If your business involves handling large volumes of steel and plastic drums, having the right equipment is the first step to achieving optimal safety, efficiency, and productivity. Hydraulic drum trucks, also known as drum handling trolleys or oil drum trucks, are purpose-built tools designed to lift, move, and transport heavy drums with minimal effort.
In this guide, we'll look at what exactly hydraulic drum trucks are, how they work, where they are most commonly deployed, and why LES - Lifting Equipment Store is the best place to get the best value on the market. So, whether you're upgrading your current warehouse equipment or looking for a safer way to manage drum transport, this section is designed to help you make the most informed, confident decision for your business.
WHAT IS A HYDRAULIC DRUM TRUCK?
A hydraulic drum truck is a manual or semi-automatic lifting and transportation device, engineered to handle 210 Litre (55 gallons) steel and poly drums safely. These handling trucks use hydraulic mechanisms - conventionally operated by foot/hand pumps - to lift drums off the ground and allow for easy manoeuvrability across a workspace.
They are most often used for:
- Lifting and transporting drums from one area to another
- Tilting or rotating drums for emptying contents
- Loading or unloading drums onto pallets, trucks, or shelving units
COMMON APPLICATIONS OF HYDRAULIC DRUM TRUCKS
- Warehousing & Distribution Centres
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Chemical Plants
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food & Beverage Production
- Oil & Gas Industries
In any setting where hazardous or heavy liquid materials are stored in drums, these trucks play a vital role in enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
BENEFITS OF USING HYDRAULIC DRUM TRUCKS
Enhanced Workplace Safety
Manual drum handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries involving back strains and crushed limbs. Hydraulic drum trucks are designed to reduce human strain and improve the safety of lifting operations. Features such as stabilising arms, secure drum clamps, and non-slip wheels help prevent accidents during transport.
Efficient Drum Handling
With the hydraulic system doing the heavy lifting, these trucks enable one person to handle large, heavy drums effortlessly. This improves workflow and reduces the need for multiple workers to manage a single task.
Versatile Functionality
Our selection includes drum trucks capable of various tasks, including:
- Lifting and transporting both steel and plastic drums
- Rotating drums for controlled pouring
- Tilting or dumping for emptying contents
Whatever your needs—be it a drum lifter, drum tilting truck, or mobile drum transporter—we have a solution to match.
Space and Time Saving
Hydraulic drum trucks offer a compact and portable design, allowing you to store them easily when not in use. They also speed up loading and unloading operations, saving valuable time on the production floor.
WHY CHOOSE OUR HYDRAULIC DRUM HANDLING TRUCKS?
At LES - Lifting Equipment Store, we pride ourselves on offering one of the widest selections of drum handling equipment in the UK, trusted by businesses across all sectors. Here’s why customers continue to choose us:
⭐ Superior Quality, Built to Last
We stock a wide range of both economy models and premium UK-manufactured drum trucks, known for their durability and performance. All equipment is tested to meet safety and industry standards, ensuring you get reliable performance every time.
💷 Cost-Effective Options
You don’t need to overspend to get high-quality equipment. Our range includes budget-friendly hydraulic drum trolleys that don’t compromise on safety or function. Whether you're a small warehouse or a large-scale facility, we have an option to fit your budget.
🔒 Unmatched Safety Standards
Every hydraulic drum truck we sell is designed with safety at its core. Features such as overload protection, anti-slip handles, locking mechanisms, and drum securing straps ensure peace of mind during operation.
🔄 Versatility for Every Job
From lightweight models ideal for quick transport to heavy-duty drum rotators that handle large volumes, our inventory covers a broad range of needs. Our expert team can help match you with the perfect model for your operation.
🧠 Expert Guidance and Support
Not sure which drum truck is right for your needs? Our team of experienced specialists is here to guide you. We take pride in offering excellent customer service and tailored advice so that you can make a confident, well-informed purchase.
NEED FOR HELP CHOOSING A DRUM TRUCK?
We understand that selecting the right drum truck can feel overwhelming. If you're still unsure, we recommend reading our in-depth guide:
👉 How to Move Steel Drums with a Hydraulic Drum Trolley
INVEST IN THE BEST HYDRAULIC DRUM TRUCKS TODAY
Join thousands of customers across the UK who trust our hydraulic drum handling equipment for their warehouse and production facilities. With an extensive in-stock range, fast dispatch, and dedicated customer support, we make it easy to upgrade your equipment with confidence.
Browse our selection today and discover:
- Top-rated hydraulic drum trolleys
- Affordable oil drum trucks for industrial use
- UK-made drum handling equipment with immediate availability
Hydraulic Drum Truck FAQs
Yes, many of our hydraulic drum trucks are designed to accommodate both steel and plastic 210-litre drums. Look for models with adjustable gripping mechanisms or universal drum clamps, which safely secure different drum materials and sizes during transport.
A drum lifter is built to lift and move drums safely across a facility, while a drum tipper (or rotator) is engineered to tilt or pour the contents of the drum. Some hydraulic drum trucks combine both functions, offering full lifting, rotating, and dumping capability in one unit.
Absolutely. These trucks are designed for single-operator use, reducing the need for team lifting. Thanks to the hydraulic assist and ergonomic design, a single operator can lift, transport, and position full drums with minimal physical effort.
Most of our drum trucks are shipped fully assembled or with minimal setup required. If any assembly is needed, clear instructions are provided. We also offer customer support to walk you through setup if needed.