Lawn care has come a long way. From clearing grass with a scythe to reel mowers to powerful, gas-powered riding mowers, it’s become easier and faster to mow larger and larger areas over the past couple of centuries.
And the efficiency doesn’t stop there, either. Most lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers are compatible with additional attachments to make yard work easier still. But you need a way to connect these attachments safely to your mower — and that’s where a zero-turn mower hitch comes in.
At HY-C, we manufacture a zero-turn hitch plate called the Z-Hitch under our Good Vibrations brand. And in this guide, we’re going to tell you all about it.
We’ll cover how this hitch attaches (and to which mowers), the towing methods it offers, the kinds of pull-behind equipment it can accommodate, and much more.
By the time you’re finished here, you’ll be able to decide whether or not a Good Vibrations Z-Hitch is the right choice for you and your zero-turn lawn mower.
Discover the Good Vibrations Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate
Good Vibrations Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate Installation
If your zero-turn mower has a spot on the back to accommodate nuts and bolts, you can very likely install a Z-Hitch on it. The hitch plate is nearly universal. It’s compatible with popular makes and models from John Deere, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Toro, and plenty more brands.
The back of the plate features two openings that are 2-½” in length, allowing plenty of room for a customizable fit. As long as the holes on the back of your mower are between 2.5” and 6.5” apart from each other, a Z-Hitch will work for you.
The hitch plate comes with the hardware you’ll need to install it, too — two nuts and two bolts. All you’ll need to supply is a 9/16” wrench to tighten the bolt, and an additional 9/16” wrench to hold the nut in place (or any other applicable tool to hold the nut while you turn the bolt).
It’s important to note that the Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate is for offroad use only and should only be used to tow lawn and garden equipment. Be sure not to exceed the towing capacity of your zero-turn mower.
A good rule of thumb for towing capacity is to add the weight of the mower and the operator together and divide by two. The resulting number is a good guess as to the maximum weight you should tow with your zero-turn.
Good Vibrations Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate Towing Methods
One of the features that sets the Z-Hitch apart from other zero-turn hitch plates is that it offers three towing methods in one hitch:
- A tow ball
- A pin-hitch hole
- Two slots for chains or ropes
Though the Z-Hitch is technically compatible with any tow ball size, it’s best used with a light-duty 1-⅞” tow ball (included with the Good Vibrations Hitchin’ Post+). A tow ball that size is ideal for pull-behind lawn equipment compatible with the Z-Hitch.
The Z-Hitch’s pin-hitch hole measures ¾” — the perfect size to accommodate a number of hitch pins. It’s particularly well-suited to the Auto Lock Magnetic Hitch Pin and the King Pin Quick Connect Hitch Pin, both of which have a ½” diameter.
Finally, the plate features two dual tow loops for nylon straps, ropes, chains, and more. The body of the Z-Hitch itself is made of heavy-duty powder coated steel designed to withstand strong forces when towing with any of these three attachment styles.
Good Vibrations Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate Attachments
So, what kind of attachments are compatible with the Z-Hitch? The hitch plate works well with plenty of tow-behind attachments that can help make lawn care and maintenance easier and more efficient.
Need to tow away freshly cut lumber or bring a load of soil or mulch to a freshly planted garden? Use the Z-Hitch to add a dump cart to the back of your zero-turn.
Looking to give new life to an old, worn-out lawn? The Z-Hitch is excellent for adding a pull-behind dethatcher to several makes and models of mowers.
Trying to add fertilizer to a large swath of recently mowed grass? The Z-Hitch is compatible with a number of tow-behind fertilizer spreaders from a number of well-known brands.
The list doesn’t end there, either. The Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate is perfect for lawn rollers, lawn sweepers, aerators, and plenty more equipment. If it attaches to a hitch and can help make your lawn care routine easier, the Z-Hitch can accommodate it.
Should You Get a Good Vibrations Z-Hitch Zero-Turn Hitch Plate?
From installation to attachments, this has been an in-depth look at the Z-Hitch Zero Turn Hitch Plate from Good Vibrations. At this point, you know what it’s for, how it works, and what you can attach with it.
The question remains, though — should you get a Z-Hitch for yourself?
To be transparent, the Z-Hitch isn’t the cheapest zero-turn hitch plate on the market. Its MSRP is $31.99, while other similar hitch plates may cost between $15 and $20 (though when you factor in the multi-thousand-dollar cost of a zero-turn mower, this difference doesn’t seem like much).
Even still, this hitch plate is unique in its level of quality and the towing methods it offers. Its solid steel construction combined with its black powder coat makes it highly resistant both to the strain of towing heavy loads and deterioration due to weather.
Its three towing methods is a standout feature, too. Compatible with a tow ball, hitch pins, and ropes or chains, you won’t ever have to swap your hitch plate out. You can keep the same plate on for just about any towing job with any attachment.
Its high durability, endless versatility, and remarkable quality are what set the Z-Hitch apart. So, if you have a zero-turn mower and attachments to tow, give the Z-Hitch a try.
It can do a lot for around $32.
And if you have a lawn tractor or you’re just interested in more towing solutions, be sure to read our review of the Good Vibrations Hitchin’ Post+. It offers a deep dive on yet another towing implement that’s similarly flexible and long-lasting.
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