I have a 10' V-nose cargo trailer (stealth camper) and a 16' car hauler. Due to some power pole guy wires I have about a 15' offset I have to maneuver through to get my trailers in the back yard. I can get there with my pickup but it's not easy. Has anyone explored the limits of using a lawn tractor to spot their trailers? I have a Sears Lawn Tractor with a V-twin engine and hydraulic drive. I know there's definitely a fairly low limit on the size of trailer that could be moved this way, but how have you rigged your lawn tractor and what size trailer have you had success moving?

I occasionally use my ATV to move my boat in the garage. Tounge weight is a pretty big challenge. Going forward isn't much trouble, but backing up is tough. It is very hard to see anything.

Put a ball hitch on front of truck.....makes tight maneuvering much easier

A dolly to handle the tongue weight could be made, though that would entail its own learning curve. You will have plenty of power to move it, I might be concerned about stopping, if there are any grades, but it doesn't sound like that's a problem.I regularly use my JD 4100 compact tractor to move trailers- hitch weight is an issue, without counter weights.

The manual for my garden tractor states 350lb max. trailer weight. I do exceed that by about 3 times hauling mulch in a 12' trailer. The two things, beside breakage, that might be a problem is brakes and wheel standing.

My compact utilty tractor 34hp Kubota is only rated to tow 5000lbs. Hydro transmissions on mowers are built to move the machine and operator (and maybe a small cart). I suspect you would be jeopardizing the transmission even occasionally pulling a 1500lb + trailer. Just my opinion.

Lawn Tractor Trailer Spotter? | Good Sam Community

27 Replies

Dave_and_Sue
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015
I use my Super Z to move a 12 ' flat bed and our 18'tri hull boat all the time. I don't like to put ruts in the yard and the mower works just fine.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2015
Moved to General RVing Issues forum from DIY.
RJCorazza
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015
My compact utilty tractor 34hp Kubota is only rated to tow 5000lbs. Hydro transmissions on mowers are built to move the machine and operator (and maybe a small cart). I suspect you would be jeopardizing the transmission even occasionally pulling a 1500lb + trailer. Just my opinion.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015
The manual for my garden tractor states 350lb max. trailer weight. I do exceed that by about 3 times hauling mulch in a 12' trailer. The two things, beside breakage, that might be a problem is brakes and wheel standing.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2015
A dolly to handle the tongue weight could be made, though that would entail its own learning curve. You will have plenty of power to move it, I might be concerned about stopping, if there are any grades, but it doesn't sound like that's a problem.

I regularly use my JD 4100 compact tractor to move trailers- hitch weight is an issue, without counter weights.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jul 19, 2015
Put a ball hitch on front of truck.....makes tight maneuvering much easier
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jul 19, 2015
I occasionally use my ATV to move my boat in the garage. Tounge weight is a pretty big challenge. Going forward isn't much trouble, but backing up is tough. It is very hard to see anything.

Forum Discussion

Lawn Tractor Trailer Spotter?

27 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Lawn Tractor Trailer Spotter?

Off-Roading Tractor Trailer

Reducing push/pull from tractor trailers passing

Tractor

Travel Trailer