JLTC SDL500 Steel Drum Lifter, 1100 lbs Capacity, 18" Length x 10" Width x 8" Height

This drum lifter works great. We use it around the shop to move new steel 55 gallon oil drums into containment units. Before this, we would use a contraption of tie downs and a hoist to move barrels, but that was really awkward and unsafe. This hoist makes it quick and easy to move barrels. It's pretty beefy. Our drums weigh around 400 lbs, and I have no reservations about the ability of this to safely pick them up.At first I wondered if this simple claw could lift heavy barrels, but it works flawlessly. It uses the lips on the ends of the claws to wedge under the rim of the barrel. The weight of the barrel acts on the hinge and squeezes the claw to hold the barrel. Simple and effective.

This lift was quickly assembled by aligning the pieces and dropping a pin through the hole, then inserting a spring clip. We use it with a tractor loader to move 55 gallon barrels barrels of fuel for tractors. The gripping pads fit the contours of the 55 gal. tight head barrels well and have n extra weldments that catch under the rim of the barrel, thus securing the barrel. With some practice and much care, the lift can be attached to the barrel for the carry without leaving the tractor seat.

This is a basic drum lift that is very easy to use. You will need get a chain to use it. We attach a chain to our fork lift and use it to move 55gal drums of engine oil at our repair shop. It makes moving these drums very safe and much easier than rolling them.

The holes were drilled crooked, so the two pickup claws are not parallel. If you place the lift down on a flat surface and press one claw flat on the surface, one end of the opposing claw is over 1/2 inch off he surface. The two lifters must be absolutely parallel to lift under the drum edge. This one is worthless. Unfortunately, I had already thrown away the box, so I doubt I can return it. I have the tools and ability to weld in a piece of steel and drill a straight hole, and make this work. If you can't do that, don't buy it.

We use a lot of 55 gallon drums. It was always a problem picking the drums off the pallet and placing them. Even with a forklift, it is pretty hard to lift a drum off a pallet. This makes it easy. We also use it with our hoist to move drums around. The device seems to be heavily built, and it is easy to use. It shipped fast and arrived in good shape.

man, should have gotten one of these MUCH SOONER! After manually handling 55 gallon drums of diesel for the "farm"....with a dolly....this thing works SO WELL with my JD tractor. i no longer dread getting more fuel!

I was very nervous the first time. It looks too simple to work, but it does work! I use it on oil drums.

Works well, has high profile making it unusable with pu truck bed hoist. Check my reviews for the one that worked.