Maybe a dumb question!

[Randy Scott]

Is it necessary to tie a zero turn rider down when trailering it? I have an enclosed trailer and just wondering if it will stay put. I don't think it will be to packed in when everything is in there. I don't have the trailer all laid out yet. I know it wouldn't hurt to tie it down, but is it necessary? Thanks.

[SMB]

Does it have a parking brake? If so, just make sure that it is adjusted right.

[Eric ELM]

It's a good idea to tie them down in case of an accident or severe breaking to prevent an accident. I have a parking break, but I still use the parking break and chock blocks in front and behind the back wheels, plus I tie them down when on the road. If I'm just driving a block, I just use the parking break.

Just because you have a parking break doesn't mean it won't move. Just the bounce of the trailer will make them move around even though the wheels aren't turning. I've heard of guys that had them moving around on their trailers and kept adjusting the parking break tighter until they break the brake cable, thinking it wasn't tight enough since the machine was moving.

I hope this helps.

[nlminc]

I do the same as Eric with my Choppers and Walker. I also use 2X4's nailed into the floor that outline the back wheels, this really helps to keep them in place.

Chris

[eggy]

To be honest we use parking break only and walk behinds leave in gear....they do bounce some but the weight of the turf tigher is appx 1300lbs and having a dual axle trailer helps out a lot vs single. I guess the safest thing is to tie down...If you are going some distance...but I will admit that our route is probably all in a seven mile radius from home base.

[mowerman90]

eggy,

Now that sounds like a profitable route!!!

[eggy]

Well yes and no.....we are in a small town in Southern Indiana where it seems that a new LCO pops up daily...but yes I break up the route into sections of town into quarters lucky home base is almost in the middle of town. There are days we go maybe only three miles and cut..it seems once you pick up one in a neighborhood you pick up several...same with commercial..all seem to be on the "main drag" we have only one....I couldnt even begin to think about having a route in a big town however i am sure the chance to grow a bigger buisness is better in larger towns. We do have several towns within 15 to 20 miles from us we are thinking about going into.

[Jusmowin]

I have a 6x12 open trailer and always ratchet strap my walkbehinds down , but have seen alot of people not strap them in. It only takes a minute to strap down the the mower as it would take alot longer if one those mowers flew off the trailer and got into the road , that would be bad and I would probley not be able to make any money the rest of the day or week . But thats just my 2 cents

[bob]

I just use the parking brake for my ZTR's. They might move a little bit on a bumpy road, but for the most part they stay put.

[Lawnworks]

My Chopper fits so tightly on my 5.5x9 foot trailor that it doesn't really move at all. I know on my Encore ZTR I broke the parking brake a couple of times because of it hopping around.

[Randy Scott]

Thanks everybody for your input. Sounds like it might be the best to just tie it down, you guys brought up some good ideas, especially the idea that it won't be making me any money if it gets damaged from moving around,it only will take a minute to tie it down. Thanks again.

[TJLC]

I run a 2x2 board in front and back of my w/b. I c-clamp them down. The mower can't move backwards or fowards while on the trailer. It's quick and works very well.

[TGCummings]

I always keep the tires blocked, and tie down for any extended journey. Particularly if your going on the highway.

Like Eric, I generally don't worry about it if I'm jumping around the corner in a residential neighborhood...

-TGC

[JimVelke]

All good reasons...here's another.
You run the risk of your wheel motors wearing out quicker if you allow the motors to turn while there is no oil being pumped through them. I heard that a certain brand wheel motor was at high risk and had failures because the internal plates were rubbing when the mower rocked back and forth on the trailer.
Good reason to do whatever it takes to keep the mowers wheels from turning while on the trailer.

[lawnboy11]

Hey Bob!!!!

It's simply illiteracy running wild! No use pointing it out, they'll all cry about it. I'm joking around people, relax.

[Scraper]

In some towns in my service area the cops are on the lookout for mowers which aren't tied down. No excuses and the tickets run $75 for first offense! I fortunately was forewarned by a friendly competitor, but others weren't as lucky! Needless to say, mine are tied down!

[champion]

I have a 18 foot car hauler I put the z first then the two walkbehinds that are left in gear then we tie down both walks. nothing moves.