Can ZRMs pull implements?

[wormwood]

I have a Zero-Radius Mower.

I do not have a lawn tractor.

Can you pull implements with the ZRM like a fertilizer spreader, de-thatcher, aerator?

I have a bracket on the back of my ZRM for a CycloneRake which I use in the fall.

My brother says to get a $1000 Sears cheapie lawn tractor and save the wear on the ZRM.

And you say....?

 

[Diesel-Mech]

As long as they are not heavy ground engaging (disk or something of that sort) I see no reason not to.

 

[KEH]

Not a Dixie Chopper, no hitch and manual warns against it. I think some other makes allow towing. I vote for the cheapie lawn tractor.

KEH

 

[TheGrooveking]

I would check with the manufacture, since the steering is done with the rear drive wheels you'll be putting more strain on the hydrostatic components used for steering, as with a standard live axle lawn/garden tractor the load is shared more during sharp turns. Also the tightness of the turns may be an issue since a tight turn could end up in jack knifeing(SP).

TheGrooveking

 

[Charles (in GA)]

There probably is a specified wheel motor max load, but I suspect that if the implement you are pulling is not difficult to roll, doesn't exert a huge load on the mower, it won't matter. I use my Great Dane Chariot with a 25 hp Kohler to pull a 5x10 trailer all over the yard gathering up limbs. I put a ball hitch on it just to do this. Not much weight on the hitch and the trailer rolls easily enough the mower is not even straining. I also have front hitch on it and use it to move light aircraft (Cessna 150's and 172's and the like)

Charles

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Probably depends on what you have. If your machine has commercial-duty drive system then you can probably pull those small 40" implements. If you have a homeowner machine, I'd stick to a small cart only. Cooling capacity would be my main concern.

I know JD limits the towing on the residential ZTR's to 250lbs. I think the commercial line can tow 800lbs.

 

[Brandon_K]

I wouldn't think twice about pulling a dethatcher or spreader. Aerator... Maybe, it would depend on the type, if it's a "star wheel", then maybe, I defintely wouldn't pull a plugger behind it. And I definitely wouldn't consider anything like a set of discs or a single bottom plow.

 

[sk farmer]

a resounding no. those machines are capable of turns that implements are not . no matter how careful you are you will eventually turn too sharp damaging or destoying the implement you are towing and more than likely causing serious damage to your mower. possibly even the operater.

 

[Elroy]

a resounding no. those machines are capable of turns that implements are not . no matter how careful you are you will eventually turn too sharp damaging or destoying the implement you are towing and more than likely causinng serious damage to your mower. possibly even the operater.

Good advice.

"Wood" needs to pay attention to what the "Farmer" is saying here.

 

[sk farmer]

Good advice.

"Wood" needs to pay attention to what the "Farmer" is saying here.

learn from our experiance. farmers are good at wrecking things. the problem is we are usually under the gun and have to do some sort of immediate repair to finish the job. sometimes things you would not believe. don't try this at home folks.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I would be afraid of all the back weight on zero turns. Too much weight and it could flip backwards. A normal lawn mower has a more distributed weight. I would recommend finding a cheap old lawn mower, no need for a deck, and use it for the implements.

 

[nissan_crawler]

first, define "implements". That cheap Crapsman will fall to pieces pulling some implements, also.