Even though your garden is big, you may not have enough space to house a tractor to move items on your premises. Can you tow with a zero-turn mower?
Yes, you can tow with a Zero-Turn Mower as long as the objects do not exceed more than 50-60% of the machine’s total weight. But there are a few limitations and things to look out for such as slopes and wet terrain.
It actually would be very handy if you owned a multi-purpose machine.
A zero-turn mower is larger than your traditional lawn mower but is not excessively large either. As a result, there are often some limitations as to how much a zero-turn mower can do for your garden.
NOTE- If a zero-turn mower cannot be used for towing, this will clearly be mentioned in the instruction manual given by the manufacturers. This is to be followed strictly.
Can You Tow a Trailer With a Zero-Turn Mower?
Depending on the weight of your zero-turn mower and your trailer, yes it is possible. As long as its weight plus the driver’s weight comes within the stipulated weight range that the zero-turn mower can tow.
If following the general rule of towing an object that is only 50% – 60% more than the weight of the specific zero-turn mower. In fact, the mower will perform better when the trailer weighs much less!
It depends on what type of trailer you want to tow with a zero-turn mower. It definitely can’t be a travel trailer or excessively large utility trailer either. The most likely things you can tow with a mower are:
- Aerator
- Canoe or kayak trailer
- Lawn sweepers
- Lawn Roller
- Seed spreaders
- Sprayers (pull-behind types)
- Teardrop trailer
- Utility trailer
Check out – Best 60 in Zero Turn Mower for Large Properties (5 acres & above)
Why Would Want To Tow With a Zero Turn Mower
I’m sure you have seen a zero-turn mower before. It is quite large, weighs a lot, and takes up a considerable amount of space, time, and care. So, it’s understandable that you want a single machine that can be used in more ways than one!
Having a single machine that will be able to mow lawns and help transport items from one area to another would be a great investment! This applies to a garden, farm, or even an organization’s premises.
So, this is why many garden enthusiasts wonder if they can get a zero-turn mower that can do more than just one job. Luckily some zero-turn mowers do come with a few surprising extra benefits.
How Much Weight Can a Zero Turn Mower Tow?
You have just found out that a zero-turn mower can actually tow objects. But, the question of how much weight it can tow still exists.
Why is this important? Well, you wouldn’t want to miscalculate the weight capacity a zero-turn mower can pull. Or else it may topple over or damage the engine in trying to pull a much heavier weight.
A zero-turn mower can tow a load that does not exceed 50% to 60% of its total weight.
For example, A zero-turn mower weighing 500kg can tow a maximum weight of 750kg or 800kg.
NOTE- When towing with a zero-turn mower, it is important to stay within your calculated weight limit. Doing so will assure your safety and that your mower does not end up being damaged.
Also, in the final weight, take into consideration the driver’s weight as the zero turn mower will be carrying the weight of the driver as well.
What is the weight of a Zero Turn Mower?
How to Install a Tow Hitch on a Zero Turn Mower?
If you are an avid gardener who has just become the owner of a zero-turn mower you will be eager to find out what it can do.
Towing is an important property for a mower to have and eliminates the need to have a tractor. It would allow you to easily use your zero-turn mower to move equipment and supplies to other parts of the garden.
Not all zero-turn mowers will come with a tow hitch. This is no big deal as you can buy one and install it yourself.
Requirements
- Tow hitch
- Drill
- Tape measure
Steps to Install a Tow Hitch on a Zero Turn Mower
Here are the steps that you can follow to install a Tow Hitch on a Zero Turn Mower.
Step 1
Park your zero-turn mower in a stable and flat area, your garage floor should be suitable
Step 2
Make sure your mower is off and so is the engine. Support the equipment to ensure it does not move.
Step 3
Look at the rear of your mower. Make sure the rear is metal before taking a measurement and marking the spot where the tow hitch will be attached.
Step 4
Using the measurement markings, drill holes into the metal rear. These will help the bolt support the screws on the hitch.
Step 5
Fit the hitch where it should be and use screws and bolts to hold it and secure it onto your zero-turn mower.
Tug at the hitch to feel if it is secure. You may also want to try it out on a lower object instead of trying to pull something very heavy first.
Check out How You Can Adjust Steering On Zero Turn Mower? Read here
Limitations of Towing with a Zero Turn Mower
Although you can tow with a zero-turn mower in most cases if the weight allows for it, there are certain risks you need to know about. That is before you try to tow with a zero-turn mower!
1. Wet Terrains
Zero-turn mowers don’t have the best grip on wet terrains. They are more suitable for use on dry land. So towing using a zero-turn mower in the rain or in wet areas is not advisable at all!
This is because the types are likely to spin on wet areas, even wet grass doesn’t offer enough traction. Stick to using this particular mower in dry conditions on dry land rather than wet ones.
Rainy days may call for regular hand-powered mowers or leave it be if it is not much of a priority.
2. Uphill and Slopes
Most zero-turn mowers do have a considerable weight. While this does offer high stability on level land, the same can’t be said when working to tow uphill and on slopes. You should use them when towing on a straight and level area of land.
Try to avoid towing heavy objects on slopes and uphill as it may cause the mower to capsize or else the item you are towing may fall over.
3. Weight Limits
As mentioned before, some loads may just prove to be too heavy to tow using a zero-turn mower. After all, it is a lawn mower and not a towing truck!
You cannot pull a weight that exceeds more than 50-60% of the total weight of the zero-turn mower. Also, the directions it is being pulled in the matter. When traveling up a slope the mower may not be able to pull its full capacity.
Therefore you must calculate well and take slopes and terrain into consideration before attempting to tow an object.
4. Difficult Operation
Not everyone finds it easy to operate the zero-turn mower, let alone tow objects and equipment with it. It is quite a machine having a sophisticated operation.
So, maybe it is not for everyone. It will take a thorough read of the manual and perhaps a few live demos to get the hang of it.
In order to be able to tow using this advanced machine, you will have to be relatively expert at operating it. This involves knowing each and every gear, lever, and button on the machine and their function.
Do’s and Don’ts of Towing With a Zero Turn Mower
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using a zero-turn mower with the intention of towing items.
- Use a strong and compatible hitch preferably made out of metal
- Know how much your zero-turn mower weighs and the range of weight it can tow (not more than 50-60% of its own weight)
- Don’t speed when towing, especially if it is a light load. You could find it very difficult to slow down or stop
- Don’t make sharp turns. You need to give the item you are towing enough space to turn as well
- Avoid towing on an incline or decline as it could weight to shift against you and you could end up under the zero tow machine as it is an upright riding machine (bottom-heavy)
Top 3 Zero Turn Mowers for Towing
On the market looking for some of the best zero-turn mowers that are also capable of towing? It can be very confusing. Especially if they all look the same!
To help you out, we have the top 3 zero-turn mowers for towing that you can buy on Amazon that can be all-purpose machines with a lot of mowing and a bit of towing as well.
1. Husqvarna Z254 54” 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
Our first pick is the Husqvarna Z254 ZTM. It weighs a hefty 650 pounds (295 kg) thanks to several reinforced steep parts making up the machine. This means you will be able to tox a maximum of 1000 pounds (454 kg) with the zero-turn mower.
A special feature that is pending patenting with this Husqvarna ZTM is an auto park brake activation or deactivation when the levers are moved. Plus I found the 26 HP Kohler engine is reliable and can reach a max speed of 6.5 mph.
Note- This is a gas-powered machine.
2. Ariens IKON XD 23 HP (Kawasaki) Zero Turn Mower 915273
Another esteemed name in the garden mower category is Ariens and you won’t be disappointed with this offering. It has an impressive weight of 697 pounds or 316.1 kg. So, evidently, this zero-turn mower will be capable of towing a much larger weight of 1115 pounds (around 506 kg).
It has a ground speed of 7 mph and is fuel powered. Unlike most mowers that are primarily or mostly hand operated, this one is leg operated. This makes it great for people who drive often and are used to driving tractors with high foot control.
3. EGO Power+ ZT4204L 42″ Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower with 10AH Batteries and 1600W Charger
Looking for a more power-efficient mowing and towing solution? The EGO Power ZTM weighs 450 pounds (204 kg) and is battery-powered. It is rechargeable and you can easily cut a large area of 2 acres with a single full charge.
This mower reaches a speed of 8 mph and can likely tow a weight of 698 pounds (317 kg). It even comes with a pin hitch that will manage small lighter towing loads. If you intend on pulling other heavier items, you must put a stronger hitch.
Conclusion
Having a lawn mowing machine that has 2-in-1 features is a plus point. This makes you wonder if you can tow with a zero-turn mower.
Most zero-turn machines can tow unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer. However, it is very important to note that a zero-turn mower can only tow a load that is 50-60% more than its weight.
Also, there are precautions to note. Do not tow heavier loads than the calculated amount, avoid taking sharp turns, towing in wet terrain, and on slopes.
Follow these precautions, do the calculation well and you are all set to tow with your zero-turn mower.
FAQs
Yes, it is fine to pull a trailer with a zero-turn mower. But, make sure the weight of the trailer is not too much. You can do this by calculating what is 50-60% of the weight of your zero-turn mower. The trailer’s weight should fall within this range. Don’t forget to add the weight of the driver as well!
Yes, most zero-turn mowers are quite capable of pulling an aerator. It is one of the objects that a ZTM can easily pull along so you don’t have to worry about this! An aerator will not weigh too much but it would be wise just take note of the weights of both the ZTM and the aerator.
Zero-turn mowers are relatively harder to learn to control, struggle to tow or mow the lawn on slopes and wet terrains can make the wheels spin. Also, when towing with a zero-turn mower the weight has to be carefully calculated. Most ZTMs are fuel-based and hence they contribute to fuel emissions which are frowned upon and not as convenient.
