How to Load a Lawn Mower Into an SUV Without Wrecking Your Back (or Your Car)

You need to move your lawn mower. Maybe it’s going to the shop for a tune-up, or perhaps you’re helping a family member with their yard. The problem? Your only available vehicle is an SUV. This scenario is incredibly common, yet it presents a significant challenge that can lead to serious injury or costly damage if not handled correctly.

Attempting to lift a heavy, awkward machine into the back of a high-clearance vehicle is a recipe for disaster. The risks range from severe back strain and crushed fingers to a damaged bumper, scratched interior, and permanent gasoline stains on your upholstery. This guide provides a definitive, step-by-step process to get your lawn mower into your SUV safely and efficiently.

Pre-Loading Checklist: The Non-Negotiable First Steps

Before the mower gets anywhere near your vehicle, a series of preparatory steps is essential. These aren’t just recommendations; they are critical for safety and preventing a massive mess. Skipping this section can lead to hazardous situations and costly cleanups.

Drain the Fluids: The Most Critical Step Everyone Skips

Gasoline and oil are the biggest enemies of your SUV’s interior. Spills are not only difficult to clean but also create dangerous, flammable fumes inside an enclosed space. Draining these fluids is the single most important preparation you can make.

To drain the gasoline, use a siphon pump to transfer the fuel into an approved container. Tilting the mower to pour it out can cause oil to leak into the carburetor and air filter, leading to starting problems later. For the oil, locate the drain plug underneath the mower deck, place an oil pan beneath it, and remove the plug to let the oil drain completely.

Disconnect the Spark Plug: A Simple Twist for Total Safety

An accidental engine start while you’re maneuvering the mower up a ramp is a terrifying and dangerous possibility. Even with no fuel, residual fumes could theoretically cause the engine to sputter. Always disconnect the spark plug wire before you begin the loading process. This simple action completely removes the risk of the engine turning over unexpectedly.

Clean the Mower Deck: Protect Your SUV’s Interior

Your mower’s undercarriage is a collection point for wet grass clippings, mud, and other debris. Loading it directly into your vehicle will transfer this mess onto your carpet. Use a putty knife or a brush to scrape the underside of the deck clean. A quick once-over with a leaf blower or air compressor can remove any remaining loose grass.

Measure Everything Twice: Mower, SUV Opening, and Ramps

It sounds obvious, but many people discover their mower won’t fit only after they’ve done all the hard work. Get a tape measure and check three key dimensions: the width of your mower (at its widest point, usually the wheels), the height and width of your SUV’s cargo opening, and the width of your loading ramps. Ensure you have adequate clearance on all sides.

The Right Equipment: Your Keys to a Safe and Easy Load

Trying to muscle a 70-100 pound machine into an SUV without the proper tools is asking for trouble. Investing in a few key pieces of equipment turns a dangerous task into a manageable one. Think of these not as expenses, but as insurance against injury and damage.

Choosing the Right Ramps: Not All Ramps Are Created Equal

A sturdy set of loading ramps is the most critical piece of equipment. Using flimsy wooden planks is extremely risky, as they can slip or break under load. When selecting ramps, pay close attention to their design and capacity. Arched ramps are highly recommended for SUVs because the curve provides extra clearance for the mower deck as it transitions from the ramp to the vehicle, preventing it from getting stuck or “high-centered.”

Look for ramps with a high-traction surface and, most importantly, safety straps. These straps are non-negotiable; they wrap around the ramp and attach to a secure point on your vehicle’s frame or cargo anchor points, preventing the ramp from kicking out during loading.

Ramp Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Arched Aluminum Ramps	Lightweight, strong, prevents high-centering, often foldable for storage.	Can be more expensive.	SUVs and trucks where mower deck clearance is a concern.
Straight Steel Ramps	Very durable, often have a high weight capacity.	Heavy, can cause mower deck to scrape on higher vehicles.	Lower vehicles or mowers with high deck settings.
Trifold Ramps	Folds into a compact unit, provides a wide, stable single surface.	Can be heavy and bulky even when folded.	Pushing wider equipment like snow blowers or some zero-turns.

Essential Protective Gear and Vehicle Protection

Before you start, protect yourself and your vehicle. Wear a pair of sturdy gloves with a good grip to protect your hands and improve your hold on the mower. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are also a must.

To protect your SUV, lay down a heavy-duty tarp or old blankets in the cargo area. This will catch any residual oil drips or dirt and protect the carpet. It’s also wise to drape a blanket over the rear bumper to prevent scratches from the ramps or the mower itself.

The Loading Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

With all preparations complete, it’s time to load the mower. The key here is to move slowly, deliberately, and with a focus on control. Rushing leads to mistakes and accidents.

Positioning Your Vehicle and Ramps

First, park your SUV on the most level ground you can find. A flat driveway is ideal. If you have to park on a slight incline, face the vehicle uphill. This decreases the loading angle, making the push easier and safer.

Set your ramps on the edge of the cargo floor or bumper. Secure the ramps to your vehicle using the provided safety straps. This is the most crucial step in preventing the ramps from sliding away under the mower’s weight. Attach the straps to a solid anchor point inside your cargo area or on the vehicle’s frame, never to a plastic part.

The Two-Person Method (Highly Recommended)

Loading a lawn mower is safest with two people. One person should be positioned behind the mower, providing the primary pushing force. The second person should stand to the side, helping to guide the mower and keep it centered on the ramps.

The person pushing should maintain a firm grip and use their legs, not their back, to drive the mower forward. Communicate clearly throughout the process. Move up the ramp with slow, steady, and controlled motion until the front wheels are securely inside the vehicle.

The Solo Method (Use Extreme Caution)

If you absolutely must load the mower alone, the principle is the same but requires more care. Always push the mower from behind; never attempt to pull it up the ramp from the front. Pulling puts your body in an unstable position and significantly increases the risk of the mower rolling back on you.

Maintain a low center of gravity and keep a firm, balanced stance. Push the mower up in short, controlled bursts rather than one continuous motion. If at any point you feel you are losing control, let it roll back down the ramp in a controlled manner and reset.

Securing the Mower for Transport: The Final, Crucial Step

Once the mower is inside, the job isn’t finished. An unsecured lawn mower can become a dangerous projectile inside your vehicle during a sudden stop or turn. It can also shift and damage your interior trim panels.

Using Ratchet Straps or Cam Buckle Straps

The best way to secure the mower is with ratchet straps or cam buckle straps. Do not use old, stretched-out bungee cords, as they do not provide enough tension to hold a heavy object in place.

Find the metal cargo anchor points in your SUV’s trunk area. Attach one end of a strap to an anchor point, run it over a solid part of the mower’s frame (not the plastic engine cover), and attach the other end to an anchor on the opposite side. Tighten the strap until the mower is completely immobile. Use at least two straps crisscrossing the mower for maximum stability.

Unloading: The Process in Reverse

Unloading requires the same level of care as loading. Secure the ramps with the safety straps just as you did before. It’s often best to have one person in front of the mower (standing to the side, not directly in its path) to guide it down, while the other person controls the descent from behind.

Never let the mower free-roll down the ramp. A controlled, hand-over-hand motion is the safest way to guide it back to the ground. Once it’s unloaded, you can reattach the spark plug, refill the fluids, and your mower is ready for action. And if it gives you trouble starting, remember that sometimes even a simple transport can affect performance, much like how a small issue can prevent an Ariens 722 from starting.