The mower is under warranty, I recommend taking it to a servicing dealer in your area. NOT A BOX STORE.
I think you would be better off to find a servicing dealer in? near your area. They will be able to sell you the same or very similar model. Also they can tell you what attachments are available for it, and they should prep the unit out for you. Pricing should be very close to the Lowes price. With a lot more knowledge and service. Sleve hitches would be available at the dealers.
No. You would have to make it so the intake door opens. In addition the fan blades are not equiped with the mulching blades.