How to Load and Tie Down Mowers on Trailer

[@markfryar450]

Because of this guy I was able to transport a riding lawnmower with no issues … yes it was my first time! This is what KZbin is for! Thanks man!

[@darylhurlbut3473]

One additional step that I do is to have a pair of Heavy Duty Jack Stands whenever I trailer my mower or ATV. I place them under the rear lip of the trailer before I lower the gate. It takes a lot of pressure off the hitch. It's less likely to lift off and it adds support to each side of the rear of the trailer as I load. Just don't forget to remove them after you load your trailer. Then same idea when I unload. I place the two jack stands back under the tail of the trailer, lower the gate and back it off. It adds safety to the load/unload process. Other than this little addition, this video is the exact correct way to load and unload. Excellent video. I always appreciate the info you give.

[@timothymusson5040]

Great idea!

[@WesternEquipment]

This sounds like a really good idea! Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@samhill5231]

Yes, and I remember years ago seeing a straight truck with (semi-trailer) landing gear mounted at the back of the box so if it was being loaded with a forklift the weight didn't depress the truck's rear suspension and kept it stable.

[@agentsancho3493]

As someone who is getting their trailer advice from strangers on youtube i really appreciate you and the informative video. 👍🏼

[@WesternEquipment]

Do you feel confident after watching this?

[@EbenezerWindspirit]

This video is absolutely fantastic. It should win an award! Thanks for putting it together - HUGE help!

[@chaipennease6615]

Man, that’s a nifty trick to take care of that extra slack! Roll it up, baby!

[@WesternEquipment]

@Chaipen Nease Thanks man, I think somebody I know showed me this once haha! Glad to see you are keeping up with the channel! Thanks for watching!

[@RottingtotheCore]

Didn’t know that Chumlee had a part time job, that’s great!!

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes! Love these comments haha!

[@rudytreichel4266]

Chumlee did a very good job with this video.

[@Obamas_Nipple]

looks nothing like him

[@devinchesney358]

I would have loved to see this video a few months ago ! When bringing my new John Deere X380 home, I loaded it with the tires up against the rear mesh gate and it ripped up the back of my new fancy seat ... HAHA thanks for the helpful info !

[@WesternEquipment]

Dang! That’s a bummer. Well at least now you will know what to do haha! Thanks for watching!

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Dude, bummer

[@devinchesney358]

@@MyGreenLawn2019 fortunately it was just the seat cover that got scraped up and is replaceable lol

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

@@devinchesney358 Yea thats good, but the bummer is the seats can be expensive.

[@devinchesney358]

@@MyGreenLawn2019 yes you are correct about that ! They are pretty expensive

[@BigDsHomestead]

I always cross my safety chains in case it comes loose. The "X" made by chains could actually catch your hitch to give you time to stop before an accident happens.

[@WesternEquipment]

Good tip! Thanks for watching!

[@geod3589]

That X method is the correct way to do it!

[@magnum164]

That is actually the whole purpose of the safety chains. I was going up my driveway which is steep and forgot to lock ball (was simply moving trailer, no intent to travel with it). Trailer came loose but fell on the chains. Was easy enough to load again as the chains kept the tongue up off the ground. But the cross method is actually the LEGAL way to do it. Many do not know that.

[@wolfiemcwolf6617]

Have to X chains here in Aus.

[@Kguy2023]

I do the same

[@rgw1981]

Just brought trailer and ride on, this video helped no end, cheers brother

[@abodeofhaven1]

Thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate your presentations. I am a medical laboratory scientist that is now engaged in landscaping.

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@charlc]

Loved the ending banter, nicely done gents.

[@WesternEquipment]

We try to have a little fun from time to time haha. Thanks for watching!

[@no_handle_required]

I'm amazed at how many "pros" have no clue how to use safety chains. I looked it up before getting a u-haul and the guys at the store did it wrong. Good video. That loop trick is excellent.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@Obamas_Nipple]

yo when did you hike the AT?

[@no_handle_required]

@@Obamas_Nipple 2014-2018 mostly, but I still visit.

[@Obamas_Nipple]

@@no_handle_required i did georgia to virginia in 2015, i mightve walked past you.

[@no_handle_required]

@@Obamas_Nipplevery cool.

[@GCasey]

Thank you for this video. We are picking up a used tractor mower today, getting the uhaul now. I knew I could get some ideas on KZbin. I hit “like!”

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome and thank you! I hope you enjoy your new mower!

[@briar35981]

Lots of places to buy stake pocket D-ring inserts. Simply drop into the existing stake pockets, insert pins on bottom side and you now have an excellent place to attach straps. For a more secure attachment, grab some ratchet straps with the safety hooks. These wont come loose if tension is lost during transport. Other options include FASTSTRAPS. These attach to flooring and have a strap over the tires themselves.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thanks for all of the info and thanks for watching!

[@randyd.7076]

Another great video, keep em comin! My S240 is coming home in the back of my truck and I will strap it down on all four corners.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and that is good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

S240 is a great machine. I have videos on my channel of the S240 and the X354

[@sdranch2800]

There is a great video on KZbin about the placement of weight on the trailer. Having the weight biased towards the tongue helps the trailer to naturally want to straighten out and follow the truck after hitting bumps, swerving to avoid obstacles ect. Also the weight of these mowers is generally under 900 lbs so it’s not a huge amount of weight anyways.

[@WesternEquipment]

This is true. Thank you for the input and thanks for watching!

[@timothymusson5040]

Great video! Thanks for the tip on securing the extra tie-down!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I’m glad I could help you out! Thanks for watching!

[@magnum164]

Glad to see a properly tied down mower. If unfortunately the trailer were to slide over that mower is not going anywhere. As in the comments, I would only recommend crossing the safety chains. That is actually a requirement and how they are supposed to be done. Some state troopers can ticket you for improper safety equipment use. As well as the way you have the tractor tied down. For larger tractors I believe it is mandatory to use the metal chains and tighteners. Hate to find all that out, after an accident.

[@WesternEquipment]

This is true, I missed the bar on that part. Thanks for watching!

[@dgarris1501]

Satisfactorily comprehensive, and funny at the end, so I liked and subscribed. Thanks.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you for subscribing and thanks for watching!

[@windowsscreen]

always with the best videos to help a newby out. thanks!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I'm glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@mikedkc]

Thanks so much. Exactly the information I needed. Just ordered an S240.

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! I'm glad I could help and congrats on your new mower. Thanks for watching!

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

You going to love your S240 - I have videos on my channel on the S240 and the X354. Great purchase.

[@BSS22193]

This video was very helpful for me! I'm going to pick up a lawn tractor tomorrow but i only have 2 straps to tie it down with so i would do the best i can to secure it on my trailer. By the way this was a great video to watch! 👍

[@ryanm540]

Good video. You’re extremely clear and precise.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

Great video Brent! Great information on loading, securing, and uploading! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you Vincent, great support as always!

[@davidking9889]

Thank you. I'm currently looking at upgrading my lawn 🚜

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! I hope this helped you out and thanks for watching!

[@Darty1979]

Well my ex has passed away and i found myself learning to hook up my trailer i infact did cross my chains the trailer popped off the ball at around 40 miles an hr it bounced around and actually broke off the circles that the hooks hook to! i think the inter workings of the coupler were so old it finally just didnt sinch in and i did not have a d hook on it but i learned and replaced coupler, all is good now and i just bought a used john deer rider and was told to use a winch to secure it on the trailer i am so glad i came on you tube searching and found this video im off tomoro to go get the rachet straps! thank you for the video, i also need the shoot guard mine is missing from this one i bought how do i buy just that and know that it will fit?

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I am glad I could help! You can actually find that on our website 247Parts.com. You can call the customer service number and tell them your model and deck size and they should be able to find it! I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@Camel_Jockey]

So much for seeing how a zero turn is strapped down

[@theitchywitch]

Brilliant. This was exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! I am glad I could help you out!

[@melissaannboone3639]

Love the ending! LOL. A good laugh! And so educational.

[@WesternEquipment]

Haha I am glad you like it and thanks for watching!

[@andrewbratos6907]

fantastic video good info, I always wondered to keep the deck all the way up, or all the way down, I keep it down with 1x4 under it so there is no bounce, neighbor Bob said keep it up, ThankZ

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@bradh6185]

Is a 5x8 trailer big enough to safely transport a residential zero turn?

[@WesternEquipment]

Definitely, as long as the deck is not too wide.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That’s a nice trailer! Thanks for sharing your tips.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@MPD526]

Good video. Wish you posted this 2 weeks ago before I picked up my 2 yr old X380 from dealer 2 weeks ago (bad ignition swith). I didn't tie it down the way shown.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and yes we should have done this juts a touch sooner in the season. Thanks for watching!

[@lookedgood8466]

Gave this method a test run today and found it's easy, fast and works as described. Now, how do you tie down a cow in a pickup truck? I once saw a small pickup truck, like those used in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with a cow in the back. Luckily the vehicle had been stopped by a patrolman. The elderly driver must have been a dude farmer of something. The mind boggles at what some people do. Cheers.

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad this worked out for you! As far as the cow, that's above my knowledge haha! Thanks for watching!

[@jimz3425]

Can you make a video on lubricant the spindle and axle and what kind of lubricant is needed thank you

[@WesternEquipment]

I think I could definitely do this. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@dalecoulter7692]

Great videos !! I have a question about a 2018 X 350 I just purchased. I can't get it to idle down even tho I have backed off the throttle adjustment all the way. Please enlighten me !!

[@WesternEquipment]

This may mean you need to adjust your throttle cable that goes to your carburetor. This is where I would start. Thanks for watching!

[@dewarner12]

This video was really well done and definitely helpful. Thanks -

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I’m glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@dgp2012]

Excellent video. So helpful. Thanks

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I'm glad it was helpful to you!

[@blackhorse2947]

Another great video and demonstration

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@johncovington3532]

Learned so much from this video thank you!! Keep up the good work!!👍👍

[@WesternEquipment]

Awesome! I’m glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@jimz3425]

Can you do a videos on standard blade and mulching blade

[@WesternEquipment]

It is on the list. This video will be on our 247Parts channel when it is done. Great request and thanks for watching!

[@bstanart]

Very detailed video. Love it!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@Drewdlemac]

Should you leave it with the brake engaged? Or disconnect they hydrostatic and leave in neutral and just rely on the ratchet straps?

[@WesternEquipment]

I have heard both ways. some say to leave it in neutral to reduce stress on the transaxle. I always put the parking break on and tighten down the straps as much as i can to keep the mower from moving. Thanks for watching!

[@lookedgood8466]

I've been transporting my ride-on mower for 20 years on a 6' x 4' box trailer and now I learn I've been doing it all wrong. Yes, I've been using ratchet tie-downs. But I've always put the mower all the way forward on the trailer up against the front of it and secured it their. I now see how stupid that is. The comments have been helpful also. The trailer is 46 years old and only has one safety chain. I've always wondered why there are two links on every tow bar I've used but just thought it was optional to attach the safety chain to either side. Gave myself a face-slap when I read comment about safety chains. I guess I've been lucky that I've never had the mower move while transporting it. From now on I'll be securing it as per this video, and getting a 2nd safety chain. When I moved from one state to another the trailer had to be certified roadworthy for this new state. I had the trailer re-wired and stop lights placed on the right and left sides of the trailers rear gate. It only had one stop light in the middle of the gate prior to that. I'm surprised they didn't mention anything about it not have two safety chains. Many thank.

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I am glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@SeanDIY]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@thazen783]

Thanks for the info! One question, I like that tongue jack how it folds , do you happen to know what brand of jack that is?

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I know it is on and East Texas Trailer but I don't know if the Jack had a specific brand or not. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@thazen783]

Thanks for the reply. I have a similar trailer and the tongue jack prevents me from opening the tailgate all the way! I was thinking of a jack that is made for a boat trailer that can swing out of the way!

[@RaymondBarrett]

Thanks for all the great tips!! I'm just buying my first zero turn and trailer. Based on the videos here on KZbin, most zero turn users don't back the zero turns onto the trailers as the manual says might be safer - less flip back risk. I get that if you do any quick movements when going forward up the ramp, you could flip it back. Any thoughts on one way or the other - loading zero turn forward or backing it in? As I said, almost all videos here on youtube go up the ramp forward so just wondering.

[@WesternEquipment]

On a zero turn you could really do it either way as long as you still tie down all four corners like shown in the video. One thing to make sure of if you do pull the mower on backwards is the flip the seal forward if it does not have a locking mechanism to hold it upright. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@melissaannboone3639]

Once again, great video!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@dhammon64]

On a double axle trailer, where would you center the weight?

[@WesternEquipment]

You always want to center the weight to where you trailer will ride level. Always error on having your load too far forward rather than too far back. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@cesargarcia274]

What size trailer is that? Would both of the lawn mowers fit on that trailer?

[@sjackson99]

I just bought a John Deere zero turn so I was disappointed that you didn't show how to tie it down.

[@WesternEquipment]

Well as long as you use the same process (Finding frame pieces and using four straps to tie down all four corners) you should be fine. Thanks for watching!

[@DonBistrow1]

If these are John Deere tie downs can you please provide the model number? Thanks!

[@WesternEquipment]

There are multiple options on these tie downs. If you just search for John Deere ratchet straps you can pick your size and length.

[@Huggybear101]

Great video....many thanks for sharing.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@Watercooledguy]

You need to cross your safety chains so they make a cradle. That way if your trailer does come loose, the chains will hold up the tongue away from the surface of the road so you can pull over safely.

[@WesternEquipment]

Good point, thanks for watching!

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Yup, very true. I always cross my chains, wouldn't do it any other way. good catch

[@slimfire54]

Good info Brent and thanks for the video.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@MrJohndeere3720]

nice info. :) were those john deere tie down straps?? mine are the snap on brand.. the bloopers were great...lol

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and yes they were John Deere. Glad you liked the bloopers haha and thanks for watching!

[@MrJohndeere3720]

@@WesternEquipment ur welcome :) kk...

[@FishFind3000]

6:50 you never want to put a strap over a metal edge. The metal will cut like a knife right through the strap.

[@WesternEquipment]

Will the strap hook is just tall enough if you look close that the strap is barely touching the metal at all but this is very true and I should have mentioned that. Thanks for watching!

[@EricLaPrad]

How about the deck? Up or down when loaded on the trailer? I put my deck all the way down when traveling.

[@WesternEquipment]

Either way is fine. This to me is more of a preference thing. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@danielcope7929]

Well explained. Thanks.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@LOLO-lm7pr]

how much does all that weigh, trailer and mower? I have a DZ I can tow 10 ton all in.

[@eugeneposer4250]

If you put the ratchet unto the trailer from the bottom of the "Hold down" and then putting the hook on the top, the hook doesn't fall off.

[@WesternEquipment]

This is true but wouldn't you risk cutting the strap?

[@MyGreenLawn2019]

Great video. I been meaning to create a similar video for my channel. Nice job!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you!

[@Activeprotectiongroup]

Awesome video.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@w8tng4nepiphany]

thank y ou so much for this video

[@eternalwhealth]

Thank you for this video!

[@garyheeringa305]

What about the seat ? Unless you secure it bounces back and forth up and down like crazy !

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, sometimes you may want to secure the seat with either another strap or maybe a bungee cable.

[@user-hk5kk9su2m]

what the dimensions of this trailer, cheers.

[@WesternEquipment]

This one was an 83 inches wide by 14 feet long.

[@jomoon66]

Would have liked to see the zero turn tied down!

[@hastymemer]

Great video, thanks!

[@AugeredInn]

Good stuff. Thank you sir.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@cherylspringtime]

I have a brand new S240 and it has no holes in the front at all!

[@wwemjfan0165]

What kind of ratchet straps did you use in this video?

[@WesternEquipment]

These were John Deere branded ratchet straps.

[@dambroangling2828]

Great video. Thank you

[@bradmason8334]

any video on how to load on truck bed…i need it?

[@WesternEquipment]

Sure do! Check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/onrQqqCZm5h_orM

[@TheJimmybud]

You need to cross those chains , that way if it did come unhooked the tongue will not dig into the ground . It's the law in Indiana and probably most places !

[@WesternEquipment]

This is true. Thanks for watching!

[@deang.7483]

Nice clear instructions. Exactly the info I needed. Thank you.

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad I could help!

[@bethdevoe2842]

great tips.

[@alexroski8454]

I’ve never tied mine down just put the brake on all good no problems.

[@WesternEquipment]

If you are going short distances this may work, but when travelling much distance at all I would definitely suggest tying it down. Thanks for watching!

[@chickenknucklez2604]

Slam on your brakes to a dead stop abruptly report back

[@itzpete1689]

Awesome video!!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@lyman135]

I'm always surprised that John Deere doesn't have latches of some sort to hold the hood down vs it just resting closed.

[@WesternEquipment]

There used to be latches but customers complained about them so they were later removed. Is your worry mainly about when you are hauling the mower?

[@lyman135]

@@WesternEquipment im not concerned, I just always see people commenting on having g to be really careful about that especially given how fragile the plastic hoods seem to be.

[@quan1562]

How wide is your trailer

[@christinaschaefer5253]

A good practice is to not pull your straps tight and then ratchet. Ratchet a couple revolutions before the strap is tightened

[@WesternEquipment]

Interesting! I had never heard this. What benefits does this give?

[@DavidSchnegg]

@@WesternEquipment You want to have the strap wrap around the ratchet shaft a minimum of 3 times. This provides enough friction where the straps can't loosen in the ratchet. In your video it looks like the strap only went around 1.5 times. I usually pull up slightly on the strap before ratcheting. There's a fine line with too much slack too... you don't want to exceed 6 revolutions or it gets too tight to lock the ratchet handle down.

[@BG-vq9fd]

I do not use open hooks or have straps against stake pockets.

[@WesternEquipment]

Interesting, how do you do it?

[@BG-vq9fd]

@@WesternEquipment I use chain in the stake pockets and hooks with keepers on my straps. Sometimes I also use axle straps. I have an X738 and 2025R gen2 that I trailer.

[@MikeStratton]

Thank you!!!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@brandonletzko2472]

Thanks

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@itzpete1689]

Lol the end 😂

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad you liked it. We like to have a little fun too!

[@JasonQuinten]

I also lower the mower deck so it's not suspended while traveling.

[@ta6531]

?????????????????? Help! Can you tell me how to load my rider ( regular tractor type) onto a trailer that is just setting by the garage? It is not hooked to my car. I need to store it outside and want to lift if off the ground and cover it. ( sorry- single lady here with little knowledge of this trailer I got from my dad when he passed away)

[@WesternEquipment]

So you never want to load anything onto a trailer by driving it on without the trailer being hooked to a vehicle. If you were able to lift the mower up and just set it down on the trailer then it would be ok but I'm assuming you will need to drive the mower onto the trailer and it is not safe to do this without the trailer safely secured to a vehicle.

[@ta6531]

@@WesternEquipment Thank you so much.... Can I place blocks under it then for winter storage? I was going to cover it with a tarp as my garage is just too small. Once it is moved onto the trailer?

[@chp917]

This is how I strap my gt235 down. Great video except for the Chevy 😂

[@WesternEquipment]

Haha thanks for watching!

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

Pull all way forward ( backup) watch trucks back bumper),let rise

[@yvonneohalloran6899]

would be good if I could hear it

[@WesternEquipment]

What can you not hear?

[@jejoko]

All that trailer for one mower. By this logic, independent landscapers would need a convoy of 3 to 4 vehicles to haul their equipment around. 😅

[@WesternEquipment]

You don’t have to have this big of a trailer for this mower. This is just the one I had on hand.

[@hankpfenning2481]

Your trailer chains should be crossed to form a cradle in case the trailer comes off the ball.

[@WesternEquipment]

Good tip! Thanks for watching!

[@msg63bretired82]

Excellent! Seen tons of people just put front wheels against rail, set the mower brakes and go on down the road with no ties. Poor decision. Even more don’t bother to have working lights. Of course the police don’t enforce it lest people think they’re being too brutal. Welcome to laissez faire land.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mikeadler434]

👍👍

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@hondagang5966]

First maybe

[@WesternEquipment]

I think you were and thanks for watching!

[@rbabusrisaisakthi2893]

This mower really kills it....

[@andrescosta2992]

A way to load it on the trailer w/o engine running..... only Me....!

[@henryscreations]

how can you make a video not knowing the chains are supposed to be crossed 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@WesternEquipment]

This was definitely missed on my part. Good catch. I always cross mine on my personal trailer, not sure what happened here in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@dino11216]

This would have been helpful, a month ago😑

[@WesternEquipment]

I'm sorry I did not get one out sooner but thanks for watching! I hope it was still helpful for the future.