8th Aug 2025
Running a brewery or a pub or club is a hands-on business – literally. From moving kegs and sacks of malt to handling crates of wine and slabs of cans, breweries and pubs of all sizes rely heavily on manual handling.
Anyone handling kegs face unique challenges.
- Heavy and Awkward loads
- Repetitive lifting during distribution
- Tight spaces and busy environments
- Health and Safety Executive regulations on Manual Handling
Choosing the right equipment can improve efficiency and safety and our range is extensive to provide multiple options for your environment.
Here are some of the most popular and effective pieces of Manual Handling Equipment that can be relied upon from Handle-iT.
Sack Trucks – Available on Pneumatic or Puncture Proof Wheels. We always recommend the Polyurethane wheels so that even broken glass can’t stop the operation.
- Truck-iT - Moving full beer kegs by hand is risky and inefficient. The Truck-iT range is our longest standing and best-selling sack truck for keg handling. The traditional H handle allows operators to engage the best balanced ergonomic operating position. Being of modular design handles or plates can be replaced as required without rendering the whole trolley redundant.
- Truck-iT Case and Keg Sack Truck – Supplied with a high brace A style handle this option allows a higher brace allowing for additional stacking of cases and kegs.
- STB1 – A fully welded Keg Barrow using 8mm thick steel for the frame and footplate – able to withstand even the roughest of Dray Men! Still with the Handle-iT standard central spine hook to secure the kegs in place during transit.
- GTA – With the success of the market leading Truck-iT range we thought that we would bring an Aluminium design with a twist. Again, a modular design but thanks to its Aluminium frame offering a lower overall weight to allow benefits when lifting to the back of the wagon or delivery van. The easy grip U handle making it easier to move through doorways. And then, to top off the GTA range...
- GTA Aluminium Double Keg Sack Truck - The ONLY 2 keg sack truck on the market that adheres to HSE policy. Positively locking the rims of the kegs in place this model means double the efficiency with very little overhead.
- Magliner – The American brand of Aluminium Sack Trucks of course has a Keg option also. With optional stair skids and the lightweight construction this further gives choice to any dray man.
Keg Dollies – Depending on your pub or club these are the ideal solutions for moving 9’s and 11’s on the flat. Meaning that placement from delivery to empty totally removes the need to lift the barrels. External spigot line up with the outside of a standard 11 gallon keg or the inside of a 9 gallon keg. 100mm castors are fitted to the underneath of the dolly as opposed to traditionally being on the side which means that trip hazards are avoided, a higher platform height to aid handling when loading and a lower surface area meaning movement around corners is completed with ease. Available on a range of castors to suit ground conditions.
Powered Versions –
- Got stairs? We’ve got the solution. Our Electric Stair Climbing Keg Barrow is adjustable to accommodate all kegs and a positive lock means that the keg is held firmly to the frame. This solution means reduced risk for the operator on strain and injury and coping with 1800 steps on one charge.
- Long onerous journeys? An Electric Powered Trolley complete with a multi keg mover attachment means that delivery or transport of kegs over various terrains doesn’t have to be time consuming. Ideal for festivals and wedding venues.
Six at a Time? We have thought of it all, the attachment for our Turntable Trolley means that carrying 6 barrels is a one-time operation instead of 6 trips. Maximising efficiency and set up times. Perfect for situations where the cellar or delivery point is far from where the barrels are needed. With the option of adding a Parking Brake this solution means that the trolley can be secured when loading or unloading with ease.
Drop Pads – 3 Sizes as standard, cut from 32 density foam and a 900gsm tarpaulin these are the essential aid for the cellars. A quick, easy and cost effective option where the foam absorbs the impact from the barrel. These tools also reduce the lifting, lowering and bending required in the cellar by the operator. Bespoke sizes are available upon request, just speak to the team and see if you can beat the largest size of 1500mm x 1200mm.
Hook and Rope Sets – Attaching to the barrel this function aids the lowering of kegs into the cellar. Ensuring control and safety. Tested and rated to 10 tons.
Why choose Handle-iT?
With over 20 years of experience supplying the brewery and dray handling , Handle-iT has built a strong reputation for:
- High-quality, durable equipment
- Expert advice tailored to your industry
- Competitive pricing with fast UK delivery
- Exceptional after-sales support
We understand the needs of breweries and can advise on everything from standard products to custom-engineered solutions.