Towing Safety

• Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
• Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle unless it has a hitch installed.
• Do not exceed the maximum gross towing weight.
• Never allow children or others near the towed equipment.
• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction, increased risk of rollover, and loss of control. Reduce the towed weight and slow down.
• The stopping distance may increase with the weight of a towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
• Make wide turns to keep the attachment clear of the machine.

Installing the Hitch

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch, and engage the parking brake.
2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
3. Allow the machine to cool.

   Caution

   Contact with hot surfaces may cause personal injury.

   Keep your hands, feet, face, clothing, and other body parts away the engine, muffler, and other hot surfaces.

    
4. Remove the existing muffler guard by removing the bolts and nuts.
   

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5. Install the new muffler guard and hitch mount using the removed bolts and new locknuts.
   

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6. Torque the locknuts to 20 to 25 N∙m (15 to 19 ft-lb).

Towing a Trailer

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), and engage the parking brake.
2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.
3. Insert the hitch ball mount into the receiver located at the rear of the machine.
4. Insert the hitch pin through the hole in the receiver and the hitch ball mount.
5. Secure the hitch using the hairpin cotter.
   

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