10 Best Riding Lawn Mower For Steep Hills

Are you looking for the best riding lawn mower for steep hills? Check out this comprehensive article to find the most suitable product as per your needs.

Having a massive, gorgeous lawn can make you a prominent resident of the neighborhood. However, having a lawn with steep hills can make mowing very tough and challenging. It can be quite a dangerous task especially when it comes to relying on the safety and security of the lawnmower model and its brand. Trusted and durable lawnmowers do come at an expensive price but some other decent options are also available in the market to fit your budget and personal requirements.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best riding lawn mowers for steep hills so you can make a wise and well-informed decision.

Best Riding Lawn Mower For Steep Hills Review

1. Husqvarna MZ61 Zero-Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna MZ61 Riding Mower might look like any other zero-turn mower in the market but it is very robust and strong in terms of functionality. It is an entry-level commercial unit with a high-quality construction that is hard to find even in the most expensive models out there.

• Power

Under the hood of the unit, you will find a Briggs and Stratton engine, which is quite famous for its working particularly in the V-twin option models. According to the engine specifications, there is 27hp at your service. It gives a forward drive of 8.5mph and a reverse drive of 5mph.

• Quality Of The Cut

It comes with a 61-inches cutting deck so best suitable for steep hills and tall grass. When combined with another adjustable cutting deck, of 4.5 inches, you can enjoy variable cut qualities as per your requirement.

• Durability And Comfort

This model is also great in terms of engine supply power to the unit. The body and the cutting deck are also made from strong steel material to give you the peace of mind you need while working on steep hills and rocky areas.

As far as comfort is concerned, the seat is positioned higher and comes with armrests to decrease the user’s arm fatigue. The cutting deck lift controls within the pedal also account for a batter control range.

• Overall Aesthetics

Another thing to love about this product is its unique aesthetics and appeal. Both from front and back, this mower is an attractive piece to behold. The gray and black detailing makes it one of the most stylish-looking models on the list.

Bottom Line

Overall, Husqvarna MZ61 Riding Mower is a great machine at an affordable price. It is designed by keeping productivity, performance, and user comfort in mind.

2. Husqvarna Z254 54 Zero Turn Riding Mower

This lawnmower is all about performance and style. Thanks to its proven performance, cutting-edge design, and innovative features, mowing a steep hill lawn is fun and pleasing instead of a hectic chore.

• Power

The best thing about this best riding lawn mowers for steep hills is the 26HP Kohler, 2HP Briggs, and Stratton and 21.5HP Kawasaki engine. Any one of these is sure to provide adequate power to an average homeowner. It also has Hydro-Gear 2200 transaxles to make the mower travel up to 6.5mph for your convenience. Another notable feature is the automatic choke system to help you start the mower easily and smoothly.

• Performance

The overall performance and cut quality of the Husqvarna Z254 Riding Mower are excellent. It comes with stamped and fabricated decks to do decent and even grass cutting. Both of them can hold up for a longer time and deliver exceptional cutting performance.

• Durability And Reliability

There is an 11-gauge or 10-gauge steel deck which makes it one of the most durable products out there. the frame here is also well-made and can easily endure a decent amount of use and abuse by the user. The 11-gauge stamped cutting deck is steel reinforced whereas the 10-gauge cutting deck is fabric reinforced for a sturdy and robust built.

• Level Of Comfort

The lawnmower is comparatively comfortable. Though it lacks a suspension seat, the given seat is enough to add a decent amount of comfort and support to your body.

Bottom Line

The Husqvarna Z254 Riding Mower delivers a powerful and solid workhorse with its iron blades, fabricated and stamped deck, and Kholer motor. The handling is easy and mowing large acres of land is fun and entertaining with many comfort and safety features.

3. Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower
   

Known for its excellent power and performance, the Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower is made by keeping everyone’s needs in mind with globally sourced components. It is ideal for large lawns where it gives quick and smooth driving and cutting performance.

• Deck Size

It features a large deck size of 42 inches. With this feature, the mower can handle large lawns while moving well around different objects. Here are five different height settings so you can conveniently figure out the way to mow the lawn at the desired height.

• Durability

The frame of this product is made of 13-gauge steel to be an exceptionally durable product. It ensures that the mower can handle rain or other bad situations without getting damaged.

• Transmission Or Engine

The Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower has Briggs and Stratton engine for potent performance. It uses seven-speed transmission and a 17.5HP single-engine to get the work done efficiently. The mower can reach speed up to 5.5 miles per hour with a tank capacity of 1.36-gallon gas.

• Movement

The most notable feature of this product is that it only needs 18 inches of space to turn around. This way you can move around the trees and yard easily and quickly without wasting more time.

• Comfort And Design

It features an integrated low-back seat and step-thru design. You can quickly get into a working position and start mowing without putting much thought and effort around the structure.  You can also buy a wide range of accessories to make grass cutting easy and smooth.

Bottom Line

The Troy-Bilt Pony 42X Riding Lawn Mower has a compact design to save space and work efficiently. It is strong and is suitable for almost all types of lawns out there especially the ones over steep hills. For potential buyers, it offers durability, a powerful engine, and efficiency.

4. Ryobi 38″ Riding Lawn Mower RY48110

Another investment to consider when it comes to reliable, heavy-duty lawn mower is the Ryobi 38″ Lawn Mower RY48110. The best thing about this product is its special features that make lawn maintenance and care an easy, breezy job.

• Battery System

It is available with a dual 48V battery to power the twin brushless motor system for an adequate power supply. Once completely charged, the batteries can deliver up to 2 hours of mowing time to cover up to 2 acres of land.

• Performance

In this mower, the power produced from the magnetic interference of the dual brushless motors will get the lawn mowing done in no time. thanks to 12 deck adjustment heights, you can modify height settings to suit your routine needs.

• Cutting Power

What attracts people the most is the 38 inches cutting deck with twin blades that the user can adjust in 12 incremental steps. It shows how well you can trim the lawn and grass at the height of your choice.

• Control Panel

The Ryobi 38″ Lawn Mower RY48110 comes with two control panels. This feature helps users to reach both sides of the mower with utmost convenience and ease. You can also adjust or manage the transmission system for prompt and smooth cruise control. For added comfort, its mid-rise chair is in the apt position to better support.

Bottom Line

This lawnmower is ideal for homeowners who are either tired of gas/ engine maintenance or are about to buy their first-ever riding lawnmower. It runs very quietly, which makes it easy to handle on all types of surfaces.

5. Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Zero Turn Mower
   

The Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Mower combines durability and rider’s comfort. It is not the largest or powerful lawnmower out there but a good mid-range option that gives good value for money and outstanding performance.

• Strong Built

This lawnmower is considered the cream of the crop when it comes to talking about the best zero-turn riding lawn mowers. It delivers great durability, power, and utmost convenience to the buyers. What more? It vaunts a rugged construction that can easily endure the test of time. there is a strong steel frame and prompt/smooth wheels for reliable traction.

• Engine

Another thing to look forward to with Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Mower is the Kohler twin-cylinder engine that outshines the performance of many other products in the market. This powerful and strong engine is sure to give you an easy start and working with no prime or choke.

• Cutting Width

The cutting width of this product is also very decent and applicable. At about 50-inches, the cutting width can manage up to 10 acres of grass with convenience. Due to this feature, it is considered as an ultimate mower for large residential lawns and commercial spaces. Also, you can rely on the smooth wheels with rear-drive tires for strong grip and traction on steep hills.

• Exceptional Maneuverability

The zero-turn radius here accounts for fast yet easy directional changes. You will enjoy mowing your lawn with the ideal efficiency of this feature.

Bottom Line

The Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Mower is for people who wish to enjoy the ultimate lawn mowing experience. With its sleek frame design and optimum support/ comfort, the mower is perfect for routine use.

6. Swisher ZTR2766BS  Mower

Another great lawnmower to check out is the Swisher ZTR2766BS Response Mower for large yards with lots of flowers,  trees, and hills.  This product is very easy to maneuver around obstacles with its zero-turn technology,  huge cutting deck, and fast driving speed.

• 27 HP Briggs And Stratton Engine

This durable and reliable engine is designed and manufactured to last long and deliver quiet working as compared to other lawnmowers.  Thanks to all the power, you can now mow your lawn more often for many years to come.

• 66-Inch Cutting Deck

The Briggs and Stratton engine powers an amazing cutting deck.   With 66 inches, it has the widest cutting path, which ultimately delivers faster mowing, and fewer passes.  It is made out of 3 Gator blades and fabricated steel so you know your lawn is being taken care of.

• Hydro-Gear 2800 Transmission

This transmission is of extremely high quality.  It delivers precise and smooth control with heavy-duty protection from leaks.

• Fast Working

The Swisher ZTR2766BS Response Mower is also very fast.  It drives 8 mph both backward and forward so you can mow the lawn more quickly and promptly.  This feature when combined with the ultimate maneuverability of the unit, helps cover several acres of land in an hour.

• Easy To Use

This product features a new rapid response control system to give you more comfort and control over the mower.  It is also easy to adjust the lawn mower’s speed,  height, and direction with pedal and joystick-style controls.

Bottom Line

This lawnmower is petite in size yet comes with a massive deck, dependable large engine, power, and torque.  So, if you have a large land with plenty of obstacles, the Swisher ZTR2766BS Response Mower is the product for you.

7. Ariens FR691 Series lawn mower
   

Shifting from a manual lawn mower to a riding one can be a bit challenging.  With ARIENS 915223 IKON-X mower,  you get to enjoy the perfect and efficient mowing of medium to large lawns.

• Cutting Speed

What most people love about this lawn mower is that it can effortlessly perform the most challenging cutting jobs ever. It features a 23HP Kawasaki 726cc  FR V-twin engine, which is more powerful compared to other products in the market. It helps trim the biggest lawns with utmost convenience.

• Versatile Cutting Options

With this product,  not all cutting jobs are the same.  From ground pitches to community parks,  the height and length of moving are different.  The product is designed with three different knives with adjustable cutting height adjustment.  With this feature,  it is now easier to determine the accurate cutting height.  Moreover, there is an improved platform lift operated via foot that enables 13 cutting height positions in small increments.

• Hydraulic Transmission

With the hydraulic gear,   it becomes easy to drive this lawnmower.   You do not have to change the speed manually;  just mow at a speed of 11 km/h and work around obstacles like trees,  shrubs, and flowers.

• High Backrest And Upholstered Seat

It features armrests to make driving the machine comfortable.  You can keep mowing for hours without getting tired.

Bottom Line

The majority of buyers love Ariens 915223 IKON-X Mower when it comes to its powerful engine and price tag.  It delivers ample mowing power to make sure you have the most excellent grass-cutting experience.

8. Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Mower

The Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Mower is a very renowned product from the makers of the lushest garden tractors of the world.  From its construction to its advanced features,  this product is sure to bring you both convenience and efficiency.

• 48-Inch Cutting Deck

The biggest quality of the 48-inch cutting deck here is that it offers a comparatively wider cutting scope while being a compact unit.  It also features electric blade engagement along with cutting adjustment located on the fender.  This way, cutting your lawns over steep hills becomes a speedy and precise process with outstanding results.

• 24 HP Briggs And Stratton Engine

This type of engine is very durable and powerful.  Another benefit of the 24 HP Briggs and Stratton engine is that it starts right away every time you turn on the engine.  You can have a great cutting experience with the 48-inch cutting deck.  You will always be comfortable while driving thanks to certain features like cruise control and the unit’s small size. It helps keep the mowing experience nice and smooth.

• Transmission Style

The product is complemented with an easy-to-use pedal capable of working on a hydrostatic transmission style.  Some special features are forward/ backward actions and wheel traction.

• Unique Design

The stylish and unique design of this best riding lawn mower for steep hills gives you good control over the machine.  It helps the machine maneuver around to make the most convenient turnabouts possible.

Bottom Line

The Husqvarna YTH24V48 Riding Mower is a very smooth and efficient machine with its cruise control,  wide cutting deck, and powerful engine.  You can mow your medium-sized lawn very easily,  using a wide range of accessories provided with the package.

9. Ryobi 38 inches Lawn Mower RY48111

The Ryobi 38 inches Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 is a noiseless yet very strong riding lawnmower that helps you tend your backyard needs with convenience. Another plus point is that it is a battery-powered product so you can get serious about getting your lawn in good shape and make your house look even more amazing.

• Good Performance

This lawnmower is an ideal choice to perform short work of smooth, level, and steep hill lawn. The cruise control option works very well however, the suspension can be a bit tough for the buyers.

• Easy To Use

For most working part, the Ryobi Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 is quite convenient to use and can handle an incline of 10-15%.  The handiest feature here is the USB charging port that you can use to listen to music while working.

• Cutting Options And Cut Quality

It comes with a 38-inch, dual blade cutting deck with 12 adjustable positions to dial in the proper height of the grass as per weather conditions.

• Maintenance

What most buyers appreciate about this mower is that it is very easy to maintain. You can recharge the lead-acid batteries here using a standard 120V household outlet. Overall, the mower stays clean even after a long, tiring mowing session especially if you keep the deck height in just the right position.

• Safety Features

The Ryobi  Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 comes with all the standard safety features that you look for in a high-quality lawnmower. The LED headlights are energy efficient and help with the mowing process even after the sun goes down. Moreover,  the unit features an integrated hitch to pull lawn carts or aerator trailers during the spring season.

Bottom Line

The Ryobi 38 inches Riding Lawn Mower RY48111 has delighted a lot of users with its outstanding turning radius and steering. The inclusion of several safety and special features makes it easy to use and maintain the product on the list.

10. Husqvarna TS 354XD Tractor mower For Steep Hills
    

The Husqvarna TS 354XD is also best known for its high quality and performance. It is extremely reliable, simple to use, and offers consistent grass cutting in steep hills or rough terrains with obstacles.

• Heavy-Duty

As compared to all the other products on the list, the Husqvarna TS 354XD is a very heavy-duty piece of equipment. It is much more powerful than the rest of them and can easily be used with ground-engaging attachments like plows and cultivators. Thanks to a wide range of features, this lawn mower can make even the most challenging lawn work a breeze.

• Powerful

It comes with a strong and potent 24HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine to have enough power to handle any job your throw in its way. Regardless of the power, the pressure-lubricated runs are also amazingly quiet. Another thing to notice is the powerful 54-inch cutting deck that significantly reduces the time needed to mow acres of land.

• Safe To Operate

Another notable feature of Husqvarna TS 354XD is that the unit is safe to be used on hills with up to 15-degree slopes. The cast-iron axle and broad tires deliver amazing stability and balance while using on different terrains. Moreover, the cutting deck has anti-scalp wheels to prevent scalping while cleaning an uneven lawn.

• Extra-High Back Seat

The extra-high back seat comes with armrests for amazing comfort and operation. The hydrostatic transmissions allow the mower to shift the gear and speed up/down smoothly. There is an ergonomic steering wheel with a padded interior with some other features to make the product easy and simple to operate.

• Durable

The Husqvarna TS 354XD is an extremely durable workhorse that is made to last longer with its solid steel hood and fabricated steel cutting deck. For even more durability, you will find welded 10-gauge steel cutting deck with welded reinforcement strips. it is most suitable lawn mower For Steep Hills.

Bottom Line

The Husqvarna TS 354XD is a heavy garden tractor or lawnmower with unmatched capacities in its class. Its versatile cutting deck and powerful engine account for fast and smooth mowing at any given time of the day.

Buying Guide  for Best Riding Lawn Mower For Steep Hills

With so many products available in the market, choosing the most suitable riding lawn mower may become a bit daunting. There are certain features, aspects, and factors that every potential buyer must consider before making a final choice.

• Power Or Engine Type

If you want to mow a lawn uphill, the first thing to consider before buying a riding lawn mower is its engine type and power. You can choose between electric power mowers, battery-powered lawnmowers, and gas engine lawnmowers. Make sure that the engine is in its ideal performance while working on hilly terrain. A god power engine to consider for routine use is 18.5HP Briggs and Stratton engine.

• Size And Height

Mowing a lawn on steep hills is a bit of a challenge, which means it is wise to consider the size and height of the mower before purchasing. Always know the type of lawn you are mowing. For a small/medium-sized lawn, getting a large machine will not be a smart move to make. Also, remember that the lawnmower you are about to purchase must not be very heavy as it can lead to trouble while cutting grass on hilly terrains.

• Speed

The best riding lawn mower is the one that can get things done in an extraordinarily faster period as compared to other competitor models. So, when choosing a mower, it is best to go for a product with the best speed range.

• Transmission

There are three different types of transmissions i.e. manual, automatic, and hydrostatic. Manual transmission requires gear shifting while mowing the lawn. You get more control of the power and speed at the cost of having less work done on its part.

Automatic requires no manual shifting of the gear; instead, it changes the gear as per your needs like an automatic transmission of a car. hydrostatic transmission engine uses hydraulic pump and motor to work the engine. You can constantly adjust speeds without manually changing the gear. This transmission works very well for people with large properties.

• Turning Radius

A turning radius of the lawnmower show how well it can handle hill terrain and areas with slopes. It also indicates how smooth a unit will cut the lawn grass. Make sure the product you are about to purchase has a safe turning radius.  For this feature, it is also very important to know how massive your lawn’s turning space is.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Accessories Are A Must To Buy With Riding Lawn Mowers For Steep Hills?

Some of the most important accessories to look for when buying a riding lawn mower include:

• Mulcher (For mulching and cutting leaves and making lawn mowing a total breeze)
• Stripe kits (A roller to bend grass in either direction while you work your way through the paths)
• Grass catcher (For cleaning up as you go and capturing organic materials for composting)

2. How Steep Of A Hill Can A Riding Lawn Mower Go?

Mowers are susceptible to falling and tumbling. Due to this reason, mowing steep hills can be very hazardous particularly if the user is not careful with his purchase. Standard riding lawn mowers can easily go up to a 20-degree incline but the suggested limit to be sure of safety is only 15-degrees.

3. Are Zero Turns Any Faster?

Zero-turn lawn mowers are designed and manufactured to cut the grass nearly two times faster as compared to traditional lawn mowers available in the market. they are not only time-efficient but can also help you improve your straight-line mowing speed.

Final Thoughts

There you go. these are some of our best riding lawn mowers for steep hills of the year. Though every product on the list is a high-rated and best-selling model, the clear winner for us is Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. With so many features combined like the exceptional build quality and cutting performance, this product is sure to make your work easy and convenient. Its powerful engine and amazing cutting width are ideal to mow medium to large-sized lawns in a matter of few hours.