[GSM]

I searched a bit but didn't find anything so here's the question. I want to mount a pintle hitch on the front of a 160 I have to tow some stuff around. While I can always get something custom welded, I thought I'd ask first if anyone else had already done this or knew of a bolt-on option.

Thanks!

Glenn

 

[Markcuda]

May not be what you want, but I got creative and put this on the front of my X360.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310171394185

 

[GSM]

That's not bad. I can't use the front bumper on the 160 as it's too flimsy but I'll look around under there to see what sort of mounting surfaces there might be to work with.

 

[Herd of Deeres]

Your best bet would be to use the front attachment mounts. But keep in mind that for front attachments that apply force to the machine, like a plow or snowthrower, there are draft arms that attach to the frame to reinforce those mount points. The mower deck must be removed to attach the draft arms.

 

[Freefall_Doug]

I feel like a dummy here, why a front hitch?

Is there something about towing backwards that makes it work better? Less likely to pop a wheely? Are the gears stronger in reverse?

 

[Markcuda]

why a front hitch?

I have a utility trailer and use the front hitch to push it into my garage.
The trailer is so much easier to manover when pushing it, unlike backing it up and having to turn and look where you are going.
Your mileage may very.

 

[Freefall_Doug]

Actually that makes sense, no looking over your shoulder. I wasn't thinking about parking equipment in spaces.

 

[farmer69]

We have a front hitch welded on the weight bracket of one of our farm tractors. We use it for backing wagons into the shed when in tight quarters. It is a lot easier than backing up the normal way.

 

[KATT]

Nice job Markcuda
Closed circuit, professional driver!

 

[GSM]

I feel like a dummy here, why a front hitch?

Is there something about towing backwards that makes it work better? Less likely to pop a wheely? Are the gears stronger in reverse?

I'm using this 160 as an aircraft tug. Need to always back the plane into the hangar and watch very carefully when pulling it out. I'm putting a hitch on both ends so that for longer trips like to the wash station, I can proceed normally.

Well, the best I've been able to come up with is welding some support hardware to the lower front mounting bracket as Herd of Deeres suggested. All the mowing stuff has been pulled off. I'll probably recover some of the expense of the work by selling the 38" deck which is in nice shape.

Thanks everyone for your help.