How To Transport A Riding Lawn Mower

Transporting a riding lawn mower can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have a trailer or truck to haul it. Fortunately, there are several ways to transport a riding lawn mower without a trailer. One option is to use a hitch-mounted lawn mower holder.

This is a great option for people who don’t need to do major landscaping projects, but just need to ride their mower around their yard easily. You can also use your hitch-mounted lawnmower holder to transport other things like bikes and trailers.

Another option is to use a loading ramp and a vehicle with a hitch. Connect a trailer with a loading ramp to the hitch on the back of a vehicle. Securely connect the trailer tongue to the hitch ball and connect safety chains. Position the vehicle and trailer so they are on a flat and level surface. Lower the loading ramp, or gate, of the trailer. Drive the riding lawn mower onto the trailer and secure it with straps or chains.

If you need to move the mower across a yard or transport it for winter storage, you can do so without starting the engine. First, disengage the blades, release the parking brake, and push or tow the mower to the desired location. This method is ideal for short distances, and it’s important to note that you should never tow a riding lawn mower at high speeds or for long distances.

By following these methods, you can safely and easily transport your riding lawn mower without a trailer.

Preparation Before Transport

Transporting a riding lawn mower can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation, it can be done safely and efficiently. Before transporting your riding lawn mower, there are a few key steps you should take to ensure that it is ready for transport.

Firstly, it is essential to shut down and cool the engine before transporting the mower. This will prevent any accidents that could occur due to hot engine parts. Disconnecting any attachments and equipment such as baggers, sprayers, or plows is also crucial. This will prevent any damage to the attachments or the mower during transport.

Securing loose parts or potential hazards is another important step in preparing your riding lawn mower for transport. Loose parts such as belts, blades, or other components can cause damage to the mower or other items during transport. It is recommended to tie down any loose parts or secure them in a safe location.

Identifying the proper transport method is also critical. Choosing between using a trailer or ramps will depend on the type of vehicle you have and the distance you need to transport the mower. Using a trailer is the safest and most secure method of transporting a riding lawn mower. However, if you do not have access to a trailer, you can use ramps to load the mower onto a truck or other vehicle.

Securing The Riding Lawn Mower

When transporting a riding lawn mower, it is important to secure it properly to ensure that it does not move during transport. This section will cover the steps to secure a riding lawn mower before transporting it.

Draining Fluids

Before transporting a riding lawn mower, it is important to drain all the fluids, including the gas and oil. This is to prevent any spills or leaks during transport that could damage the mower or create a fire hazard. To drain the gas and oil, follow these steps:

• Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
• Locate the drain plug for the gas and oil.
• Place a drain pan under the plug.
• Remove the plug and allow the fluids to drain completely.

Once the fluids have been drained, replace the drain plug and wipe any spills or drips.

Securing Moving Parts

To prevent any damage to the mower or other items during transport, it is important to secure any moving parts. This includes the blades, deck, and steering wheel. To secure these parts, follow these steps:

• Disengage the blades and remove any attachments.
• Lower the deck to its lowest position.
• Secure the steering wheel with a bungee cord or rope.
• Use a strap or bungee cord to secure the deck to the frame of the mower.

Read Also: How to Make a Lawn Mower Go 50 mph

Checking Tire Pressure

Before transporting a riding lawn mower, it is important to check the tire pressure. This is to ensure that the tires are properly inflated and can support the weight of the mower during transport. To check the tire pressure, follow these steps:

• Use a tire gauge to check the pressure of each tire.
• Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure, which can be found in the owner’s manual.
• Check the tires again to ensure they are properly inflated.

By following these steps, a riding lawn mower can be properly secured for transport, ensuring that it arrives at its destination safely and without damage.

Choosing The Right Transport Vehicle

Transporting a riding lawn mower can be a challenging task, but selecting the right transport vehicle can make it easier. There are different types of transport vehicles available, and the choice depends on the distance to be covered, the size of the mower, and the terrain.

Using A Trailer

Using a trailer is a popular option for transporting riding lawn mowers. Trailers are available in different sizes and designs, and they can be attached to a car or a truck. When selecting a trailer, consider the size of the mower, the weight capacity of the trailer, and the type of hitch required.

It is recommended to choose a trailer that is at least 4 feet wide and 8 feet long to accommodate most riding lawn mowers. The trailer should also have a ramp for easy loading and unloading of the mower. Additionally, ensure that the trailer has sturdy tie-down points to secure the mower during transport.

Using A Truck

Using a truck to transport a riding lawn mower is another option. A pickup truck with a bed liner can be used to transport a smaller mower. However, for larger mowers, a flatbed truck is recommended.

When using a truck, ensure that the mower is securely tied down to prevent it from moving during transport. It is also important to check the weight capacity of the truck and ensure that it can handle the weight of the mower.

Loading The Riding Lawn Mower

Transporting a riding lawn mower can be a daunting task, but with proper loading techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently. This section will discuss the two most common methods for loading a riding lawn mower onto a trailer: using ramps and securing the mower.

Using Ramps

Ramps are a popular method for loading a riding lawn mower onto a trailer. To use ramps, follow these steps:

• Position the trailer on a level surface.
• Set the ramps in place on the trailer, ensuring that they are secure and stable.
• Slowly drive the riding lawn mower up the ramps and onto the trailer.
• Once the mower is on the trailer, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake.

It is important to note that the weight capacity of the ramps should be greater than the weight of the riding lawn mower. Also, make sure that the ramps are wide enough to accommodate the width of the mower’s tires.

Securing The Mower

After loading the riding lawn mower onto the trailer, it is essential to secure it properly to prevent it from shifting or falling off during transport. Follow these steps to secure the mower:

• Use ratchet straps or chains to secure the mower to the trailer. Make sure that the straps or chains are tight and secure.
• Use wheel chocks to prevent the mower from rolling during transport.
• Check the mower and straps periodically during transport to ensure that everything is still secure.

It is important to note that the mower should be secured at four points: two at the front and two at the rear. Also, make sure that the straps or chains are attached to the frame of the mower, not the deck or other parts that may be damaged during transport.

During The Transport

When transporting a riding lawn mower, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure that it arrives at its destination safely and without damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind during transport:

• Secure the mower: Before transporting the mower, make sure it is securely fastened to the trailer or truck bed. Use straps or chains to hold it in place, and use blocks or chocks to prevent it from rolling or shifting during transport.
• Protect the blades: To prevent damage to the blades during transport, remove them and pack them separately. Alternatively, you can cover them with a blade guard or cardboard.
• Cover the mower: Covering the mower during transport can help protect it from dust and debris, as well as from rain or other weather conditions. Use a tarp or fitted cover that is designed for your specific model of mower.
• Check the fuel level: Before transporting the mower, check the fuel level and make sure it is not too full. If the tank is full, the fuel can slosh around during transport and cause damage to the engine.
• Take it slow: When driving with a riding lawn mower in tow, it is important to take it slow and steady. Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.

Unloading The Riding Lawn Mower

Unloading the riding lawn mower requires careful attention to ensure a smooth and damage-free process. Here are some steps to follow:

• Find a suitable unloading spot: Once you reach your destination, locate a suitable area for unloading the riding lawn mower. Ensure the surface is level, stable, and free from any potential hazards or obstacles.
• Turn off the engine: Before unloading the riding lawn mower, turn off the engine and engage the parking brake. This will prevent the mower from moving or rolling during the unloading process.
• Lower the mower deck: To unload the riding lawn mower, lower the mower deck to the ground. This will make it easier to drive the mower off the trailer or truck bed.
• Align the mower: Align the mower with the unloading spot, making sure the wheels are facing forward. This will make it easier to drive the mower off the trailer or truck bed.
• Slowly drive the mower off the trailer or truck bed: Once the mower is aligned with the unloading spot, slowly drive the mower off the trailer or truck bed. Be sure to keep the mower deck low to the ground to prevent any damage to the deck or blades.
• Check for any damage: After unloading the riding lawn mower, inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during the transport process. If any damage is found, address it immediately to prevent further damage to the mower.

By following these steps, unloading a riding lawn mower can be done safely and efficiently.

Post-Transport Checks

After transporting a riding lawn mower, it is important to perform some post-transport checks to ensure that the mower is still in good condition and ready for use. Here are some things to check:

1. Check for damage

Inspect the mower for any damage that may have occurred during transport. Look for any dents, scratches, or other signs of damage. Check the wheels, blades, and other moving parts to make sure they are still in good working order.

2. Check the oil level

Check the oil level in the mower to make sure it is at the proper level. If the oil level is low, add more oil as needed. Be sure to use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Check the air filter

Check the air filter in the mower to make sure it is clean and free of debris. If the air filter is dirty, clean or replace it as necessary. A dirty air filter can affect the performance of the mower.

4. Check the fuel level

Check the fuel level in the mower to make sure it is at the proper level. If the fuel level is low, add more fuel as needed. Be sure to use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Check the blades

Check the blades in the mower to make sure they are still sharp and in good condition. Dull blades can affect the performance of the mower and may need to be sharpened or replaced.

Performing these post-transport checks can help ensure that the riding lawn mower is in good condition and ready for use. It is important to take good care of the mower to ensure that it lasts for many years to come.