Mowing the grass in your yard can be a simple chore when the ground is evenly leveled. However, it's much harder to use standard methods to cut the grass when you have a sloping lawn. Fortunately, you can clear out the vegetation on your outdoor space with the best mowers for hills.

This post explores the best lawn mowers for mowing hills and slopes and the factors that should guide your choice.

Enjoy!

What riding mowers are good for hills?

1. Troy Bilt Riding Lawn Mower

If you are looking for the best riding lawn mower for uneven terrains and hilly slopes, the Troy Bilt Riding Lawn Mower is the answer. It's an ideal choice for small to medium-sized lawns because of its small size, making it easy to store. While it seems a bit compact, this riding lawn mower packs a powerful punch thanks to the robust engine it has.

You can easily maneuver this unit which is one of the reasons it's great for mowing steep hills. The rear wheels are much larger than the front wheels adding support to the mower as it turns about. You can adjust the seat height for maximum comfort when mowing your lawn. As a result, you can manage your lawn for hours at a time without accumulating fatigue.

Generally, it's an excellent pick for those with smaller lawns and limited storage. Unfortunately, using it for a larger lawn might take more time than necessary, so check out the next option if you need something bigger.

  • Pros
  • Compact design
  • Comfortable ride
  • 2-year warranty
  • Easy to store
  • Strong engine
  • Cons
  • Not ideal for large yards or lawns

2. Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman T225 19 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold 46-Inch Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower and Lawn Mower...
  • POWERFUL BRIGGS AND STRATTON GAS ENGINE WITH READY START: Powerful gas engine suitable for larger yard jobs...
  • 46-INCH CUTTING WITH INCLUDED DECK WASH: Lawn tractor comes equipped with wide 46-Inch cutting deck for...
  • HYDRO-TRANSMISSION: Unit is equipped with foot hydrostatic transmission.
  • MOW-IN-REVERSE: Take your mower in reverse to easily maneuver in and out of trouble spots.
  • SUPPORTIVE HIGH-BACK SEAT: High-back cushioned seat provides optimum comfort.

Next is the Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower, one of the best lawn mowers for hills, thanks to its powerful gas engine. It's an excellent option for larger yards and lawns since it has a 46-inch wide cutting deck that'll clear out the grass in a short time. This riding mower comes with ready start technology allowing you to start it without hassle.

Unlike most riding mowers, this machine has a hydrostatic transmission for increased efficiency. Plus, even on rough terrain, you can mow in reverse to ensure the grass is as short as you need it to be. The deck wash feature also makes it easier to clean the underside of this riding mower.

You can say goodbye to back pain and any other discomfort thanks to the high back seat that offers ample support for the operator. The cushioning also ensures you can sit comfortably for long periods without quickly tiring. The rear wheels are wider than the front wheels to provide the stability you need to maneuver around your yard.

  • Pros
  • Great for larger lawns
  • Wide cutting width
  • Comes with a mower cover
  • Comfy ride
  • Stable performance
  • Cons
  • Additional cost for the bagger

3. Troy-Bilt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower
  • Powered by a 163cc Briggs & Stratton Engine
  • Equipped with a 21-Inch TriAction cutting system with integrated premium deck wash
  • Designed with a single-lever variable speed drive control with four top speed settings for individualized...
  • Comes with a 3-in-1 side discharge capabilities, mulch or rear bag - with a 1.9 bushel capacity bag included
  • Designed with 8 x 8-inch high performance wheels and an adjustable ergomatic handle for added ease while...

If you'd instead go with self-propelled lawn mowers, then this Troy-Bilt model is an excellent choice. Powered by a 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it packs enough juice to ride up and down a hilly lawn without fail. It's the best mower for those with smaller lawns since it'll require some effort to operate.

The 21-inch cutting width it offers is enough to cut the grass on a small yard in a few rounds. The premium deck wash system is built into this unit to ensure easy maintenance after your mowing sessions. You can control the speed of this machine using the lever, which adjusts the speed to four different levels.

It's more convenient than push lawn mowers since you won't need to exert yourself too much. Plus, it's designed to offer comfort and control for the operator as it moves up and down a steep hill. The bag included will be convenient for collecting mulch after a mowing session. Plus, the wheels are higher enough to move over obstacles without difficulty.

  • Pros
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Easy assembly
  • Lightweight
  • Mulch bag included
  • Ergonomic design
  • Cons
  • The instruction manual isn't detailed enough

4. Husqvarna 24 HP Kawasaki Zero Turn Lawn Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground speeds
  • Roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures safer operation in all conditions
  • Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in. cut with an ergonomically designed deck...
  • Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel triple bag collection system (mulching kit and...
  • High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and vibration dampeners make mowing comfortable for hours...

Zero-turn mowers are among the most convenient options for mowing your lawn. This Husqvarna machine is the best zero turn mower for clearing mild hills and rough terrain. It comes with a powerful Kawasaki engine that makes it easy to ride the mower up a hill without hassle.

With a 61-inch wide cutting deck, you can clear your entire lawn in a shorter period than when using a push mower. This lawnmower is great for the uphill task because the rear wheels are large enough to provide stability even on uneven terrain. The seat is quite cozy, and the chassis is oversized to deliver a comfortable ride as you operate this riding lawnmower.

You won't have to compromise good posture when using this machine since the backrest is high and the armrests are well cushioned. This unit will ensure you keep your back and arms from any pain or harm as you clear the tall grass on your lawn.

  • Pros
  • Powerful performance
  • Stable
  • Wide cutting deck
  • Comfortable
  • Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not ideal for steep slopes

5. Husqvarna Garden Tractor

Husqvarna TS 354XD (54") 24HP Kawasaki Garden Tractor
  • 24HP/726cc Kawasaki FR Series V-Twin OHV Engine
  • Electric locking rear differential
  • Tuff Torq K66 ELD Hydrostatic Transmission
  • 54-Inch Fabricated (Welded) Steel ClearCut Deck
  • Comfortable High-Back Seat

The last option we have for mowing hills and slopes is the Husqvarna Garden Tractor, a heavy-duty option that can deliver stunning results every time. It's great for mowing slopes since it's designed to thrive on challenging terrain, making it one of the best riding lawn mowers you can find.

The cutting deck is made from durable material and is built to deliver sharp cuts that will keep your lawn neat. You can move up steep hills without worries since the powerful engines on this machine deliver a robust performance. As one of the best lawn tractors, you can rest assured it'll provide the comfort you need to work for long hours without quickly tiring.

The rear tires are wide to provide ample traction and stability as you maneuver through your yard. Additionally, these wheels won't damage your grass as you use this lawn tractor to mow your outdoor space.

  • Pros
  • Heavy-duty build
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to operate
  • Stable ride
  • Cons
  • No instructions on how to install the seat

Why are Riding Lawn Mowers Ideal for Hilly Terrain?

1. They Mow Faster

It's okay to use push mowers to handle the overgrown vegetation on your lawn but, it'll probably take you a long time to finish the whole area. When manually mowing your lawn, you can't go as fast as you would on a riding lawn mower. Plus, since a hilly lawn is more challenging terrain, it'll even take longer than it would on a flat lawn.

With riding lawn mowers, you can cut through the grass much faster since it'll be facilitated by a smooth ride. So, if you wish to save some time while mowing a hilly lawn, a riding mower is an ideal choice.

2. More Stability

The action of pushing a lawn mower up and down a hill requires a lot of strength and stability. It's easy to feel unstable when manually mowing your lawn with push mowers. Getting a riding mower will give you the stability you need when handling the grass without easily losing balance. You won't need to keep the machine stable using physical effort, which will make your work easier.

3. Minimal Effort

The last advantage of getting a riding lawn mower for hills is that it'll save you a lot of effort. You won't be using physical energy to move the mower around, which means you won't get as tired as you would. Plus, moving a mower up and down a slope can be tedious and will leave you exhausted.

It'll be worse if you have a relatively larger lawn which is why getting the best riding lawn mower can work to your advantage. You won't need to exert yourself and thus could work for hours without quickly becoming worn out.

What are the Types of Best Mowers for Hills?

There are three main types of riding mowers which we'll discuss below.

1. Tractor Mowers

Tractor mowers can be classified into lawn and garden tractors. Lawn tractors are robust and feature strong engines allowing them to move well through rough terrain. Unfortunately, they offer little control and maneuverability, so they aren't ideal for yards with numerous obstacles. On the other hand, garden tractors have a heavier build and are great for uneven terrain. You can even attach accessories like plows, cultivators, and aerators to them since they are versatile.

2. Zero Turn Mowers

Zero-turn mowers are the best option for riding lawnmowers. They offer great control and can quickly turn 360 degrees round in a specific spot without moving around. You can easily maneuver them around obstacles when mowing, and they take a shorter time to complete larger lawns. The primary downside to these machines is that they are expensive.

Nevertheless, you should air on the side of caution when using zero-turn riding mowers since they can easily topple over as you turn them on a slope. Without decent control, you'll probably fall off, or they could tip over, causing you injury or getting damaged.

3. Rear Engine Riding Mowers

Rear engine riding mowers are also among the best mowers for hills. They have a small and compact design that makes them ideal for smaller lawns. If you use them in larger areas, you'll take longer to clear out the grass than you would with larger models like tractors. Additionally, these riding mowers don't require a lot of space to store, making them convenient if you have limited storage space.

Fortunately, rear-engine mowers have a lower center of gravity which makes them more stable on uneven terrain. As such, they are excellent since you are less likely to fall when using them on your lawn.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Mower for Hills

Here are some things to keep in mind as you select the best mowers for hills and sloping lawns.

1. Yard Size and Terrain

The first factor to consider is the size of your lawn and the type of terrain you have. You'll want to determine whether you have a small or large yard so that you buy the right lawnmower. If you pick a small lawnmower for a large lawn, it'll take you longer to complete your mowing sessions.

Larger lawn mowers are great, but using them in a small yard can be challenging since it won't be easy to maneuver around obstacles.

2. Gas vs. Electric

The next thing is to determine the most convenient way to power your machine. You can have an electric riding lawn mower or a gas-powered one. Electric mowers are environmentally friendly since they don't emit dangerous fumes into the air. Nevertheless, gas-powered units are more robust and quickly plow through rough terrains without fail.

3. Mower Deck Width

The size of the cutting deck will determine how much time you spend mowing the lawn. Those with larger yards should go for lawn mowers with the widest decks to ensure they spend minimal time cutting the grass. With narrow decks, you'll have to make numerous rounds which is time-consuming.

4. Engine Power

Lastly, you'll need to consider the engine power. This is because the lawnmower will require more power to go uphill compared to moving on flat terrain. So, you should make sure the mower carries enough power to move up and down the slope without failing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best mowers for hills?

Rear engine mowers are the best mowers for hills.

2. What is the best mower for steep slopes?

The Troy Bilt Riding Lawn Mower is the best mower for steep slopes.

3. What type of self-propelled mower is best for hills?

The Troy-Bilt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is the best self-propelled lawnmower on the market.