Preparing Your Mower and Vehicle
To fit a riding lawn mower, the pickup truck must have a bed length of at least 6 feet. A 42 riding mower easily fits as it is around 6.5 feet long. Before loading, ensure the truck has enough room to secure the machine. Turn the mower off and set the parking brake. Load slowly in low gear. Tie it down with straps. Remove detachable parts to make loading easier.
Use arched loading ramps to easily fit the mower at an angle to not catch the deck. Lower the trailer gate to the ground as a ramp. Push up slowly. Secure with straps. For trucks without ramps, position on flat, level ground. Drive onto the bed from a gentle hill without flipping.
A lawn mower under 44 inches fits most trucks. Even 48 inches fits but takes maneuvering. Use metal ramps to load into cars. Folding handles make push mowers portable for car trunks. Match mower and car size.
Secure the parked truck on flat ground. Attach ramps to the tailgate. Put the mower in low gear and drive slowly onto the bed. Tie it securely. A bypass lever disengages the mower for pushing.
Weight and Safety Considerations
How heavy is a riding lawn mower? The average riding mower can weigh between 300 and 600 pounds.
It is entirely safe and lawful to put that lawn mower on your moving truck, provided you drain all the oil and gasoline out of it first.
Transportation without a Trailer
Most riding lawn mowers are less than 6 feet 8 inches in length and thus can fit on the back of any long-bed pickup truck. Measure the dimensions of both your truck and the riding mower. If not, use a cargo truck.
Generally, a longer bed can have 8 feet, and a standard one can have a length of 6 feet and 5 inches, while a shorter one has about 5 feet and 8 inches.
Alternatives for Loading
How do you put a riding lawn mower on a truck without ramps? Lower the back of the trailer to the ground, turning the tailgate into a ramp.
How do you transport a riding lawn mower on a trailer? Connect a trailer with a loading ramp to the hitch on the back of a vehicle. Position the vehicle and trailer so they are on a flat and level surface.
Considerations for Transport
Limited Space: Depending on the size of your pickup truck, the available space may not be sufficient for larger push lawn mowers.
Potential Damage: Improper loading or securing of the push lawn mower can lead to damage during transportation.
Fuel Considerations: If your push lawn mower has a fuel tank, you need to ensure it is emptied or properly secured to avoid spills or leaks.
Weight Distribution: Loading a heavy push lawn mower in the back of a pickup truck can affect the vehicle’s balance and handling.
Weather Conditions: Exposing your push lawn mower to the elements during transportation can result in damage or deterioration.
Checklist for Transporting a Riding Lawn Mower
- Prepare your mower by draining gas and oil, cleaning, and securing loose parts.
- Measure your truck bed and the mower to ensure it fits.
- Secure the parked truck on flat ground and attach ramps.
- Drive the mower slowly onto the bed and secure it with straps.
- Check straps and protection covers regularly during transportation.
By following these guidelines, transporting a riding lawn mower can be done safely and effectively.