This dual opening elevator is a hydraulic actuated drill pipe handling tool for use with oilfield top drives. This tool eliminates the need for a typical complicated elevator rotation mechanism with troublesome concentric hydraulic seals. In operation, after opening the front, picking up a stand at the racking board and putting it in the string, the back may then be opened to allow moving the elevator off the drill pipe toward the front of the rig to prevent elevator wear while drilling and to allow drilling down close to the rig floor. Time is saved because no rotation is required, and down time is saved because there are no troublesome concentric seals which commonly leak.