Atomoving
Drum Handling Equipment
Drum Truck / Barrel Mover
DF20 Small and Light Drum Handler
- Zero-Load Balancing: The 4-wheel chassis supports 100% of the 350kg (771 lbs) drum weight, eliminating vertical strain on the operator.
- Hygienic Option Available: Offered in Stainless Steel 304 (Model DF20B) for compliance with FDA/HACCP wash-down requirements in food and pharma.
- High-Rolling Efficiency: Equipped with large 200mm x 50mm (8 in x 2 in) nylon wheels to minimize rolling resistance on concrete floors.
The DF20 Series drum handler is a precision-engineered material handling solution designed to mitigate the ergonomic risks associated with transporting 210-liter (55-gallon) drums. Unlike traditional two-wheel dollies that require the operator to counterbalance the load, this unit features a self-standing 4-wheel geometry that supports the full 350kg (771 lbs) payload during transit.
The system features a low center of gravity and a lightweight chassis—21kg (46 lbs) for the steel variant—allowing for high agility in narrow aisles. For facilities requiring strict contamination control, the DF20B model is fabricated from corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel 304, ensuring durability in chemical and wash-down environments. This unit serves a dual function as both a transport truck and a dispensing stand, streamlining warehouse throughput.
Model for Drum Handler
| Model | DF20 | DF20B | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Load Capacity
|
kg |
350 |
350 |
|
Material
|
|
Steel
|
Stainless Steel 304
|
|
Net Weight
|
kg |
21 |
20 |
|
Wheel Size(nylon)
|
mm |
⌀200*50
|
⌀200*50
|
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Performance
Ergonomic Zero-Gravity Load Distribution
Standard hand trucks transfer a significant portion of the load moment to the operator’s arms and spine. The DF20 drum handler utilizes a quad-wheel engineering design where the center of gravity shifts entirely onto the axle of the 200mm (8 in) wheels once tilted back. This ensures the equipment sustains 100% of the 350kg (771 lbs) static load. Consequently, a single operator can maneuver full liquid drums with less than 20N of horizontal force, significantly reducing the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in high-volume operations.
Application-Specific Metallurgy (Steel vs. SS304)
To accommodate diverse industrial environments, the chassis is engineered in two specific material grades. The Model DF20 is constructed from industrial-grade Steel with a Net Weight of 21kg (46 lbs), optimized for mechanical strength in standard warehousing. For corrosive environments, the Model DF20B utilizes Stainless Steel 304 (Net Weight: 20kg / 44 lbs). This austenitic stainless steel grade offers superior resistance to oxidation and chemical solvents, making it the requisite choice for pharmaceutical cleanrooms and food processing plants requiring frequent sanitation cycles.
Integrated Dispensing & Storage Geometry
The chassis design extends beyond simple transport; it functions as a mobile dispensing station. The fixed fork geometry secures the drum base, while the 200mm x 50mm (8 in x 2 in) nylon wheels provide a stable platform for controlled tilting. This allows operators to reorient the drum horizontally for decanting or dispensing without removing it from the handler. Furthermore, the compact footprint allows drums to be stored upright while still engaged with the handler, facilitating rapid “pick-and-drop” workflows without the downtime of re-rigging the load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is drum handling?
Drum handling refers to the safe lifting, moving, transporting, stacking, tilting, and storing of industrial drums or barrels using specialized equipment. It covers all processes involved in handling heavy, often hazardous materials while reducing injury risks and improving workplace efficiency.
What is a drum grab?
A drum grab is a forklift attachment or handheld lifting tool designed to securely grip, lift, and move drums. It uses mechanical or automatic clamping mechanisms to lock onto the drum rim, allowing stable and damage-free handling without manual lifting.
What types of drum handlers are available?
Common types of drum handlers include drum grabs, dumpers or tilters, drum stackers (manual, semi-electric, and full-electric), drum transporters, drum carts, and multi-drum handlers. These tools are used in warehouses, factories, and chemical facilities for safe and efficient drum management.
Reference
[1] STS Handling. “STS Handling”. STS Handling, Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.sts-handling.com/.
[2] Lifting Equipment Store. “Drum Handling Equipment”. Lifting Equipment Store, Accessed February 22, 2026. https://liftingequipmentstore.com/collections/drum-handling-equipment.