Introduction
The Dawson Manufacturing Hitch Mate is a robust 2-inch hitch receiver designed to integrate with your Wright Stander B 32/36 stand-on mower. This attachment allows you to expand the utility of your mower by enabling it to tow various lawn care accessories such as aerators, drag chains, and lawn rollers. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective installation, operation, and maintenance of your Hitch Mate.
Safety Information
- Always read and understand the instruction manual for your Wright Stander mower before operating with any attachments.
- Ensure all components are securely fastened before operating the mower with the Hitch Mate and any towed accessory.
- Do not exceed the towing capacity recommended by your mower's manufacturer.
- Exercise caution when turning or operating on inclines with a towed accessory, as stability may be affected.
- Keep hands and feet clear of moving parts and the hitch area during operation.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and sturdy footwear.
Package Contents
Verify that all the following components are present in your package:
- Main Hitch Receiver Bar
- Side Mounting Brackets (2)
- Receiver Tube
- Mounting Hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, pins, clips)
Figure 1: Exploded view of all Hitch Mate components.
Setup and Installation
Installation of the Hitch Mate typically takes approximately 5 minutes with the correct tools. A 1/2-inch wrench or socket is required.
- Prepare Mower: Park your Wright Stander B 32/36 mower on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool.
- Attach Side Brackets: Position the side mounting brackets to the rear frame of the mower. Secure them using the provided bolts, nuts, and washers. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
- Mount Main Bar: Align the main hitch receiver bar with the attached side brackets. Insert the remaining bolts through the bar and brackets, securing with nuts and washers.
- Insert Receiver Tube: Slide the 2-inch receiver tube into the main hitch receiver bar. The receiver tube can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to achieve the desired towing height and offset. Secure its position using the provided snap pins and clips.
- Final Tightening: Once all components are in place and aligned, securely tighten all bolts using a 1/2-inch wrench or socket. Ensure there is no excessive play in the connections.
Figure 2: Hitch Mate installed on a Wright Stander mower (side view).
Figure 3: Hitch Mate installed on a Wright Stander mower (rear view).
Figure 4: Close-up of the 2-inch receiver.
Operating Instructions
The Hitch Mate allows for quick attachment and detachment of various towing accessories.
- Attach Accessory: Slide the tongue of your desired 2-inch receiver accessory into the Hitch Mate's receiver tube.
- Secure Accessory: Align the pinholes on the accessory's tongue with the pinholes on the Hitch Mate's receiver tube. Insert the provided hitch pin and secure it with the clip. Ensure the pin is fully engaged.
- Operation: Operate your mower as usual, being mindful of the additional length and weight of the towed accessory. Adjust speed and turning radius accordingly.
- Detach Accessory: To remove an accessory, simply pull the clip and remove the hitch pin. Slide the accessory out of the receiver tube.
Figure 5: Mower towing a drag chain.
Figure 6: Mower towing an aerator.
Figure 7: Mower towing a lawn roller.
Maintenance
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect all bolts, nuts, and pins for tightness and wear. Tighten any loose fasteners.
- Cleaning: Clean the Hitch Mate after each use, especially if exposed to dirt, mud, or corrosive materials. A damp cloth is usually sufficient.
- Finish Care: The Hitch Mate features a durable powder-coat finish. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the coating. Touch up any chips or scratches to prevent rust.
- Storage: Store the Hitch Mate in a dry environment when not in use to prolong its lifespan.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch feels loose after installation. | Mounting bolts are not sufficiently tightened. | Ensure all bolts are securely tightened with a 1/2-inch wrench or socket. |
| Towed accessory detaches during operation. | Hitch pin not fully engaged or clip not secured. | Verify the hitch pin is fully inserted through both the accessory and receiver, and the clip is properly secured. |
| Difficulty inserting accessory into receiver. | Receiver opening obstructed or accessory is not a standard 2-inch size. | Clear any debris from the receiver opening. Ensure the accessory is compatible with a 2-inch receiver. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | HM-WRT-STB-32/36-R |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish Type | Powder Coated |
| Receiver Size | 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 21.5 pounds |
| UPC | 769894781449 |
Warranty Information
For specific warranty details regarding your Dawson Manufacturing Hitch Mate, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact Dawson Manufacturing directly. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects under normal use.
Customer Support
If you have any questions, require assistance with installation, or need to report an issue, please contact Dawson Manufacturing customer support. Refer to the contact information provided on the product packaging or the official Dawson Manufacturing website.