter can be used by all staff with ease. Drums can be lowered back down in a controlled manner by turning a manual control valve.

Options & Upgrades

  • pic of a stainless steel drum lifter holding a 55 gallon steel drum off the ground

    ATEX for Hazardous & Explosive Locations

    ATEX certified for gas and dust zones

    We provide a fully certified 'Ex' rated drum lifter for use in flammable and explosive areas. These models utilize anti-static and conductive components to ensure safety and conformity. We also ensure full electrical continuity throughout the machine to dissipate static charges should they occur. Our ATEX Counterbalanced Drum Lifter is suitable for use in classified zones 1, 2, 21, and 22.

    'Ex' Rated model

  • persn using a tall drum lifter to pick up a drum from a tall stack of pallets

    Lift drums higher with a taller model

    We can offer two taller models that utilize longer lifting rams, providing a lift stroke of either 29.9” or 49.6” (760mm or 1260mm) versus the standard 19.7”. (500mm). These enhanced lifting capabilities allow operators to easily place drums onto high containment 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.

  • A counter balance style drum lifter that is 9" longer than the standanrd is lifting a 55 gallon steel drum

    Increase the SWL for heavy drums

    We can offer this model with an increased Safe Working Load (SWL) of 771lb. (350kg), providing greater lifting capacity for heavier drums or materials. The 771lb. (350kg) version operates in the same manner as the standard model, with the primary difference being an additional 9.8” (250mm) in length. This additional length moves the counterweight further away from the heavy drum allowing us to increase the rated capacity of the lifter. 

  • detail image of drum lifter that has an extended forward reach

    Extended Long Reach

    We can upgrade this model using a 'long reach' (LR) rack assembly. This allows operators to place drums further in front of the lifter, making it better suited for loading storage cabinets, conveyors and booths. We can customise the amount of forward reach based on your exact needs.

  • detail image of the digital scale attached to the drum lifter

    Integrated load-cell weighing system

    Our integrated weighing system has an accuracy of +/- 3.5oz (0.1kg). This system streamlines operations by weighing drums whilst 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.

  • imaghe showing an operator with the electric control panel on the drum lifter

    Push-button electric-hydraulic lift

    We can offer this drum lifter with an electric-hydraulic lift system, designed to make the lifting of heavy drums effortless. The electric system further reduces the physical effort required to move drums. This feature is especially valuable for high-frequency drum handling operations, where enhancing productivity is crucial. The push-button functionality further improves ergonomics when choosing this model.

    Battery-powered system

  • drum lifter with a secial attachemt that is holding a unique shaped barrel

    Special Attachments

    We design and manufacture a range of bespoke attachments and tools to tackle challenging drum-lifting scenarios. Whether it's large screw-top drums typically used for transporting olives and pickles, or bespoke plastic drums designed for the pharmaceutical industry, we are available to offer assistance. With over 25 years of experience, our team is best placed to offer safe and efficient drum lifting solutions.

Technical specification

  • Safe Working Load (SWL) 550lb. or 770lb. (250kg / 350kg)

  • Pallet approach | Approaches any flat side of a pallet, no legs in front of the lifter

  • Drum compatibility | Steel, plastic and fiberboard drums, 13-58 gallon(50-220 liters) (incl. MAUSER drums)

  • Drum gripping catch | Adjustable catch for different drum lips, catch is also height adjustable

  • Lift stroke 19.7” (500mm)

  • Under-drum lift clearance 14.5”(420mm)

  • Hydraulic 13cc hand-operated pump with lowering valve

  • Anti-static shatterproof clear polycarbonate guarding

  • Metal preparation | Grit blasted mild steel, aqua blasted stainless steel parts

  • Surface finish | Primer and polyester powder coated mild steel, stainless steel is smooth and clean

  • Front wheel type | Fixed 6.25”(160mm) precision bearings

  • Front wheel material | Aluminum centered, polyurethane anti-static tires

  • Rear wheel type | Rear 6.25” (160mm)steerable wheel both with precision bearings

  • Rear wheel material | Aluminum centered, polyurethane anti-static tires

All products are covered by a 2-year warranty on parts and 10 years technical support

person using a drum lifter designed for lifting a drum for the corner of a pallet

Not the lifter you’re looking for, check these out:

Three colorful drums (red, green, blue) on a cart with a black lid, and two blue drums on a wooden pallet, against a white wall background.
image of a drum lifter picking up a 55 gallon drum from a very tall stack of pallets
person using a leverage bar to reposition drums on a pallet

Customers who buy lifters typically by these as well:

A man in blue work overalls and a blue safety helmet pushes a blue barrel with a hand truck in front of a white garage door.