My Jobo can't use the expert drum, so I haven't had much reason to investigate, but I believe that the expert drum requires a lift. Last time I checked, the lifts were still available from Jobo, though expensive like all the rest of their stuff. Once in a great while a lift shows up on eBay. Somewhat more often complete units with lifts show up that have some fault, like a failed motor or heater that you might be able to get for the lift at relatively cheap cost. I wish mine had the lift, though so far, I've managed adequately without it.