Best Sub-Compact Tractors For Mowing Small Tractors With Mighty Power. Tractor…

Tractor Mowers

Check out our line-up of Quality Heavy Duty Mowers, Rototillers, Wood Chippers, Augers, Snow blowers, Land Level, Graders, Bale Grabbers, Pallet Forks and Sweepers.

O.T.S Auto Electric, stocks three point hitch tractor attachments, implements and accessories that you need to get the job done.

With such a wide variety of attachments to choose from at reasonable prices, you never have to be without a tractor attachments that you need.

Finding the right attachment for your job does not have to be complicated.

Click the links above to shop our inventory or call us if you need help picking an attachment.

We stand behind our attachments, and are licensed under the Alberta Farm Implements Act.

All attachments come with a one year warranty from defects.

Browse our extensive selection of attachments for your tractor or contact us if you have any questions. Look no further than O.T.S Auto Electric for great value and high performance.

Our experienced professionals will ensure you get the correct model of attachment you need to match the tractor HP and the work you need to do.

DR POWER

DR Power continues to lead in the design and manufacture of innovative and durable power products. Over the last year the investment in homeowner property maintenance—by both consumers and professionals—has been unprecedented. So, we are especially excited about our new product lines for 2022.

Included in this catalog you’ll find our all-new Commercial XD Series Field and Brush Mowers. These machines are built for the rigors of continuous use and are chock-full of professional features including hydrostatic drive for the ultimate ease of operation.

As a leading manufacturer of power equipment for those who have come to expect nothing but the best, we look forward to exceeding expectations in 2022!

Flail Mowers

O.T.S. Auto Electric carries two styles of conventional Flail Mowers, the Value Jam series and the Heavy Duty NBM series. These mowers are great for mowing grass and small trees. With three staggered rows of cutting teeth, not a blade of grass is missed. Great for Tractors in the 15HP to 55 HP range.

Jam T

Flail mowers are designed to mow grass, bush and small trees (size of tree depending on the model). Three rows of staggered hammer blades lift, cut and then mulch the grass, brush and trees.

The Jam T has manual side shift allowing the mower to be placed in different positions behind the tractor. This allows the mower to mow directly behind the tractor or off to one side.

The Jam T has a double spiral rotor, external SKF bearings, and comes with hammer or y blades.

MODELJAM 145TJAM 155TJAM 175T

Working width	145cm	155cm	175cm
Number of hammer blades	24	24	28
PTO	540	540	540
Weight	194	199	212
Tractor HP	18-30 HP	22-35 HP	25-35 HP

NBM FLAIL MOWER

The NBM series of flail mowers are NorthWind’s heavy duty mowers. They are designed to mow grass, shrubs and small trees.

Hydraulic side shift allows the operator to move the mower side to side from the operators seat in the tractor.

The Northwind NBM mowers are balance tested, have three rows of hammer blades to mow and mulch.

best, sub-compact, tractors, mowing, small

MODELNBM-145NBM-185NBM-195NBM-220

Working Width	145 cm	185 cm	195 cm	220 cm
PTO	540	540	540	540
Flail Type	Hammer	Hammer	Hammer	Hammer
Number of flails	24	28	28	32
Weight	350 kg	386 kg	403 kg	444 kg
Tractor Horse Power	30-35	40-50	45-85	45-85

KDK FLAIL MOWER

The North Wind KDK HEAVY DUTY mower was designed for large mowing areas. Mowing widths up to 300 cm (9 feet 10 inches) Heavy Duty design to mow small trees around the perimeter of a field.

MODELKDK 200KDK 220KDK 240KDK 300

Working width	160 cm	220 cm	240 cm	300 cm
PTO	540	540	540	540
Flail type	Hammer	Hammer	Hammer	Hammer
Number of Flails	20	20	22	26
Weight	510 kg	530 kg	580 kg	1230 kg
Tractor Horse Power	50-85	50-85	60-85	85-120

Boom/Verge Mowers

Features: Boom mowers are designed to mow slopes and ditches while your tractor remains on the flat surface. With hydraulic side shift you can mow behind or beside your tractor and around obstacles such as trees. The hydraulic shift combined with vertical and horizontal angle movement makes these mowers extremely versatile. The three rows of hammer blades can go from mowing grass to cutting small trees(up to 3″ diameter) and shrubs.

Northwind Commercial/Heavy Duty Mowers Additional Features: Extra Heavy Duty 3 point Hitch Frame Italian CMR Gear Box Slip Clutch PTO Shaft Double Spiral Rotor Heavy Duty Hammer Blades.

MODELVBM-180DVBM-200DVBM-220D

Cutting width	180cm 5’11”	200cm 6’6.5”	220cm 7’3”
Tilt-up angle	90 degrees	90 degrees	90 degrees
Tilt-down angle	55 degrees	55 degrees	55 degrees
Vertical Extending Distance	218cm 7 feet	238cm 7 feet 9 inches	258cm 8 feet 6 inches
Horizontal Extending Distance	234.5cm 7 feet 8 inches	234.5 cm 7 feet 8 inches	234.5 cm 7 feet 8 inches
PTO Speed	540 CAT II	540 CATII	540 CAT II
Weight	705 kg/1554 lb	735 kg/1620 lb	804 kg/1773 lb
Number of Flails	16	18	20
Tractor HP	65-110HP	80-110 HP	90-120 HP

Northwind Medium Duty Boom/Verge Mower These medium duty Boom mowers come in two sizes and are perfect for smaller tractors.

VAM 165 These medium duty boom mowers are perfect for smaller tractors.

MODELVAM 165

Cutting Width	160 cm
Tilt up angle	90 degrees
Tilt Down Angle	55 degrees
Vertical Extending Distance	141 cm
Horizontal Extending Distance	227 cm
PTO Speed	540
Weight	319 kg
Number of Flails	28
Category	I
PTO	540
Tractor HP	30-50 HP

Brush Cutter, Brush Hog for Skid Steer

For tough land clearing applications Standard Duty Skid Steer Brush Cutter Standard Low Flow Brush Cutter 11 GPM – 20 GPM

3’’ Cutting Capacity.
3/16’’ Deck with 3/8″ A36 reinforced sides.
40 HP Right Angle gear box.
2 blades with stump jumper.
High torque Motor with 3000 PSI Relief Valve 180 cm cutting width

Pro Series Walk Behind Brush Mower

Turn on a dime – almost effortlessly!

Each wheel is equipped with a hand-operated disc brake. Just squeeze the brake on one side and the mower will pivot around that wheel. This simple but highly effective system lets you easily navigate around trees and obstacles … or make a 180 degree turn at the end of a row.

ALL WALK BEHIND MODELS FEATURE:

Gear driven transmission
3 forward speeds/ 1 reverse
Pivoting Deck
Commercial Grade Electric Clutch
Attachment Compatibility
Adjustable Handle bars
Custom Made Spindles
18″ x 6.5″ Lugged tires

Follows the contours of your land, providing a cleaner cut and reducing the chance of scalping.

EVERYTHING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

All operating functions are on our control panel or on the handgrips: electric start, operator presence, throttle, gear shift, blade engagement, and independent wheel brakes.

Hardened Steel Blades these big blades weigh up to 6 pounds and are a full ¼” thick. (optional extra heavy duty brush blade available for sustained mowing in thick brush

ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS for a comfortable working height

Only DR gives you the choice of models with 26″, 30″ or 34″ wide mowing decks

EVERYTHING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS All operating functions are on our control panel or on the handgrips: electric start, operator presence, throttle, gear shift, blade engagement, and independent wheel brakes.

PRO MAX34 Now with side discharge!

ELECTRIC CLUTCH This extremely rugged clutch enables you to engage the blade instantly, with the pull of a knob. Because the “communication” is electrical, there are no cables or linkages to adjust or wear out.

HARDENED STEEL BLADES These big blades weigh up to 6 pounds and are a full 1/4″ thick. (Optional Extra HeavyDuty Brush Blade available for sustained mowing in thick brush.)

Attachments

Cuts a clean, even 42″-wide swath and mows a half-acre lawn in about 30 minutes. Front caster wheels swivel for fast, tight turns. Deck is made of 12-gauge steel with 2 high-lift mulching blades. Easily converts from side-discharge to mulching. Height adjustment from 2″ to 4.5″.

Throw snow off long driveways and walkways with our single-stage, 30″-wide Snow Thrower attachment. The powerful auger quickly chews through dry or wet snow, and towering snowdrifts. Throws snow up to 30 feet. Adjustable skid shoes.

An 18-pound flywheel creates tremendous inertia for smooth chipping. The single chipping knife takes up to 40 bites per second, for quickly devouring hardwood branches up to 3.5″ thick. Now you can rid your property of unsightly brush piles.

Tow Behind Field Brush Mowers

STAY SEATED. CONTROL IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! A remote control allows you to engage and disengage the mower blade from the driver’s seat of your tow vehicle.

HINGED HITCH Our unique Hinged Hitch makes it easy to hook up to ATVs, UTVs, and lawn and garden tractors (minimum 14 HP and/or 400 lbs.) with a pin hitch, regardless of the height of the vehicle’s hitch. If you’re not offsetting the mower, you can just use the shorter towbar.

ELECTRIC LIFT PRO MAX52T model features an electric lift for easily adjusting mowing height from driver’s seat.

FLOATING DECK RIDES OVER OBSTACLES The deck is suspended from a frame, allowing it to ride up and over high points, minimizing scalping and protecting the drivetrain from damage.

BLADES EXTEND BEYOND THE WHEEL PATH The 2 mowing blades extend outside of the wheels—so you mow right up next to fences, walls, hedgerows, and other obstacles.

SHOCK-ABSORBING “SWINGING” BLADES If you hit an obstacle, blades PIVOT, protecting engine and spindle.

Tow Behind Finishing Mower

60″ Wide Cut
Tow with a Riding Mower, ATV, UTV, or Tractor
Use as an outrigger to your traditional riding mower (or Zero-Turn) and EXPAND your cutting width

3 AIR-TIP BLADES provide excellent lift and deliver a clean finish cut

ELECTRIC START, THROTTLE CONTROL and BLADE ENGAGEMENT at your fingertinips.

DR invented the trimmer-on-wheels category and we have perfected it over the years!

STURDY ALL-STEEL FRAME The mainframe on every DR Trimmer Mower is made of heavy-duty 14-gauge steel. These lightweight frames are incredibly strong, and powder-coated to resist rust and corrosion. OFFSET FRAME DESIGN Ensures that the cut reaches outside the wheel path, making it easy to trim up against fences and foundations. BLADE BRAKE CLUTCH (BBC) The BBC allows you to stop the trimmer head from spinning (by releasing the bail bar) without stopping the engine— cutting down on how often you need to restart. (Not on Pilot Model). ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBAR Easily adjusts without tools. RUGGED CAST-ALUMINUM BEARING ASSEMBLY Cast entirely from lightweight, highstrength aluminum, the main Bearing Assembly has roller bearings at the top and bottom—to withstand the rigors of hundreds of hours of heavy-duty trimming and mowing at over 3,000 rpm.

PULSE 62V: World’s FirstBATTERY-POWEREDTrimmer Mower!

LIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE (just 45 lbs including battery)!
ULTRA QUIET…mow any time of day without disturbing neighbors!
TRIM FOR UP TO 40 MINUTES on a single charge (equivalent to a tankful on our gas models)

NO GAS, NO FUMES, NO FUSS!Powering up is as simple as inserting the battery and using the push-button electric start.QUICK-LOCK TRIMMER HEADThe PULSE 62V model uses a customized version of our Quick-Lock Trimmer Head. Change cord in seconds without tools!850W BRUSHLESS MOTORbrings all the power of gas to your trimming tasks. Plus, it’s so QUIET that you can trim or mow any time of day without disturbing your neighbors.ERGONOMIC HANDLEBARSwith vibration-dampening hand grips make operating for extended periods easy and comfortable.

THE RIGHT CORD FOR THE JOB.

Patented Quick-Lock Cord Attachment System

Offers 3 Benefits Unmatched by ANY Other Cord System: SIMPLY PUSH CORD IN TO ATTACH 1-way cam allows cord to enter, but it cannot pull out, even in brushy conditions. SELECT A WIDE RANGE OF CUTTING HEIGHTS From 1″ to 7.5″ (depending on the Trimmer Mower model). ACCEPTS 225 MIL SAWTOOTH CORD AND 255 SERRATED CORD The thickest, longest-wearing cords in the industry. Quick-Lock Trimmer Head Kit Standard on all Tow-Behind Trimmers Our DR Cord is thicker and tougher than normal trimmer line and that translates into more power for cutting gnarly vegetation. In addition to being STRONGER, DR cord LASTS much longer than any trimmer. PLUS, we offer a great assortment of cord, in a variety of bulk options— PRECUT LENGTHS The ultimate in convenience, cord is precut to the right length for all DR Trimmer Mower models. 1 LB ROLLS Economical 1-pound rolls. Cut it to length as you need it and save versus buying precut. Each roll includes from 80 to 250 feet of cord (depending on the cord size). JUMBO SPOOLS For those who trim and mow frequently, these spools offer the lowest possible “per foot” cost. Up to 394 ft of cord included.

Beaver Blade Attachment Turns Your Trimmer Mower Into A Brushcutter On Wheels

The Beaver Blade Attachment, which easily installs on any Walk-Behind Trimmer Mower model, allows you to cut brush and even small trees up to 3″ thick! The Beaver Blade should always be used with the Aluminum MowBall Support.BEAVER BLADE Attachment Packageincludes Aluminum Mow-Ball Support and sharpening file.DR DURABLADES ur DR DuraBlades easily mow through brambles, vines, stalky weeds like burdock and cattails, and woody brush up to 3/8″ thick. Plus, they are 100 times stronger than our cutting cords!DR DuraBlade KitReplacement Blades 6 pack

Best Sub-Compact Tractors For Mowing. Small Tractors With Mighty Power

Some of our customers have large yards that require a laundry list of maintenance tasks, from mowing the lawn to tilling the garden to hauling dirt and more. Instead of getting a different piece of equipment for each task, we typically recommend one piece of equipment, such as a sub compact tractor, to do all the jobs (with the right attachments of course).

If this sounds like your situation, then check out our recommendations below. These are some of the best sub-compact tractors for mowing and for other jobs around the yard.

Kubota BX series. Best For Mowing Your Own Lawn

The Kubota BX series includes some of the best sub compact tractor models for mowing and for other yard projects. There are four different models in the BX series, including: BX1880, BX2380, BX2680, and BX23S.

If your primary need for a tractor is to mow your home’s large yard, but you still want to use it for other chores as well, the Kubota BX1880 strikes a good balance of versatility and affordability, coming in as at about half the price of the BX23S.

All of the BX series models are compatible with Kubota’s official mid-mount mower deck implement as well as mulch and batter kits for either feeding the grass back to the lawn or storing the grass clippings and yard debris in a bagger. Deck sizes are available in 48″, 54″, and 60″ so you can mow large lawns quickly and effectively.

Front loader, to haul dirt and other debris across the yard
Disc harrows and rotary tillers for gardening, landscaping, and other needs
Post hole diggers
Rear and front mount snow blowers
…and more

The BX23S model is compatible with all of the implements above, as well as an additional “swift connect” backhoe implement for digging holes or trenches.

Avant 200 Series. Best For Landscaping Tree Service Businesses

If you run a landscaping business or a tree service business, you’ll appreciate the ability to transport a small tractor that can be loaded onto your vehicle quickly and easily and will reduce your time on-site at your clients’ locations. You need a tractor that is reliable and durable so that it can handle the demands of mowing and maintaining multiple lawns on a regular basis. You also need the ability to switch out implements so you can go from mowing to landscaping to moving logs in just a couple steps.

If that describes your needs, the Avant 200 series may be your ideal fit. This series is much more expensive than the Kubota BX models we describe earlier on this page, but for good reason. They are designed for commercial use, so they are built differently and they have additional implements (attachments) that are not available for the Kubota models. Some available implements include:

Mowing attachments with mulching or bagging capabilities
Weed brush and edge trimmer for landscaping work
Bucket loader
Snow blower
Brooms and brushes
Pressure washer
Backhoe
Auger for digging holes or transplanting trees
Log grabber for tree removal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What If I Plan To Use My Tractor Only For Mowing?

If you do not plan to take advantage of implements (attachments), then you’ll probably be better off getting a zero turn mower. While a zero turn mower can only be used for mowing, it does a really good job at it, and has some advantages over sub compact tractors. To learn more, visit our Doylestown PA location or call us at (215) 348-9041.

How Much Does A Sub Compact Tractor For Mowing Cost?

The exact price depends on the brand and model, and the mower deck implement is purchased separately. If you’re in the Doylestown PA area, come into our showroom to browse our wide selections of models to get a specific price.

What Is The Most Reliable Sub Compact Tractor Brand?

Kubota has been the #1 best-selling brand for compact tractors for the past decade, and for good reason. Their equipment is powerful and reliable, two things that every farmer wants to see in a tractor.

Finding the best sub compact tractor for mowing can be confusing. Hopefully this article has helped you to better understand your options and to pick a model that will best serve your needs. If you are ready to buy a tractor or still have questions, call us at 215-348-9041 or visit us at our Doylestown PA location.

John Deere 1, 2 and 3 Series Tractor Mower Decks Plus Load-n-Go Ramps

There’s nothing better than warm days and lush, green grass. A perfectly manicured lawn is the best first impression you can give guests, but when it comes to keeping that beautiful lawn looking ship-shape and tidy, it’s what’s in your shed that is the real game changer.

Compact utility tractors are popular because of their versatility and adaptability. They allow operators to tackle a wide range of tasks without purchasing multiple pieces of equipment. A compact utility tractor can be used for everything from digging and trenching to grading and hauling goods, simply by adding one or more of the hundreds of attachments available.

However, with all the compact tractor attachments available, it’s important to remember one of the most important things when it comes to maintaining your property: a mower deck.

There’s a mowing implement that will transform your compact utility tractor into a mowing machine based on your needs and the type of tractor you possess, and there are two primary mower attachment options: mid-mount and rear-mount mowers.

Rear-mount mowers are typically pulled behind the tractor or are attached to the rear hitch. They’re ideal for large, open areas and are usually available with two discharge options — rear and side discharge.

Mid-mount mower decks, on the other hand, are attached to the bottom of the compact utility tractor and are the most popular option for mowing turf and keeping grass looking professionally maintained. They’re easy to use and provide a high-quality cut no matter the terrain and can easily be maneuvered in and out of smaller areas.

Keep reading to see the mid-mount mower deck options available for the John Deere 1, 2, and 3 Series compact utility tractors.

1Series Mower Deck Options

The 1 Family of John Deere sub-compact tractors are an easy an affordable choice for both new and seasoned operators alike.

Featuring 4WD and attachment friendly options like AutoConnect mid-mount mower decks and Quik-Park loaders, these tractors are designed to help you work smarter, not harder.

Mower deck options for John Deere 1023E, and 1025R include two cutting widths (54 and 60 inches) and two options for mower deck thickness (10 gauge and 7 gauge). They’re all built with John Deere AutoConnect technology, allowing the operator to drive over the deck to automatically connect the mower deck and drive shaft and release the latches to disconnect with ease.

They also boast three blades, and all come with optional mulching kits, ready to transform your compact utility tractor into a mean, green, grass-cutting machine.

The mid-mount mower deck models are compatible with compact utility tractors built before May 2020 or model year 17, as well as the model year 20 1025R tractors.

2 Series and 3 Series Mower Deck Options

When it comes to the middle children of the Compact Utility Tractor family, the 2 Series and 3 Series compact utility tractor is where you want to be.

These ultimate miniature landscapers know mowing lawns should be easy, so John Deere made it easy.

Featuring the easy-to-attach and detach AutoConnect mid-mount mower deck, these precision cutters are where it’s at when it comes to keeping your lawn in tip-top shape. The basic-level 2 series compact utility tractor comes standard with the 54-inch deck, while the premium package features the big 60D, for model year 2017 and newer 2025R, 2032R, and 2038R tractors, or the 72D drive-over mower deck for model year 2017 and newer 2032R and 2038R tractors. The 3 series compact utility tractor features the 60D or 72D drive-over mower deck for model year 2017 and newer 3033R, 3039R, and 3046R compact utility tractors, to cut grass down to size.

These decks are available with optional mulching kit and all have a cut height of 1 to 4 inches.

And Don’t Forget About Load-N-Go

The optional add-on Load-n-Go system is available for 1 and 2 series compact tractors with 60-inch mowing decks. This drive-over system allows the operator to remove the mower deck from the tractor and easily attach it to the loader arms — giving the operator the ability to raise the deck for easy maintenance.

The John Deere Load-N-Go attachment is available for 1 series and model year 17 and newer 2025R compact utility tractors with 7-Iron AutoConnect 60D mower decks. The Load-N-Go adds value to AutoConnect mower decks by simplifying the process of moving the deck once it’s been removed from the tractor. It’s installed in place of the existing drive-over ramps and allows the tractor’s loader to pick up and transfer the mower deck. When used in conjunction with jack stands, it also provides a convenient way to reach the underneath of the mower deck for cleaning, removing blades, and other maintenance without risking harming the anti-scalp wheels. Now it’ll be a lot easier to pull that deck out of the center of the garage floor, off the driveway, or just out of the way.

If you’re looking to level-up your compact utility tractor, visit your nearest RDO Equipment Co. location and speak with an account manager to get your tractor ready to mow.

A Cut Above

From mowers and trimmers to tractors and more, our experts can help you get the job done. Contact Sales

Official Craftsman lawn tractor attachment parts

Sears PartsDirect is the leading supplier of Craftsman lawn tractor attachment repair parts. Craftsman lawn tractor attachments are known for their dependability but eventually some parts wear out. When you need replacement parts for your Craftsman lawn tractor attachments, you can be sure that you’ll find what you need at Sears PartsDirect.

Bagging tips for your Craftsman lawn tractor bagger attachment

Mow when the grass is dry to prevent grass clippings from clumping and clogging in the discharge chute going to the collection bags or bins. Mowing when the grass is dry will also make it easier to empty the collection bins or bags when they’re full. Wet grass can weigh down the bags or bins and cause premature wear of the attachment parts.

Set mower height so that you don’t cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade when mowing so grass clippings can easily flow through the chute to the collection bags or bins. Setting your mower deck at the proper height can also help your grass stay healthy and green.

Use high-lift blades when you have the bagger attached to the mower so grass clipping flow smoothly into the collection bags or grass bins.

Empty the collection bags or bins as soon as they’re full. Don’t overfill the bags or bins because overfilling can cause excessive wear on lawn tractor attachment parts.

Attaching a Craftsman snow blade to your lawn tractor

Remove the lawn tractor hood.
Remove the browning shield from the front of the lawn tractor frame. Support the browning shield as you remove the last bolt to prevent the browning shield from falling.
Fasten the right-hand hanger bracket to the mounting holes on the lawn tractor frame. Install the left-hand hanger bracket then tighten all bolts firmly.
Reinstall the browning shield on the tractor frame.
Install the angle support brackets on the hanger brackets but don’t tighten the fasteners.
Install the pivot support bracket on the angle support brackets then tighten the angle support bracket bolts. Tighten the pivot support bracket bolts.
Install the angle lock bars then install the angle lock spring and tighten the angle lock bar bolts. Attach the control cable assembly.
Attach the blade to the channel assembly then install the blade on the lawn tractor.

Find the Sears PartsDirect Craftsman parts you need to keep your lawn tractor attachment working perfectly

From attachment blades to fasteners, Sears PartsDirect has the Craftsman replacement parts you need to fix any lawn tractor attachment failure. Find the parts you need on our Sears PartsDirect Craftsman exploded drawings and get your attachment fixed quickly.

Riding Mower Attachments (what to own, what to avoid)

If you have a riding mower you probably either own attachments or are considering purchasing some. In today’s article I’ll talk about some of the most common riding mower attachments and I’ll discuss which ones are worth owning.

The reality is that some equipment is essential and well worth the investment and the space it will occupy in your garage or storage shed, but other riding mower add-ons simply won’t be used often enough to justify the purchase (you can spend that money better elsewhere).

I’ll go through everything you need to know here so you can make the best decisions when upgrading your mowing equipment.

LawnChick.com is reader supported. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

First Thing’s First – Sizing Compatibility

Before you buy any attachments for your riding mower, make sure that they are compatible with the model you own.

You wouldn’t believe how many people email me asking why the attachment they purchased didn’t fit … well, it’s built for a different mower!

Once you try this electric zero turn mower from Greenworks you’ll never look at battery powered tools the same way again.

Mows up to 2.5 acres in a single charge.
Fully charged in 90 minutes.
Equivalent power to 24 HP gas engine.
Quiet, no fumes, and faster than competitors (8 MPH max speed).

Why Upgrade Your Riding Mower with Attachments?

One of the main purposes of getting attachments for a riding mower is to help the mower do more than just cut grass.

But more generally, we buy lawn equipment to make our life easier, and to accelerate the pace at which we can complete lawn care projects around the house.

Less time working on the lawn, more time enjoying the lawn. That’s the goal, right?

There are many different functions your mower can fulfill if you have the right attachments for it.

In many cases, whether an attachment is worthwhile for you will depend on the size of your property (how large it is). For example, a lawn sweeper will probably only be useful if you have an especially large area. If you don’t, it probably won’t be worth the cost and the trouble of having to store it.

Keep in mind that many of these attachments are quite large, so unless you have unlimited storage space, you will usually need to pick and choose, purchasing only the attachments that are specifically best for you.

If you have a zero-turn riding (ZTR) mower, you will find there is a more limited selection of attachments available than you might find for garden tractors and lawn tractors.

Riding Mower Attachments

Here’s a list of some of the most popular and useful attachments for riding mowers (in no particular order).

Aerator

You can get aerator attachments for your riding mower that will give your lawn the aeration it needs.

Aeration helps prepare your lawn for fertilization and reseeding. It is process in which small holes are put in the ground, allowing for better air circulation and water and fertilizer penetration. This will make your grass roots stronger and healthier.

Buying an aerator attachment for your mower is a good investment in most cases. It will mean you always have an aerator on hand whenever you want to aerate your lawn during the course of the year. And the ability to purchase this attachment is one key advantage to riding mowers (it’s not an option on a walk-behind mower).

Aerator attachments vary in size, with between 40 and 48 inches in width being very common. Keep this in mind when planning where you will store it in your garage.

Aerator attachments for riding mowers can vary quite a bit in cost. They generally range from around 100 or 150 to 750. I like and recommend this model from Agri-Fab. It’s 48 inches wide and does a nice job.

In this article I compare spike vs plug aerators, to help you determine which style tow-behind aerator may be best for you.

Bagger

A bagger is a very common mower attachment. This is a useful attachment, as it makes collecting lawn clippings very easy.

You can get baggers in different sizes, including 9-bushel triple baggers and 6-bushel twin baggers. When deciding on what size of attachment to get, consider the size of your lawn.

Bagger attachments can be rather large. For example, it may be about 42 inches X 46 inches. You will need to find storage space for this, so plan this out before making your purchase.

These attachments can sometimes be quite expensive as well. In some cases, they can be as much as 500 or more, and in my experience many people are frustrated by the capacity of the leaf baggers they get from the manufacturer … it never seems like enough.

When a Simple Bagging Attachment Isn’t Enough

I have large maple trees on my property which drop a ton of leaves, and while I usual mulch and bag with my self-propelled Honda mower, I borrowed my dad’s rig one year and he has a large lawn tractor leaf bag like this one on Amazon which fits over his factory leaf bagger attachment. It allowed me to clear my front and back yard of leaves in a snap.

As long as you’re strong enough to muscle the full bag, it’s a great way to super-charge your leaf clean up, and I recommend looking into something like that if leaf clean up is a big job at your home.

If you don’t have a very large lawn, buying a bagger attachment is probably a waste of money for you – you may be better served by investing in a quality leaf blower that will take up less space (and is much more fun to use).

There are a lot of good backpack blowers on the market, but I’ve only used my PB-770T from Echo (Amazon link) because it has never given me reason to use anything else. I can recommend that model if you’re in the market for a backpack blower and are having trouble choosing one.

Lawn Roller

A lawn roller attachment is useful for getting your lawn back into shape after the winter. It will even out any parts of the ground that have been damaged in the cold weather.

The roll of a lawn roller is filled with sand or water to give it the necessary weight to press down and level your lawn as you drive across it. I generally recommend using water as you can empty it out when you’re finished (making the roller lightweight and easy to handle as you put it away.

If you ever need to put down sod, you can use the lawn roller to get your ground prepared and even for this process. You can also use it for tasks such as pressing seeds you have planted deeper into the soil to ensure good soil-to-seed contact for optimum germination.

There are lawn rollers available with different abilities and in different sizes. I use this one from Brinly by pushing it across my lawn, but it has a tow option as well. I love that it will work as a walk-behind roller or as an attachment for your riding lawn mower. There are always some areas of your property that are tough to get to on a riding mower while towing a piece of equipment.

Dethatchers

A dethatcher attachment is a fantastic attachment to have if you ever need to dethatch your lawn.

Dethatching is a process in which you remove matted grass and other kinds of debris from your lawn. This is essential for new growth to take place, and when you dethatch just prior to overseeding you’ll see great results.

Using a dethatcher attachment will make the dethatching process easy and a lot less effort than it would be otherwise. You will be able to get rid of barriers that are stopping your lawn from getting all the nutrients, water, and air it needs.

A dethatcher attachment is quite large (for example, about 40 inches wide), and it’s a bit unwieldly because of its design, but there are a few options which are better than anything else you’ll find out there.

Check out my list of the best lawn dethatchers – there are three tow-behind models that stand out as being great options.

Disc Harrow

A disc harrow is ideal for getting your garden beds ready for replanting. You can also use it to break up hard ground to begin a new garden.

Having a disc harrow attachment will come in handy when you want to prepare your garden beds for replanting. It’s also useful for breaking up hard ground when you want to start a new garden, or complete a lawn renovation by killing your existing lawn and starting over.

Truth be told, this isn’t an attachment you’ll want unless you have a very large garden area, but it’s worth including in the list because it can save time and prevent you from wrestling with a rototiller.

Spreader

We should all regularly fertilize our lawns in order to keep them healthy and beautiful. If you have a large lawn (which you probably do as you have a riding mower), it might be a good idea to buy a spreader attachment (you can see my favorite one right here).

An example of a spreader attachment is a tow-behind broadcast spreader. Using a spreader attachment will make it much easier for you to fertilize your lawn whenever you do so during the year. You can also spread good seed over your lawn, spread lime, iron, and other soil amendments with this attachment, making it a solid investment.

Spreader attachments come in different sizes, some of which are smaller than other kinds of riding mower attachments. Agri-Fab makes a good one.

Snowblower

If you live in a region that gets a lot of snow in the winter, it might be worth your while to get a snow blower attachment for your riding mower. This will make it easy to plow through all the snow that collects on your property.

You will be grateful you have this the next time you need to clear a driveway or pavement, and this is one attachment that can really extend the value of your riding mower, making it a year-round asset to your property.

Snowblower attachments are just as large as many other riding mower attachments, and they can be quite heavy, but if you live in a northern climate and have a large driveway it’s worth the cost and the space in your garage.

I can say from experience that if you’re buying a plow kit or snow blower for your lawn tractor it’s a good idea to invest in some snow chains for your tires as well. Most tires on riding mowers aren’t built for snow, and you’ll be frustrated with your investment unless you can get good traction. It’s worth the extra money. Measure your tires before you order, but these ones on Amazon will work for most riding mowers.

Canopy

If you have a large property and spend long periods of time outside doing mowing, think about getting a canopy. A canopy attaches to your mower to give you shade from the sun, and usually can be attached to any mower with a roll bar.

The canopy attachments for many riding mowers are collapsible, so they don’t take up too much storage space, and if you leave it on your mower it doesn’t increase the footprint of your mower at all.

Most manufacturers will sell you a canopy and roll bar that’s made to fit with your mower, but there are third-party universal canopies like this one that may work for you as well.

Attachments I would Only Consider for Large Properties

The attachments below are usually only worth buying if you have quite an expansive property. Buying them if you only have a small lawn will most likely be a waste of money.

Trail Cutter or Trail Mower

A trail cutter or trail mower is really only worth considering if you have an extensive property.

This attachment will reduce the amount of time it takes to mow your grounds. You can also use it to clear paths through saplings and brush.

If you have any places that need heavy cutting power, a trail cutter or trail mower is a good investment. Swisher makes a solid one, which you can see demonstrated in the short video below from Piney Life:

A lawn sweeper attachment will gather leaves, pine needles, pine-cones, acorns, and other types of debris in your yard. You can also use it to sweep up grass clippings after you mow.

When the lawn sweeper gathers this debris, it uses a rotating sweeper brush to put it into a hopper bag. When you see that this bag is full, simply empty it.

You can find lawn sweepers in different sizes, but they do tend to require a decent amount of storage space.

The cost of a lawn sweeper can range from 150, for example, to 700. It’s probably not worth your while to buy a lawn sweeper if you don’t have a very large property.

Cart

Many riding mower owners like to have a cart attachment. You might call this a utility trailer or dump cart. You can use this kind of attachment for tasks such as hauling soil or garbage, garden tools, or mulch in your garden.

If you have a large property and do a lot of garden work, a cart attachment might be a good investment for you, but if you already have a wheelbarrow and don’t mind using it, you probably don’t need one.

Some carts are quite large and they have deep containers, meaning it might be challenging to store if you don’t have a large garage. If you’re interested in a good one, my dad owns the Agri-Fab 45-0101 (pictured), and he likes it.

Which Riding Mower Attachments Are Right for Your Lawn?

It depends.

It’s clear that the types of attachments that you should consider getting for your riding mower depend on the size of your property.

The type of soil that you have will also play a role, however.

If you have a sandy lot, you may not have to invest in an aerator. You may be better off investing in a spreader to easily top-dress with compost.

If your lot is heavy clay, than an aerator will be essential.

Big trees? Get the lawn sweeper – you’ll thank me every fall.

Another factor you need to consider before you purchase any riding mower attachment is storage space. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have more attachments than you have places to put them. And be sure that you leave room in your garage to comfortably maintain your mower every spring (even if there isn’t room to park your car in there).

Nobody likes having a garage they can’t use.

by Sarah The Lawn Chick

Sarah’s blog, Lawn Chick, is read by over 2 million homeowners each year and she is regularly cited as an expert source of lawn care knowledge by major publications. Her goal is to meet you where you are, and help you achieve a yard you’ll be proud of. Ready to take the next step toward improving your lawn? Grab her free lawn care cheat-sheet: What to Do When. Take the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care, or upgrade your garage by browsing her favorite DIY lawn care products.

thoughts on “ Riding Mower Attachments (what to own, what to avoid) ”

I was reading your April 2020 blog about Milo and Ironite….I couldn’t find anywhere to comment on that article. I wanted to ask you a question….in the article you say “I use Milorganite 4 times per year on my yard, and I supplement with a different iron supplement called Dr. Iron (Amazon link).” I was wondering HOW you supplement with Dr Iron….I do the same as you with Milo so WHEN and how much do you use Dr. Iron? Thank you….from one woman to another! Patti

Hi, Patti! Sorry about the comment situation – I’ll look into that and get it resolved this week. To your question – I do a soil test every spring and let those results guide me toward whether I need to do an Iron application in the spring (I usually choose to once every other year or so), and then I typically do one mid or late June because I have people over on the 4th of July and I want my lawn looking its best (that gives it time to take effect). Beyond that I might do it when my lawn starts to look a little tired, or if I’m having a party or gathering I apply it a few weeks beforehand to give it that nice dark green. There have been some years when I’ve just applied Dr. Iron with my Milorganite on every application and that has worked well too. If I’m applying that often I’d suggest using 1/2 the recommended quantity of Dr. Iron and just adjusting your spreader settings to reflect that and still get nice even coverage. If I’m doing the application at the same time as Milo I do them in two separate passes so I get nice even results and I don’t get clumps of Iron coming out here and there by mixing the two products. Hope this helps, and best of luck with your lawn this year! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Welcome to my blog!

Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m the chick behind LawnChick.com.

I’m glad you decided to visit and I hope you find the tips and advice about lawn care and maintenance that I this blog helpful.