A tow mower suits large, open blocks where a walk-behind mower takes too long, and the feature that matters most is matching it to the vehicle that pulls it. A tow behind slasher is the heavier-duty version for long grass, but both need a safe hitch, good guarding and enough towing capacity.
This guide compares the types, features and brands, and shows when paying someone is cheaper than owning, with links to our lawn mower buying guide.
Key points
- A tow mower or tow behind slasher suits large, fairly flat blocks, and your towing vehicle must be rated to pull it.
- Check cutting width, hitch type, guards, deck height adjustment and local service before you compare prices.
- Thrown stones are the main hazard, so keep people and pets well clear and wear eye and hearing protection.
- For a big Sydney lawn, a mowing service costs about $140 to $350 per visit for 500 m² or more (October 2026).
Types of tow mower and slasher
Pick the type by grass height and block size. A finishing mower leaves a tidy lawn, while a slasher knocks down long, rough growth.
| Type | Best for | Pros | Cons | Power source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tow behind lawn mower (finishing deck) | Large, fairly flat lawns | Cuts wide, fast and tidy | Needs a ride-on, ATV or utility vehicle | Petrol engine on the deck |
| Tow behind slasher | Long grass, paddocks, firebreaks | Handles thick, overgrown growth | Rough finish and heavy to tow | Petrol engine or tractor PTO |
| Ride-on mower | Large lawns, one machine for everything | Comfortable and tidy | Higher upfront cost and more storage | Petrol or battery |
| Walk-behind mower | Small to medium lawns | Cheap and simple | Slow on big areas | Petrol, battery or electric |
Tow mower features that matter
These checks separate a machine that works well from one that sits in the shed. In the Hawkesbury, many owners find hitch height the problem, not the engine.
- Check the cutting width against gate and track width, because a wide deck is no use if it won’t fit through your entrance.
- Confirm the hitch type matches your ATV, ride-on or tractor, and check the towing capacity in the vehicle manual.
- Look for deck guards, chains or rubber flaps that reduce thrown stones, and keep them fitted at all times.
- Choose adjustable cutting height with a simple lever, so you can raise the deck over rough ground.
- Compare tyre size and ground clearance if your block is bumpy, since small wheels bounce and scalp the lawn.
- Ask about warranty, parts and local service, because a cheap machine without service support costs more in the long run.
- Think about storage, as a wide tow behind mower needs a dry, secure space and a safe way to unhitch.
Tow behind slasher or mower: which one?
If the grass is thigh-high and the ground is rough, you want a slasher. If you want a neat lawn each week, you want a mower.
- Choose a slasher for long grass, rough paddocks and firebreak strips where appearance matters less than clearing growth.
- Choose a finishing tow mower for lawns you mow regularly, as it produces a cleaner cut at lower height.
- Avoid slashing right up to fences, trees and sheds, where thrown stones and sticks can cause damage.
- Walk the area first and clear rocks, hoses, wire and sprinkler heads, because a slasher will throw or wrap them.
- Use the right machine for the grass: slashers are not designed for fine turf such as buffalo or couch in a front yard.
- Hire a machine for a one-off clean-up if the block only gets overgrown once a year.
Bunnings slasher: what to check before you buy
Bunnings is a convenient first stop for outdoor power equipment, but the range of tow-behind machines varies by store and changes through the year. Check the current range in store or online.
- Check whether the model is truly a tow behind slasher or a walk-behind slasher, because the names are easy to confuse.
- Read the specifications for towing requirements, then match them to your vehicle’s rated capacity.
- Ask about warranty terms and who services the machine, as some products are repaired by the manufacturer rather than in store.
- Compare against specialist machinery dealers for heavier slashers, since they often stock larger or tractor-mounted machines.
- Look at assembly and delivery arrangements, because wide machines may need a trailer or ute to get home.
- See our garden tools guide for other tools worth buying with it.
Brands sold in Australia
These are widely available names; ask each dealer which tow-behind attachments they actually stock.
| Brand | Known for | Where to buy and service |
|---|---|---|
| Victa | Australian-made mowers and outdoor power equipment | Dealers and hardware stores; check the local service network |
| Rover | Ride-on mowers and lawn tractors | Mower dealers and some hardware stores |
| Honda | Engines and petrol mowers | Power equipment dealers with a service workshop |
| Husqvarna | Ride-on mowers, chainsaws and robot mowers | Specialist dealers; see our ride-on mowers guide |
| Stihl | Garden power tools and brushcutters | Stihl shops and dealers |
| Ryobi, Makita and EGO | Battery tool platforms | Bunnings and tool stores; see our battery lawn mowers guide |
How to choose a tow mower for your yard
- Measure the area and decide how often you will mow it, because a weekly lawn and a yearly paddock need different machines.
- Check the slope: avoid towing across steep or wet slopes where the machine or vehicle could tip or slide.
- Match the machine to your towing vehicle using its manual, not guesswork, and ask a dealer if you are unsure.
- Measure gates and storage space so the machine fits through and under cover.
- Consider noise and neighbours, since a large petrol engine is loud and must follow NSW noise hours.
- Set a budget that includes servicing, blades, fuel and a safe place to hitch and unhitch.
Safety and maintenance
- Wear eye and hearing protection, long trousers and closed shoes, and keep children and pets well away from the work area.
- Walk the block and remove stones, wire, hoses and toys before every cut, since these become projectiles.
- Refuel only when the engine is cold, and store fuel in an approved container away from heat.
- Disconnect the spark plug or battery before touching blades, and wear thick gloves for sharpening or changing blades.
- Keep PTO shafts and guards fitted, and never reach under a machine while it is attached or running.
- Stick to NSW noise hours: 7 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Buy, hire or pay someone?
Prices below are Sydney rates including GST for October 2026. Our lawn aerators and corers guide shows another job where hire often beats buying.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a tow mower or slasher | Highest upfront cost, plus fuel, blades and servicing | Large blocks mown regularly |
| Hire a machine | Hire shops charge by the day, so ask for a quote | One-off clean-ups of overgrown land |
| Mowing service, large lawn (250–500 m²) | $90 to $210 per visit (typical $140) | Regular tidy mowing without owning gear |
| Mowing service, extra-large lawn (500 m²+) | $140 to $350 per visit (typical $200) | Big lawns you can’t keep up with |
| Gardener (per hour) | $52 to $115 (typical $75) | Rough clearing and tidy-ups |
FAQ: tow mower
What is a tow mower?
A tow mower is a mowing deck that you pull behind a ride-on mower, ATV, utility vehicle or tractor. It cuts a wide strip each pass, which suits big blocks. You still need a safe hitch, good guarding and a towing vehicle rated to pull it.
What is a tow behind slasher used for?
A tow behind slasher cuts long, rough or overgrown grass, such as paddocks, firebreaks and neglected blocks. It leaves a rougher finish than a mower. Use it away from fences, buildings and people because it can throw stones and sticks.
Does Bunnings sell a slasher?
Bunnings sells a range of outdoor power equipment, but stock changes by store and season. Check the current range in store or online, and read the towing requirements carefully. For heavy-duty or tractor-mounted slashers, a specialist machinery dealer often has more choice.
Can you use a tow mower on a slope?
Avoid steep or wet slopes, because the machine and the towing vehicle can tip or slide. Follow the manuals for both. If your block is steep, consider a different approach, such as a mowing service with suitable equipment.
Prefer not to own a mower?
If a tow mower feels like overkill, we mow, edge and clear large Sydney lawns on a regular schedule. Read our lawn mower buying guide first, or book lawn mowing in Sydney for a quote.
