The H-Lift HD250 Hydraulic Drum Lifter is a compact material handling device designed for the efficient lifting, transporting, and handling of industrial drums. With a 250kg capacity, this unit utilizes a hydraulic system to provide a controlled lifting range of 280mm, making it ideal for moving drums short distances or positioning them for low-level operations. Its sturdy construction and specialized design include an oil roll-over function, enhancing versatility for specific handling requirements in warehouses and factories.

Lifting capacity of 250kg for standard industrial drums
Hydraulic lifting range of 280mm for safe transport and positioning
Features a 180-degree oil roll-over angle for versatile handling
Compact footprint (810mm x 820mm) for maneuvering in tight spaces
Robust construction ensures durability and stability during use

Technical Data
Drum Lifter

The HD-250 Hydraulic Drum Lifter is a specialized porter designed to solve the common problem of loading drums onto pallets. With its wide 630mm inner leg width, it straddles standard pallets, allowing for easy loading and unloading of 210L steel drums.

📐 Pallet Accessible

Features a wide 630mm inner leg width. Specifically designed to straddle the corners of standard and Euro pallets for direct loading/unloading.

🦅 Secure Eagle-Grip

Equipped with an automatic Eagle-Grip (Beak) mechanism that safely locks onto the drum rim. Low profile lifting range (up to 280mm) is ideal for transport.

💪 250kg Capacity

Rated for a 250kg Working Load Limit. Perfect for moving standard 210-liter (55-gallon) steel drums filled with liquids or solids.

🚚 Compact & Mobile

Weighing only 45kg with large Ø180mm rear wheels, this unit is lightweight and highly maneuverable in tight workshops.

Q: Can the HD-250 lift drums off a pallet? A: Yes, thanks to its 630mm inner leg width, it can straddle the corner of a standard pallet to grab a drum placed on the edge.

Q: What type of drums does it work with? A: It is designed primarily for Steel Drums (210L/55gal) with a standard top rim, which the Eagle-grip mechanism requires for safe lifting.

Technical Specifications

← Swipe table left and right to view all data →

Item No.	Capacity	Lifting Range	Inner Width of Legs	Oil Roll-over Angle	Overall Length	Overall Width	Overall Height	Rear Wheel	Weight	Product Code
Item No.	kg	mm	mm	Oil Roll-over Angle	mm	mm	mm	mm	kg	Product Code
HD250	250	280	630	180°	810	820	1050	Ø180	45	806003250

Hydraulic Drum Lifters

Safe & Efficient Solutions for Transporting, Stacking, and Pouring Drums

What is a Hydraulic Drum Lifter?

A Hydraulic Drum Lifter is a specialized material handling device designed to lift, transport, stack, or pour industrial drums (such as 55-gallon steel or plastic drums). Unlike manual dollies, these units utilize a hydraulic pump mechanism (foot or hand-operated) to raise heavy drums with minimal operator effort.

They are essential tools in chemical plants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, significantly reducing the risk of workplace injuries caused by manually handling heavy liquid-filled drums.

Main Types of Drum Lifters

Choosing the right model depends on your specific application—whether you simply need to move a drum across the floor or lift it high onto a rack.

1. Drum Porter (DT Series)

Best For: Horizontal Transport.

Designed primarily to pick up a drum from the ground and move it to another location. Features a compact design with an "Eagle-grip" or rim clamp.

✔ Lifts just enough to clear the floor (approx. 200-300mm).
✔ Ideal for moving drums on and off pallets (pallet-straddle models available).

2. Drum Rotator / Tilter (DA Series)

Best For: Pouring & Dispensing.

Equipped with a gear mechanism that allows the operator to rotate the drum 180° or 360°. This allows for precise pouring of contents into a hopper or mixer.

✔ High lifting height (up to 1.4m or more).
✔ Secure locking band to hold the drum during rotation.

3. Low Profile / Pallet Loading

Best For: Pallet Accessibility.

Standard lifters often have legs that block access to pallets. Low-profile or "Straddle Leg" designs (DTW type) allow the legs to go around the pallet, enabling the operator to place a drum in the center or corner of a pallet.

Key Design Features

Eagle-Grip Structure: A spring-loaded clamping mechanism that automatically locks onto the upper rim of the drum. The heavier the drum, the tighter the grip.
Hydraulic System: High-quality cylinder with a foot pedal for easy lifting and a release knob/handle for controlled lowering.
Heavy-Duty Wheels: typically equipped with Nylon or Polyurethane (PU) wheels. PU wheels are quiet and protect floors, while Nylon wheels are durable and chemical resistant.
Universal Fit: Most models are adjustable to handle both steel and plastic (HDPE) drums, provided they have a standard top rim.

How to Use a Drum Lifter

Operation Steps (Standard DT Type)
Approach: Push the lifter towards the drum with the clamp jaws open. Ensure the lower support (if present) touches the drum body.
Engage: Position the "Eagle-grip" clamp so the upper jaw rests on the top rim and the lower jaw rests just below the rim.
Lift: Pump the foot pedal (or handle). The clamp will bite into the rim and lift the drum off the ground.
Transport: Move the drum to the desired location. Keep the drum low during transport for stability.
Release: Lower the drum slowly by turning the release valve. Once the drum is on the ground, the clamp will release automatically or manually.

Safety Precautions

⚠ WARNING: Rim Condition is Critical

Most hydraulic drum lifters rely on the drum rim (chime) to lift. Do not use standard eagle-grip lifters on drums that are damaged, deformed, or lack a pronounced rim (e.g., some smooth-sided plastic drums), as the drum may slip and fall.

Check Capacity: Never exceed the Rated Load (W.L.L.), typically 250kg - 450kg for standard models.
Surface: Operate on flat, smooth, and hard surfaces (concrete). These units are not designed for gravel, dirt, or steep ramps.
Secure the Load: For drum rotators/tilters, ensure the belly band or locking chain is tight before lifting or rotating.
Foot Protection: Operators should wear safety boots, as fully loaded drums are extremely heavy.
Inspection: Regularly check the hydraulic cylinder for oil leaks and ensure the clamping teeth are sharp and not worn out.