Can You Tow With a Zero-Turn Mower?

Zero-turn mowers are now turning into a large lawn owner’s essential machine in keeping a well-trimmed and lusciously green yard. But they aren’t just limited to mowing your lawn or helping you with your landscaping and gardening tasks, they can offer a variety of other tasks to simplify your work around your turf. 

Can you tow with a zero-turn mower?

Most larger zero-turn mowers come with a built-in tow hitch, as their more powerful engines and heavier frames are designed to handle the extra load. However, even a smaller zero-turn mower is capable of towing lightweight equipment with the right hitch, as long as it falls within its weight capacity.

How much weight can a mower tow?

As a rule of thumb, avoid towing more than 50% (60% at most) of your mower’s manufacturer-stated weight capacity. Keep in mind, this total load limit must account for both the weight of the operator and the weight of the towed equipment.

For example, a mower with a total load capacity of 600 pounds. Applying the 60% rule, the maximum combined weight for the rider and towed equipment should not exceed 360 pounds. If the operator weighs about 200 pounds, then the maximum weight they could safely tow would be 160.

Though this is a general rule, it doesn’t apply to all zero-turn mowers. The towing capacity of your mower is always indicated in the ZTR manual. However, if you’ve bought a secondhand mower, always know that residential mowers can tow only up to half of their weight. A commercial mower can tow up to twice its weight, given that it’s designed to pull heavy loads beyond its weight.

Zero-turn towing capacity

The towing capacity of a zero-turn mower is a set limit set by manufacturer, which varies by brand and model. However, the effective weight you can safely tow is determined by subtracting the operator’s weight from the mower’s total load capacity. That being said, below you will find summarized tables showing the towing capacity of the most popular brands alongside their models.

Cub Cadet zero-turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Cub cadet towing capacity further depending on your weight.

John Deere zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the John Deere towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Husqvarna zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Husqvarna towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Bad Boy zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Bad Boy towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Toro zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Toro towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Kubota zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Kubota towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Ariens zero-turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Ariens towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Troy-Bilt zero turn towing capacity

• Note that I have excluded the rider’s weight. You will have to reduce the Troy-Bilt towing capacity further depending on your weight.

Why can’t a zero-turn mower tow heavier weight?

A z-turn mower’s ability to tow is primarily limited by its engine horsepower and transmission strength. These components are designed first and foremost for the demanding task of moving the mower itself and powering the cutting blades at a consistent speed. Adding a significant towed load puts excessive strain on this system.

Most residential zero-turn mowers are equipped with engines optimized for cutting grass, not for heavy pulling. Attempting to tow beyond their limited capacity can lead to overheating, transmission failure, and premature engine wear. While some commercial-grade models with more powerful engines can handle heavier loads, the average residential model simply isn’t built for it.

What can a z-turn mower tow?

As long as your mower has a hitch, it can tow variety of implements to improve efficiency lawn and garden care. These implements include:

• Pull-behind sprayers
• Fertilizer, or seed spreaders
• Lawn carts and utility trailers
• Aerator
• Lawn sweeper
• Lawn roller

How to install a hitch kit to your zero-turn mower?

Towing is essential for gardeners who need to haul seedlings, fertilizers, and other materials for garden up-keep. A zero-turn mower can handle these light-duty tasks, effectively moving supplies across your property. However, most medium- to small-sized zero-turn mowers do not come with a tow hitch installed, you can easily buy and install one as an accessory.

Materials Required:

• Tow hitch kit (view on Amazon)
• Drill (view on Amazon)
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Bring your mower to secure space on a hard and even surface like your garage or your driveway.
2. Once you’re in a safer area,  turn your engine off.
3. Measure the rear support of your mower and mark the spot where you’re going to drill at the exact center of the bumper.

NOTE: Although almost all ZTRs have rear metal support, some are made with a rear fender or cover, do not install your tow hitch on any non-metal material on your mower. 

4. Drill holes on the metal support to fit the bolts or screws for your hitch.
5. Position your hitch and add the bolts. After which, secure your hitch with the bolt nut.

Types of tow hitches

There are three common types of tow hitches used on zero-turn mowers: a simple hitch, a towing ball, and a hitch pin. Though there are other types, these three, by far, offer security and the best support for whatever accessory you’re going to tow.

Simple Hitch

A simple hitch or a hitch plate is a small metal plate shaped like a wide L-bracket. The plate comes with a large hole in the middle where you can attach your chain or hook to secure your accessory on your mower.

Towing Ball

The towing ball is literally a small ball where you can loop your chain around or attach your hook. The towing ball is usually attached to a hitch plate (view on Amazon).

Hitch Pin

The hitch pin is a large pinhead that you secure on your mower. Some of these pins are magnetized to add an extra hold of your hook, loop, or chain to prevent it from getting undone as you pull your equipment across your lawn.

Zero-turn mowers are versatile machines that drastically improve your efficiency around your lawn. From quick clean mowing to towing massive gardening equipment around your large property, your machine easily becomes your all-around help.