Best Lawn Tractor Hitch (2026): 4 Picks for Towing Trailers
Four trailer hitches for lawn and garden tractors, with steel thickness, towing capacity, ball size and hardware compared, plus which ones need drilling to fit.
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Top picks at a glance
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- 1
Best OverallHOWBOW Zero-Turn Hitch9.8/10View on Amazon - 2
Best 3-Way HitchHECASA 3-Way Hitch9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Best Bumper MountKAIRAY Tractor Hitch9.5/10View on Amazon - 4
Best 3-Point HitchELITEWILL Pro Hitch9.5/10View on Amazon - 5
Extreme Max 5001.5825 3-Way Lawn Garden Tractor HitchView on Amazon - 6
lifgarfe Three-Way Receiver Hitch Lawn Mover HitchView on Amazon - 7
CURT 40097 Chrome ATVView on Amazon - 8CURT 40098 Chrome ATVView on Amazon
A few acres of grass, a garden that needs hauling and a shed full of tools means the riding mower earns its keep doing more than mowing. A hitch turns a lawn tractor into a tow rig: pull a utility cart, drag firewood or move a small trailer around the property. This roundup of the best lawn tractor hitch picks compares four trailer hitches for lawn and garden tractors, scored on steel, hardware, fit and warranty.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall HOWBOW Zero-Turn Hitch: States 2000 lb towing capacity, 1/4 in steel, hardware kit and 2-year warranty Check price on Amazon
- Best 3-Way Hitch HECASA 3-Way Hitch: 5 in rise with 6 in and 3 in support braces, a 3/4 in ball hole and a 5/8 in trolley hole Check price on Amazon
- Best Bumper Mount KAIRAY Tractor Hitch: States 200 lb tongue weight capacity and fits 4 to 4.5 in steel bumpers Check price on Amazon
- Best 3-Point Hitch ELITEWILL Pro Hitch: Carbon steel 3-point hitch listed for Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna and Craftsman Check price on Amazon
Our acreage picks
HOWBOW Zero-Turn Trailer Hitch with Pin, 1/4 in Steel
Zero-turn trailer hitch with a hitch pin: 1/4 in steel, a 2000 lb towing capacity, a 4.6 x 1.5 in chain slot and a 2-year warranty.
Read the full review
The HOWBOW is a zero-turn trailer hitch with a hitch pin: 1/4 in (6mm) steel, a 2000 lb towing capacity, a 4.6 x 1.5 in chain slot and a 3/4 in pin hole. The listing says it fits 2 to 5.1 in bolt spacing, includes carriage bolts and an R clip, and works with Husqvarna RZ and Z200 series, Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Exmark and Toro zero-turn mowers. The finish is powder coated and the listing states a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- States a 2000 lb towing capacity
- 1/4 in steel, the thickest stated here
- Carriage bolts and R clip included in the box
- 2-year warranty stated
Cons
- Weight is not stated
- Tongue weight is not stated, only the towing capacity
- The 3/4 in pin hole may need drilling larger for some balls
- Only fits bolt spacings from 2 to 5.1 in
HECASA 3-Way Lawn Garden Tractor Hitch, 5 in Rise
3-way lawn garden tractor hitch with a 5 in rise: alloy steel, black powder coated, 6 in and 3 in slotted support braces, a 3/4 in ball hole and a 5/8 in trolley towing hole.
Read the full review
The HECASA is a 3-way lawn garden tractor hitch with a 5 in rise: alloy steel, black powder coated, a 3/4 in ball hole, a 5/8 in trolley towing hole and a 5/8 in mounting bolt. The kit includes 6 in and 3 in slotted support braces to fit different tractor models, and the listing says it is compatible with Cub Cadet, John Deere and Husqvarna riding mowers. Installation is bolt-on with instructions included, and the ball is not included.
Pros
- 5 in rise 3-way design with two mounting styles
- 6 in and 3 in slotted support braces included
- 3/4 in ball hole and 5/8 in trolley towing hole
- Bolt-on installation with instructions included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Ball is not included
- Towing capacity is not stated
- Fit is limited to the listed tractor brands
KAIRAY Lawn Mower Tractor Towing Hitch, Powder Coated
Lawn mower tractor towing hitch in alloy steel with a black powder coating: accepts 3/4 in or smaller balls and states a 200 lb tongue weight capacity.
Read the full review
The KAIRAY is a lawn mower tractor towing hitch in alloy steel with a black powder coating: it accepts 3/4 in or smaller trailer hitch balls and the listing states a 200 lb tongue weight capacity. It mounts on 4 to 4.5 in continuous welded steel bumpers and weighs 3.17 kg. The listing warns that some tractor models need modification, cut, bend and punch new holes, to fit perfectly, and the hitch ball is not included.
Pros
- States a 200 lb tongue weight capacity
- Accepts 3/4 in or smaller hitch balls
- Black powder coated alloy steel
- Lightest stated weight here at 3.17 kg
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Hitch ball is not included
- Some tractor models need modification to fit
- Fits only 4 to 4.5 in bumpers
ELITEWILL Lawn Mower Trailer Towing Hitch, Carbon Steel
3-point garden tractor towing hitch in carbon steel with a powder coated finish, listed for Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna and Craftsman riding mowers.
Read the full review
The ELITEWILL is a 3-point garden tractor towing hitch in carbon steel with a powder coated finish, listed for Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna and Craftsman riding mowers. The listing says it turns a riding mower into a trailer puller, and some tractor models need 1 or 2 holes drilled for a perfect fit. One contradiction to note: the spec table lists the item weight as 9.07 g, which is implausible for a steel hitch, so trust the title and bullets over that figure. The hitch ball is not included.
Pros
- 3-point design for garden tractors
- Carbon steel with powder coating
- Fits Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna and Craftsman
- Installation instructions included
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- Hitch ball is not included
- Some models need 1 or 2 holes drilled
- No towing capacity is stated
Other machines to compare
Extreme Max 5001.5825 3-Way Lawn Garden Tractor HitchCheck price on Amazon
lifgarfe Three-Way Receiver Hitch Lawn Mover HitchCheck price on Amazon
CURT 40097 Chrome ATVCheck price on Amazon- CURT 40098 Chrome ATVCheck price on Amazon
Side-by-side specs
| Model | Acre Score | Hitch type | Towing capacity | Steel | Fit | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOWBOW Zero-Turn Hitch | 9.8/10 | Zero-turn trailer hitch with pin | 2000 lb | 1/4 in alloy steel | 2 to 5.1 in bolt spacing | 2 years |
| HECASA 3-Way Hitch | 9.6/10 | 3-way garden tractor hitch, 5 in rise | Not stated | Alloy steel | Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna | Not stated |
| KAIRAY Tractor Hitch | 9.5/10 | Lawn mower tractor towing hitch | 200 lb tongue | Alloy steel | 4 to 4.5 in bumpers | Not stated |
| ELITEWILL Pro Hitch | 9.5/10 | 3-point garden tractor hitch | Not stated | Carbon steel | Cub Cadet, John Deere, Husqvarna, Craftsman | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 22 October 2026.
Acreage and terrain fit
HOWBOW Zero-Turn Hitch
HECASA 3-Way Hitch
KAIRAY Tractor Hitch
ELITEWILL Pro Hitch
Buying guide: choosing the best lawn tractor hitch
Hitch types: 3-point, bumper mount and zero-turn
Three mounting styles show up in these four picks. The ELITEWILL is a 3-point garden tractor hitch that bolts to the rear of a garden tractor. The KAIRAY clamps to a steel bumper. The HOWBOW is made for zero-turn mowers with slotted mounting holes. The HECASA is a 3-way design with a 5 in rise and slotted support braces. For a deeper look at the designs, see the garden tractor hitch types guide.
Towing capacity and tongue weight
Only two listings state a capacity. The HOWBOW states a 2000 lb towing capacity, the highest stated figure here. The KAIRAY states a 200 lb tongue weight capacity, which is the downward load on the ball, not the pulling load. The HECASA and ELITEWILL do not state a capacity, so judge them on steel and hardware instead of a number.
Steel and finish
All four are steel with a powder coated or painted finish. The HOWBOW states 1/4 in steel, the thickest stated figure here. The KAIRAY and HECASA list alloy steel, and the ELITEWILL lists carbon steel, both with powder coating. A powder coated finish resists rust where the hitch meets weather and mud.
Fit: bolt spacing, bumpers and drilling
Fit is the fussiest part of buying a hitch. The HOWBOW fits 2 to 5.1 in bolt spacing with slotted holes. The KAIRAY needs a 4 to 4.5 in continuous welded steel bumper. The HECASA lists Cub Cadet, John Deere and Husqvarna, and the ELITEWILL adds Craftsman to that list. Two listings warn about extra work: the ELITEWILL says some models need 1 or 2 holes drilled, and the KAIRAY says some models need modification, cut, bend or punch new holes, to fit.
Balls and hardware
The HOWBOW is the only kit that includes mounting hardware: a hitch pin, carriage bolts and an R clip. The KAIRAY and HECASA accept a 3/4 in ball, and the ELITEWILL needs a ball to suit its mount, but none of the three includes one. Plan the ball as a separate purchase unless you already own one that fits.
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
- Zero-turn mowers that already drag a chain or trailer: the HOWBOW is the only zero-turn hitch here, with the pin and hardware in the box.
- Tractors with a steel rear bumper: the KAIRAY bumper mount fits 4 to 4.5 in steel bumpers without touching the frame.
- Taller garden tractors from Cub Cadet, John Deere or Husqvarna: the HECASA 5 in rise and slotted 6 in and 3 in braces adjust to the frame.
- Small sheds: the hitch stays on the tractor, so allow for the trailer added length before backing into a tight bay.
The Acre Score explained
The Acre Score weighs five factors: performance (what the hitch can tow and the hardware it includes), build quality (steel type, finish and mounting design), value (specs for the money), safety and warranty. A factor the listing does not state scores zero. Only the HOWBOW listing states a warranty term, so it is the only pick that scores on warranty.
| Product | Acre Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOWBOW Zero-Turn Hitch | 9.8 | 32 | 22 | 21 | n/a | 4 |
| HECASA 3-Way Hitch | 9.6 | 28 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| KAIRAY Tractor Hitch | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| ELITEWILL Pro Hitch | 9.5 | 26 | 20 | 19 | 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
Do I need to drill holes to install a lawn tractor hitch?
Sometimes. The ELITEWILL listing says some models need 1 or 2 holes drilled, and the KAIRAY listing warns that some tractor models need modification, cut, bend or punch new holes, to fit. The HOWBOW uses slotted mounting holes for bolt spacings from 2 to 5.1 in, and the HECASA bolts on with slotted braces.
What size hitch ball fits a lawn tractor hitch?
The KAIRAY accepts 3/4 in or smaller trailer hitch balls, and the HECASA has a 3/4 in ball hole plus a 5/8 in trolley towing hole. The HOWBOW pin hole is 3/4 in and the listing says it can be drilled larger. No ball is included with any of the four picks.
Can I pull a utility cart with a lawn tractor hitch?
That is the job these hitches are built for. The ELITEWILL listing describes pulling utility trailers, and the KAIRAY describes towing small trailers and hauling firewood. See the utility cart for lawn tractor roundup and the trailer size guide to match a cart to your tractor.
Does the hitch come with a ball?
No. The ELITEWILL, KAIRAY and HECASA listings state the ball is not included. The HOWBOW kit includes a hitch pin, carriage bolts and an R clip instead of a ball.
More mowing guides
- Garden Tractor Hitch Types: Complete Guide for Acreage Owners
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- Best Pull Behind Dump Cart: 5 Picks for Lawn Tractors and UTVs (2026)
- What Size Trailer for Riding Lawn Mower?
- Lawn Tractor Maintenance: Step-by-Step Care Guide
- Best Tow Behind Dump Cart for Rocks (2026)
- Can a Zero Turn Pull Attachments?
