The problem 90% of Garden Tractors have when mounting a sleeve hitch for ground engagement work 

I had the same problem with my Husqvarna when I was towing my cyclone rake. I used angle iron just like that and all was good.

You’re always going to run into these types of issues when dealing with newer “garden tractors” well 2000s and newer generally speaking. Though the transmission may be heavier, seat may be nicer etc…. than a lawn tractor, they still use a lawn tractor frame which makes them very weak if your actually tying to work with ‘em. Just save some time and most likely money and go buy an old true garden tractor, we’re everything is made of thick steel or cast iron. Then you’ll be able to get some use out of your machine.

Dude I woulda thought the same thing as I have a 2554. They are top line garden tractors for the time. I just want to get the hi hitch to pull a log splitter and utility trailer but now you got me thinking how to mount the side brackets

Had you ever thought that manufacturers know that 90 to 95% of the owners of the little mowers will Not use implements on the back of them so there is no need to beef up that rear plate... .

Upgrades needed. Couldn't handle the force.

those square or rectangle tubes above the axle is were the sleeve hitch is suppose to mount... fyi

and thats why you dont buy a Lawn tractors for get your self a true Garden tractors

The problem is most of these modern so called garden tractors are just slightly beefed up lawn tractors. Cub Cadet hasn't made a real garden tractor in decades.

Weld that plate but don't reinforce. Braking that plate is farless damage than breaking that transaxle. If you need to do ground engaging work get a tractor with a true hydraulic 3 point hitch.

Wrong machine for the work…. Always go bigger…. Pay once - cry once… Buy a tractor. I have a cub cadet XT1. It is a sit down mower…

You have the wrong tractor for tbat