The capacity of tilting equipment is reduced for partially full drums because the load is unbalanced and shifting. Drums that are half-full are harder to tilt and put more strain on gears & other components. Drum handlers are rated according to how well they tilt an unbalanced, bottom-heavy drum. Example: The capacity of Hydra-Lift Drum Karriers is 800 lb (363 kg) for a full drum, but reduced to 500 lb (227 kg) for a half-full drum.