The Green Industry's Resource Center

Mac B. · #1 10-07-2006, 10:23 PM

What is the best ZTR if any for pulling a trailer? Does anyone know of the tow ratings on Kubota, JD, Gravely etc.? I have a neighbor that wants to sell his JD 445 garden tractor to get a ZTR but wants to know if it will pull a trailer load of wood for the winter.

Thanks Mac

Envy Lawn Service · #2 10-07-2006, 10:26 PM

Most do not list tow ratings.

I'm thinking only Dixie Chopper does.
A lot of guys tow with ZTR's, but I never have.
To me, I just don't see them as "built for it" if you know what I mean.

Mac B. · #3 10-07-2006, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the reply. I kind of thought the same thing but told my neighbor that I would ask anyway.

Thanks Mac

lawnwizards · #4 10-07-2006, 10:53 PM

maybe something small like a little dump cart. i think if a standard rider can pull one then a ztr should be able too.

Jpocket · #5 10-07-2006, 11:10 PM

AN aerator will be fine, dump cart whatever. I mean what are you trying to tow? I wouldn't use it to make a boat around the yard or anything simialr in wieght. But a dethatcher, Aerator, roller etc... thats fine. Esp. for the ones with coolers for the hyd. pumps.

WildWest · #6 10-07-2006, 11:26 PM

All these Hyd. motor driven mowers are capable of WAY more than we use them for... It's not like it's a car transmission where you might burn out the clutch pack. If you don't slam it in "fast forward" I suppose you could TOW (keyword:TOW) about 1 TON, as long as it were free-wheeling and not dragging (sled style)
Gratned they SO bogg down when you hit THICK grass.. but you have to remember... the belt drive ratio's make an engine that seems like it should not be "bogg-able" bogg... will not apply to the "DRIVE" system. You will have to go easy on your drive system, but it's capable of WAY, WAY more than just mowing.

topsites · #7 10-08-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpocket

AN aerator will be fine, dump cart whatever. I mean what are you trying to tow? I wouldn't use it to make a boat around the yard or anything simialr in wieght. But a dethatcher, Aerator, roller etc... thats fine. Esp. for the ones with coolers for the hyd. pumps.

I agree, my Warrior 60" lists towing capacity in the manual but it has dual electric fans for the hydros. The capacity: UP to 500 lbs. but it also says it's not made for it, short distances, not recommended but if you HAVE to then we can't stop you, etc...

p.s.: Wood is HEAVY, I can hardly cover the floor of my 6x12 trailer with wood before it has reached it's weight limit.

davidcalhoun · #8 10-08-2006, 12:22 AM

No, you're not too technical for us.

When it gets too technical, we ask for mowtech to chime in.

Liquidfast · #9 10-08-2006, 01:02 AM

I weigh 250lbs and I pull small trees out with a home depot cub cadet 22hp kawi.

It does a great job and saves a bunch of time. In fact, I have had my partner stand on the back of the mower whilst pulling the trees out to add more weight. I wouldn't do it daily or attempt large trees but it sure as hell does the job.

bearmersch · #10 10-11-2006, 12:45 PM

I have a JD F687 Ztrack with a 23hp engine. I have pulled a 500 lb roller behind it and also a swisher de-thatching rake. Works just fine. Just take it easy with heaver loads. Just remember when u turn with the ztr the outside wheel will spin very easy with a load on it.