Atomoving

Drum Handling Equipment

Drum Stacker

520kg Weighing Drum Stacker, Barrel Lifter

    • High-Torque Hydraulic Drive: Features a 1.5 kW (2.0 hp) pump unit achieving a lifting velocity of 120mm/s (4.7 in/s) for rapid throughput.
    • Enhanced Structural Rigidity: Specialized C-type rolled steel frame minimizes mast deflection when rotating full 520kg (1146 lbs) loads.
    • Integrated Metrology (YL520-1): Built-in weighing system delivers ±3‰ accuracy, enabling simultaneous transport and inventory verification.
    • Universal Drum Compatibility: Engineered to securely clamp standard Ø572mm (22.5 in) steel drums and 210L (55 gal) plastic or fiber containers.
    • Sustained Operations: Equipped with a deep-cycle 12V/120Ah maintenance-free battery to support multi-shift duty cycles.

     

The YL520 Series Semi-Electric barrel lifter is a precision-engineered material handling solution designed to replace manual lifting and forklift dependency in drum management workflows. Capable of elevating payloads up to 1600mm (5.2 ft), this unit utilizes a robust 1.5 kW (2.0 hp) hydraulic power pack to ensure smooth, surge-free lifting of volatile liquids.
Constructed from proprietary C-type rolled steel rather than standard bent plate, the chassis offers superior torsional stiffness, ensuring safety during the rotation and dumping of 520kg (1146 lbs) loads. The compact design features a 1620mm (63.8 in) turning radius, making it ideal for navigating narrow aisles in chemical processing plants or warehouses. For operations requiring strict inventory control, the YL520-1 model integrates a high-precision scale with ±3‰ accuracy, allowing operators to audit net weights directly at the point of handling.

 

Model for Barrel Lifter

Model YL520/ YL520A
Loading Weight
kg
520
Drum Size
55 gallon ( (Ø572×900) steel, 210L plastic
Lifting Height
mm
1600
Wheel Dimension
mm
Ø80×55/Ø150×50
Inner/Outer Width of Front Leg
mm
640/800
Turning Radius
mm
1620
Pump Unit Power
KW/h
1.5
Battery Parameter
Ah/V
120/12
Lifting Speed
mm/s
120
Outline Dimension (LxWxH)
mm
1400*980*2080
Net Weight
kg
269
Happy warehouse worker operating a forklift for material handling, surrounded by stocked shelves in an organized warehouse environment

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Performance

Hydraulic Efficiency and Duty Cycle

The core of the YL520’s performance is its industrial-grade 1.5 kW (2.0 hp) hydraulic pump station. Unlike manual pump-assist models, this electric system delivers consistent pressure to achieve a lifting speed of 120mm/s (4.7 in/s), significantly reducing cycle times during truck loading or rack placement. Power is supplied by a heavy-duty 12V/120Ah maintenance-free battery, specifically selected to provide the amp-hour capacity needed for extended shifts without frequent recharging. This electrification eliminates operator physical strain and ensures precise vertical positioning control.

C-Type Rolled Steel Chassis Architecture

Structural integrity is paramount when rotating suspended loads. The YL520 departs from conventional welded tube designs by utilizing a C-type rolled steel frame. This manufacturing process aligns the steel’s grain structure to provide higher tensile strength and resistance to lateral deformation. With a net unit weight of 269kg (593 lbs) acting as a counter-balance, and a wide 800mm (31.5 in) stance, the unit maintains exceptional center-of-gravity stability even when the mast is fully extended to 1600mm (5.2 ft).

Precision Weighing and Maneuverability

The YL520-1 variant transforms the standard barrel lifter into a mobile dosing station. The integrated weighing module offers a tolerance of ±3‰, allowing Procurement and Warehouse Managers to verify incoming chemical volumes or meter outgoing product without transporting drums to a stationary floor scale. The unit is mounted on wear-resistant Ø150mm (5.9 in) nylon rear wheels with mechanical brakes, ensuring smooth rolling resistance and secure positioning during the weighing or dumping process. This combination of mobility and metrology streamlines workflow efficiency by consolidating transport and auditing into a single step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barrel lifter and what is it used for?

A barrel lifter is a specialized material handling tool designed to safely lift, move, transport, and position heavy industrial barrels and drums. It is commonly used in warehouses, factories, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities to handle steel, plastic, and fiber barrels without manual lifting, improving efficiency and workplace safety.

How does a barrel lifter improve worker safety?

A barrel lifter improves worker safety by eliminating heavy manual lifting, bending, and twisting, which greatly reduces the risk of back injuries, muscle strain, and falls. It provides secure gripping to prevent barrels from slipping or dropping, especially when handling hazardous or heavy materials. It also keeps operators at a safe distance from loads and helps maintain stable, controlled movement.

What types of barrels can a barrel lifter handle?

Barrel lifters can handle a wide range of industrial barrels, including standard 55-gallon steel barrels, plastic barrels, fiber barrels, tight-head drums, and open-top barrels. Most models feature adjustable or universal gripping mechanisms to fit different barrel sizes and materials, making them highly versatile for various industrial applications.

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.