There at least a couple of different kinds of drum/belt sanders. One has a lever for dropping the drum down and the other has a twist grip. I've found that the twist grip allows more precise control that avoids dropping the drum too quickly and gouging the floor. Although I've learned to use the lever type more effectively over time. Home Depot rents the lever type in our region and the twist types are rented by professional flooring stores.
If you don't have any deep gouges the rectangular orbital sanders from HD can be effective. I've used them a lot on 5/16 flooring for which a drum sander is way too aggressive.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13