Buyer’s Guide: Drum Trolleys and Drum Dollies – Safe and Ergonomic Drum Handling with MEILLER

Transporting drums is a routine yet physically demanding task in many industrial settings. Drums are inherently bulky, heavy, and difficult to grip due to their cylindrical shape, making manual handling nearly impossible. This is where high-quality drum trucks and drum dollies from MEILLER come into play – designed to streamline your operations while prioritizing safety and ergonomics.

What Are Drum Trucks and Drum Dollies?

Drum trucks are specialized hand trolleys used to lift, secure, and transport drums with minimal effort. Their robust construction allows a single person to safely move a fully loaded 200-liter steel drum without the need for additional tools or machines. At MEILLER, we offer a wide selection of drum trucks suitable for various drum sizes and types – all engineered for stability, maneuverability, and workplace safety.

Drum dollies, on the other hand, are low-profile platforms on wheels designed to roll drums effortlessly across your facility. Ideal for shorter distances and repositioning tasks, drum dollies are particularly useful when drums need to remain upright during movement, such as during dispensing or when maneuvering through tight spaces.

Why Choose Drum Handling Equipment from MEILLER?

As a German manufacturer with over 130 years of experience in steel fabrication and industrial solutions, MEILLER delivers premium drum handling equipment made in Germany. Every drum truck and dolly in our range is developed, tested, and produced in-house to ensure maximum quality and reliability. Whether you need standard models or custom-engineered solutions, MEILLER offers the largest selection of drum trucks on the market and unmatched expertise.

We also specialize in custom builds tailored to your specific operational needs. From modified dimensions to additional safety features, our in-house design team can help develop the ideal solution.

How to Choose the Right Drum Truck

When selecting a drum truck, it is essential to consider the type of drum you’re working with. For example, trucks designed for 200-litre steel drums typically include a lid clamp, while those suitable for both plastic and steel drums use a tension strap to secure the drum’s body.

Here are some typical drum types our drum trucks are designed for:

• Steel drums (200 L): Best handled with trucks featuring lid clamps or spring-loaded fixations.
• Plastic and steel drums (60 – 220 L): Use tension strap fixation for secure transport.
• 120 L plastic drums: Specifically designed trucks with belly strap fixation.

The wheels also make a significant difference. Choose solid rubber tires for smooth, flat floors and pneumatic tires for rough surfaces, outdoor areas, or facilities with steps and uneven terrain. Optional support wheels can be added for even better balanced handling.

Many MEILLER drum trucks also include resting skids, allowing the truck to be safely stored in a tilted position – ideal when a loaded truck needs to remain stationary.

Featured Models: Drum Trucks by MEILLER

BASIC Drum Truck

Our BASIC drum truck is the perfect entry-level solution for 200-liter steel drums. It features a welded steel tube frame, powder-coated for corrosion resistance, and is available with pneumatic or solid rubber tires. A support wheel is available as an add-on, and the truck offers a load capacity of up to 400 kg.

CLASSIC Drum Truck

This all-rounder drum truck is suitable for both steel and plastic drums ranging from 60 to 220 liters. A tension strap ensures safe fixation, and ergonomic design helps reduce strain on the operator. The CLASSIC drum truck comes with resting skids and your choice of wheel types.

COMFORT Drum Truck

Designed for heavy-duty use with 200-liter steel drums, the COMFORT model uses a spring-loaded clamp and PVC or optional metal rollers for smooth rotation of the drum in a tilted position. It offers excellent maneuverability and stability for everyday industrial use.

PREMIUM Drum Truck

Our flagship model, the PREMIUM drum truck (formerly known as “Fassboy”), includes a swing axle and automatic height adjustment, providing the most ergonomic and versatile drum transport solution on the market. Optional features include a plastic drip tray for liquid collection and high-quality rollers. This drum truck is ideal for demanding applications where performance, comfort, and safety are paramount.

Additional Drum Truck Features

Some MEILLER drum trucks include integrated drip trays, turning them into portable filling stations. This is especially beneficial in facilities handling hazardous or oily liquids, as spilled material can be collected safely. For environments with explosion risks, ATEX-certified models are available on request.

Drum Dollies by MEILLER – Flexible, Mobile, Reliable

What Is a Drum Dolly?

Drum dollies are mobile bases used for rolling drums around a facility with minimal effort. The drum sits upright on the dolly, which features smooth-rolling swivel casters for easy movement. MEILLER drum dollies are available in steel, stainless steel, and chemical-resistant plastic.

Steel Drum Dollies

Our steel drum dollies are galvanized for corrosion resistance and are available in open or fully sealed designs. The closed drum dollies feature integrated containment basins to catch leaks and prevent floor contamination.

Stainless Steel Drum Dollies

Ideal for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, our stainless steel drum dollies are rustproof and meet the highest hygiene standards. Available in ATEX-compliant versions, these drum dollies are the go-to choice for environments with strict safety and cleanliness requirements.

Drum Compatibility and Applications

Our drum dollies and trucks are compatible with a wide variety of drum sizes and materials, including:

• 200-liter steel drums
• 20-liter and 60-liter plastic drums
• Smaller steel drums and specialty containers

Whether you’re operating in logistics, production, or hazardous materials handling, MEILLER offers solutions tailored to your use case. The right drum handling equipment not only increases efficiency but also enhances workplace safety and ergonomics.

Why MEILLER?

• Over 125 years of manufacturing expertise
• Made in Germany – quality you can trust
• Wide product range with customizable options
• Ergonomic, compliant, and safety-optimized designs

Our drum trucks and dollies are engineered to make your internal logistics safer, faster, and more efficient. Discover the MEILLER advantage and find the perfect solution for your drum handling needs today.