CURT 40097 Chrome ATV/UTV/Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball (2,000 lbs, 2-Inch Ball, 5/8 x 1-3/4 Shank)
Product description
If you’re trying to tow a small utility trailer with an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor, the hitch ball is the part you can’t really “upgrade later” without swapping hardware. The CURT 40097 is built for that exact job: a compact, chrome-finished hitch ball meant for day-in/day-out towing in the yard or out in the woods.
Key takeaways
On paper, this one leans practical and durable. It’s hot-forged steel, rated for up to 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight, and finished with chrome plating to help it stand up to rain, dirt, and rust. Installation is also fairly straightforward thanks to the included zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer, plus fine threads that are intended to bite well into your ATV hitch or lawn tractor hitch. The main limitation to keep in mind is that it’s designed around a specific shank size and ball diameter, so fitment matters more than with some “universal” setups.
The essentials (what it is and what it’s for)
This is a CURT chrome hitch ball made specifically to equip an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor for towing. That means it’s aimed at utility towing scenarios like:
- Hooking up a small utility trailer for yard work
- Towing through dirt and uneven ground where you still want predictable trailer connection
- Using your existing ATV/UTV tongue or lawn tractor hitch without turning the whole setup into a fabrication project
For a quick mental picture: you back your ATV or lawn tractor into position, line up the trailer coupler, thread the ball shank into the hitch tongue, and tighten it down with the included nut/washer. That’s the “day-to-day” workflow this ball is built around.
What you’ll notice day to day
The standout theme here is usability under real conditions. The chrome-plated finish is there to resist corrosion from rain and dirt—useful if you park outside or work near mud, sprinklers, or wet grass. Under the hood, the ball is hot-forged steel, which is a sensible choice for a towing contact point that sees force every time the trailer moves.
Also, the included zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer suggest CURT is thinking about secure installation rather than just shipping a loose part. And the fine threads are intended to give an enhanced hold on an ATV hitch or lawn tractor hitch.
That said, there’s a catch: this type of hitch ball setup is only as good as the tongue/hitch you’re mounting into. If your hitch doesn’t match the shank dimensions or your hardware stack isn’t correct, you’ll feel it fast—no matter how good the ball is.
Specs that drive compatibility
This hitch ball is defined by its geometry, so it’s worth double-checking before you buy.
Tech specs
- Name: CURT 40097 Chrome ATV/UTV/Lawn Tractor Hitch Ball
- Type: Hitch ball
- Capacity: 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight
- Ball diameter: 2-inch
- Shank diameter: 5/8-inch
- Shank length: 1-3/4-inch
- Finish: Chrome-plated
- Included hardware: Zinc-plated hex nut and helical lock washer
- Torque requirement: 90 lb.-ft.
Where it shines (and where it may not)
It’s a solid pick if you want a towing-ready hitch ball matched to an ATV/UTV or lawn tractor setup, particularly for small utility trailers where 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight is within your needs. The chrome finish and corrosion resistance are especially relevant if you routinely work outdoors and don’t store everything in a climate-controlled garage.
It may not suit you if: - Your hitch tongue or mounting point doesn’t match the listed ball diameter and 5/8-inch shank size - You’re trying to do heavier-duty towing beyond what the stated rating is meant to cover
Practical tips before you install
Before you commit, measure and verify the mounting interface on your ATV/UTV tongue or lawn tractor hitch. You’re looking to confirm that the 5/8-inch shank and 1-3/4-inch length are a match for your specific setup. Also pay attention to the required tightening torque (90 lb.-ft.)—under-tightening can be risky, and over-tightening won’t help either.
If you’re routinely swapping trailers or doing frequent maintenance, this kind of hitch ball with included nut and lock washer is convenient, but it still pays to re-check it periodically as part of your towing routine.
Should you buy it?
Buy the CURT 40097 hitch ball if you have an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor hitch that’s compatible with a 2-inch ball and a 5/8-inch x 1-3/4-inch shank, and you’re towing a small utility trailer within the 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight rating. The chrome finish and included zinc nut/helical lock washer make it well-suited for outdoor work where corrosion is a concern.
Skip it if your hitch tongue doesn’t match the specified shank dimensions, or if your towing needs are outside what a 2,000 lbs rating is meant to handle. In those cases, you’ll end up spending time on fitment and safety checks instead of towing.
Mini FAQ
How much weight is this hitch ball rated for?
It’s rated for up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight.
What ball size does it use?
The ball diameter is 2 inches.
What shank size and length should I check for fit?
The shank diameter is 5/8-inch and the shank length is 1-3/4 inches.
Does it include the mounting hardware?
Yes. It includes a zinc-plated hex nut and a helical lock washer.
What finish is it for corrosion resistance?
It uses a durable chrome-plated finish intended to resist rain, dirt, and rust.