¶ Overview
Yarbo now supports a wide range of towing tasks using two tow-hitch configurations:
- Standard Tow Hitch (Core-mounted) — 2024 version
- Tow Hitch + Back Brace Mount — 2024 upgraded configuration
Both options allow Yarbo to tow tools such as garden carts, utility trailers, haul buckets, and future rear-mounted modules.
However, their structural capabilities and safe-use limits differ, and understanding these differences ensures safety, efficiency, and proper operation.
¶ Key Towing Terminology Explained
Before choosing a setup, it’s important to understand three commonly confused towing specifications.
¶ Tongue Weight (Vertical Load)
- This is the downward force applied onto the tow hitch by whatever is attached.
- Relevant when pulling equipment that pushes downward on Yarbo
- Too much tongue weight can lift Yarbo’s front end (seesaw effect), impacting traction and stability
- The universal Core structure supports very limited tongue weight without the Back Brace Mount
¶ With Back Brace Mount:
✔ Supports up to 300 lbs (≈136 kg) of tongue weight
Without Back Brace Mount:
✘ Tongue weight capacity is untested.
¶ Towing Capacity (Gross Trailer Weight)
- The total rolling weight Yarbo can pull on wheels.
- Practical everyday-use rating
- Includes small trailers, carts, or rolling attachments
¶ Yarbo towing capacity:
✔ 500 lbs (≈227 kg) recommended for real-world, repeatable use
¶ Maximum Pulling Force (Peak Test Value)
- This is the laboratory peak pulling force under controlled conditions.
- Not the same as towing capacity
- Represents instantaneous pulling tested in extreme conditions
- Not safe for routine pulling
¶ Value: 3500 lbs (≈1587 kg)
→ For testing environment only, not daily towing recommendation.
¶ Recommended Hitch Components
¶ Hitch Ball Requirement
When towing loads over 50 kg (≈100 lbs), you must use a hitch ball.
¶ Without a hitch ball:
- Sharp turns or offset forces can crack the tow hitch
- High stress can cause structural failure
- Creates unnecessary risk to Yarbo and surroundings
¶ Supported Hitch Ball Specs
¶ Shank
3/4" (required)
¶ Ball size
- 1-7/8" (recommended)
- 2" (supported)
- Supports 2000–3500 lbs GTW class accessories
¶ Tow Hitch Versions & Compatibility
¶ 2024 Tow Hitch (Standard Core Mount)
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- Ground clearance: 200 mm
- Recommended trailer-point height: 200–250 mm
- Maximum: 300 mm (do not exceed)
- Ground clearance exceeding 300 mm may damage the hitch
¶ 2024 Upgraded Tow Hitch + Back Brace Mount(Upgraded Support)
The Back Brace Mount:
- Reinforces the entire rear structure
- Supports up to 300 lbs tongue weight
- Greatly improves towing stability
Recommended for:
- Heavy towing
- Rear-mounted future modules
- High-demand landscaping tools
- Frequent utility cart use
¶ What the Numbers Mean in Real Use
¶ Safe Everyday Use
500 lbs towing
Up to 300 lbs tongue weight with Back Brace Mount
¶ Not Safe for Daily Use
3500 lbs pulling force → lab condition only
Tongue weight without brace → not supported
¶ Trailer Ball & Accessory Compatibility
¶ Tow Hitch Accepts:
3/4" shank hitch balls
1-7/8" or 2" ball sizes
5/8" trailer pin
Tow straps / chains through side loops
This matches common garden carts and light utility trailers (Class 1 range).
¶ Safety Notes & Good Practices
- Keep trailer-connection height between 200–250 mm
- Never exceed 300 mm hitch height
- Use a hitch ball for loads > 50 kg
- Avoid high tongue weight unless using Back Brace Mount
- Reduce driving speed when towing
- Check connections regularly, especially after sharp turns
- Do not use Yarbo to pull grounded, non-rolling objects
¶ Quick FAQ
¶ Q: Why can't Yarbo publish the tongue weight without Back Brace Mount?
Because the Core’s weight and center-of-gravity cannot safely support vertical load. Too much downward force will lift the front and damage the hitch.
¶ Q: What type of trailer ball should I buy?
Choose:
Shank: 3/4"
Ball: 1-7/8" or 2"
Both meet Yarbo’s load specs.
¶ Q: Can Yarbo tow a 3500 lb trailer?
No — 3500 lbs is the peak lab pull value, not the towing capacity.
Practical towing limit: 500 lbs.
¶ Q: Do I need the Back Brace Mount?
Get the Back Brace Mount if you:
- Tow heavy loads
- Want structural support
- Plan to use future rear-mounted modules
- Want best long-term hitch durability