By Jerry Poore, Owner, I-80 Trailers
Before owning I-80 Trailers, I owned a lawn care company. I learned quickly that a trailer is not just how you move equipment from one property to another.
It affects how quickly your crew can load, how efficiently you can run a route, how safely your equipment travels, and how easily your business can grow.
A trailer that barely fits one zero-turn mower may work today. But add a second mower, a walk-behind, an aerator, fuel cans, trimmers, blowers, or a toolbox, and that same trailer can become crowded fast.
The best trailer for a lawn care or landscaping business is not necessarily the smallest one your mower will fit on. It is the trailer that gives you the right combination of:
- Usable deck space
- Adequate payload capacity
- A practical loading ramp
- Accessible tie-down points
- Compatibility with your tow vehicle
- Room for the business to grow
Here is what to consider before choosing a trailer for a zero-turn mower and landscaping equipment.
Quick Answer: What Trailer Do You Need for a Zero-Turn Mower?
A trailer for a zero-turn mower should be:
- Wide enough for the mower's complete transport width
- Long enough for the mower, attachments, tools, and safe loading clearance
- Rated to carry the combined operating weight of everything on the trailer
- Equipped with a ramp that provides a manageable loading angle
- Built with properly located, rated tie-down points
- Large enough to support equipment you realistically expect to add
Do not shop by mower deck size alone.
A mower described as having a 52-inch or 60-inch cutting deck will be wider than that once you account for the discharge chute, deck guards, tires, and other components. Measure the actual machine before choosing the trailer.
Start With the Equipment, Not the Trailer
Before looking at trailer sizes, make a complete list of what you expect to haul.
For a lawn care or landscaping company, that may include:
- Zero-turn mower
- Stand-on mower
- Walk-behind mower
- Push mower
- Aerator
- Dethatcher
- Spreader
- Edger
- Trimmers
- Backpack blowers
- Fuel cans
- Hand tools
- Toolboxes
- Spare tires
- Attachments
- Mulch, seed, fertilizer, or other materials
Do not build the list around your lightest workday. Use the heaviest and most equipment-intensive day you reasonably expect.
3 Major Equipment Measurements
Then record three measurements for every major piece of equipment:
- Overall length
- Overall width
- Operating weight
The manufacturer's advertised cutting width is not necessarily the mower's overall transport width. Measure from the widest fixed point to the widest point on the other side, with the discharge chute positioned as it will be during transport.
Also measure the mower's total length with any bagger, collection system, hitch, weight kit, or rear attachment installed.
How Much Trailer Deck Length Do You Need?
Deck length is different from trailer width.
Trailer deck length means the usable floor area available for equipment. It does not include the tongue, coupler, or other parts of the trailer that cannot hold cargo.
A mower may technically fit on a short trailer, but "technically fits" is not the same as "works well every day."
Your trailer needs enough deck length for:
- The full equipment footprint
- Clearance between machines
- Access to tie-down points
- Proper weight placement
- Safe entry and exit
- Attachments or collection systems
- Tools and supplies
- Future equipment
Calculate Your Required Deck Length
Start with the length of each machine in the order you expect to load it.
Then add room for:
- Space between machines
- Front and rear clearance
- Tie-down access
- Movement while loading
- Tool racks, fuel stations, or storage boxes
Example: Suppose a zero-turn mower takes up approximately seven feet of deck length and a walk-behind mower takes up another six feet when loaded end to end. A 14-foot deck might hold them on paper, but it may leave little room for securement, positioning, or additional equipment.
In that situation, moving to the next available deck length may create a much more practical work setup.
Think About Equipment Orientation
Equipment does not always have to be loaded straight from front to rear. Depending on trailer width and balance, some smaller machines may be positioned across the deck.
However, turning equipment sideways only works when:
- The trailer is wide enough
- The machine can be safely maneuvered
- The load remains properly balanced
- Tie-down points remain accessible
- The equipment does not extend beyond the trailer
Draw the trailer deck on paper and place each machine within the usable dimensions. It is a simple step, but it can expose space problems before you buy.
Do Not Forget Trailer Width
Deck length gets most of the attention, but width is equally important for zero-turn mowers.
Measure the actual usable width between:
- Trailer side rails
- Fenders
- Interior walls on an enclosed trailer
- Gate supports
- Wheel boxes
- Tool racks or storage systems
A mower that is close to the trailer's maximum width may be difficult to load repeatedly. You also need enough clearance to avoid catching a tire, deck edge, chute, or control lever.
For a commercial crew loading and unloading several times a day, a few extra inches of usable width can make a noticeable difference.
The goal is not excessive empty space. The goal is a layout that your crew can use safely and efficiently without having to line up perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Ramp for a Mower Trailer
Ramp design affects loading speed, mower clearance, employee effort, and the way the trailer tows.
The right ramp depends on the equipment being loaded and how often the trailer will be used.
Full-Width Landscape Gate
A full-width rear gate is common on open utility and landscape trailers.
Advantages:
- Fast loading and unloading
- Full-width access
- Simple operation
- Convenient for mowers of different widths
- Gate also closes the rear of the trailer
Considerations:
- A tall mesh gate can create wind resistance
- Large gates can be heavy without spring assistance
- The loading angle may be too steep for low-clearance equipment
- Mesh and frame construction must be rated for the equipment
For crews loading several times a day, look for a gate that can be raised and lowered without excessive strain.
Bi-Fold Ramp Gate
A bi-fold gate folds into a shorter profile.
Advantages:
- Lower upright height
- Reduced wind exposure compared with some full-height gates
- Easier handling when properly designed
- Full-width loading surface
Considerations:
- More hinges and moving components
- Must lock securely in both folded and travel positions
- Weight rating still needs to match the equipment
Separate Loading Ramps
Individual ramps can be moved to match the mower's tire spacing.
Advantages:
- Less permanent wind resistance
- Flexible positioning
- Can be removed when not needed
- May work well for varied equipment
Considerations:
- Must be positioned correctly every time
- Need secure storage during travel
- Can shift if not properly connected
- Do not provide a continuous surface across the full trailer width
Separate ramps should connect securely to the trailer. Loose ramps resting against the deck are not a good daily loading system.
Dovetail or Lower Loading Angle
A dovetail lowers the rear section of the trailer deck, reducing the transition between the ramp and the trailer.
This can be useful for:
- Low-clearance mower decks
- Machines with long wheelbases
- Equipment that may bottom out at a steep breakover point
- Crews loading frequently throughout the day
The lowest possible ramp is not automatically the best one, but the equipment should be able to transition onto the deck without scraping, spinning its tires, or becoming unstable.
What to Check Before Choosing a Ramp
Ask these questions:
- What is the ramp's rated capacity?
- Is that rating for the whole ramp or each ramp section?
- Is the surface wide enough for the mower?
- Does it provide traction when wet?
- Can one employee raise and lower it safely?
- Will the mower deck clear the transition?
- Can the ramp be secured during travel?
- Will the ramp still work with equipment you may add later?
Never assume a gate is strong enough because it looks heavy. Confirm its rated capacity.
How Much Trailer Payload Capacity Do You Need?
Payload capacity is the amount of cargo the trailer can carry.
It is not the same as GVWR.
Payload Capacity = Trailer GVWR − Empty Trailer Weight
Example: If a trailer has a 7,000-pound GVWR and weighs 2,000 pounds empty, its theoretical payload capacity is approximately 5,000 pounds.
The weight of the trailer itself uses part of its GVWR before any mower, tools, or supplies are loaded.
Include Everything You Put on the Trailer
When calculating the required payload, include:
- Mowers
- Attachments
- Collection systems
- Fuel
- Tool racks
- Storage boxes
- Trimmers and blowers
- Aerators and spreaders
- Spare tires
- Hand tools
- Materials
- Any permanently installed accessories
Use the equipment's actual operating weight whenever possible. A bare machine may weigh less than the same machine equipped for a full day of work.
Do Not Plan to Operate at the Ceiling
A trailer should not be selected so that a normal workday puts it at or immediately below its maximum rating.
Your load will change. Equipment gets added. Toolboxes fill up. Fuel, attachments, and supplies are easy to underestimate.
I prefer to see a reasonable capacity buffer rather than a trailer that is maxed out from the beginning.
That does not mean buying far more trailer than you need. A larger trailer also weighs more, costs more, and requires more from the tow vehicle.
It means choosing enough capacity for the real load—not just the mower listed on the original estimate.
Axle Capacity Is Not the Same as Payload
Do not look only at the axle rating.
Trailer capacity is determined by the complete rated system, including the:
- Frame
- Axles
- Tires
- Wheels
- Suspension
- Coupler
- Brakes
- Manufacturer-assigned GVWR
A trailer with two axles is not automatically rated to carry any load that physically fits on the deck.
Use the trailer's data plate and published specifications to confirm its GVWR and empty weight.
Single-Axle or Tandem-Axle Trailer?
A single-axle trailer can work well for a lighter mower setup, limited equipment, and shorter or less frequent hauling.
A tandem-axle trailer may be a better fit when you are carrying:
- Multiple commercial mowers
- Heavier attachments
- Aerators or other powered equipment
- Larger tool and fuel systems
- Equipment used by a growing crew
Tandem axles generally provide more available capacity and distribute the load across additional tires and suspension components. They may also offer better stability for heavier commercial loads.
However, the number of axles does not replace the need to check the trailer's actual GVWR, payload, brake configuration, and tire ratings.
The trailer also has to remain within the towing, payload, hitch, and combined-weight limits of the tow vehicle. NHTSA guidance recommends comparing the fully loaded trailer and tongue weight with the ratings of the tow vehicle and hitch.
Tie-Down Points Matter More Than Most Buyers Realize
A landscaping trailer may have enough room and capacity but still be frustrating to use if the tie-down points are in the wrong places.
Look for tie-down points that are:
- Rated for equipment securement
- Attached to structural areas of the trailer
- Accessible after the mower is loaded
- Located near the front and rear of the equipment
- Positioned to allow securement in multiple directions
- Available in enough locations to accommodate different layouts
Common securement options include:
- Recessed D-rings
- Surface-mounted D-rings
- Stake pockets
- Rub rails
- E-track or similar track systems
- Manufacturer-designed mower restraint systems
The correct option depends on the trailer design and equipment being transported.
Plan Tie-Down Access Before You Buy
Ask yourself:
- Can I reach the front securement points with the mower loaded?
- Can I secure the rear without crawling underneath the machine?
- Will a second mower block the first mower's tie-down points?
- Can straps or chains run without rubbing against sharp edges?
- Are the anchor points rated for the load?
- Can the mower be secured without attaching to fragile controls or bodywork?
Parking brakes, wheel chocks, and transmission settings can help keep equipment stationary during loading and parking, but they do not replace properly rated cargo securement.
NHTSA notes that drivers are responsible for preventing cargo from dropping, shifting, leaking, or escaping the vehicle, and every state has laws addressing unsecured loads. Commercial operators may also be subject to FMCSA cargo-securement requirements involving the number, placement, condition, and aggregate working load limit of tiedowns.
Use tie-downs rated for the load, attach them only to approved securement locations, and replace damaged straps, chains, hooks, or binders.
Load Placement Affects How the Trailer Tows
The equipment layout must do more than fit within the deck.
The load should also be positioned so the trailer remains balanced and places the correct amount of weight on the hitch.
A mower placed too far behind the trailer axles can reduce tongue weight and contribute to unstable towing. A load placed too far forward can place too much weight on the tow vehicle, hitch, or rear axle.
As a general loading practice:
- Keep heavy equipment low
- Center it from side to side
- Position the primary load over or slightly forward of the trailer axles
- Follow the trailer and tow-vehicle manufacturers' loading instructions
- Verify actual loaded weights when the margin is close
Do not guess at balance based only on how the truck and trailer look. A public scale can confirm the loaded trailer weight, axle loading, and combined setup.
Buy for Growth—But Keep It Realistic
One of the most common mistakes I see is buying a trailer for the equipment a company owns today without considering what the business will add next.
Before choosing a trailer, ask:
- Will I add a second zero-turn mower?
- Will I hire another crew member?
- Will I begin offering aeration or seasonal cleanup?
- Will I add a stand-on or walk-behind mower?
- Will I need larger fuel or tool storage?
- Will I add a collection system?
- Will I start hauling mulch, seed, or other materials?
- Will I need to separate dirty equipment from handheld tools?
A little additional deck space and payload capacity can prevent the need to replace the trailer after one season.
But there is another side to that decision.
Do not buy a trailer so large that it:
- Exceeds the tow vehicle's capability
- Is difficult to maneuver on residential routes
- Cannot fit in normal parking areas
- Adds unnecessary purchase and operating cost
- Creates unused space for equipment you are unlikely to buy
My rule is simple:
Buy one realistic step ahead—not three imaginary steps ahead.
If the second mower is already in next year's budget, account for it. If the idea is only a distant possibility, do not build the entire trailer decision around it.
Open or Enclosed Trailer for Landscaping Equipment?
Both open and enclosed trailers can work for lawn care and landscaping businesses.
An Open Trailer May Be Better When You Want:
- Faster loading and unloading
- Easy access from several sides
- Lower empty trailer weight
- Lower initial cost
- Better visibility while positioning equipment
- Simple hauling for mowers and outdoor equipment
An Enclosed Trailer May Be Better When You Want:
- Protection from weather
- Additional equipment security
- Organized tool storage
- A mobile workshop or supply area
- Space for company graphics
- Separation between equipment and the tow vehicle
An enclosed trailer generally weighs more than a comparable open trailer, so calculate payload carefully. Interior wall dimensions, door openings, wheel boxes, cabinets, and shelving can also reduce usable equipment space.
Choose based on workflow—not appearance alone.
Additional Features That Can Improve a Landscape Trailer
Depending on how the trailer will be used, consider:
- Side loading gate
- Spring-assisted rear gate
- Dovetail
- Adjustable or removable equipment racks
- Lockable trimmer racks
- Blower racks
- Fuel-can storage
- Lockable toolbox
- Spare-tire mount
- LED work lights
- Electric brakes
- Breakaway system
- Stabilizer jacks
- Floor material suited to mower tires and weather
- Multiple tie-down locations
- Enclosed storage for batteries, tools, or chemicals
Accessories add weight. Include them when calculating available payload.
Also consider where accessories are installed. A poorly positioned toolbox or rack can interfere with mower clearance, turning space, tie-down access, or load balance.
Trailer-Buying Checklist for Zero-Turn Mowers
Before purchasing a landscaping equipment trailer, verify the following:
Equipment Fit
- Actual mower length measured
- Actual mower transport width measured
- Attachments included in measurements
- Complete equipment layout planned
- Loading and unloading clearance provided
Trailer Capacity
- Trailer GVWR confirmed
- Empty trailer weight confirmed
- Actual payload calculated
- Total equipment and accessory weight added
- Capacity allowed for normal supplies and growth
Ramp
- Ramp capacity confirmed
- Approach angle works for mower clearance
- Ramp width matches equipment
- Surface provides adequate traction
- Ramp can be operated safely by the crew
- Ramp locks securely for travel
Securement
- Rated tie-down points available
- Tie-downs remain accessible when loaded
- Equipment has approved securement locations
- Straps, chains, hooks, and binders are properly rated
- Wheel chocks used when appropriate
- Securement layout works for every machine
Tow Vehicle
- Towing capacity checked
- Vehicle payload checked
- Hitch rating checked
- Tongue-weight limit checked
- Brake controller and trailer brakes considered
- Combined loaded weight evaluated
Future Use
- Expected equipment purchases identified
- Additional crew needs considered
- Tool and fuel storage planned
- Route and parking limitations considered
- Trailer can support realistic business growth
Final Recommendation
When I owned a lawn care company, the trailer became part of every job.
If the layout was crowded, loading took longer. If tools were buried, the crew lost time. If the ramp was difficult to handle, it became a problem several times a day—not once in a while.
That is why I recommend choosing a trailer based on the full work process.
Measure the equipment. Calculate the real loaded weight. Check the ramp angle. Plan where every machine will sit. Make sure the tie-down points are usable. Then think about what the business is likely to add next.
The right trailer should do more than hold your mower.
It should help your crew load efficiently, transport equipment safely, stay organized, and keep working as the business grows.
At I-80 Trailers, we help lawn care companies, landscapers, property owners, and contractors compare trailer sizes, payload capacities, ramp configurations, and equipment layouts before they buy.
The Right Trailer. Ready When You Are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trailer do I need for a zero-turn mower?
Measure the mower's full transport length and width, including its discharge chute, tires, attachments, collection system, and rear components. Choose a trailer with enough usable deck space for the mower, safe clearance, proper weight placement, and tie-down access. Add space for any tools or equipment that will travel with it.
Is a mower's deck size the same as its overall width?
No. The cutting-deck measurement does not necessarily include the discharge chute, guards, tires, or other components. Measure the mower's widest transport point before choosing a trailer.
How much payload capacity does a mower trailer need?
Add the operating weight of every mower, attachment, tool, rack, fuel container, toolbox, spare tire, and other item carried. Compare that total with the trailer's payload capacity, which is calculated by subtracting the empty trailer weight from its GVWR.
Is a single-axle trailer enough for a zero-turn mower?
It may be sufficient for one lighter mower and limited equipment, provided the load remains within the trailer's payload rating. A heavier commercial setup or multiple machines may require a higher-capacity tandem-axle trailer.
What is the best ramp for loading a zero-turn mower?
The best ramp has enough capacity, width, traction, and a low enough approach angle for the mower. Full-width gates are convenient for frequent loading, while bi-fold gates or individual ramps may reduce wind exposure or provide additional flexibility.
Do I need to tie down a zero-turn mower on a trailer?
Yes. The mower should be secured with properly rated equipment attached to appropriate tie-down points. The parking brake and wheel chocks do not replace cargo securement.
Should I buy a larger trailer for future growth?
Plan for equipment you realistically expect to add within the next year or two. A modest increase in deck length and capacity may prevent an early replacement, but the trailer must still match the tow vehicle, route conditions, budget, and daily operating needs.
Is an open or enclosed trailer better for a landscaping company?
Open trailers usually provide faster access, lower empty weight, and easier loading. Enclosed trailers provide weather protection, security, storage, and branding space. The better option depends on your equipment, workflow, route, payload requirements, and security needs.