8 Best Ball Hitches for Riding Lawn Mowers (October 2026)

The best ball hitches for riding lawn mowers include the CURT 40097 Chrome ATV for a compatible tongue hole, the REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch for a ball and mower plate, and the TOPTOW 64008 ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter for ball, clevis and strap use.

On this page (5 sections)

1. How we chose ball hitches for riding lawn mowers
2. Best ball hitches for riding lawn mowers
3. What should you measure before buying a lawn tractor hitch ball?
4. Does the ball rating tell you how much your mower can tow?
5. Which ball hitch should you choose for a riding lawn mower?

The best ball hitch for a riding lawn mower is one that matches both the mower's rear mounting points and the trailer coupler. For a compatible 5/8 in hole, consider the CURT ball; for a plate and ball in one kit, consider REDTEE's zero-turn hitch.

A 2 in ball is useful only when the trailer coupler is also made for that size. Before you choose, identify the mower's mount style, measure its bolt spacing or receiver, and check the mower's tow limit.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a compatible tongue hole

   CURT 40097 Chrome ATV

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a ball and mower plate

   REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for ball, clevis and strap use

   TOPTOW 64008 ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   LAFORMO Lawn Tractor Trailer Hitch

   Best for a full-length back plate
   Check it
5. 5

   BOSFLAG Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch with Hitch

   Best for a plate and 3/4 in shank ball
   Check it
6. 6

   Lawneagle Zero Turn Mower Trailer Hitch

   Best for a slotted zero-turn mount
   Check it
7. 7

   Xprite ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter w/2" Ball

   Best for a 2 in receiver
   Check it
8. 8

   REDTEE 3-Way ATV/UTV Trailer Hitch Adapter

   Best for a 2 in receiver with rise
   Check it

How we chose ball hitches for riding lawn mowers

We compared the connection style, ball size, shank or receiver fit, included hardware and stated capacity for each pick. The score weighs those features against the needs of someone matching a mower mount to a trailer coupler.

A hitch rating does not set the mower's towing limit. Use the lowest applicable limit among the mower, hitch, ball, coupler and trailer, and follow the mower manual.

Best ball hitches for riding lawn mowers

The right option depends on whether your mower has a tongue hole, a rear plate or a receiver. Check the mount first, then compare these picks by how they connect.

1

CURT 40097 Chrome ATV: Best for a compatible tongue hole

9.7/10Our score

• 2 in ball diameter
• 5/8 in shank diameter
• 1-3/4 in shank length
• Rated for up to 2,000 lb gross trailer weight

A ball-only choice for a mower or tongue with a matching 5/8 in mounting hole. It includes a hex nut and lock washer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 2 in ball fits a matching coupler
• Chrome-plated finish
• Nut and lock washer included

Cons

• Requires a compatible mounting hole
• Does not include a mower hitch plate

The CURT 40097 is a ball-only choice for a mower or tongue with a 5/8 in mounting hole. Its 2 in ball matches a 2 in trailer coupler, while the 1-3/4 in shank length helps you check whether enough thread and clearance are available at the mount.

The hot-forged steel ball is chrome plated. CURT rates it for up to 2,000 lb gross trailer weight and includes a zinc-plated nut and helical lock washer; the required torque is 90 lb-ft.

This option does not add a plate to a mower without a suitable mount. Measure the hole and available space before selecting it, and compare the towing limit with the mower manual.

Choose it when the mower already has a matching tongue hole. If you need a complete plate-style attachment, compare the other kits below.

2

REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch: Best for a ball and mower plate

9.5/10Our score

• 2 in hitch ball
• 5/8 in hitch pin hole
• Slotted mounting holes
• 2.0–5.1 in bolt mounting span

This plate-style hitch combines a 2 in ball with slotted mounting holes and a stated 2.0–5.1 in mounting span. Check the mower frame and bolt spacing before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ball and mounting hardware included
• Slotted mounting holes
• Chain slot

Cons

• Fit depends on mower mounting points
• Confirm the mounting span against the frame

REDTEE combines a mower mounting plate and 2 in ball. Its slotted holes and stated 2.0–5.1 in bolt mounting span give you dimensions to compare with the mower's rear mounting points.

The hitch also has a 5/8 in hitch pin hole and a chain slot for strap loops or chains. REDTEE includes mounting hardware and describes the hitch as fitting a range of equipment, but the mower frame still determines whether the plate can be secured correctly.

Measure the bolt spacing and check clearance around the rear frame before ordering. Keep the mower maker's tow limit in view even though REDTEE gives the hitch a higher capacity rating.

Choose it when the mounting span matches your mower and you want a ball included. For more mounting styles, see our guide to the best lawn mower hitch.

3

TOPTOW 64008 ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter: Best for ball, clevis and strap use

9.3/10Our score

• 2 in ball
• 3/4 in clevis hole
• Tow strap loop
• 3 in rise or drop

This bolt-on adapter offers a ball, clevis hole and strap loop for a matching mount. Its stated capacity is 2,000 lb with a 200 lb maximum tongue weight.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three connection options
• 3 in rise or drop
• Mounting hardware included

Cons

• Needs a compatible mounting point
• Confirm the adapter's position and clearance

TOPTOW's 3-way adapter combines a 2 in ball, a 3/4 in clevis hole and a tow strap loop. That gives you more than one connection option if the mower has a compatible bolt-on mounting point.

The adapter has a 3 in rise or drop, an overall length of 9-3/8 in and 3/4 in mounting hardware. TOPTOW rates it for up to 2,000 lb with a maximum tongue weight of 200 lb, so both figures matter when you plan a trailer load.

Check how the adapter sits behind the mower and whether the connection lines up with the trailer. If you need a different rise or a standard receiver mount, confirm compatibility before choosing an adapter.

Choose it when you need ball, clevis and strap connections from a compatible mount. A hitch pin may also be part of your setup, so compare the best lawn tractor hitch pin options.

4

LAFORMO Lawn Tractor Trailer Hitch: Best for a full-length back plate

9.1/10Our score

• Iron hitch body
• Compatible with ball shanks 3/4 in or smaller
• Requires a full-length back plate
• Ball not included

This hitch body is designed for conventional lawnmowers with a full-length back plate. Add a compatible ball separately and check whether your mower needs drilling.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brace arms included
• Fits ball shanks up to 3/4 in
• Installation instructions included

Cons

• Ball sold separately
• Some installations may require drilling

LAFORMO's hitch body is aimed at a conventional mower with a full-length back plate. It accepts a trailer ball with a shank 3/4 in or smaller, but the ball is not included.

The package includes the hitch body, brace arms, bolts, washers, lock nuts and installation instructions. The maker names several mower brands as compatible, while also noting that some installations may require drilling.

Check that your mower has the required back plate and that the planned ball shank fits the hitch body. If the mower frame or mounting instructions differ, get fitment guidance before modifying it.

Choose it when your mower has a full-length back plate and you already have, or plan to add, a matching ball.

5

BOSFLAG Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch with Hitch: Best for a plate and 3/4 in shank ball

8.9/10Our score

• 2 in ball
• 3/4 in shank
• Slotted mounting holes
• Rated for up to 3,500 lb gross trailer weight

The plate, ball and hardware come together as a kit. Check the mower's rear frame and mounting-hole spacing, and follow the mower maker's towing limit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ball and hardware included
• Slotted holes for alignment
• Powder-coated finish

Cons

• Frame fit must be checked
• Mower towing limit may be lower than the hitch rating

BOSFLAG combines a hitch plate, hardware kit and 2 in ball with a 3/4 in shank. Its slotted mounting holes are meant to help align the plate with a support bracket, and the kit is described as fitting a range of mower brands.

The maker rates the ball for up to 3,500 lb gross trailer weight. Check your mower's rear frame and hole spacing before installation, and follow the mower manufacturer's lower towing limit if it is below that rating.

This kit keeps the ball and plate together, but a universal-fit description cannot confirm every frame shape. Avoid drilling extra holes until the mower manual and frame layout show that modification is suitable.

Choose it when its plate aligns with your mower and you want the ball and hardware in one kit.

6

Lawneagle Zero Turn Mower Trailer Hitch: Best for a slotted zero-turn mount

8.6/10Our score

• 2 in ball with 3/4 in shank
• Slotted mounting holes
• Mounting screws and nuts included
• Rated for up to 3,500 lb gross trailer weight

This kit pairs a 2 in ball with a plate and mounting hardware. Confirm that its support-bracket layout fits your zero-turn mower.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ball and mounting hardware included
• Slotted holes help with alignment
• Powder-coated finish

Cons

• Fit depends on the support bracket
• Follow the mower's towing limits

Lawneagle pairs a 2 in ball with a 3/4 in shank and a plate with slotted mounting holes. The kit includes mounting screws and nuts, with the hitch designed to sit on a support bracket.

The maker gives the ball a 3,500 lb gross trailer weight rating. That number does not override the mower's towing limit, and it does not confirm that the bracket fits your specific zero-turn frame.

Compare the bracket shape, hole spacing and clearance with the mower before choosing this kit. The black powder-coated finish is a practical feature for equipment used outdoors.

Choose it when a slotted plate and 3/4 in shank ball suit the mower's support bracket.

7

Xprite ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter w/2" Ball: Best for a 2 in receiver

8.4/10Our score

• 2 in ball
• 5/8 in pin hole
• Tow strap loop
• 3 in rise or drop

This receiver adapter suits a mower or tractor that already has a compatible 2 in receiver. Check receiver fit, pin size, clearance and the mower's towing limit.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three connection options
• 3 in rise or drop
• Hardware included

Cons

• Requires a compatible 2 in receiver
• Confirm fit and clearance on the mower

Xprite's 3-way adapter is for a mower or tractor with a compatible 2 in receiver. It combines a 2 in ball, a 5/8 in pin hole and a tow strap loop, with a stated 3 in rise or drop.

Xprite rates it for up to 3,500 lb and describes the bolt-on design as fitting most 2 in receivers. Check the receiver opening, pin fit and trailer height on your equipment before you choose it.

A receiver adapter is not a substitute for a receiver. If your mower has only a flat rear plate or a tongue hole, choose a mount made for that connection instead.

Choose it when the mower already has a compatible 2 in receiver and you need multiple connection options.

8

REDTEE 3-Way ATV/UTV Trailer Hitch Adapter: Best for a 2 in receiver with rise

8.1/10Our score

• 2 in square shank
• 2 in ball
• 5/8 in clevis pin hole
• 2 in rise

This adapter fits a compatible 2 in receiver and adds a 2 in ball with a 2 in rise. Its anti-swivel bolt setup requires drilling two holes in the mounting plate.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ball and hitch pin included
• 2 in rise
• Powder-coated finish

Cons

• Requires a compatible receiver
• Anti-swivel setup calls for drilling

This REDTEE adapter has a 2 in square shank for a standard 2 in receiver, a 2 in ball and a 2 in rise. It also has a 5/8 in clevis pin hole for another connection style.

The anti-swivel setup uses three-point fixation and requires drilling two holes in the mounting plate. The adapter's receiver fit and installation steps therefore matter before you decide it suits a mower.

Check the mower's receiver and the planned trailer height, then review the installation requirements. The maker states the ball capacity as 3,500 lb, but the mower and other towing parts may have lower limits.

Choose it when a 2 in receiver fits and the rise suits your trailer; account for the drilling needed for the anti-swivel bolts.

What should you measure before buying a lawn tractor hitch ball?

Measure the mower mount and trailer coupler separately, because each side needs a matching connection. Start with the mount type, then confirm the ball and coupler size.

For a ball-only setup, measure the mounting hole diameter and the space available for the shank, nut and washer. For a plate, compare the bolt spacing, frame shape and clearance with the hitch's mounting range.

For a receiver adapter, confirm the receiver size and pin fit. A ball hitch installation guide can help you understand the mounting steps before you start.

Does the ball rating tell you how much your mower can tow?

No. The safe towing limit comes from the lowest-rated part of the complete setup and the mower maker's instructions.

A ball's gross trailer weight rating describes that component. The mower, hitch plate, receiver, coupler and trailer also affect the limit, so do not use a higher accessory rating to justify a heavier load.

Keep loads balanced and use the mower only for towing tasks its maker allows. For a trailer build, see how to build a lawn mower trailer.

Which ball hitch should you choose for a riding lawn mower?

Choose the CURT ball if your mower has a matching 5/8 in hole and the trailer uses a 2 in coupler. Choose a plate kit if its mounting span and frame shape match your mower, or a receiver adapter if your equipment already has the right receiver.

Before towing, check every connection and use the mower's own towing limit. For broader lawn tractor projects, see how to turn a lawn mower into a tractor; the Lawn Mower 4.0 guide concerns a different product and is not a towing hitch guide.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a compatible tongue hole

   CURT 40097 Chrome ATV

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a ball and mower plate

   REDTEE Zero Turn Lawn Mower Trailer Hitch

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for ball, clevis and strap use

   TOPTOW 64008 ATV/UTV 3-Way Hitch Adapter

   9.3/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size ball hitch fits a riding lawn mower trailer?

Match the ball diameter to the trailer coupler. Several picks here use a 2 in ball, but the trailer's coupler may require a different size.

Also check the ball shank diameter and length against the mower mount or hitch plate.

A matching ball diameter alone does not confirm a secure fit.

Can I attach a trailer ball directly to a lawn mower?

Only if the mower has a suitable mounting point for the ball shank and its hardware. The CURT ball has a 5/8 in shank, while some plate hitches accept a ball shank up to 3/4 in.

Check the mower manual and frame before installing or towing.

How do I choose between a hitch plate and a ball-only hitch?

A ball-only hitch can work when your mower already has a correctly sized, approved mounting hole. A plate-style hitch adds a mounting bracket, but you must match its hole spacing and shape to the mower frame.

Check what hardware is included, since some hitch bodies do not include a ball.

How much weight can a riding mower tow?

Use the mower manufacturer's towing limit, which may be lower than the hitch or ball rating. The ratings shown for these accessories describe their own stated capacities, not the safe limit for every mower and trailer combination.

Keep the load balanced and follow the mower manual.