Abstract: A hydraulically operated handler for drums and the like is mounted on the boom of a tractor so as to be selectively pivoted from a vertical position to fifteen degrees past a horizontal position. Grappling arms are mounted on a front plate which is selectively rotatable through 360.degree. by a hydraulic motor. A spindle rotatably supporting the front plate contains hydraulic operating fluid passages which are coupled through a rotating coupling mechanism to hydraulic cylinders operating the grappling arms. The selective pivotal motion together with the ability to selectively rotate the grappling hooks 360.degree. enables effective gripping and handling of drums.