Abstract: The present machine, sometimes known as a beader or drum beader, receives a steel drum in a horizontal position and expands circumferential beads into the body to provide structural strength. A pair of opposed heads which reciprocate in and out of the drum body are driven respectively by means of a crank arrangement comprising a connecting rod which is fixed with a pivoting joint on the back of the head. The other end of the connecting rod is attached to gear by a pin which is offset from its center axis. Each head travels horizontally on a frame of the machine into and out of a drum which is placed thereon. A hydraulic cylinder provides the expansion of the dies on the head which are used to engage the drum and form the beads. Thus, the operation of the connecting rod is mechanical but the dies are operated by hydraulic cylinder in the head and when the proper stroke is reached that corresponds to the correct height of the bead the cylinder retracts the bead dies.