Counterbalance Drum Lifters

Handle 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 fibreboard drums from 50 to 220 litres, 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.

Lift drums of different heights

Drums vary in height depending on their size and type, so it's important to choose a lifter that can adapt. Every model in our counterbalance drum lifter range features an adjustable rack, allowing the drum catch to be repositioned up or down to suit drums of different heights. This means a single unit can handle your full drum range without the need for multiple lifters. For operations that require drums to be placed onto raised platforms, containment bunds, or process machinery, taller rack variants are available across the range to provide the additional clearance needed.

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 fibreboard drums from 50 to 220 litres, including MAUSER drums. Whether you're working with standard tight-head steel drums, open-top plastic drums, or oversized fibreboard containers, our lifters are built to handle them all - safely, quickly, and without the need for additional equipment or time-consuming changeovers.

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.

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.

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.

Low-volume throughput

With a throughput of up to 30 drums per hour, the DTP08 is well suited to operations where drums are moved in smaller batches throughout the working day.

The manual hydraulic lift and rear-wheel steering keep the operator in full control, ensuring each drum is handled safely and placed precisely - whether onto a pallet, spill bund, or process machine.

Robust manual-hydraulic lift system

The DTP08 features a proven manual-hydraulic lift system designed for reliability and ease of use. Pumping the handle raises the drum smoothly to the desired height, while a hand-operated lowering valve provides precise control when placing drums onto pallets, bunds, or the floor.

Every hydraulic system is assembled by hand in our UK factory, ensuring each system leaves our facility clean, reliable, and built to last - minimising downtime and keeping your operation running smoothly and efficiently.

Controllable in tight confined spaces

The DTP08's counterbalance design eliminates the need for front legs, keeping the footprint compact and allowing operators to get close to pallets, bunds, and machinery without obstruction. Rear-wheel steering makes the unit easy to push and pull in any direction, giving operators precise control even in the tightest of spaces. Whether navigating a busy warehouse or a confined production area, the DTP08 handles with confidence.

Simple and easy mechanical solution

The DTP08 is a straightforward, no-nonsense piece of equipment that any operator can get to grips with quickly. With no electrical components to maintain or charge, it is a low-maintenance solution that's always ready to work. The manual hydraulic lift and rear-wheel steering are intuitive by design, minimising the need for extensive operator training and reducing the risk of mechanical downtime - making it a dependable choice for any drum handling operation.

Manual-hydraulic ATEX model available

For operations in flammable or explosive environments, the DTP08 is available as a fully certified ATEX-rated model. Built with anti-static and conductive components throughout, it ensures full electrical continuity to safely dissipate static charges. Suitable for classified Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22, it delivers the same reliable performance as the standard model, with the added assurance of full ATEX compliance.

Stainless steel version available

The DTP08 is available in 304-grade stainless steel, making it ideal for use in clean manufacturing environments where hygiene and corrosion resistance are essential. Suitable for food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications, the stainless steel model delivers the same reliable drum handling performance as the standard unit, built to withstand the demands of even the most challenging working environments.

Mid-volume throughput

With a throughput of up to 40 drums per hour, the DTP08EL is built for mid- to high-volume drum handling where speed and operator comfort are equally important. The electric-hydraulic lift removes the physical effort of raising heavy drums, reducing operator fatigue and allowing more drums to be processed throughout the working day - without compromising on control or precision.

Fast electric lift functionality

The DTP08EL's electric-hydraulic lift system raises drums quickly and effortlessly with a simple push of a button, removing the most strenuous part of the drum handling process.

Compared to the manual hydraulic pump of the DTP08, the electric lift function of the DTP08EL significantly reduces operator effort and speeds up each cycle - making it the ideal choice for operations where drums are handled frequently throughout the day.

Long-lasting AGM battery

The DTP08EL is powered by a 24V, 25Ah battery pack, providing enough charge to handle 100 or more drums per charge - making it well-suited to a full day's work in most mid-volume operations. When recharging is needed, the supplied external battery charger makes the process simple, minimising downtime and keeping your operation running smoothly.

Quick and easy to operate

The DTP08EL is designed to be picked up quickly by any operator. Controls are simple and logically placed, making the unit easy to learn and straightforward to operate from day one.

With minimal training required, operators can get up to speed fast - reducing onboarding time and ensuring consistent, safe drum handling across your team. Its intuitive design means drum handling doesn't have to fall to one individual; any member of the team can operate the DTP08EL with confidence, giving your operation greater flexibility and resilience.

Controllable in tight confined spaces

Despite its electric lift capability, the DTP08EL is moved manually, giving operators direct, tactile control over positioning and placement. Rear-wheel steering makes the unit responsive and easy to guide, even in narrow aisles, busy production areas, and confined workspaces. 

The compact counterbalance design eliminates front legs entirely, allowing operators to get close to pallets, spill pallets, and machinery without obstruction - ensuring drums can be placed quickly, accurately, and safely every time.

Stainless steel version available

The DTP08EL is available in 304-grade stainless steel, making it well-suited to clean manufacturing environments where hygiene and corrosion resistance are paramount. Ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications, the stainless steel model delivers the same fast, efficient electric lift performance as the standard unit - built to meet the demands of even the most stringent working environments.

High-volume throughput

With a throughput of up to 60 drums per hour, the DTP08ELD is built for high-volume drum handling where speed and efficiency are everything. The fully automatic drum catch, electric lift, and electric drive work in combination to streamline every stage of the handling process — from gripping and lifting to transporting and placing.

By minimising cycle times and keeping your operation running at full capacity, the DTP08ELD is the ideal choice for facilities where productivity and operator wellbeing are equally important.

Fast electric lift functionality

The DTP08ELD's electric-hydraulic lift system raises drums quickly and effortlessly with a simple push of a button, eliminating the physical demands of lifting heavy drums entirely. With a fully automatic drum catch that grips and secures the drum in one swift motion, the lifting process is faster and safer than ever. 

Compared to both the manual DTP08 and the DTP08EL, the DTP08ELD takes operator effort to an absolute minimum, making it the ideal choice for high-volume operations where operator comfort, safety, and productivity are the top priorities.

Long lasting lithium battery

The DTP08ELD is powered by a 24V, 20Ah lithium battery pack, providing enough charge to handle 150 or more drums per charge - making it well suited to a full day's work in most high-volume operations. When recharging is needed, the supplied external battery charger makes the process simple, minimising downtime and keeping your operation running smoothly.

Limit access to only trained staff

The DTP08ELD features a built-in pin code access system, ensuring the unit can only be operated by trained and authorised personnel. By restricting access in this way, the risk of unauthorised or improper use is significantly reduced - helping to protect both your operators and your equipment. 

For facilities where health and safety compliance is a priority, controlled access provides an additional layer of reassurance that your drum handling operation is always in safe hands.

Swap batteries on the go

The DTP08ELD features a quick-change battery system, allowing depleted battery packs to be swapped out in moments - with no need to take the unit out of service for recharging. Additional battery packs are available, meaning the DTP08ELD can run continuously throughout the working day, making it the ideal solution for high-volume operations where maximum uptime is essential.

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 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.

Weighing system

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

Lift drums higher with a taller model

We can offer two taller models that utilise longer lifting rams, providing a lift stroke of either 760mm or 1260mm - versus the standard 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.

Increased lift heights

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.

Safe Working Load

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.

Bespoke attachments