Looks like muffler welded to exhaust tube on this model (factory weld?) Vibration of mower results in fractures to muffler support bracket to plastic shroud as well as fractures to muffler safety shield in proximity to mounting holes. Looking for exploded view diagram of this model and part numbers to muffler and safety shield assemblies. Why was this muffler welded? Seems that by stiffening this muffler at the exhaust port the operation of the mower fatigues and accelerates failure of muffler and shield assemblies as well as increasing the overall noise when mower is operated.