You are not lazy for wanting a riding lawn mower. They have been around since 1956, and even today they are perfect for working on large lawns or difficult terrain.
However, finding the best riding lawn mower for hills and other types of lawn terrain is a technical problem. You have to think about navigation, transmission, handling of grass clippings, lawnmower attachments, and much more. These capabilities are what enable a riding lawn mower to tackle your particular type of terrain such as tight turns and rough ground surface with minimal difficulty.
This review will have you covered on all those points, so be sure to read with interest. And remember, riding a lawn mower is a lot more fun than you think.
Other features: hydrostatic, zero-turn, 11-gauge steel cutting deck, 3-year warranty
This is like the Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP mower’s cousin. They share so much in common except the engine. It is just as powerful and efficient. It is packed with features to provide you with a smooth ride and utmost comfort during those long grass-cutting sessions.
What sets the Husqvarna mower apart from others within its range is its powerful 24 HP, 660cc Kawasaki FR Series engine. Kawasaki engines are popular for their power and reliability. This 24 HP engine is no exception and is incredibly quiet. You can mow your lawn in the wee hours of the morning without being a nuisance to your neighbors.
The 54-inch cutting deck is another feature that makes the mower stand out. It uses 3 blades to give your lawn precise clean cuts. Plus, thanks to the hydrostatic gear transmission you will enjoy quick directional change and speed adjustment on various terrains. Whether you use the pedal, hand joystick, or foot you will always feel in control.
The hydrostatic gear transmission combined with the zero-turn technology offers superior maneuverability. You will be able to move around obstacles easily.
Overall, the mower is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a great pennyworth
Other features: dual EZT Hydrostatic transmission, electric PTO blade engage control, 3.5-gallon fuel tank, 3-year warranty
Troy-Bilt is another leading name in the lawnmower industry. The brand is popular for top quality, dependability and power. Their Mustang Z54 contributes largely to the brand’s long-standing reputation.
The 725cc 24 HP Kohler engine makes the machine stand out. Everything about it screams power and easy usability. The powerful engine together with the dual EZT hydrostatic transmission provides you with superior independent speed and direction control.
The hydrostatic transmission also allows for PTO blade control giving you responsive control for the cutting blades.
The cutting deck of the Mustang Z54 is also top-notch. It is wide enough to chew up large swaths of grass in a single pass. You will have your expansive lawn cut clean in no time. The 54-inch deck also boasts a robust build with stamped steel that offers corrosion resistance and strength.
The most special feature on this mower is the deck wash port built into the robust steel deck. When you are done mowing your lawn, you simply attach your garden hose to it and it will spray the bottom of the deck vigorously getting rid of the lawn debris.
The generous 3.5-gallon fuel tank makes the mower ideal for mowing large lawns. You wouldn’t have to make as many stops to gas up. Its overall comfort makes it a prime choice for professionals who might have to spend several hours a day driving it.
Other features: hydrostatic transmission, 3-year warranty, 3.5-gal. tank
This is another powerful mower from Husqvarna with lots of great features combined to offer you an enriched mowing experience. The Z242F is one of the greatest zero-turn lawn mowers out there. It provides high-quality service that is on par with other more expensive high-end mowers on the market.
When it comes to durability and performance, the Z242F is quite the beast. It features a rugged cutting deck made to last with heavy flat-stock steel. The cutting deck offers both durability and cutting strength.
The mower also features a Kawasaki engine that comes with the latest air induction technology and is maintenance-free. The technology offers superior cutting capability regardless of the state of your lawn.
Moreover, the Z242F is remarkably easy and comfortable to use. It comes with an ergonomic control panel and a deck lift with a spring assist system. You are also granted easy access to the deck’s upper part as the uniquely designed chassis offers removable foot pans.
The mower has 3 cutting methods; mulching, rear bag, and side discharge. Its cutting versatility doesn’t stop at the 3-in-1 feature as you are offered the option of adjusting the cutting sizes.
The mower is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a heavy-duty lawn mower for hills on a tight budget. Its durability, performance, and cutting versatility are just as exceptional as most premium models out there.
Other features: hydrostatic, zero-turn, air induction mowing technology, reinforced steel stamped cutting deck, 3-year warranty
This tops the list for all the right reasons. Its large deck and powerful 26HP Kohler engine earn it its top position. It also has incredible maneuverability and smooth ride thanks to its hydrostatic transmission. Cutting grass on your hilly lawn will be less of a chore as it will be quick and easy.
The mower boasts a sturdy build with a robust steel cutting deck. The cutting deck measures a whopping 54-inch. This means you’ll have your lawn done in no time as you can cut large swaths of grass in a single pass.
The mower further sets itself apart with cast iron blades. The blades together with the sturdy cutting deck make it the ideal heavy-duty mower for cutting grass on expansive lawns. Its powerful Kohler motor also makes work easier for you as it allows you to maintain a steady speed in all types of terrain.
As if that’s enough, the mower has a deck lifting mechanism that allows you to make fast and easy adjustments from the comfort of your seat. The seat is also incredibly comfortable owing to its high back, armrests and foam-padded hand grips. It even has dampeners that reduce excess vibration for added comfort.
The mower offers you the option of mulching, discharging or bagging the clippings. You can get the nine-bushel triple collection bag sold separately for collecting clippings. All considered, the Husqvarna Z254 is perfect for mowing large lawns or heavy-duty grass cutting.
More features: 2-year warranty, 2 gals, the weight of 592 lb, 7 cutting positions
It was very easy for us to choose this product as the Best Value as we found its engineering quality to be quite impressive. It comes with the 22 HP Kohler 7000 series engine, which volumes up its efficiency and strong capacity. With this machine, you can get a fast, clean-cut and get around smaller yards conveniently without experiencing any hiccup — all thanks to the intuitive controls. You also enjoy a smoother ride with the traction provided by its larger tires. Your comfort is guaranteed while operating this machine because it features a comfortable high-back seat that helps to ensure that you feel relaxed while you are mowing, plus you can easily adjust the deck height with the seat-side lever.
One major thing that separates Ariens Edge 42-inch 915251 from its other peers is its affordability. Despite the high quality it breathes, it does not cost much like its other siblings, and its 20 horsepower, unlike the 915243 model, which is 19 horsepower. Thus, the Ariens Edge 34-inch 915265 is a great buy for those who seek a convenient and reliable mower that will not make them break the bank.
Other features: zero-turn, commercial hydraulics, roll-over protection system, 11-gauge steel cutting deck, 4-year warranty
The MZ61 is one of the best riding lawn mowers for hilly terrain that money can buy. It is our Upgrade Pick because of its unique 3-blade cutting mechanism, hydrostatic transmission and precise zero-degree turn maneuvers.
The MZ61 may share so much in common with other mowers in the market but just a single glance under its engine hood will tell you it’s a one-of-a-kind unit. It features a powerful 24 HP engine and a hydrostatic gear transmission system that work together to give you a smooth ride. The 2 features also allow you to mow your entire property at one speed.
Like other Husqvarna mowers the MZ61 has a remarkably sturdy build. It has a heavy-duty steel frame that is resistant to rust and corrosion. This guarantees solid durability as the internal components remain protected.
The mower’s operator interface is also intuitive. The easy usability qualifies it as a perfect mower for first time users. Another thing that makes it incredibly easy to use is the pedal lift on the cutting deck. It makes lifting the mower such a breeze whenever you need to clean it or perform routine maintenance.
With a 61-inch cutting width you will spend less time clearing your lawn. What’s more, the 3-blade cutting system will give you the cleanest of lawn cuts.
That said, the Husqvarna Z254 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high productivity and versatility in a mower.
Not all mowers are best suited for cutting grass on lawns with hills and uneven surfaces. The ultimate lawn mower for hilly lawns should have adequate power and various speed options among other features. This section has all the features you should consider when buying a riding lawn mower for steep hills.
Here are the must-have features and for a good riding lawn mower for steep hills:
With all the multiple options available on the market, choosing the best lawn mower for hill or steep banks can be challenging. The models differ in various aspects from size and power to cutting capabilities and engine.
There are 3 main types of riding mowers for hills: rear-engine riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and garden tractors. Rear-engine riding mowers are the best small riding lawn mowers for hills. They are a fantastic choice if you have a small to medium size lawn and limited storage space.
Garden tractors are the best for uneven surfaces and lawns with lots of obstacles. They are compatible with various functional attachments like tillers and snow blowers.
Zero-turning mowers are the quickest way to get grass cut on your expansive yard. They have no braking system like other mowers and have wide cutting decks that work through extensively wide grassy areas in a breeze.
This is a primary consideration as it would help you choose a mower that can do the job. You must consult the specs of a mower based on the size of your lawn. For instance, if you have a large lawn, features like a wide cutting deck and comfortable seat should be your top priority. If you have a small lawn you want to go for a small mower for easy maneuverability and storage.
Your terrain type also determines the kind of lawn mower you get. If your lawn has lots of natural obstacles like trees and rocks, you can go for a mower with a tighter radius for turns and curves. It will be much easier to maneuver.
If you have a flat expansive lawn, you can go for a zero-turn mower like the Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Riding Mower. They have incredible speed and turn capabilities that will get the job done in no time. For rugged and hilly terrains, lawn tractors or garden tractors are the best.
Corded electric mowers are much more affordable than gas powered mowers but they are not the best for hilly terrain. When it comes to power, gas powered mowers are the clear winner. Obstacles like hills, stones and bumps can put so much strain on electric mowers. An electric mower would be burned out after a few months of cutting tough springs of grass on a rough hilly ground.
The engine of an average gas-powered lawn mower can deliver between 4.5 and 8.75 feet per pound of torque. The average battery powered mower has a power rating of 1000 watts and a rotational speed of 2800 RPM. This translates to about 2.5 feet per pound of power. The bottom line is, for your hilly lawn, be sure to go for a gas-powered mower, especially if it’s large and filled with many obstacles.
Mowing a lawn uphill can be one hell of a daunting task. The more grass you have to cut, the more strenuous it can get. With a riding lawn mower for hills, getting a clean and even cut on your hilly lawn can be effortless. The mowers are designed with uneven terrain in mind thus ease of use is a sure bet.
The type of engine you pick also depends on the size of your lawn. For a small or medium size lawn, a single-engine riding mower is fine. It’s even more affordable. If, however, you have large property with several acres, then you may want to consider a V-twin engine like the one for Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Riding Mower.
A V-twin engine will allow you to mow fast and navigate uneven terrain with greater ease. It is also incredibly durable as it offers a cleaner burning of fuel and cooler run.
To know the power of the engine’s transmission or blades look out for the horsepower. The motor’s cylinder in cubic centimeters is the engine’s displacement and a higher CCS means the engine is highly powerful. Torque indicates the force of spin in the blades. If your lawn has tall and thick grass, go for an engine with a higher torque.
There are 3 main types of lawn mower transmission; hydrostatic, manual and automatic. The manual transmission comes with a selection of set speeds. If you choose the manual transmission, be sure to go for one that allows you to switch without stopping.
An automatic transmission is pretty much similar to the automatic transmission of a car. You will use a gas pedal to control the speed.
The hydrostatic transmission works like the automatic transmission except it uses liquid instead of belts to transfer power from the engine to the mower’s wheels. Mowers with this type of transmission are more durable and offer smoother rides.
Mowers with brushless motors are better than those with brushed motors. They have improved efficiency, reduced heat and noise, and they require less maintenance.
To mow uphill with ease, you need a fast lawn mower. Consider a lawn mower with a maximum forward speed of about 7 to 8 MPH. The reverse speed should be at a maximum 2.5 or 3 MPH.
The turning radius of a mower will let you know how much space you need to turn it. If the radius is wide, you will have a hard time turning it in a smaller space. This means it wouldn’t be the most ideal for your small yard.
This is a crucial consideration. The cutting width of a mower will tell you how many passes you will have to make to finish cutting grass in your yard. The larger the width the better as that means you will spend less time. Also, choose a mower with variable cutting height so you can maneuver rolling hills easily. You should be able to make cutting height adjustments between 1.5 and 4 inches depending on the state of your lawn.
The material used to make the cutting deck determines its longevity. Stamped steel is the best as it offers both corrosion resistance and strength.
You want to go for tractor-style tires for exceptional traction especially when the grass is wet. They also offer solid durability. You can always change the tires of your mower if you are not satisfied with their quality or they are worn out.
One benefit of riding mowers is the possibility of moving other things. There are models that allow you to attach things like snow plow, snow blower attachments, and dump cart. A dump cart will allow you to remove and haul debris. Many models also feature bagging and mulching capabilities.
Since mowing steep hills isn’t the easiest of tasks, you have to consider the size and height of the mower. If you have a small or medium size mower, you don’t need a large lawn mower. It’ll be tedious to maneuver and store. Also, the mower shouldn’t be too heavy as maneuvering it up the hill will be a real challenge.
Safety features like a seat belt, adjustment steering functions, blade brake control, handle levers and back flaps are a must-have for all mowers. You should read the manufacturer’s instructions on the safety guide so you can make the most of the safety features on your mower.
Different brands and models of riding lawn mowers for hills come with different price tags. Mowers with rear-engines are less expensive compared to ones with larger rear wheels. Also, the more functions a mower offers the more expensive it will be.
Different manufacturers also offer different warranty covers. Most brands separate their warranty periods into commercial and residential usage. Most manufacturers provide a warranty period of up to 4 years.
This is a feature on the handlebar that adds up to the efficiency of the mower.
Mowing a hill with a riding lawn mower mainly involves navigating the steering controls and maintaining a consistent speed. You should start at the bottom as you work your way up the hill for your safety. Be extra careful when moving up and down the slopes. Be sure to check the user manual for more directions if you are still learning how to maneuver.
A riding lawn mower is the best you can get for your hilly lawn. They are a major investment though and as such, you must be careful to choose one that suits your needs. Our list of the top 5 riding lawn mowers should help you make a quick informed choice. Our detailed buying guide will also help you pick a mower you will be happy to use for many years to come.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Husqvarna Z200. Everything about it screams quality and longevity. It is the best Husqvarna riding lawn mower for hills that money can buy as it offers a big bang for the buck. Next is the Troy-Bilt XP Series Mustang Z54 Zero-Turn Mower. Its engine makes the machine stand out. Everything about it screams power and easy usability.
Our third choice is the Husqvarna Z242F. It is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a heavy-duty lawn mower for hills. Its durability, performance, and cutting versatility are just as exceptional as most premium models out there.
