A hydraulic drum crusher uses hydraulic power to apply a high level of force to crush drums. This type of crusher is typically automated, making it ideal for high-volume operations where efficiency is crucial. It can handle tougher materials and provides a consistent crushing force, reducing manual labor. On the other hand, a manual drum crusher relies on human effort to crush the drum. It is best suited for low-volume applications where the number of drums to be processed is limited. Manual drum crushers are more cost-effective for small businesses or operations with minimal drum disposal needs.