Best Riding Mower Hitch (2026): 5 Picks for Carts and Trailers
Five steel hitch brackets for riding mowers and zero-turns, compared by pulling force, hitch holes, mount fit, included hardware and warranty.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
Best OverallMJHHAPY Zero Turn Hitch9.6/10View on Amazon - 2
Best Pulling CapacityTNCZHYLX 3-Way Hitch9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Best 3-Way HitchExtreme Max 5001.58259.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Best Zero-Turn FitMission ZTR Hitch Mount9.4/10View on Amazon
After the last pass of the mower, the property still asks for more work: leaves along the fence, brush at the field edge, mulch waiting by the shed. A riding mower already has the engine and wheels for that work; the missing piece is a way to pull a cart or trailer. A best riding mower hitch is that piece: a small steel bracket bolting to the back of the mower with a ball mount, a clevis hole or both.
The five brackets below fit riding mowers, lawn and garden tractors, zero-turns and, in one case, ATVs and UTVs, compared on pulling force where stated, hitch holes, mount fit, drilling, hardware, material and warranty. Two listings state a pulling force, 1500 pounds and 3000 pounds; three state none. Two state a warranty term, 1 year and 2 years. None states safety-relevant features, so safety scores zero across the board.
AcreMowerLab earns a commission when you shop through links here. It never changes your price. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Overall MJHHAPY Zero Turn Hitch: All-welded carbon steel, 1/2 in pin with grip, full hardware kit, 2-year warranty. Check price on Amazon
- Best Pulling Capacity TNCZHYLX 3-Way Hitch: The listing states 3000 pounds of pulling force, the highest figure in this roundup. Check price on Amazon
- Best 3-Way Hitch Extreme Max 5001.5825: 3/4 in ball hole, two 5/8 in clevis holes, 1500 pounds pull, hardware included. Check price on Amazon
- Best Zero-Turn Fit Mission ZTR Hitch Mount: 3/16 in steel mount with slotted holes, naming Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet fit. Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
MJHHAPY Universal Zero-Turn Trailer Hitch, 1/2 in Hitch Pin Included
Universal zero-turn trailer hitch of all-welded carbon steel with a 1/2 in hitch pin, a soft-rubber grip and a full mounting hardware kit for 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing.
Read the full review
The MJHHAPY is a universal zero-turn trailer hitch in all-welded carbon steel with black powder coating against rust. The box holds a 0.5 in hitch pin with a soft-rubber handle, an R clip, 2 bolts, 4 washers and 2 jam nuts, with slotted holes for 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing. The listing states a 2-year manufacturer warranty; one wrinkle is the spec table naming the maker MJHMY while the brand line says MJHHAPY. No pulling force or safety-relevant features are stated.
Pros
- 1/2 in hitch pin included with a soft-rubber grip and an R clip
- All-welded one-piece carbon steel construction
- Full mounting hardware kit: 2 bolts, 4 washers and 2 jam nuts
- Slotted holes fit 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing
Cons
- The listing does not state a pulling force
- The spec table names the maker MJHMY while the brand is MJHHAPY
- No safety-relevant features are stated
- A single 1/2 in pin size for every machine
Extreme Max 5001.5825 3-Way Lawn Garden Tractor Hitch, Alloy Steel
3-way lawn and garden tractor hitch with a 3/4 in ball hole, two 5/8 in clevis holes and a 1500 pound pull force, with all mounting hardware included.
Read the full review
The Extreme Max 5001.5825 is a 3-way hitch for lawn and garden tractors: a 3/4 in ball hole, two 5/8 in clevis holes, a 5 in rise for the ball and the first clevis pin hole, and 5 to 6 in of extension from the tractor rear for tighter turns. It states a 1500 pound pull force and includes all mounting hardware with no drilling. One contradiction: the spec table lists the material as Aluminum while the title and bullets say alloy steel, and the bullets win. The listing states a 1-year warranty; no safety-relevant features are stated.
Pros
- 1500 pound pull force stated on the listing
- 3/4 in ball hole plus two 5/8 in clevis holes
- 5 in rise for the ball and the first clevis pin hole
- All mounting hardware included, no drilling required
Cons
- The spec table lists Material Type as Aluminum while the title and bullets say alloy steel
- 1500 pounds is half the highest pull force stated here
- The second clevis pin hole has no rise
- No safety-relevant features are stated
TNCZHYLX 3-Way Trailer Hitch Adapter, 3000 Pounds Pulling Force
3-way trailer hitch adapter in heavy-duty steel with a 3000 pound pulling force, made for 3/4 in shanks and 5/8 in trailer pin balls.
Read the full review
The TNCZHYLX is a 3-way trailer hitch adapter in heavy-duty powder-coated steel, stating the highest pulling force here: up to 3000 pounds, with a 3000 pound maximum towing capacity. It works with a 3/4 in shank and a 5/8 in trailer pin ball, with the bracket shaped to keep the hitch from hitting the equipment during towing. The package includes 2 bolts. The spec table carries a warranty description of "24" with no unit, too vague to count as a term, and the listing notes owners can drill the hook and bracket to add a machine screw and lock nut against rotation. No safety-relevant features are stated.
Pros
- 3000 pound pulling force and towing capacity stated, the highest here
- Bracket shape keeps the hitch from striking equipment while towing
- Fits lawn mowers, golf carts, garden tractors and ATVs
- 2 bolts included in the package
Cons
- The warranty description reads "24" with no unit, so no warranty term is stated
- No safety-relevant features are stated
- Keeping the hook from rotating under load or in reverse needs owner-drilled holes
- The brand name is a long generic string with no maker background
Mission Automotive Universal Zero-Turn Trailer Hitch Mount
Universal zero-turn trailer hitch mount of 3/16 in thick powder-coated steel with a 3/4 in mount and slotted holes, naming Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet fit.
Read the full review
The Mission Automotive mount is a universal zero-turn trailer hitch in 3/16 in thick powder-coated steel with a 3/4 in mount, using 5 in outside and 2-3 in inside slotted holes spaced 2 to 3 in apart for alignment. It names fit for Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet mowers, and says the hitch tows carts and trailers for yard work. Mounting hardware is not included, some machines need drilling, and the listing states no pulling force and no warranty term.
Pros
- 3/16 in thick rugged steel in a one-piece design
- Names Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet fit
- 5 in outside and 2-3 in inside slotted holes for alignment
- Powder-coated steel for weather resistance
Cons
- Mounting hardware is not included
- The listing does not state a pulling force
- No warranty term is stated
- Some machines need drilling for installation
lifgarfe Three-Way Receiver Hitch for ATV and UTV
Three-way receiver hitch of heavy-duty powder-coated steel for ATV and UTV, with one ball hole and one clevis hole and no drilling required.
Read the full review
The lifgarfe is a three-way receiver hitch in heavy-duty alloy steel with black powder coating, listed at 1.51 kg. It carries one hole for a ball and one for a clevis, installs with no drilling, and the listing says the set-off drops the connection height so a wagon or dethatcher pulls more effectively. The fit it names is ATV and UTV, making it the crossover pick here rather than a mower-first design. No pulling force, warranty term or safety-relevant features are stated.
Pros
- No drilling or cutting required for installation
- The set-off drops the connection height for wagons and dethatchers
- Heavy-duty steel with a black powder coating against rust
- One ball hole and one clevis hole on one bracket
Cons
- The listing does not state a pulling force
- Marketed for ATV and UTV rather than riding mowers
- No warranty term is stated
- The package contents beyond the hitch are not stated
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Pulling force | Hitch holes | Mount / fit | Material | Hardware | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJHHAPY Zero Turn Hitch | 9.6/10 | Not stated | 1/2 in pin | 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing | Carbon steel | Full kit included | 2 years |
| Extreme Max 5001.5825 | 9.6/10 | 1500 pounds | 3/4 in ball, two 5/8 in clevis | Lawn and garden tractors | Alloy steel | Included | 1 year |
| TNCZHYLX 3-Way Hitch | 9.6/10 | 3000 pounds | 3/4 in shank, 5/8 in pin ball | Universal | Alloy steel | 2 bolts included | Not stated |
| Mission ZTR Hitch Mount | 9.4/10 | Not stated | 3/4 in mount | Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet | Alloy steel | Not included | Not stated |
| lifgarfe 3-Way Receiver | 9.3/10 | Not stated | Ball and clevis | ATV, UTV | Alloy steel | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
MJHHAPY Zero Turn Hitch
Extreme Max 5001.5825
TNCZHYLX 3-Way Hitch
Mission ZTR Hitch Mount
lifgarfe 3-Way Receiver
Choosing the best riding mower hitch
Hitch ball holes and clevis holes
Three of the five here are three-way designs: the Extreme Max with a 3/4 in ball hole plus two 5/8 in clevis holes, the TNCZHYLX for a 3/4 in shank and 5/8 in trailer pin ball, and the lifgarfe with one ball hole and one clevis hole. A ball hole suits a trailer coupler; a clevis hole suits a pin and a tow bar. The Mission and MJHHAPY zero-turn brackets are single-mount designs built around a hitch pin. For background on mounting, see the garden tractor hitch types guide.
Pulling force, where stated
Only two listings state a pulling force: 1500 pounds on the Extreme Max and 3000 pounds on the TNCZHYLX, which also lists a 3000 pound maximum towing capacity. The other three state none, so match the cart or trailer to the mower manual’s own towing limit; a bracket never adds towing capacity the mower does not have.
Mount fit and drilling
The Mission lists a 3/16 in thick mount with 5 in outside and 2-3 in inside slotted holes, pre-drilled 2 to 3 in apart for Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet fit, though some machines still need drilling. The MJHHAPY lists pre-drilled slotted holes for 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing. The Extreme Max and the lifgarfe state no drilling is required. The TNCZHYLX notes owners can drill the hook and bracket and add a machine screw and lock nut to hold the hook still. Hardware is not included with the Mission, so plan on buying bolts separately.
Hardware in the box
The MJHHAPY box is the fullest: hitch, 1/2 in hitch pin with a soft-rubber grip, R clip, 2 bolts, 4 washers and 2 jam nuts. The Extreme Max includes all mounting hardware for the hitch plate, and the TNCZHYLX includes 2 bolts. The lifgarfe package is the hitch alone and the Mission ships with no hardware. When the mower’s rear plate already has holes that line up, less hardware matters; when it does not, a fuller box saves a trip to the hardware store.
Warranty terms
Two listings state a concrete term: 1 year on the Extreme Max and 2 years on the MJHHAPY. The TNCZHYLX spec table carries a warranty description of “24” with no unit, too vague to count, and the Mission and lifgarfe state no warranty term. A longer stated term adds warranty points; nothing stated scores zero.
Towing and slopes
None of the listings states a slope figure, and zero-turns lose traction on slopes, so tow on flat ground within the mower manual’s limits, with children and pets out of the yard and the blades off.
Turn rise and run, or a phone level reading, into degrees and percent, then compare it with typical mower slope ratings.
Stay within the towing capacity and hitch weight your mower manual lists, and add weight slowly. Loaded carts and spreaders push a mower downhill, so take slopes straight up and down at low speed. Keep riders off carts and keep bystanders clear while you tow. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Matching It to Your Property
- For flat lawns with trees and beds, any of the five moves a cart; the stated 1500 and 3000 pound pulling forces cover the heaviest stated loads.
- Where the rear plate has no holes that line up, pick a no-drill design or the widest slotted range, 1.9 to 5.1 in.
- For leaf and brush cleanup along fence lines, a clevis hole and pin give the quickest hookup; the tow-behind attachments hub shows what they can pull.
- For machines that already pull implements, the 3-way designs add a ball mount without removing the hitch.
- Store the pin and R clip on the bracket so they are there when the cart hooks up.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs performance (pulling force where stated, versatility, fit), build (steel, finish), value (what the box holds), safety (stated safety-relevant features) and warranty (years and coverage). A factor the listing does not state scores zero. The tables and product cards show each total.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJHHAPY Zero Turn Hitch | 9.6 | 24 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 3 |
| Extreme Max 5001.5825 | 9.6 | 28 | 19 | 20 | n/a | 2 |
| TNCZHYLX 3-Way Hitch | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| Mission ZTR Hitch Mount | 9.4 | 22 | 20 | 18 | n/a | 0 |
| lifgarfe 3-Way Receiver | 9.3 | 20 | 19 | 18 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
FAQ: mowing large lots
What can you tow with a riding mower hitch?
The listings describe towing yard carts, utility trailers, log splitters, small boats, wagons and dethatchers. Match the load to the mower manual’s towing limit and to the bracket’s stated pulling force where given: 1500 or 3000 pounds here.
Will a universal hitch fit my riding mower?
All five claim universal fit, but check hole spacing first. The MJHHAPY fits 1.9 to 5.1 in bolt spacing, the Mission uses slotted holes 2 to 3 in apart for Craftsman, John Deere and Cub Cadet models, and the Extreme Max mounts with no drilling to an existing plate. When nothing lines up, the listing may call for drilling.
Can a zero-turn mower pull a trailer?
Two brackets here are built for zero-turns: the Mission Automotive mount and the MJHHAPY hitch with its 1/2 in hitch pin. Zero-turns lose traction on slopes, so tow only on flat ground within the mower manual’s limits.
Do these hitches come with mounting hardware?
Three do: the MJHHAPY with pin, bolts, washers, jam nuts and R clip; the Extreme Max with all mounting hardware; the TNCZHYLX with 2 bolts. The lifgarfe package is the hitch alone and the Mission ships with no hardware, so those two need a separate bolt purchase.
More mowing guides
- Garden Tractor Hitch Types: Complete Guide for Acreage Owners
- Best Utility Cart for Lawn Tractor (2026): 5 Carts Compared
- Best Tow Behind Sprayer for 1 Acre (2026): 4 Compared
- Best Tow Behind Dethatcher (2026): 5 Picks Compared
- Can a Zero Turn Pull Attachments?
- Best Pull Behind Dump Cart: 5 Picks for Lawn Tractors and UTVs (2026)
A utility cart for a lawn tractor is the most common thing these hitches pull; the roundup there compares five carts by capacity and build.
