Aug 27, 2026
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Aug 27, 2026
TL;DR: A hitch plate turns your zero turn mower into a multi-tasking machine, letting you tow carts, spreaders, and other lawn equipment. When shopping for one, prioritize compatibility with your mower model, the towing type (ball, pin, or loop), and the weight limit for the jobs you have in mind.
Whether you're hoping to save labor time or increase efficiency, it can be helpful to do it all with one machine. For many homeowners and lawn care professionals, that machine is a zero turn mower.
A zero turn mower is a riding mower with a turn radius of zero, meaning it can pivot entirely on its own axis without leaving strips of uncut grass behind. When it comes to speed and efficiency, zero turn mowers are hard to beat for their primary job. But if there's an opportunity to mow your lawn while also knocking out other yard work, it's an opportunity worth taking.
That's where a hitch plate comes in.
Hitch plates are steel plates, welded or bolted to the rear frame of a mower, that serve as a sturdy mounting base for towing hardware. On a zero turn mower, a hitch plate lets you attach a variety of pull-behind equipment — utility carts, spreaders, aerators, dethatchers, and more — so you can tackle several tasks in a single pass across the lawn.
Deciding on the right one can be tricky, especially with so many mower models and towing needs out there. Below, we'll walk through what to look for, then share some of the best trailer hitch plates on the market right now.
What to Look For in a Hitch Plate
Shopping for unfamiliar heavy-duty equipment can be stressful, especially once safety enters the picture. Here's what we recommend evaluating before you buy:
- Compatibility: Some hitch plates are built for a specific brand or model line — for example, certain hitches are designed specifically for Ferris and Simplicity zero turn mowers, like their IS-series models. Others are designed to work universally. A universal hitch plate is typically designed to fit any make or model of zero turn mower, but you'll still want to confirm your mower has the mounting holes or hitch slot the plate requires before you buy
- Towing type: Depending on the plate, you may be able to tow using a ball hitch, a pin-hitch hole, or dual tow loops, and the right choice depends on the attachments you already own or plan to buy. If you're mixing and matching several types of equipment, a plate with multiple towing options gives you more flexibility
- Weight limit: Every hitch plate has a maximum towing capacity, and going over it is a safety risk for both the equipment and the mower itself. Some hitches advertise towing strength up to roughly 2,000 pounds, but that ceiling varies by product, so match the hitch's rated capacity to the heaviest attachment you plan to pull
- Material and build quality: Look for plates made from thick, reinforced steel. There are typically around 1/4-inch to 8mm steel with a rust-resistant, powder-coated finish that holds up best to repeated use and outdoor conditions over time
With these four factors in mind, you're ready to start comparing specific hitch plates for your mower.
Best Brand-Specific Hitch Plate Options
If your mower is a well-known model, a hitch designed specifically for it will usually offer the cleanest fit and easiest install.
- Craftsman: Hitches built specifically for Craftsman riding mowers and lawn tractors come with all mounting hardware included and are compatible with both a hitch pin and a standard hitch ball, making them a straightforward upgrade if you're already running a Craftsman machine
- Ferris and Simplicity: For IS-series mowers, a dedicated hitch built from 1/4-inch Grade 50 steel with a 3/4-inch hitch mount hole is designed to fit models like the IS5100Z, IS2000Z, IS1500Z, IS500Z, IS600Z, and IS700Z without drilling or modification
- Multi-brand universal fit: Several manufacturers make hitches sized to work across brands — Ferris, Simplicity, Cub Cadet, Scag, John Deere, Bad Boy, Snapper, and Toro are commonly supported by the same universal plate, which is worth considering if you own more than one mower or plan to upgrade machines down the road
Top Trailer Hitch Option
For most zero turn mower owners, a universal hitch plate is the safest starting point, since it removes the guesswork around brand-specific fitment. One widely available option, the Z-Hitch™ Zero-Turn Hitch Plate by Good Vibrations®, illustrates why.
The Z-Hitch is compatible with popular makes and models from John Deere, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Toro, and more, and installs with two included bolts as long as the mounting holes on your mower are between 2.5 and 6.5 inches apart. Plus, it offers more than one way to tow — a 1-7/8 inch ball hitch, a pin-hitch hole, and dual tow loops. That way, it can flex to whatever attachments you already own.
That combination of broad compatibility, easy installation, and towing versatility is why it's a strong default pick if you're not sure exactly which hitch your mower needs.
Helpful Hitch Plate Comparison Chart
|
Hitch Plate |
Best For |
Material |
Towing Method(s) |
Compatibility |
|
Universal 3-way hitch plate (e.g., Z-Hitch by Good Vibrations) |
First-time buyers, mixed attachment types |
Steel, bolt-on |
Ball, pin hole, tow loops |
Most major brands |
|
Ferris/Simplicity IS-series hitch |
Owners of Ferris or Simplicity mowers |
1/4" Grade 50 steel |
3/4" hitch mount hole |
Ferris & Simplicity IS-series only |
|
Craftsman-specific hitch |
Craftsman riding mower/lawn tractor owners |
Steel |
Hitch pin & standard hitch ball |
Craftsman only |
|
Heavy-duty universal kit (e.g., HOWBOW-style) |
Frequent, heavier-load towing |
1/4" steel, powder-coated |
Hitch pin, chain slot |
Husqvarna, Craftsman, John Deere, Cub Cadet, Exmark, Toro, and more |
Note: Always confirm exact fit and current weight ratings against your mower's owner's manual before purchasing.
Ready to Add a Hitch to Your Zero Turn Mower?
A hitch plate is a small investment that can turn your mowing time into multi-tasking time. Match the compatibility, towing type, and weight limit to your specific mower and attachments, and you'll be set up to spread, haul, and aerate without hopping climbing off your seat.
Shop our full Good Vibrations lineup, available on Amazon and at select farm and home stores (use our Product Locator to locate one near you), to find the right hitch plates and outdoor power equipment accessories for you and your yard work needs.
