Zero Turn Mowers That Can Tow Garden Carts and Attachments

When I first started landscaping, I didn’t realize how much time I was wasting hauling tools, mulch, and debris by hand. It wasn’t until I bought a zero turn mower with towing capabilities that I understood how powerful these machines could really be — not just for mowing, but for hauling, dragging, and pulling everything I need across a property.

If you’re a homeowner with acreage or a pro landscaper like me, using a zero turn mower that can tow garden carts and attachments is a complete game-changer.

Zero Turn Mowers That Can Tow Garden Carts and Attachments

Why Towing Capability Matters

Being able to tow means your zero-turn mower isn’t just a cutting machine — it becomes a true multi-purpose tool. I use mine to:

Pull garden carts full of tools, bags of soil, or firewood
Tow lawn sweepers for post-mow cleanup
Attach aerators and dethatchers for lawn care
Haul utility trailers with leaf bags or grass clippings

It saves my legs, reduces cleanup time, and makes my whole operation more efficient.

Top Zero Turn Mowers That Can Tow Attachments Easily

Husqvarna MZ61 61-Inch 24 HP Zero Turn Mower
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This mower is already a beast when it comes to mowing, but it’s also got a heavy-duty steel hitch that supports carts, aerators, and sweepers. I’ve pulled 300+ lb carts with this machine, and the 24 HP Kawasaki engine didn’t even flinch.

Ariens IKON XD 52-Inch 23 HP Zero Turn Mower
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The Ariens IKON XD has a powerful frame and solid rear mount that easily supports tow-behind tools. I’ve used it to tow a poly dump cart and dethatcher over an acre of land with no performance issues. It’s a great mid-range option.

Toro TimeCutter 54-Inch Zero Turn with Smart Speed Control
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This mower has one of the most balanced towing systems I’ve used. The Smart Speed system lets me slow the ground speed for safer towing on hills or over gravel, without losing blade power. It’s perfect for weekend land work.

What to Look for in a Tow-Ready Zero Turn

Not every zero-turn mower is designed to handle towing. Here are the features I always check before attaching a cart or tool:

Integrated rear hitch plate (not just a bolt-on bracket)
Engine power of 22 HP or more for heavy-duty towing
Sturdy frame and transmission system
Wide rear tires for grip under load
Manufacturer towing capacity rating

If the mower doesn’t list a towing capacity, I always call the company to verify before risking damage.

Most Common Attachments I Tow

Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of attachments behind my mowers. Here are the ones I use regularly:

Garden carts and dump wagons: Hauling soil, mulch, tools, and debris
Core aerators: For lawn health and root growth
Lawn sweepers: Perfect for collecting leaves and grass clippings
Spreaders: For seed and fertilizer
Dethatchers: For spring prep and deep lawn recovery

Towing these tools means I can do full seasonal maintenance without ever pulling out a separate vehicle or ATV.

Towing Tips I’ve Learned From Experience

Start by checking tire pressure — towing puts more stress on the rear wheels. I also recommend going slower than your mowing speed to protect your lawn and the attachment. Avoid sharp turns with heavy carts, and always disconnect before reversing — not all zero-turns handle reverse towing well.

The Benefits of Multi-Use Machines

Buying one machine that can mow, haul, and handle seasonal care is just smart business. I’ve saved thousands by using a tow-ready zero-turn instead of investing in a separate ATV or tractor for small jobs. It reduces storage needs and lets me finish more in a single pass.

Final Thoughts

If you want more versatility from your lawn equipment, go with a zero turn mower that can tow garden carts and attachments. The models I mentioned are workhorses — strong, stable, and reliable for real-world use.

Whether you’re pulling a dump cart full of mulch or dragging a dethatcher through an acre of turf, having that rear hitch turns your mower into a mobile landscaping station — and that’s what separates hobby gear from professional tools.

Amazon Product Recap

Rear Hitch Design Makes All the Difference
A lot of people overlook the hitch, but I don’t. Some mowers come with a reinforced hitch plate welded into the frame, while others just include a bolt-on tab that flexes under pressure. I always look for a steel hitch mount directly tied into the frame if I’m planning to tow regularly.

Don’t Overlook Transmission Strength
Towing doesn’t just depend on engine power — your mower’s hydrostatic transmission plays a huge role. Mowers with Hydro-Gear ZT-2800 or higher can handle heavy towing without overheating or slipping. Anything below that, and you’ll wear it out faster.

Know the Towing Weight Limit Before You Hook Up
Every mower has a manufacturer-recommended towing capacity. Some can pull up to 400 pounds or more, but others are limited to under 250. I never guess — I check the manual or call the brand. Overloading a mower can damage the frame, axles, or transaxle quickly.

Watch Your Lawn When Towing
Dragging attachments behind a zero-turn can compact the soil or damage wet turf. I try to avoid towing heavy loads right after rain, and I always vary my towing path to avoid rutting. This is especially important when pulling heavy carts or aerators.

Electric Mowers and Towing
I’ve tested electric zero-turns like the EGO Power+ Z6, and while they’re quiet and efficient, they’re not ideal for towing heavy loads. Most electric models have limited torque and smaller rear frames, so I only use them for lightweight carts or spot maintenance tools.

Use Ball Mounts or Clevis Pins for Versatility
Most attachments connect via clevis pins, but I’ve also added a ball mount hitch to one of my commercial mowers. This lets me tow garden trailers or small utility wagons with a standard hitch coupler — really handy for hauling tools over larger properties.

Braking and Stopping Power Matter Too
It’s easy to forget that once you tow something heavy, stopping takes longer — especially downhill. I go slower and avoid steep slopes with heavy attachments. If your mower has transmission braking, let it handle most of the slowdown instead of trying to skid to a stop.

Using a Tow-Behind Spreader Saves Tons of Time
I used to walk fertilizer across large yards — now I just attach a tow-behind broadcast spreader and get it done in 20 minutes. Mowers with solid towing setups handle these attachments well and give a consistent spread pattern while covering more area.

Towing Helps with Cleanup Season
Fall is one of the busiest times in landscaping, and towing makes a huge difference. I attach a lawn sweeper or leaf vacuum to my zero-turn to pick up clippings, leaves, and debris in one pass. It’s faster, cleaner, and impresses clients with how efficient the job looks.

Great for DIY Landscaping Projects
Even outside my business, I use my tow-capable zero-turn for personal landscaping. I’ve hauled bags of mulch, lumber, bricks, and compost across my property using a poly dump cart. Way easier than pushing a wheelbarrow or starting up a separate ATV.

Multi-Use Saves Money on Equipment
Before I upgraded to a tow-friendly mower, I used to rent small tractors for seasonal jobs. Now, my mower does all that — with one machine. That multi-use value means less storage space, fewer maintenance schedules, and more bang for my buck.

Towing Tools Add Professional Value
Clients love seeing pros with the right gear. When I roll up and use a mower to tow aerators or dethatchers, it tells them I take their lawn seriously. I’ve even landed more contracts just because I looked more equipped than the competition.

Zero Turn Mowers That Can Tow Garden Carts and Attachments