DrumHandling Equipment

Most of our drum trucks, dollys and stackers are designed around standard 205-litre steel or plastic drums, but many models also accommodate 25-220 litre containers with adjustable chime hooks or cradles. Always check the specific weight capacity and drum diameter range on the product listing before ordering, as tight-fitting equipment won't grip an undersized drum safely.

A drum dolly is a low platform on castors that sits under a stationary drum, letting you roll it short distances across a level floor. A drum truck is a mobile chassis with a handle and wheels that clamps or cradles the drum itself, allowing you to tilt, move and manoeuvre it over longer distances or uneven ground. If you're shifting drums regularly around a warehouse, a truck usually offers more control.

Yes, our hydraulic drum trucks and lifters are rated for full drums, including those containing liquids, provided you stay within the stated safe working load. Check the drum's gross filled weight (drum plus contents) against the equipment's capacity rather than just the drum's empty weight. For particularly heavy or awkward loads, a stacker with a wider wheelbase gives better stability than a basic hand truck.

Much of our range is suitable for chemical drums, but you should match the equipment's construction — steel, powder-coated, or with corrosion-resistant fittings — to the substance being handled. Where spillage risk is a concern, consider drum handling equipment used alongside a spill pallet or bund. If you're unsure which combination suits your COSHH assessment, get in touch and we'll point you to a suitable option.

Manual drum trucks and dollys generally require no formal training, just careful handling and awareness of load limits. Hydraulic drum stackers, particularly those that lift and rotate drums for pouring, should only be operated by staff who've had basic manual handling and equipment-specific instruction under health and safety guidance. Employers have a duty under PUWER to ensure operators are competent with any lifting equipment provided.

Smaller items like drum dollys and hand trucks typically arrive fully assembled and ready to use. Larger hydraulic stackers may need some minor assembly, such as fitting the handle or wheels, and full instructions are supplied. Delivery timescales vary by product and stock availability, so check the individual listing or contact us if you need it for a specific date.