Riding lawn mowers make yard work faster and easier, but they’re also bulky, heavy, and awkward to move. Whether you’re selling your mower or relocating with it to a new home, knowing how to transport a riding mower safely requires more than just lifting it into a truck bed.
These gas-powered machines can leak fuel, tip over during loading, or damage your vehicle if not properly secured. But there’s good news. You have several reliable ways to move one safely.
In general, there are 4 main ways to transport a riding lawn mower: pickup truck, utility trailer, rental truck, or with professional movers. Each option has pros and cons depending on the mower’s size, weight, and the distance of your move.
This guide will walk you though the safest and most efficient ways to prepare, load, and haul your riding lawn mower for your particular situation, so it arrives ready to mow at your new home.
What to Know Before You Transport a Riding Lawn Mower
Before you decide how to move your mower, take a few minutes to plan. The right preparation can prevent damage, leaks, or costly mistakes.
1. Know the weight of your mower
Riding mowers vary widely in size. A small lawn tractor weighs about 400–500 lbs, while a heavy-duty garden tractor or zero-turn mower can exceed 1,000 lbs.
2. Decide if it’s worth transporting
If you’re moving long-distance, the cost of shipping a heavy mower could come close to the cost of buying a new one. Consider the age, condition, and resale value of your existing mower before committing. You might want to sell it and get an upgrade at your new home instead of moving your current one.
3. Empty the gas tank and fluids
Fuel and oil are considered hazardous and are not allowed on moving trucks. Drain or run the mower dry before loading it into the bed of any pickup truck or onto a trailer. As for empty fuel cans, they can still release fumes, which are highly flammable. To stay safe, always transport fuel cans separately from your mower and away from any potential ignition sources.
How to Transport a Riding Lawn Mower, Step-by-Step
If you’ve decided to take your mower with you, you’ll need the right prep, equipment, and patience. These steps outline how to get your mower from yard to truck bed or trailer safely, without injury, spills, or damage to your vehicle. Think of this as your all-in-one loading guide, whether you’re going across town or across the state.
Step 1. Prep Your Lawn Mower for Transport
You should start by making your mower transport-ready. Thorough preparation makes the actual moving day a lot easier, so be sure to follow these steps:
- Drain fuel and oil: Gas and oil expand with heat, which can cause leaks or even fires during transport. Run the mower until it stalls or siphon any remaining fuel into an approved container.
- Disconnect the battery: Prevent accidental starts by removing the negative terminal first. Tape the ends with electrical tape to prevent sparks.
- Remove attachments: Detach baggers, snow blades, decks (if removable), and any tow-behind accessories. These add unnecessary weight and can shift during the trip, damaging the mower or other items.
- Check tire pressure: Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. You can find that number in your mower manual. Doing this keeps the mower balanced and easier to steer on ramps.
- Clean the mower: Dirt, clippings, and mud can make ramps slick and dangerous. Take the time to wipe down the tires and undercarriage.
- Label and store small parts: Place bolts, pins, or caps in a sealed plastic bag labeled “Mower Parts” and tape it to the steering wheel or seat.
Pro tip: If you’re prepping for a long-distance move, wrap the seat and control panel in plastic wrap to protect them against rain and road debris.
Step 2. Choose the Right Vehicle or Trailer
The right transport method depends on your mower’s size and how far you’re moving. There are 4 major options to get your mower where it needs to go. Here’s more detail on each:
Pickup truck
A solid choice for local moves. A standard half-ton truck (like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado) can handle most lawn tractors, but make sure the tailgate and bed can support the combined weight of the mower and ramps. Most beds can handle up to 1,200-2,000 lbs distributed evenly.
Utility trailer
These make loading safer and easier, especially with wide or zero-turn mowers. Look for one with a built-in gate ramp and a capacity that easily handles your mower’s weight. Secure the tongue to your hitch ball properly, and cross the safety chains underneath for stability.
Rental truck
A 10’ or 15’ truck from companies like U-Haul or Budget often includes a loading ramp with a gentle angle. This is the easiest DIY option for long-distance moves.
Professional movers
If your mower is expensive or part of a large household move, let professionals handle the heavy lifting. Movers have liftgates, rated straps, and insurance coverage, making it a safer choice. Be sure to verify coverage and equipment before booking.
Can a riding lawn mower fit in your truck bed?
Here’s a quick look at which trucks can safely handle moving your mower. You should always check the specifications of a rented vehicle or one you own before committing to using it for your mower’s transport.
If your mower doesn’t fit, removing the deck and any other protruding parts can reduce the width and make fitting easier.
Step 3. Load the Riding Lawn Mower
Improper loading is a common cause of mower-related moving accidents, so this part requires the most care. Follow these steps to ensure your mower is loaded safely for your move:
- Park on a flat surface: Engage the truck or trailer brake.
- Set up ramps: Look for ones that are rated to safely exceed your mower’s weight. Steel loading ramps with safety straps are best.
- Align the ramps evenly: Make sure they’re secured to the bed or trailer to prevent slipping.
- Shift the mower to low gear: Drive slowly up the ramps, and never in reverse.
- Walk beside the mower: Don’t sit on it! Keep one hand on the steering wheel and one on the seat for control.
- Center the mower: Evenly distribute the weight in the truck or trailer.
- Chock the wheels: Use blocks if the slope of the bed or trailer is uneven.
If your ramps are steep, consider backing the truck’s rear wheels onto low wooden blocks to reduce the ramp angle.
Step 4. Secure Your Riding Mower for Transport
Once loaded, secure your mower to keep it from shifting. Even a small bounce can loosen a strap or cause minor damage to your vehicle.
- Use heavy-duty ratchet straps: Look for a WLL rating that exceeds the mower’s weight, and attach one at each corner of the frame.
- Anchor straps: These should connect to metal points on the truck or trailer, not plastic bumpers or thin rails.
- Lower the mower deck: This is to create a wider, more stable base.
- Compress the suspension: You should tighten the straps until the suspension is slightly compressed to prevent bouncing.
- Check strap tension: Recheck tension after 10–15 minutes of driving and at each stop.
Pro tip: If using an open trailer, cover the mower with a lightweight tarp to prevent gravel or debris from hitting paint or controls.
Step 5. Unload the Mower Safely
When it’s time to unload your mower, take the same care and precaution as when you loaded it.
- Park on a flat surface: This is to make sure the truck or trailer is secure and stable enough for unloading.
- Reattach your ramps: Double-check that they’re locked in place.
- Back the mower down slowly: Stay in low gear, and never coast down the ramp.
- Ensure ramps are secured with safety straps: Have a helper spot from the side as you guide the mower down slowly.
- Move slowly off the ramps: Stop and inspect for any strap or tire damage before driving away.
If you’re unloading on gravel or grass, place plywood sheets at the ramp base to prevent sinking or slippage.
Long-Distance Transport Tips
Moving a riding mower across town is one thing — hauling it hundreds of miles requires a few extra precautions. Long-distance transport adds weather exposure and hours of highway travel, and the vibration can loosen straps or damage unprotected parts. When you’re traveling a long way, a little extra preparation goes a long way toward keeping your mower secure and in good condition from start to finish.
- Cover the mower: Use a breathable tarp to protect it from weather and debris.
- Inspect tie-downs and tires: Check them at every stop to ensure nothing has loosened.
- Consider shipping insurance: Add coverage for commercial or high-value mowers to protect against loss or damage.
- Avoid stacking: Keep space around the mower clear, since vibration can cause dents or scratches.
Can You Hire Someone to Transport a Riding Lawn Mower?
Yes! Hiring professionals is definitely an option, especially if you have a large or expensive mower. Professional small equipment haulers or movers can transport riding mowers safely using specialized trailers or lift gates.
When hiring, confirm the company:
- Has insurance coverage for vehicle transport.
- Uses rated straps, ramps, and lift systems.
- Follows fuel and battery safety rules.
According to the American Transportation Research Institute, the average cost of truck operation now exceeds $2.00 per mile, so even short local moves can run $200–$400 when you factor in fuel, labor, and loading time. Quotes from equipment‐shipping marketplaces like uShip can offer a ballpark idea of cost, but they don’t include labor or full move logistics.
“If you’re moving long-distance, the cost of shipping a heavy mower could come close to the cost of buying a new one. Consider the age, condition, and resale value of your existing mower before committing.”
If you’re already working with movers for your household relocation, ask if they handle small vehicle transport. It might be cheaper to bundle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Transporting a riding lawn mower isn’t complicated, but it does require careful planning and safety gear. The key is to match your mower to the right transport method. Then, secure it properly and avoid common oversights. Even experienced DIYers make errors that can lead to damage or injury. Avoid these frequent pitfalls:
- Using ramps not rated for your mower’s weight: If it collapses, it can cause injuries or equipment damage.
- Securing with rope or bungee cords: These don’t hold steady under pressure. Always use ratchet straps.
- Leaving fuel or oil in the tank: This risks spills and is banned in most moving vehicles.
- Forgetting to lower the cutting deck: The elevated center of gravity makes tipping more likely.
- Attempting to load or unload alone: Always have a second person assist you.