Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills in 2021 | Review and Buyer’s Guide

Proper lawn care and maintenance are necessary to keep your turf green and its soil healthy. This is no problem if you have to mow flat terrain, but it could be such a challenge if you own a hilly estate. Fortunately. A riding lawn mower is a more convenient alternative to mowing slopes. These lawn mowers have powerful engines that allow them to plow through the thickest of grass and cut them with ease. They also have great traction and a low center of gravity that prevents them from turning turtles when they have to climb steep hills.

But if you’re new to the concept of riding lawn mowers, you may find all their specs and features to be overwhelming. Lucky for you, we carefully scrutinized today’s best riding lawn mowers and came up with a list of our top 10 picks. We’ve selected the best riding lawn mower for hills so there’s little for you to do, and to save you time from doing your separate research, we’ve already included an in-depth and informative buying guide for your reference.

How to Choose the Best Riding Mower for Hills

Now a day’s you’re familiar with the different types of lawn mowers, especially with the riding lawn mower. The next step is to know how to choose the best riding lawn mowers for you – especially if you have to mow a hilly area in your estate. After all, the best riding lawn mower for hills is the one that fully addresses all your needs.

Lawn Condition

Before buying a riding lawn mower, it’s important to check the condition of your lawn first. Consider what type of vegetation it has to work with – how thick it is and whether the lawn mower is powerful enough to cut through them with ease.

It is also worth considering if the lawn has pathways that you have to work with or edges that have to be trimmed neatly

Your Yard Size

Riding lawn mowers come in different sizes. With that said, you do not need a large lawn tractor when you can get by with a smaller rear-engine riding mower.

As a guide, rear-engine riding lawn mowers work perfectly with properties with an area of around 2.5 acres or less. Any area bigger than 2.5 acres will need bigger lawn tractors or zero-turn mowers.

Yard Slope and Terrain

We’ve previously mentioned that the lawn condition of the yard should be a prime consideration. A similar consideration is the yard slope and terrain.

Is it generally flat with minimal slopes, a smooth but steep hillside, or a rough terrain with various obstacles? Answering these questions will help you determine the maneuverability you need in a riding lawn mower.

Engine Horsepower

The engine horsepower determines the amount of power being produced by the engine. The higher the horsepower, the more power the engine can produce – and this power is responsible for making the whole lawn mower function. This includes the blades and the wheels.

On average, a 14-horsepower engine is perfect for lawn mowers with a cutting width of around 30 inches. And as the cutting width increases, you should also expect a bigger engine on your lawn mower.

Also, a riding mower needs a lot of power to boost it up a hill, especially in case of a steep incline. If your property has a lot of hills or slopes, then it’s best to go for a mower with a large and powerful lawn mower engine. For more info check it out.

Weight of the Lawn Mower

The weight of the lawn mower has something to do with how fast it can go. The lighter the weight of the lawn mower, the faster it can go and vice versa. If you need your grass to be cut finely, we recommend getting a heavy lawn mower because they offer more precise cuts.

Also, climbing up and down a hill works best if you have a lawn mower of decent weight. Heavier lawn mowers have a better footing over hilly areas, especially in case of a steep descent. But if you don’t have to work with steep hills and slopes, you can do well with a lightweight riding lawn mower.

Turning Capacity

The turning capacity or the turning radius determines how well you can turn the lawn mower. The lower the turning radius, the sharper turns you can make, and that makes a riding mower highly maneuverable.

And when it comes to maneuverability, zero-turn mowers are your best bet. These are the perfect type of the best riding lawn mowers if you own a property with various obstacles like trees, shrubs, and concrete pathways. But if your property doesn’t have these obstacles, you’ll do great with a lawn tractor or the more affordable rear-engine riding lawn mower.

Center of Gravity

Identifying the center of gravity of the lawn mower will help you determine if it’s best for riding up and downhills. As a guide, a low center of gravity is less likely prone to flipping over than one that’s designed with a high center of gravity.

This means the concentrated portion of the lawn mower, which receives a lot of pull from gravity is either at a high or low placement in its design.

Usually, rear-engine riding lawn mowers have a low center of gravity since the engine is placed below the seat. It still depends on how each lawn mower unit is designed.

Traction Stability

Traction refers to how well the lawn mower grips the surface of the ground. To determine if a lawn mower has excellent traction and stability, you have to consider several factors like its weight, center of gravity, wheelbase, and the tires used.

We’ve already discussed the lawn mower’s weight and the center of gravity, so we’ll focus on the wheelbase and the tires used. The wheelbase refers to the distance between the two axles of the lawn mower – and this means that the wider the wheelbase, the more stable it is.

Coming out on top and beating its competitors for the number one spot is the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 Zero Turn Mower.

Boasting a 52-inch cutting diameter, this zero-turn mower gets the job done in as little time as possible. Thanks to its 23-horsepower engine, it can easily climb uphill without sacrificing its cutting performance.

You don’t have to worry about its durability, either. It is constructed using a fully tubular steel frame that can withstand the test of time.

The good side of the lawnmower is that it is very easy to maintain. You can easily reach out to the engine system to carry out any task regarding maintenance. The engine has its cooling system, so you do not have to worry about overheating.

Key Features:

• 52-inch fabricated deck made of 11-gauge steel.
• 23-HP/726-cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine
• Dial-operated cutting height selection
• 8-gallon fuel capacity.

Our Verdict:

The Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52 Zero Turn Mower is capable of powering through the steepest of hills while its excellent traction and low center of gravity keep it from flipping over. We also love that it has a turning radius of zero, making it highly maneuverable.

Overall, this is the perfect choice for people with acres of untamed hillsides that require navigating expertise. Without a doubt, this is the best riding lawn mower for hills for this year.

For those with medium-sized lawns to take care of, the Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Mower is your best option.

With a wide set of 5-inch front tires and 6.5-inch rear wheels, this riding mower provides you with excellent traction to work on modest slopes. It also has a turning radius of 18 inches, which offers decent maneuverability. We also love its compact design, so storage space won’t be a problem.

Key Features:

• 30-inch cutting deck.
• 382-cc engine with a 6-speed transmission.
• 18-inch turning radius.
• 5 height adjustments.

Our Verdict:

If you own around an acre or less of property, then this 30-inch Troy-Bilt Premium lawn Mower is for you. With its impressive traction and maneuverability, you can easily work your way through the estate with ease. It also offers decent adjustments to make sure that you end up with your desired results.

If you’re looking for the riding lawn mowers that offer the best reliability, then look no further than the Husqvarna MZ61 61 Riding Mower. With its impressive cutting deck, premium features, and incredible usability, you’re sure to get your money’s worth if you invest in this riding lawn mower.

Boasting a powerful 27-HP engine, the Husqvarna MZ61 can surely power up its blades to get the job done efficiently – even if you have to mow along the hillside. And with its 61-inch cutting width, you can certainly get the job done faster than smaller-sized lawn mowers.

We also love that it comes with a pair of wide and large rear wheels with incredibly deep lugs. This promises unparalleled traction, so you shouldn’t worry about working with steep slopes at all.

The Husqvarna 61 in. zero-turn lawn mower is one of the MZ series that can be used for all kinds of commercial and personal work. The zero-turn lawn mower has a 27 HP Briggs endurance engine that delivers good operation with the help of its dynamic operating system.

The lawn mower has a high back seat that is comfortable for you to seat with convenience while you move the zero turn mowers around. Also, it has an armrest for added comfort. The foam-padded handgrips have a vibration dampening system that makes it comfortable to use for a longer period. Also, it has five gallon fuel capacity to keep the machine running for a longer period.

Key Features:

• 61-inch cutting width.
• 27-HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
• Zero-turn mower.
• Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck.
• 5-gal fuel tank volume
• Hour meter indicator with service reminder
• 9-bushel collection system

Our Verdict:

The Husqvarna MZ61 61 Riding Mower offers the best value for the money, considering its large cutting deck, zero-turn radius, large collection system, and multiple functionalities. It’s also very comfortable, so you know you’ll have a lot of fun while mowing your lawn.

Another top contender for the best riding lawn mower for hills is the Craftsman T225 Riding Lawn Mower. With its hydrostatic transmission system and a large set of wheels, this riding mower is guaranteed to give you comfort and traction stability while also performing at its best.

With its Ready Start Technology and simple control panel, the Craftsman T225 is a great entry-level lawn mower for those who own a property with an area of 2 acres or less. These lawn mowers also come with turf saver wheels that are known for its durability and impressive traction – allowing you to work safely on sloped areas.

We also love that it has a compact design that makes storage a breeze.

Key Features:

• 46-inch cutting width.
• 19-HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
• Wide 15-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels.
• Hydrostatic foot pedal transmission.

Our Verdict:

For those who are looking for a best riding lawn mower that’s very easy to operate and control, then this is the perfect option for you. Whether you own a medium or large yard, the 46-inch cutting deck on this lawn mower can do the job efficiently.

If you’re not a fan of gas-powered riding lawn mowers, then the Ryobi Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 are your best riding lawn mowers. This battery-operated lawn mower can certainly save you a lot of money in the long run – while also keeping the environment free from harmful pollutants.

The Ryobi Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 boasts a stylish futuristic aesthetic that makes it fun to use. But despite its cool exterior, this riding lawn mower is made to thrive in rugged mowing environments.

It has an impressive battery life that allows you to work on your lawn for around 2.5 hours – and that is enough to work on a 2.5-acre property.

Key Features:

• 38-inch cutting width.
• 3 brushless motors.
• Up to 2.5 hours of operation or up to 2.5 acres.
• 12-position deck adjustments.

Our Verdict:

This riding mower is the best lawn mower for hills if you’re looking for one that’s powered by batteries. Not only does it promote a smoke-free environment, but it also operates silently, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors as you mow your lawn.

Another entry from Husqvarna for the best riding lawn mower for hills is the Husqvarna Z242F Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. Its unique design is certainly a head-turner, but there’s more to this machine than just its aesthetics.

This riding lawn mower from Husqvarna is made with a maximum speed of 6.5 miles per hour, so you’re sure to finish the job faster than other models. We also love that it has powerful blades that promise efficiency even if it moves fast.

Thanks to its zero-turn radius, maneuverability isn’t a problem, either. The Husqvarna Z242F can surely help you navigate through the narrowest of passageways with ease.

Key Features:

• 42-inch cutting width.
• 18-HP Kawasaki engine.
• Hydrostatic transmission.
• Zero-turn radius.

Our Verdict:

if you’re looking for the best riding mowers for your medium-sized lawn, then the Husqvarna Z242F Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower is perfect for you. Combining a hydrostatic transmission system with its zero-turn radius, this is certainly one of the easiest riding lawn mowers to maneuver.

Craftsman proves to be a trusted brand in the industry with another entry in our top picks for the best riding mower for hills. Its Craftsman T105 Riding Lawn Mower comes with a powerful engine, wide high-traction wheels, and mow-in-reverse capability.

We also love that this riding lawn mower comes with 7 different speed options. That allows you to make the necessary adjustments whenever you have to ride up or down a hill to guarantee your safety.

While the Craftsman T105 Riding Lawn Mower isn’t a zero-turn mower, it has an 18-inch turning radius which still gives you sufficient maneuverability.

Key Features:

• 42-inch cutting width.
• 439-CC engine.
• Large turf saver wheels.
• 7-speed options.

Our Verdict:

if you’re looking for a decent entry-level riding lawn mower that gets the job done, then look no further than the Craftsman T105 Riding Lawn Mower. We love its mow-in-reverse capability because it allows you to easily go back to a spot you missed without having to perform a complicated maneuver.

The Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding Lawn mower is another runner-up for the best lawn mower for hills. Boasting a unique gas-electric hybrid technology, there’s no doubt that this riding mower from Raven is a true modern marvel.

These stylish riding lawn mowers have a built-in 7100-watt generator that powers up the wheels and blades while also charging the batteries. And once the tank no longer contains enough fuel, you can rely on the batteries to get the work done.

Aside from this unique hybrid design, we also love that it comes with a mulching and vacuuming function. These features allow you to finish multiple lawn chores at once.

Key Features:

• 46-inch cutting width.
• Gasoline-electric hybrid technology.
• 14-inch turning radius.
• 550-pound towing capacity.

Our Verdict:

The Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding Lawn mower is the perfect riding mower for people who are looking for a machine that never seems to run out of fuel – all thanks to its gas-electric hybrid technology. We also love that it can tow up to 550 pounds, so you can use it to take your supplies to your work area.

The Poulan Pro P46ZX made it to our list for the best riding lawn mower for hills because of its impressive maneuverability and long-lasting performance.

This zero-turn mower uses a powerful 22-HP engine that can easily push it up the steepest of hills. It is also designed to have a low center of gravity and a wide wheelbase, and this keeps the lawn mower from flipping over.

With its 46-inch cutting width, the Poulan Pro P46ZX mower is ideal for lawns with an area of up to two acres. And with its large 3.5-gallon tank capacity, you know that you can get the job done without stopping to refuel.

Key Features:

• 46-inch cutting width.
• 22-HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
• Zero-turn mower.
• Hydrostatic transmission

Our Verdict:

The Poulan Pro P46ZX is another best riding lawn mower for hills. It is perfect for property owners with medium to semi-large estates. It has a large fuel capacity that keeps it going for hours, so you don’t have to keep refuelling just to get the job done. It also has a powerful engine for its deck size, which allows it to easily power through the steepest of hills.

Completing our list for the best mower for hills is the Husqvarna 960450057 GTH52XLS 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty riding mower that won’t sacrifice your comfort, then this is perfect for you.

Thanks to its 52-inch cutting width and FAST transmission, this riding lawn mower from Husqvarna can easily cut acres of your turf in no time. It also boasts a smooth operation, since a simple pulling motion on the switch quickly engages the cutting blades – no need for complicated dials.

Despite its efficient blades and powerful engine, the Husqvarna 960450057 GTH52XLS riding mower remains incredibly comfortable. Its ergonomic design improves your riding experience, while the adjustable high-back seat guarantees maximum support for your back. And that gets you working for long hours with no problem.

Key Features:

• 52-inch cutting width.
• Hydrostatic transmission.
• A lovely back seat with armrests.
• Heavy-duty tires

Our Verdict:

The Husqvarna 960450057 GTH52XLS 24V Hydro Pedal Tractor Mower is the perfect choice for property owners of estates of 3 hectares or more, thanks to its large 52-inch cutting width. Its large wheels offer excellent traction, so climbing up and down a steep slope won’t be a problem, either.

We also love that it uses a hydrostatic transmission system which makes it low-maintenance – and that gives you great value for the money in the long run. So It would be an awesome collection of lawn mower for hills.

Types of Riding Lawn Mower

Before jumping into buying the first lawn mower that you see, it’s best to learn more about these machines. To begin, we’ll start by introducing you to the different types of riding lawnmowers.

Lawn Tractor

The first type of riding lawn mower is the lawn tractor. These heavy-duty machines come with powerful engines that can power through hills with ease.

Thanks to their large and powerful engines, lawn tractors are professional-quality lawn mowers that can cut through the thickest of vegetation in the quickest possible time. Its bulky size provides it with a low center of gravity, so you shouldn’t worry about it toppling over easily. This makes it perfect for mowing areas on hillsides and slopes.

Also, big engines tend to use up a lot of gas, and this can drill a hole in your pocket in the long run. Nevertheless, lawn tractors are great if you’re a professional offering mowing service to large estates.

Zero-Turn Mower

A new player in the riding lawn mowers industry is zero-turn mowers.

Zero-turn mowers get their name from being designed to have an impressive turning radius of zero inches. This means that you can turn it to 180 degrees on the spot with ease. Because of this feature, zero-turn mowers are the easiest to control and maneuver.

This maneuverability also makes zero-turn mowers the best option if you own a vast property with many obstacles like trees or shrubs.

Also, zero-turn mowers are designed with a central cutting deck, and this feature leaves them with a low center of gravity. This gives them impressive stability, even if you have to work on a steep hillside. They also run pretty fast and that’s almost twice the maximum speed of the heavier lawn tractors. But even if they’re fast. They always retain the cutting ability – and that means you get the job done faster.

The only downside we can think of is that these machines can get pretty expensive. But if you consider the value that it brings, you’ll realize that it will all be a worthy investment in the long run.

Rear-Engine Riding Mower:

For those who don’t have to work with very steep slopes, then you might want to consider a rear-engine riding mower.

You can easily spot a rear-engine riding mower because the engine is placed below the driver’s seat. Nevertheless, they provide users with precise cutting at impressive speeds.

Because of their smaller built, rear-engine riding lawn mowers are the most affordable among the three types. Thus, this makes them perfect for property owners who have around 2.5 acres or less of grassy areas to care for.

Price

Undoubtedly, a riding lawn mower is more expensive than walk-behind sell propelled, or battery-powered lawn mowers. But while they come with a much bigger price tag, the value they bring to you is beyond what you pay for.

The price of a good riding lawn mower ranges from $2000 to $5000, and this depends on its engine size, cutting efficiency, functionality, and other similar factors. To make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth, you have to scrutinize your mowing needs to help you come up with the particular features your ideal lawn mower should have. However, if you want to buy an average priced lawn mower. You should take a look at Green Works Lawn Mower.

Greenworks has several kinds of middle price lawn mower. See our GreenWorks Review. Greenworks pro-21 inch 80V Cordless can be one of the best choices. Take a look at another review.

Design

We would also like to emphasize that the design of the riding mower matters. Not only for aesthetic purposes but to determine how well it performs. Some of the design considerations you have to look into include the engine placement, how easy it is to control, and how easy it is to remove and empty the grass box, among others.

Features to Consider Buying the Best Riding Lawn Mower For Hills

Deck Width

The deck width of the riding mower tells you two things: how wide it can cut and how stable it can be.

The larger the deck width, the wider patch you can cut through the grass. The rule of thumb often followed is that a half-acre property needs a lawn mower with a 30-inch deck width. Estates of half an acre to two acres need mowers with a deck width of around 40 to 50 inches, while those larger than two acres need a mower with a deck width of at least 50 inches.

As to the stability of the lawn mower, it can’t be denied that a larger deck width offers a larger wheelbase. This keeps you from worrying about the mower turning turtle while you’re climbing up or going down a hill.

Transmission

Riding lawn mowers have three transmission types: manual, automatic, and hydrostatic.

Manual transmission allows you to choose your preferred running speed and shift between them with a clutch. An automatic transmission adjusts the speed depending on the amount of fuel being sent through the engine’s accelerator. And finally, the hydrostatic transmission uses fluid pressure to adjust speeds and works similarly to automatic transmission.

In choosing which transmission type is best for you, there are just some things you have to remember. Manual transmissions can be tricky to operate, but they offer a great amount of maneuverability. This is perfect for properties with a lot of obstacles to work around.

On the other hand, automatic and hydrostatic transmissions are best for properties with minimal obstacles, so it’s best for mowing a vast turf. The only difference between these two is that lawn mowers using hydrostatic transmission are low maintenance, making them perfect for beginners.

Fuel Capacity or Consumption

A large engine is a gas guzzler, so you have to make sure that it has a tank that’s big enough to store fuel that can get you back to your starting point after all the mowing. This also reduces the need to stop mowing and refueling so you can get the job done faster.

Aside from the tank capacity, you should also check how the engine consumes its fuel. We advise looking for one with impressive fuel efficiency to make the most of your gas money.

Steering Wheel

The best riding mowers should ideally come with a steering wheel for maximum maneuverability. Riding lawn mowers may either be a front-wheel drive model or a rear-wheel drive model.

A riding lawn mower that uses a front-wheel drive works best when you’re mowing flat surfaces. But since we’re talking about mowing hills, your safest choice is rear-wheel drive models.

A mower that uses rear-wheel drive offers great power when you’re climbing up a hill since the initial acceleration is located at the rear part of it. It also offers excellent control when you’re riding downwards since much of the weight is concentrated at the rear – thereby providing you with excellent traction.

Attachment Capability

To get the most out of what you pay for, we recommend getting a riding mower that is compatible with attachments.

By simply mounting the attachments onto your mower, you can already perform multiple lawn chores at a time. This saves you a lot of time and effort so you can focus on other tasks at hand.

Alternatively, these attachments allow you to use your mower for different purposes, so you don’t have to buy a separate machine to get the job done. Some of the most common attachments include spreaders, snow blades, and dump carts.

Maintenance Tips

Because of the heavy-duty design of riding lawn mowers, it also requires frequent maintenance work. If you’re new to engine maintenance, it’s best to get the maintenance work done by professionals. But if you’re familiar with how a lawnmower engine works, you get to save a lot of money by doing it yourself.

To make this job easier for you, we recommend looking into the maintenance features that are built into the mower. This includes transparent oil and gas tanks, and easy access to the bolts, to name a few. Interested to know basic lawn mower maintenance? The tips of basic lawn mower maintenance may be helpful, so read this article.

See a Video of Riding Lawn Mower Annual Maintenance

Riding Lawn Mower-Related Injuries and Prevention to Children.

Statistics:

The study reveals that among the different types of lawn mowers, riding lawn mowers are more prone to cause injuries. Visit for more information.

Statistics:

Ride-on mowers have an injury rate of 2.6 injuries per 1000 mowers, which is a pretty significant number. Twenty percent of these injuries involve children 15 years old and younger, with around 12% of them requiring hospitalization.

In a 1993 report by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, it was revealed that the main reasons for these riding mower-related injuries are loss of mower stability, blade contact, the layout of the mower controls, and running over children.

To effectively reduce these numbers and completely prevent similar injuries to children, we recommend the following:

Make sure that you look for a riding lawn mower with an efficient design and an easily accessible control panel.

It helps if the lawn mower has an emergency brake or other lever that could instantly stop the engine on its tracks.

It is strongly recommended to make sure that the engine is in perfect condition so that all its controls are responsive.

Keep the children away from the lawn whenever you are mowing it.

Always double-check if there are people around you whenever you are running the mower in reverse

Safety Measures

Aside from the abovementioned injury-prevention tips, here are some other tips to make sure that you’re always safe when you’re using your ride-on mower.

Always wear the appropriate safety gear whenever you’re mowing the lawn. This includes safety goggles, hearing protection, work gloves, and work boots.

Bear in mind that riding lawn mowers are designed for one rider only. Do not allow anyone to ride the mower with you.

Make sure to perform regular maintenance work on the lawn mower’s engine. This will prevent it from malfunctioning while you’re in the middle of mowing hills. Pay particular attention to possible clogs and overheating.

Before beginning, make sure to clear the lawn from obstacles that could harm the blades such as rocks and toys. This will also keep you from losing control over the mower in case you’re climbing up or going down the hill.

Final Verdict

There are so many factors you have to consider before you end up with the best riding lawn mower for hills. You have to assess your needs and look into the features that will address those needs. You also have to consider additional factors to make sure that it is perfectly safe to use on steep inclines.

But while this may all seem like a dragging chore, bear in mind that you’re doing so to make sure that you’ll end up buying one that’s safe for everyone around you. And when you do so, you’re not only getting a riding mower that will help you clean up your yard – you’re also investing in a machine that will certainly add value to your property in the long run.