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 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.

13-58 Gallon (50-220 liters)

Stainless Steel Ladder Rack

The rack is where the drum gripping catch is mounted on the front of the drum lifter. By affixing the catch in different positions, the unit is able to easily cater for drums of different heights. Moving the catch up and down is easy, and allows one unit to be used for all drum lifting activities. Should drums need to be lifted onto higher platforms such as custom containment bunds or other machinery, we can offer taller models which include a taller rack to suit.

15”-39.37” (380-1000mm) Drum height

Manual-hydraulic lift pump

Each hydraulic pump is manufactured by hand in the UK. Quality components are used, making the pumps reliable and long-lasting. On a stainless steel drum lifter, the pump assembly is shrouded in stainless steel, which 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. Drums can be lowered back down in a controlled manner by turning a manual control valve.

13cc Hydraulic pump

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

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

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.

Drum lifting weight capacity

We can offer this unit in two configurations, depending upon the weight of the drums being handled and the amount of available space. A 551lb. (250kg) model can be provided; this is the most popular option. Alternatively, we can supply a 771lb. (350kg) model, which is 9” (230mm) longer overall. The reason we do this is that some commercial spaces are tight, and hence a longer drum lifter may not fit in the area. All our drum lifters are overload tested in our UK factory to 150% of the load capacity, demonstrating how strong, stable and compliant they are.

551lb. / 771lb. (250kg / 350kg)

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.