Guide · Lawn-tractor hitches and hitch pins
Towing with a lawn tractor or zero-turn
The towing limit is in your mower's manual, not on the hitch. What Toro's TimeCutter SW manual says, how a hitch pin is retained, and what we do not give.
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Picks that fit
- Brinly MHPK‑12BH magnetic hitch pin, 1/2 inCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
The towing limit is in your mower's manual, not on the hitch. Toro's manual for the TimeCutter SW 4200, SW 5000 and SWX 5000 says not to use the machine as a towing vehicle unless a hitch is installed, to attach towed equipment only at the hitch point, and that towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator and ballast.[1] That rule is for those three models only. Read yours.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
- Brinly MHPK‑12BH magnetic hitch pin, 1/2 inCheck price on Amazon
The Toro TimeCutter SW rule, with its scope
Toro's operator's manual covers TimeCutter SW 4200, SW 5000 and SWX 5000 mowers, models 74788, 74790 and 74795.[1] For those models it says:
- Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle unless it has a hitch installed.[1]
- Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.[1]
- Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator and ballast.[1]
- Follow the attachment maker's weight limits as well.[1]
- Do not drive the machine on a public street or roadway.[1]
The manual gives no numeric towing or tongue-weight rating.[1] It is not a general rule for other zero-turns or lawn tractors. See the Toro TimeCutter SW page.
What the implement maker adds
The towed implement has its own limits. Agri-Fab's 45-0326 lawn sweeper manual warns not to fill the sweeper to maximum capacity without checking that the towing vehicle can safely pull and stop with it attached.[2] Agri-Fab's 45-03022 sleeve hitch manual warns that vehicle braking and stability may be affected.[3] Neither manual gives a towing capacity. Apply the lower of your mower's limit and the implement's.
Hitch pins and retainers
A towed implement joins the hitch with a hitch pin and a retainer that stops the pin working loose. Agri-Fab's 45-0326 sweeper connects with a hitch pin, two 3/4-inch spacers and a 1/8-inch hair cotter pin, with bracket setups for hitches 8 to 10 or 10 to 13 inches above the ground.[2] That is one implement's coupling, used here as an example of what a manual lists.
Use the pin and retainer the hitch and implement makers list. Always fit the retainer.
Picks that fit1 product
Choose the 1/2 in MHPK-12BH only if your mower's hitch and your implement's manual call for a 1/2 in pin; this site has not verified Brinly's pin against any hitch.
Brinly MHPK‑12BH magnetic hitch pin, 1/2 in
Picks that fit1 product
Cub Cadet RZT zero-turn owners only: choose 19A70025100 only if Cub Cadet's parts lookup lists it for your RZT model; it is not a part for Toro or other brands, and your mower's manual still sets the towing limit.
Cub Cadet 19A70025100 RZT hitch kit for zero-turn mowers
On Amazon, check that "Ships from / Sold by" shows Amazon.com or the brand.
What we do not give
- No towing capacity from a hitch, pin or tire. A hitch plate, a pin diameter or a tire size tells you nothing about what the mower can pull or stop.
- No pin diameters. We found no verified pin diameter for any mower hitch, so we give none. Check both manuals and measure the holes.
- No general towing rule. Toro's rule above is for three TimeCutter SW models. Your manual has yours.
For which hitch carries which kind of attachment, see sleeve hitch vs tow hitch. A zero-turn with a bagger fitted has its own weight rules; see bagger weights on zero-turn mowers.
Next
Questions
How much can my lawn tractor tow?
The figure or rule in your mower's manual. Toro's TimeCutter SW 4200, SW 5000 and SWX 5000 manual, for example, says towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator and ballast; that rule applies to those models only.[1]
Can a zero-turn mower tow a cart?
Only if its manual allows it. Toro says the TimeCutter SW 4200, SW 5000 and SWX 5000 must not be used as a towing vehicle unless a hitch is installed, and towed equipment attaches only at the hitch point.[1]
What size hitch pin do I need?
The one your hitch and implement makers list. We found no verified pin diameter for any hitch, so this site gives none; check both manuals and the holes themselves.
Can I drive my mower on the road while towing?
Toro says not to drive the TimeCutter SW on a public street or roadway. Check your own mower's manual for its rule.[1]