If you want your lawn mower to do more than just cutting down the grass, putting a hitch ball on it is the best thing to do. Doing so will enable you to attach a utility cart, spreader, or other similar tools to it.
That way, your lawnmower will become a multipurpose machine, surpassing its default functionalities for good. If you want to know more about putting the ball hitch on lawnmower, go through this article.
How to Put a Hitch Ball on a Lawn Mower
I took the time to elaborate on the process of putting a ball hitch on a lawn mower. You’ll find all the nitty-gritty details below.
Step 1: Checking the Lawnmowers Towing Capacity
Check the towing capacity of the lawnmower before browsing for different hitches to put on the mower. Generally, you should be able to get the number inside a manual that came along. But in case you do not find it, no need to worry. I have a simple trick for you to find out the towing capacity.
In most cases, most manufacturers warn about trying to tow anything heavier than the lawnmower itself. So, we can assume that the towing limit of the machine is its weight. Yet, manufacturers recommend using something less than the actual weight for safety purposes.
Therefore, if the lawnmower weighs around 1200lbs, then keep the towing limit around a thousand pounds. It will save the engine from a lot of wear and tears and prevents other internal problems in the long run.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Ball
Getting a suitable ball hitch for your lawnmower won’t be a big deal at all. You will find lots of options available. Most of the hitch ball is semi-universal which means they will compatible with your lawnmower. Yet, the installation of the hitch ball is not that easy, to begin with. So, pay attention to the instruction manual for further details.
Moreover, there are a few other things that you need to know before getting a ball hitch.
Height
Some of the hitches sit high on the mower, whereas others sit downcast. Naturally, it will be easy for you to hook up one that sits high. Yet, considering your usage patterns, you need to determine what you will be towing using this lawnmower.
Size
Depending on the use cases, the ball hitch size varies quite a bit. Still, most of the one-inch ball hitches are perfect for use as they are not dealing with heavy loads. You can, however, opt for a large ball to play it safe.
Assembly
Most of the hitch models do not require assembly, but some of them do. Anyhow, I would suggest you purchase a single piece of hitch that is easy to assemble.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Tools
Some of the hitch models have a pre-drilled hole. But some need to be drilled into the back of the mowers. The hitch models that have pre-drilled holes are easy to install. On the other hand, installing ones that do not have any dent is quite intricate.
Your hitch may require drilling into the rear portion of the lawnmower. In that case, you will need a drill, a socket wrench set, a screwdriver, and a hammer.
Once you have the necessary tools, attach the stabilizer bars to the mower as the first step. Meanwhile, the rest of the parts can easily be fixed on the mounting holes. If you have little or no experience, use the manual to guide yourself through the process.
Step 4: Assemble the Hitch
When the hitch balls have mountain bars, you should attach them before mounting them to the mower. Fortunately, these products come with all of the bolts, washers, and necessary instructions as well. Therefore, the installation process is relatively straightforward, no matter how amateur you consider yourself.
Step 5: Attach the Hitch to the Mower
Your riding lawn mower is supposed to come with a mounting bracket on its rear end. So, all you have to do is attach the ball hitch with balls and nuts. However, in some cases, you may have to drill into the metal and secure the mount.
In this case, make sure that you do not drill into any critical components of your lawnmower. Generally, there is enough space behind the metal to install the bolts without damaging any significant parts. So, it should be a safe task for the most part.
Step 6: Test the Machine
After placing the hitch in proper alignment, it’s time for a test run. The manufacturer recommends hauling something with a light pressure to make sure it does not come loose. That way, rather than finding the ball hitch to be weak too late, you can make any necessary adjustments at the very moment.
Why Do You Attach a Ball Hitch to a Lawn Mower
Though a riding lawn mower makes cutting the grass easy, attaching a ball hitch can boost its potency. For example, you can use your mower for lawn grading, vacuuming, or seeding purposes once you have attached the ball hitch. Even when you cut down or trim your tree, you can move the trimmed branches with the mower more efficiently than by hand.
Frequently Asked Question
Will towing wear down my lawnmower engine?
The truth is towing will wear down your lawnmower engine over time. But the wear and tear will depend on the amount of weight you pull with the mower. In this regard, the manufacturer recommends hauling less than the highest capacity for extending your lawnmower engine’s lifespan.
Is a ball hitch necessary or optional?
Though it is not necessary, the ball hitch can definitely help you in some situations. For instance, a hitch ball makes your mower more practical and usable. But you can be just as fine without a ball hitch if you only intend to cut grass. However, if you are not sure, I would recommend installing it anyway.
What is the most reliable brand of lawn mower?
John Deere is identified as the most trusted brand of lawn mower by The Lifestory Research 2020 America’s Most Trusted® Lawn Mower Brand Study among the people for purchasing a lawn mower. The Net Trust Quotient Score that generated by John Deere is 111.5 and achieved 5 Star Rating.
Conclusion
Though no hard and fast rule says you have to put a ball hitch on your lawnmower, going for it certainly adds more value. Moreover, attaching a ball hitch is a piece of cake that requires close to zero DIY skills. Yet, it is always wise to take necessary safety precautions before putting the ball hitch on lawnmower.
