Hi Simon, after repeated attempts to properly seat the drum with the ballhitch attached, I decided to remove it and check some measurements and I think now that the drum / ballhitch is seating okay, but perhaps I did not apply enough grease. Does a certain level of grease help to hold the drum more firmly? Perhaps the grease acts like packing material.

I recall when I first reattached the drum to the old ballhitch, the drum was certainly held in place, despite finding that the old plastic bearing piece was very much worn away.

I took a picture of the ballhitch in place. Most of the grease I applied has been removed as a result of my repeated attempts so I will apply more. The ballhitch right now moves around enough to clearly tell me that the weight of the drum would certainly pull it down in front.

Any other suggestions for me to solve this?

Also, thanks for your patience with me and my questions.