5 Best Riding Lawn Mowers For Hills
Using a riding mower instead of an uphill mower to mow the lawn can make it easier to cut the grass, as mowers designed for uneven terrain can provide a more even cut.
Zero Turn Mowers
When it comes to riding mowers, zero-turn mowers are the cream of the crop, with dual-lever control and the ability to turn a full 360 degrees. The speed and control offered by a zero turn mower can cut the time it takes to mow a lawn in half.
Lawn Tractors
Lawn tractors are ideal for mowing large open lawns with few obstacles, but they are top-heavy and not well suited for steep hills. Lawn tractors can pull lightweight attachments like rear baggers or carts.
Garden Tractors
Garden tractors are similar to lawn tractors, but they have more power and heavy-duty transmissions, as well as the ability to use ground-engaging attachments such as lawn aerators, cultivators, and plows. Most are suitable for use on uneven terrain, but some have top-heavy designs.
Rear Engine Riding Mowers
Rear engine mowers are the smallest riding mowers, and their small size makes them a good choice if you have limited storage space. The placement of the engines in these mowers makes them far less likely to flip than tractor-style mowers, making them a safer choice for steep inclines.
Property Size, layout, & slope
The layout of your yard is the most important factor in choosing a riding mower; it will tell you a lot about the type of mower you want. Answering these few questions will give you an idea of what you’re looking for in a mower.
Hills
If you have steep hills, rear-engine mowers are a great option; however, they are much smaller and less powerful than tractor-style mowers, and the larger your yard, the longer it takes to mow with a riding mower.
Layout
A zero-turn mower gives you complete steering control that you won’t get with other mowers, and a small turning radius is important if your yard is full of trees, sheds, or swing sets.
Set a Realistic Budget and Don’t Overspend for What you Don’t Need.
You don’t need a top-of-the-line garden tractor if you have a modestly sized yard, but you should be wary of anything that appears to be too good to be true.
Warranty
The longer your riding mower’s warranty is, the more likely it is to save you money. Choose a brand with a good reputation for customer service so you know your warranty will be honored and you won’t have to fight for it.
User-friendliness (ergonomics/ease of use)
Adjustable high-back seats, rubber floor mats or foot mats, and padded steering wheels are all essential.
Engine Type & Power
The steeper the hill, the more you’ll have to fight gravity and rely on a powerful engine to keep you moving forward.
Electric Motors
Electric riding mowers with batteries are becoming more popular because they require less maintenance and are more environmentally friendly than gas-engine mowers. However, electric motors aren’t as powerful as gas-engine mowers, which can be a problem depending on the geography of your yard; for steeper hills, a gas-engine mower is often the better choice.
Transmission
Manual, automatic, and hydrostatic transmissions are available on riding mowers; each has its own set of benefits, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs. Automatic or continuous variable transmissions eliminate the need to shift gears manually. Hydrostatic engines are powered by a hydraulic pump and motor.
Runtime
It can be inconvenient to have to stop mowing your lawn halfway through; if you use an electric riding mower, you may have to wait an hour or more for the battery to charge before you can resume mowing.
Rollover Protection (ROPS)
When operating a riding mower on uneven terrain, a rollover protective structure, or ROPS, is a must-have safety feature that protects the operator if the mower overturns. Not using a ROPS and seatbelt greatly increases your risk of injury if your mower overturns.
Braking
When choosing a riding mower to use on an incline, a sturdy brake assembly is a must-have. Riding mowers typically use a pedal brake in conjunction with a clutch, and the responsiveness of your braking mechanism is also important. Maintaining your brakes is just as important when you own a riding mower to ensure they work when you need them.
Ergonomic Design
As previously stated, comfort is an important factor to consider when purchasing a mower; you want it to last for years, so choose something you’ll be happy with. Here are some ergonomic features to look for: A wide adjustable seat with a high back for superior lumbar support.Padded floor mats or foot padsA padded steering wheel or control leversAdjustable steering wheel or control leversAdjustable steering wheel or control leversAdjustable steering wheel or control leversAdjustable steering
Turning Radius
If you have a large yard that requires precise turns, paying attention to the turning radius when purchasing a mower can save you a lot of time and aggravation in the future. Zero-turn riding mowers offer the most control of any riding mower, but they are only safe to operate on slightly uneven terrain, as they risk flipping on steep inclines.
Safety tips for using a riding lawn mower for hills:
When mowing uneven terrain, always wear a seatbelt.Pay attention to changes in steepness and be aware of any dips or inclines.Only mow up and down hills, never across them, as this makes it much easier for the mower to tip over.Avoid making any sudden stops or turns when mowing uneven terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Craftsman T225 lawn tractor is our pick for the best lawn mower for hills.
Which riding lawn mower is best for hills?
Learn everything you need to know about choosing the best riding lawn mower for hills by reading on.
- BANG FOR THE BUCK: Troy-Bilt TB 30 in.
- BEST ELECTRIC: Ryobi 38 in.
- BEST ZERO-TURN: Toro 42 in 22.5 HP Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower.
Are lawn tractors good on hills?
Lawn tractors have powerful engines but lack the speed and control of zero-turn mowers, making them ideal for mowing large open lawns with few obstacles. While suitable for uneven terrain, these mowers are typically top-heavy, and many are not well suited for steep hills, though exceptions exist.
What is the best lawn mower for a steep hill?
The 5 Best Lawn Mowers for Slopes
- #1: Snapper XD 21-Inch 82V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Walk Mower
- #2: Greenworks 40V 20-Inch Cordless Twin Force Lawn Mower, 4Ah and 2Ah Batteries with Charger Included
- #3: WORX WR150 Landroid L 20V Power Share Robotic Lawn Mower
Can you use a riding lawn mower on hills?
It is easier and safer to mow from side to side along a hillside with a push mower; however, if the hill is too steep, avoid mowing up the hill and only mow down the hill with a riding mower, whether you drive a zero-turn or riding lawn tractor.
Why are zero turns bad on hills?
Treading Lightly. Caster wheels have little traction, allowing zero turn mowers to turn faster in tight turns. As you approach a hill, your rear tires are the only firm traction on the grass; if your tires lack tread, they will slide against the turf, potentially causing slipping down the hill.
How do you mow a steep hill with a lawn tractor?
Unless the manual says otherwise, mow straight up and down slopes with a tractor or rider, and mow side-to-side with walk-behind mowers, starting at the bottom and working uphill.
What is the difference between a lawn tractor and a garden tractor?
Garden tractors are excellent machines for large jobs that may include more than just mowing the lawn, but they are built larger and heavier, whereas lawn tractors are more nimble and powerful for cutting a beautiful lawn.
What does hydrostatic mean on a riding mower?
A hydrostatic transmission is similar to an automatic transmission, but instead of belts, it uses fluid to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, resulting in a smoother ride, lower maintenance, and longer life.
What is the best lawn mower for uneven ground?
Best Lawn Mower for Uneven Ground (Top 5)
- Greenworks 40V 20 inch Brushless Dual Port Lawn Mower Best High-End.
- LawnMaster MEB1116K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch Top Contender.
- PowerSmart Lawn Mower, 21-inch and 170CC, Gas Powered Self-propelled Lawn Mower My Top Pick.
What is the best way to mow a steep hill?
How to Mow a Slope Safely, Step by Step
- When mowing on a slope with a walk-behind mower, cut back and forth across the hill instead of up and down, to avoid the mower rolling over when going uphill or getting away from you when going downhill.
- Avoid turning on a hill if at all possible.
What to use to mow steep hills?
Self-propelled walk-behind mowers are often the best piece of equipment for mowing hills because, unlike ride-on mowers, they pose little risk of toppling and are easier to operate, resulting in higher work rates.
What is a 30% slope?
A slope of 30 degrees is equivalent to a 58% grade, which is another way of describing its magnitude.
How do you mow a ditch with a riding lawn mower?
What is the Best Way to Mow a Steep Ditch?
- Mow in an up-and-down pattern with a riding mower.
- Drive slowly up and down the hill in a low gear rather than coasting down the hill.
- Mow with a push mower if the slope is too steep for a riding mower.
Can I hose off my lawn mower?
Cleaning your mower is a relatively simple task, and you can use your hose to do so. Pressure washers are also fine, but use caution when using them due to the damage that high water pressure can cause. And, as always, keep your mower clean.
How do I mow my lawn with a riding mower?
Begin on a level surface and raise the blade or blade deck until the mower reaches the grass.
- Set your mower to the recommended height for your grass type before you mow.
- Cut only 1/3 of the grass blades at a time.
- Don’t mow when the grass is wet from rain or dew.
- Change your mowing pattern every time you mow.