Should You be Towing with Your Zero-Turn?

Your zero-turn mower has a hitch, which means you can tow things with it…right? Well, this isn't exactly a yes or no kind of question. While your zero turn does have a hitch, it is important to understand the towing capacity of your mower. Some are LIMITED to what they can pull, while others WON'T tow anything. Some manufacturers actually advise against even attempting to use the tow hitch. Doing so may void the warranty, leaving you with a hefty repair bill if something were to go wrong.

So why is the hitch there?

Generally, zero-turn mowers should be capable of towing anything less than 50% of their weight. When considering this weight limit, you must also factor in the weight of the person operating the mower while it is towing. Light Weight Zero Turns can range in weight up to 700lbs. Heavy Weight Zero Turns can weigh over 700lbs. There are attachments designed specifically for mowers, such as pull behind sprayers, fertilizers, seed spreaders, lawn carts, aerators, lawn sweepers, or lawn rollers. This isn’t to say every one of these will work with your zero-turn but can be used if your specific model is capable of towing them, based on their weight.

What's the worst that can happen?

As we mentioned before, every manufacturer is different, but there is a chance you could void your warranty if you tow with equipment that isn't built for towing. Towing over the capacity your equipment can handle has the potential to wear out your hydro pumps. It may not sound like it, but this is one of the most expensive things to repair on your lawnmower. If the hydro pumps are wearing out, you may notice a lot more noise than usual when pushing the handles or one side might be weaker than the other. If you start to notice these signs, bring your mower in to be serviced as soon as possible. As with most issues, the longer you wait the worse the situation could get.

Precautions to take when towing with a zero-turn:

• Check your manual before towing, to ensure you do not exceed the towing capacity
• Take wide turns to avoid jack-knifing. Tight turns could potentially cause your zero-turn to skid and the trailer to slide into the side of your mower.
• Drive slower than normal. With a heavier load, it will be harder to stop or slow down. Give yourself more time to stop or make turns.
• Do not tow on a slope or near risky areas like ditches or canals. The extra weight creates a higher risk of tipping over, losing traction, or control.

To Sum Things Up

Be sure to check your owner’s manual for guidelines on what your Zero Turn can or cannot tow. As a general rule of thumb, it is not advised to tow anything with zero turns before consulting your owner’s manual. When in doubt, contact your dealer to get more information. We can help you figure out the capacity limit of your specific make and model. Be sure to do your research first to ensure you will not void your warranty or damage your equipment in the process. It is always better to be safe than be caught off guard with an unexpected repair bill.