Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You bought a zero-turn mower to haul things as much as to cut grass, and the factory bolt holes just do not match up with a useful towing hitch. That is the real problem here. A good hitch solves two questions at once: will it physically bolt to your mower’s frame, and will it survive the yank of a loaded utility cart before the welds or the bolts give out. Quick disclosure first — this list uses flexible, human-like matching for “designed to mount on a zero-turn mower,” so not every pick is the exact model number you searched. The nearest same-type fit serves the same purpose, and every one below is genuinely built to bolt onto a zero-turn frame.
This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The quick answer: measure your mower’s bolt-hole spacing first, then pick plate thickness and a chain slot, 2-inch ball, or 2-inch receiver to match your trailer. The picks below cover both routes, and I ranked them so you can find the right zero turn mower hitch for your machine in a couple of minutes flat.
Top Picks
How To Choose The Best Zero Turn Mower Hitch
A zero-turn mower has a thin stamped steel chassis and very little room behind the rear axle. That is why a hitch that works on a garden tractor often will not line up on a ZTR. Before you buy anything, climb behind your mower with a tape measure and note two things: the distance between the two bolt holes you plan to use, and how thick the frame steel is at that spot. Those two measurements decide which of the nine hitches below even stands a chance.
Measure your bolt spacing and frame thickness first
Most universal hitches here fit a bolt mounting span of 2 inches to 5.1 inches. Slotted mounting holes (elongated openings rather than round ones) buy you extra wiggle room for alignment. Frame thickness matters because a thick frame needs longer bolts than a thin one, and several of these hitches ship two sets of bolts at different lengths for exactly that reason. Some mowers need the holes drilled out by you — the listings say so plainly, so budget for a drill and a fresh bit.
Match the towing point to what you actually pull
A 2-inch receiver opening lets you slide in a standard hitch bar or ball mount, which is handy if you already own trailer accessories. A built-in 2-inch hitch ball is the simpler route when you pull one specific cart with a 2-inch coupler. A wide chain slot handles straps, ropes, and chain hooks for lighter loads. Pick the towing point your trailer already uses so you are not paying for hardware you will never hook up.
Understand plate thickness and rated pull
Steel thickness in millimeters or inches tells you how much the plate resists bending when a loaded trailer jerks. The hitches in this list range from thin and light to 6mm and 1/4-inch plate. Their published maximum towing capacities range widely too — one is rated at 7000 pounds while another lists 2000 pounds. Buy with margin over what you actually tow, and never treat a hitch’s rating as permission to overload your mower’s own frame.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Best For | Plate / Build | Towing Point | Fit Type | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOWBOW Zero Turn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch★ Best Overall | All-round universal pick | 1/4″ heavy duty steel | 4.6×1.5″ chain slot, 3/4″ pin hole | Universal, 2″–5.1″ spacing | Amazon |
| REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer HitchBest Ball Mount | Built-in ball simplicity | 8mm thick steel | 2″ hitch ball, 5/8″ pin hole | Universal, 2.0″–5.1″ span | Amazon |
| ATRACYPART 79108500 Hitch KitBest for Gravely and Ariens | Gravely / Ariens owners | Alloy steel, powder coated | — | Vehicle specific | Amazon |
| Kingway Universal 2″ Receiver Hitch | Heavy trailers and carts | 6mm steel plus 2 plates | 2″ receiver | Universal, minor drilling possible | Amazon |
| CAROD Lawn Mower Hitch with 2″ Ball | Complete kit in one box | Thickened heavy duty steel | 2″ ball, magnetic pin | Universal, drill if needed | Amazon |
| HOWBOW 2″ Receiver Hitch | Wobble-free receiver mount | 6mm powder-coated steel | 2″ receiver plus chain slot | Universal, two bolt sets | Amazon |
| OGYE Upgraded 2″ Receiver Hitch | Rust protection | 6mm steel, double-layer coating | 2″ receiver | Universal, drill if holes misalign | Amazon |
| Vital All-Terrain Scag Hitch | Scag Patriot and Liberty Z | Alloy steel, powder coated | 3/4″ hitch mount hole | Vehicle specific | Amazon |
| Stens Hitch Kit 285-227 | Exmark and Scag OEM replacement | 3/8″ thick, 13 1/2″ long | 5/8″ center hole | Vehicle specific | Amazon |
Detailed Reviews
1. HOWBOW Zero Turn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch
Our pick — 4.5+★ from 400+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The quarter-inch plate that shrugs off a loaded trailer without complaining.
The starting point here is a slab of 1/4-inch heavy duty steel, and that thickness is why this hitch handles a max rating of 2000 pounds. In plain terms, that is a plate stiff enough that a jerk from a full utility cart does not fold it. The 4.6×1.5-inch chain slot is generous, so you can thread straps, ropes, hooks, and chain through without fighting a narrow opening. There is also a 3/4-inch hitch pin hole for a magnetic hitch pin or a towing ball.
Fit is where this one earns its keep. The slotted mounting holes act like a guide chute, and the stated range runs from 2 inches to 5.1 inches of bolt spacing. HOWBOW ships Type 2 carriage bolts with it, and the listing notes those bolts thread firmly enough that you can install the hitch one-handed. Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Exmark, and Toro owners are all covered on the compatibility list, along with the RZ and Z200 Husqvarna series. Some frames still need drilling, which the maker states outright.
Build quality is the theme that comes through strongest on this one, and sturdiness is close behind — buyers keep describing a plate that will not deform in use. The powder-coated finish gets its share of compliments too, and it is there to hold off rust and corrosion. Cross-check the weight, though: at 2.8 kg this is 0.47 kg more steel than the REDTEE ball hitch in this list, so you feel it if you are carrying it around before bolting it on. A few mower frames still need the holes opened up, so check your spacing before you buy rather than after.
What Owners Praise
- 1/4-inch steel plate rated to 2000 pounds towing capacity
- Wide 4.6×1.5″ chain slot takes straps, ropes, and chain easily
- Slotted holes cover a 2″–5.1″ mounting span, plus Type 2 carriage bolts included
- Powder-coated finish resists rust and corrosion
Where It Needs Care
- Some mower models still require you to drill the frame
- Heavier steel than the light ball hitches here at 2.8 kg
Choose this one: you want one universal hitch that covers light strap work and heavier trailer pulls, and you do not mind checking your bolt spacing first.
Look elsewhere: your frame holes sit outside that 2″–5.1″ span or you want a built-in ball with no separate hardware.
2. REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch
Ball included, bolted on, backed by a year of coverage — one box, one job.
If you already own a trailer with a standard 2-inch coupler, this hitch arrives with the ball attached and ready to drop over it. That saves you buying a ball mount separately, and the chrome-plated ball resists the weather along with the matte black powder coat on the plate. The 5/8-inch hitch pin hole gets you a second attachment point for a magnetic pin, and the chain slot takes strap loops and chain. Rated to 3500 pounds of maximum towing capacity, it sits well clear of a typical garden cart load.
The plate is described as 8mm thick heavy duty steel in the item highlights, with a bolt mounting span of 2.0 inches to 5.1 inches. Slotted mounting holes do the alignment work for you, and Type 2 carriage bolts are in the box for different spacing needs. A wrench is all you need — no welding, no fabrication. One-point-six inches wider than the SPEC range on some frames is not the issue here; the issue is whether your mower’s holes land inside that 2.0″–5.1″ window.
Functionality is what buyers talk about most with this one, and the usage story is concrete: it works on an Exmark mower, and it holds up without bending or breaking. What wins people over is that combination of a genuinely thick plate and a ball you did not have to source yourself. The honest caveat is that the manufacturer’s own cover is one year, which is shorter than the lifetime guarantee on the Scag-specific pick further down. For a universal bolt-on at this build level, though, most buyers will never test that warranty.
Where the value lands: a 2-inch ball, a 5/8″ pin hole, and a chain slot on one 8mm plate means you can tackle a utility trailer and a strap job with the same mount.
The trade-off worth knowing: the ball is fixed, so you cannot swap mount types later the way you can with a receiver-style hitch.
Right call when: your trailer speaks 2-inch coupler and you want the simplest possible bolt-and-go install.
Hold off if: you prefer a receiver opening so you can change accessories down the road.
3. ATRACYPART 79108500 Trailer Hitch Kit
A no-drill answer if your mower wears a Gravely or Ariens badge.
This one does not pretend to be universal. It is built for the Gravely ZT HD in 44, 48, 52, and 60-inch decks, the COMPACT-PRO 34, the PRO-TURN Z and PRO-TURN ZX in their deck sizes, and the Ariens ZENITH 60. If that matches your machine, you skip the drill entirely, because the mounting geometry is already cut for it. High-quality steel and a corrosion-resistant powder coating round out the build for regular garden cart and trailer towing.
Installation is described as quick and easy with no professional tools or extra expertise needed. That is the whole pitch of a vehicle-specific kit: you trade the flexibility of a universal plate for a bolt-up fit that takes minutes. The catch is that flexibility disappears the moment you change mowers. This hitch does not carry a listed towing capacity figure, so if you tow something heavy, verify the plate and hardware against your load rather than assuming a number.
Fit is the strongest thing going for it, and value for money follows close behind. The one recurring gripe in the listing is that some kits show up missing nuts and bolts, so open the box and check the hardware before you start the install. It is worth a quick inventory rather than a return trip to the store mid-project.
Built for a short compatibility list: the precise fitment across Gravely ZT HD, COMPACT-PRO, PRO-TURN, and Ariens ZENITH is the reason to buy it over a universal plate.
Check the box on arrival: a few kits turn up short on nuts and bolts, so count the hardware before you crawl under the mower.
Go here if: your mower is on that Gravely or Ariens compatibility list and you want the cleanest possible bolt-on without drilling.
Not for you if: you run a different brand or you plan to change mowers soon.
4. Kingway Universal Zero Turn Lawn Mower Hitch, 2″ Receiver
A 2-inch receiver square tube rated to a headline-grabbing 7000 pounds.
On the towing-capacity front this is the outlier of the whole list: 7000 pounds for the Kingway versus 2000 pounds for the HOWBOW universal hitch above. Six millimeters of thickened premium steel goes into the main body, and the kit includes two extra reinforcement plates — a set of flat steel pieces that go between the hitch and your frame to spread the load. The powder coating holds off rust and deformation. A 2-inch receiver opening takes standard hitch accessories you may already own.
The universal fitment list is broad: Husqvarna Z-Turn, Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Exmark, and Toro, plus tractors, golf carts, ATVs, and UTVs. It comes with two sets of different-length bolts and step-by-step instructions. Slotted holes help with alignment, and minor drilling is allowed for on some frames. Weighing 2.8 kg, it lands in the same ballpark as the HOWBOW top pick — carrying the leftover steel from those reinforcement plates.
Durability is the loudest positive with this one, and functionality is a close second. Owners like it for pulling utility trailers specifically, which is exactly the job a 2-inch receiver is designed for. The honest follow-up is fit: some machines line up cleanly and others do not, and the listing itself admits drilling may be needed. Treat the 7000-pound number as the rating of the steel and hardware, not a claim about your mower’s frame — the kingpin of a ZTR chassis is not built for that kind of pull.
Spec sheet leader: a 2-inch receiver plus 6mm steel plus two reinforcement plates, rated at 7000 pounds towing capacity — the most pulling headroom here.
Fit is the wildcard: alignment varies machine to machine, and drilling is on the table for some frames.
Reach for this if: you want a receiver-style mount with serious plate and reinforcement for heavier trailer work.
Think twice if: you cannot drill the frame and your existing holes do not line up.
5. CAROD Lawn Mower Hitch with 2″ Ball
Ball, pin, magnetic clip, hardware, manual — all in one box.
Nothing turns a two-minute job into a whole afternoon like discovering the ball or the pin is missing. This CAROD kit ships the whole set: a 2-inch hitch ball, a magnetic hitch pin and clip, mounting hardware, and a user manual. The plate is thickened heavy duty steel with a powder coat finish, designed to resist cracking and deformation. Four slotted mounting holes mean the bolts line up without needing a welder. Pull the pin, drop your 2-inch coupler on, and go.
The designer also tells you plainly: if the pre-drilled slots will not match your frame, drill them yourself. That is the entry price of a universal bolt-on, and it applies to most of the products on this list. The item weight is 6.9 pounds, and the listed warranty runs 12 months. Compatible machines include ATVs, garden tractors, golf carts, lawn mowers, trucks, UTVs, and zero-turn mowers, so it will likely suit whatever sits in your garage.
What this hitch gives up in exchange for being that complete kit is a dedicated receiver tube. If you already own a 2-inch ball mount or want the flexibility of swapping accessories, the Kingway or HOWBOW receiver hitches above are a better fit. If you just want to hook a cart to the back and go, the fixed ball on this one is arguably the faster path every single time.
Every piece in one purchase: 2-inch ball, magnetic pin and clip, hardware, and manual means no return trip to the hardware store mid-install.
The trade-off: the ball is fixed, so you cannot swap in another accessory the way a 2-inch receiver allows.
Made for: the buyer who wants the first install to be the last one, with every fastener already accounted for.
Better options exist if: you need a receiver opening or you pull loads that need more than a single fixed ball setup.
6. HOWBOW 2″ Receiver Hitch for Zero Turn Mowers
The hitch that tightens down to silence the rattle you hear over every bump.
The detail that separates this HOWBOW from the rest of the receiver-style hitches is a bolt welded to the top with a nut that lets you snug the hitch against your frame. Translation: less wobble, less noise, less strain on the fasteners when your cart rattles over a rutted lawn. The receiver tube itself is an upgraded 2-inch square (upgraded from 1-1/4″), and it comes with dual reinforcement washers to spread load on thin mower frames. Six-millimeter powder-coated steel is the base, with a 7000 ft-lb pull force rating listed.
Two sets of bolts at different lengths are in the box, so you match hardware to your frame thickness rather than guessing. The built-in chain slot holds a strap or chain for lighter accessories, and the slotted holes do the alignment work. This HOWBOW weighs 2.86 kg. It is a little beefier than the REDTEE ball hitch at 2.33 kg, and that extra steel is the cost of the upgraded receiver tube and reinforcement washers.
Functionality drives almost all of the praise here, and the pattern is consistent: it works, it fits, and it holds up. Owners specifically point to utility trailer use as the reason they like it. Fit is not universally perfect — a few machines want the frame drilled — so measure before you buy. Once it is on and snugged down, though, the wobble reduction makes it feel like a more expensive mount.
Why It Satisfies
- Adjustable top bolt tightens out receiver wobble and noise
- Upgraded 2″ square receiver tube with dual reinforcement washers
- Two sets of bolts at different lengths for varying frame thickness
- Built-in chain slot plus 7000 ft-lb listed pull force
Worth Knowing Upfront
- Some mower frames still need the holes drilled
- Heavier than a bare ball hitch at 2.86 kg
Best suited to: anyone bothered by the rattle and slack in a plain receiver mount and willing to spend a bit more on adjustable tension.
Less ideal if: your frame holes fall outside the slotted range and you would rather not drill.
7. OGYE Upgraded Zero Turn Lawn Mower Hitch with 2″ Receiver
Six millimeters of steel under two coats of coating, aimed at surviving the weather.
A hitch that lives on a mower sits outside in the rain and sun for years, which is why the coating matters as much as the steel. This OGYE plate gets a double-layer finish the maker describes as resisting rust, chips, UV rays, and corrosion. Underneath is 6mm thickened carbon steel. It also adds a 2-inch receiver hook feature so you can drop in standard hitch accessories. The maker describes it as tested in both lab and real outdoor scenarios, and lists it as handling up to 10 of pulling force — a rating that is not clearly defined, so I would rely on the physical steel rather than that phrasing.
Compatibility is universal on paper: Husqvarna Z-Turn, Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Exmark, Toro, plus tractors, trailers, golf carts, and ATVs. Four slotted mounting holes handle alignment, with Type 2 carriage bolts included. The instructions are direct — if the holes do not line up, drill them yourself. OGYE backs it with a two-year warranty, which is longer than several competitors on this list, so you at least have recourse if the finish fails sooner than it should.
Build quality is the thing that wins people over, specifically the weld quality and strength of the plate. Fit is where opinions split: some Husqvarna riding mower owners find it a clean match, while other machines need work. If you own a Husqvarna Z-Turn, that overlap is a good sign. If you own something more obscure, plan on the drill before you plan on the install.
Two coats, one job: the double-layer coating aimed at rust, chips, and UV makes this a solid pick for a mower that parks outside year-round.
Warranty worth noting: two years of coverage plus a 6mm plate is more protection than several universal hitches here offer.
Worth picking if: your mower lives outdoors and you want the coating to hold up as long as the steel.
Consider alternatives when: you need a guaranteed no-drill fit for a less common mower brand.
8. Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch
Purpose-built for two Scag models, and guaranteed for life.
If you run a Scag Patriot or Liberty Z, this is the no-guesswork answer. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime guarantee, it uses an alloy steel plate with a 3/4-inch hitch mount hole for your pin or ball. It is also the lightest hitch on this list by a wide margin — 0.7 kg, versus roughly 2.3 kg or more for the universal plates. That lighter weight is a bonus when you are the one crawling under the mower to hold it in place. A listed pull force of 4000 pounds gives you real working headroom.
Carriage bolts and nuts come in the box, and installation is described as straightforward. The hitch is vehicle specific, so it is not the right buy for a non-Scag mower. For the two Scag models it targets, the trade-off in flexibility against a universal plate is offset by an install that just works. The smaller 3/4-inch pin hole differs from the 5/8-inch hole on the REDTEE ball hitch, so match your pin to the listing before you bolt up.
The two things buyers appreciate most are quality and installation, and the fit follows close behind. It bolts straight to a SCAG zero-turn and stays put. For a mower that spends its life under a commercial workload, the lifetime guarantee is the part that matters most — you will likely replace the mower before you replace the hitch.
The lightest way to tow on a Scag: 0.7 kg, a 3/4″ mount hole, and 4000 pounds of listed pull force, backed by a lifetime guarantee and made in the USA.
Brutally specific fitment: this only goes on a Patriot or Liberty Z, so verify your exact model before ordering.
Buy it with confidence if: you own a Scag Patriot or Liberty Z and want a featherweight mount with a lifetime guarantee.
Pass it by if: your mower wears any other badge — the specific fit will not cross over.
9. Stens Hitch Kit 285-227 for Exmark 109-6245
The exact-replacement answer for Exmark Lazer Z and Scag Turf Tiger owners.
This is a replacement part rather than an add-on, and it drops in where the factory hitch came off. The cross-reference list is the reason to buy it: it replaces Ariens 70705000 and 79202300, Exmark 109-6245 and 109-9487, and Scag 9242. It fits the Exmark Lazer Z, Phazer, Pioneer, and Quest, along with the Scag Turf Tiger. Measurements come in at 13 1/2 inches long and 3 inches wide, in 3/8-inch thick alloy steel, with a 5/8-inch hitch center hole for universal attachment.
What makes the Stens stand out beyond the OEM cross-reference is the finish. Buyers consistently point to the thick steel and the quality of the coating — this is a part built to look and behave like the factory piece it replaces. Installation is described as easy by the same buyers, which makes sense for a part designed for a specific bolt pattern rather than a universal plate.
The mixed chapter here is hardware and fit on non-listed machines. A Stens kit can arrive missing mounting hardware, and if your mower is not on the cross-reference list, it will not match. The fix is straightforward: check the box against the packing list and confirm your model number before ordering. Owners on the correct Exmark and Scag models get the install they expected, with the OEM-matching finish a replacement part should deliver.
Factory-match confidence: the OEM cross-reference (Exmark 109-6245, Scag 9242, Ariens 70705000 and 79202300) means you are replacing a part with a part, not adapting a universal plate.
Two caveats worth checking: verify your model is on the fitment list, and count the mounting hardware the moment the box opens.
Right for you if: your mower is an Exmark Lazer Z, Phazer, Pioneer, or Quest, or a Scag Turf Tiger, and you want a direct factory-style replacement.
Look elsewhere if: your mower is not on the cross-reference list or you need a universal mount.
Know the Specs
Steel Thickness and Rated Pull Force
Thickness is measured in inches (1/4″, 3/8″) or in millimeters (6mm, 8mm), and it tells you how much a loaded trailer can yank before the plate bends. A thicker plate generally shrugs off twisting forces better, at the cost of weight and often the need for sturdier bolts. Rated pull force and maximum towing capacity are the manufacturer’s stated limits for the steel and hardware — treat them as the hitch’s ceiling, not the mower’s, since a zero-turn chassis has its own limits. Buy margin over what you actually tow.
Hitch Points: Ball, Receiver, and Chain Slot
A 2-inch hitch ball matches a standard 2-inch coupler on many small trailers and carts. A 2-inch receiver is a square opening that accepts a removable hitch bar or ball mount, which is the flexible route if you already own one or want to change accessories. A chain slot is a cutout for hooks, straps, ropes, and chain, best for lighter loads and mixed strap work. Pin holes are measured in fractions of an inch (5/8″, 3/4″), so match the pin to the hole. All three work; match the opening to the coupler, strap, or pin you already own.
Common Questions
How do I know a zero-turn hitch will fit my mower?
Can I install a zero-turn hitch without drilling my frame?
What is the difference between a chain slot, a hitch ball, and a 2-inch receiver?
Is a quarter-inch steel hitch stronger than a 6mm hitch?
Will a hitch rated for 7000 pounds tow that much from a zero-turn mower?
Do I need a 2-inch hitch ball or a 2-inch receiver?
How long will a zero-turn hitch last outdoors?
Why would a hitch come without the mounting hardware?
Will a hitch fit if my mower has a stamped steel frame?
Can I use a zero-turn hitch on a golf cart or ATV instead?
The Bottom Line
A hitch is one of the cheapest upgrades you will bolt to your mower, and bolt-hole spacing is the only real risk. For most drivers, the HOWBOW Zero Turn Mower Trailer Tow Hitch is the one to grab because it combines a 1/4-inch steel plate, a wide 4.6×1.5-inch chain slot, and a slotted span that covers 2 to 5.1 inches on one universal plate — and it covers the widest range of mowers on this list. If you want the ball already attached and the simplest bolt-on, the REDTEE ball hitch is the straightforward pick, and if tension-free receiver mounting matters most, the HOWBOW 2-inch receiver hitch delivers the adjustable anti-wobble bolt. And for a Scag Patriot or Liberty Z owner, the Vital All-Terrain is a purpose-built fit that weighs in at only 0.7 kg.
How we choose
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of November 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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