#10 Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills 2023

With the right riding lawn mower, a hard job can become a quick and easy ride around the yard. Read on to find out how to find the best riding lawn mowers for hills!

👤 Written by: A. K. Sari
⏳ Updated on:
📋 List: 10 items
👀 Reader: 52 views

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If you don't have the right tools, mowing hills and other steep areas can be hard and even dangerous. It's easy to see why, since trusted mowers can cost a lot of money, but that doesn't mean there aren't good options that won't break the bank and will keep you safe.

There is a solution for you, no matter how big or small your yard is. We'll talk about which riding lawn mowers work best on hills. In this article, we'll talk about a few different types of mowers that can help you get the job done quickly and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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What are the features of best riding lawn mowers for hills?

Safely mowing slopes requires traction and control. Along with some basic preparation, this will ensure clean work, good time management, and safety.

There are a few things that all of the best mowers for hills have in common:

  • Hydrostatic transmission makes it easy to speed up and slow down
  • Tires with grip
  • A lot of strength
  • Weight is spread out evenly

What type of riding lawn mower is best for hills?

The riding lawn mower which bests for hills is a rear-wheel drive mower. It offers impressive traction and is suitable for bumpy and wet hilly lawns as its bigger back wheels provide support when climbing up steep slopes. They are also faster in speed than other kinds of mowing machines.

How do I mow a steep hill with a riding lawn mower?

Go down and up for ride-on mowers, not side to side. It gives the drive wheels the most grip and makes it less likely that the car will roll over. It also prevents “crabbing,” which happens when you mow sideways on a slope, and the machine is hard to cut on a hill because the heavy end keeps trying to slide downhill.

Is safety important when using best riding lawn mowers for hills?

No matter how well these lawn tools help you take care of your yard, safety is the most important thing when using a lawnmower. It could also help your riding mower last longer. Use these tips to stay safe when you mow:

  • Read the instructions before you use it.
  • Put on safety gear (goggles, gloves, hearing protection).
  • Don’t mow at night.
  • Never turn off the safety settings.
  • Never walk away from the machine.
  • Sharpen the blades.
  • Take away anything on the lawn that could be used as a weapon.
  • Keep kids and pets away from where the grass is being cut.
  • Mow the slope up and down, not sideways.
  • Don’t fix or maintain it or put your fingers near the blades while it’s running.
*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic
#1 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
YOLMX225300 120V Cordless Mower Yard Force
Yard Force
YOLMX225300 120V Cordless Mower
#2 Amazon Mowersdirect.com eBay
17ARFACQ091 Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower Craftsman
Craftsman
17ARFACQ091 Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
#3 Amazon Shopabunda.com eBay
MZ61 riggs & Stratton Hydrostatic HUSQVARNA
HUSQVARNA
MZ61 riggs & Stratton Hydrostatic
#4 Amazon Husqvarna.com eBay
Ikon XD 52 in. Gas Zero Turn Mower Ariens
Ariens
Ikon XD 52 in. Gas Zero Turn Mower
#5 Amazon Ariens.com eBay
Ultima ZT1 50 Inch Zero Turn Mower Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet
Ultima ZT1 50 Inch Zero Turn Mower
#6 Amazon Homedepot.com eBay
XT1 Enduro 50 Inch Riding Lawn Tractor Cub Cadet
Cub Cadet
XT1 Enduro 50 Inch Riding Lawn Tractor
#7 Amazon Homedepot.com eBay
Bronco 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower Troy-Bilt
Troy-Bilt
Bronco 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower
#8 Amazon Troybilt.com eBay
S120 V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic John Deere
John Deere
S120 V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic
#9 Amazon Deere.com eBay
48V Brushless Electric Rear Lawn Mower RYOBI
RYOBI
48V Brushless Electric Rear Lawn Mower
#10 Amazon Homedepot.com eBay

10 List of Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills

  • HUSQVARNA Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #1

    HUSQVARNA Z254 Kohler Hydrostatic

    Best Durable Construction

    2  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Husqvarna Z254 has a big deck and a 26HP Kohler engine. As soon as the levers are moved, the parking brake will be turned on or off automatically. This hill riding lawn mower is a powerful riding lawn mower for hills. It has a steel cutting deck that is reinforced. The Z254 can finish jobs much faster than smaller versions because it has a 54-inch deck. When you combine that with the air induction technology, you’ll get a much cleaner cut than with a push mower.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Mulch, bag, or discharge the clippings
    Zero-turn mower
    It can reach up to 6.5 mph
    Reliable start
    Park brake
    Durable construction

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It would require an external headlight
    Quite heavy

    What other experts liked

    Husqvarna's Z254 is a good riding mower. Our team was impressed by how efficiently and quickly the zero-turn functionality worked.
    Sawinery

    What other experts didn't like

    The seats were not as comfortable as those on other mowers, and the headlights had to be bought separately.
    Tools Official
  • Yard Force YOLMX225300 120V Cordless Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #2

    Yard Force YOLMX225300 120V Cordless Mower

    Best Powerful Electric Mower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Electric lawn mowers have existed for a long time, but powerful mowers that don’t need a cord are a relatively new invention. The Yard Force 120V is the most powerful electric mower you can buy. It moves and has driven on the back wheels. The 120V mower is best for small yards with steep slopes. Some electric mowers feel cheap and are made of cheap plastic, but this hill riding lawn mower is made to last. The steel deck is strong and will last a long time.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Extremely quiet
    22″ steel deck
    Good performance on hills
    Requires NO Gas or Oil
    Minimal Maintenance
    3-in-1 bag, mulch, side discharge

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not as much power as gas engines
    Better suited to thinner grass
    Higher priced

    What other experts liked

    This one is up there with the best ones I've used. Yard Force seems to put a lot of thought into quality control, the attachment and component functioned well.
    Gardening Products Review

    What other experts didn't like

    I am very disappointed that the batteries don't last as long as I need for my yard.
    Joseph K
  • Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #3

    Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower

    Best Gasoline Engine

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The 679cc twin engine of the Craftsman lawn mower has an auto-choke mechanism built in. The 46-inch cutting deck will cut the grass all at once and shorten the time it takes in half. The cutting deck also has a wash, which makes it easier to clean places that are hard to get to. The gas-powered lawn tractor can move in any direction, and it can also mow in reverse.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Very powerful 679cc dual engine
    Gasoline engine
    The large 46-inch cutting deck
    Zero-turn design
    Features a Dual Hydro Gear EZT
    High-back seat for a better ride
    2-year limited warranty

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Best for large properties, but not so much for small ones
    It needs some time to start

    What other experts liked

    I love this lawn tractor. It took me an hour to start the engine and get it moving. Save me an hour so I don't have to mow my lawn. Thanks Very pleased
    Diem Truong

    What other experts didn't like

    When I got the thing, it wouldn't turn on right. I was able to start the mower after making some strange changes, but now when I try to move the blades, it blows a 20-amp fuse.
    fbunner1
  • HUSQVARNA MZ61 riggs & Stratton Hydrostatic
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #4

    HUSQVARNA MZ61 riggs & Stratton Hydrostatic

    Best Zero-turn Design

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Husqvarna MZ61 has excellent features like a cutting system and smooth steering wheels. It is one of the best riding lawn mowers you can buy for hills. Its deck lifting system ensures that the cutting height can be changed accurately. The special service reminder on its hour meter keeps property owners from forgetting to mow their lawns or do other maintenance. New riding mowers are easy to use because they have a hydrostatic transmission and a five-gallon fuel tank.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Zero-turn design
    61-inch cutting deck
    Deck lifting system
    Vibration dampeners
    Foam-padded grips
    5-gallon fuel tank

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It needs to improve the traction
    Not a lot of suspension

    What other experts liked

    It has a cutting deck made of 11-gauge steel and a high-back seat with armrests.
    Sawinery

    What other experts didn't like

    Even though the mower has good grip going uphill, going downhill may cause it to slide and lose direction control because of its weight.
    Tools Official
  • Ariens Ikon XD 52 in. Gas Zero Turn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #5

    Ariens Ikon XD 52 in. Gas Zero Turn Mower

    Best 23-horsepower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The hill riding lawn mower from Ariens Ikon is full of features that give homeowners great value for their money. Built around a Kawasaki 726cc engine, this mower has enough power to run up and down slopes and is also made to be reliable. This model comes with front tires 11 inches wide and back tires 20 inches wide. The high back seat and armrests made it easy for you to work all morning without getting tired or sore. This mower is nice to ride in.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    The front tires are 11 inches, and the back tires are 20 inches
    Solid 52-inch cutting deck made of steel, 11-gauge steel chassis
    It has a tremendous 23-horsepower Kawasaki 726cc engine

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The mower does not come with headlights

    What other experts liked

    The 180-degree steering bar system and cooling fans on both transaxles of the Ariens 915223 IKON-X make it easy to turn.
    Evergreen Seeds

    What other experts didn't like

    Because the Ariens 915223 IKON-X has a short wheelbase, it may wheelie when pulling a heavy trailer up a slight hill.
    Tools Official
  • Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 Inch Zero Turn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #6

    Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 50 Inch Zero Turn Mower

    Best Ergonomic Mower

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    With a 725 cc, 23 HP twin-cylinder engine, you can move the front caster wheels over small hills and other obstacles to mow up to two acres. Even when turning 180 degrees, these Cub Cadet wheels don’t damage the grass because they have smooth treads. However, the back wheels are bigger and have deeper treads for better grip when driving and turning. With a 3.5-gallon fuel tank, you can carry enough gas to cover two acres without having to stop and fill up.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Powerful 23 HP engine
    High-performance AeroForce cutting system
    Open and easily accessible design for hassle-free maintenance
    Ergonomic, comfortable, and fully adjustable seat

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Higher price

    What other experts liked

    This Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 riding lawn mower is great in every way. It has faster zero-turns and cutting technology called aero force.
    TopTen Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    The worst part was that the heat was so high that my bucket melted. So, if you need to put something on the back, make sure it's not made of plastic and is strong.
    Suave Yards
  • Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro 50 Inch Riding Lawn Tractor
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #7

    Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro 50 Inch Riding Lawn Tractor

    Best Highly Responsive Handling

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The 50-inch expansive deck on the Cub Cadet XT1 would help mow large, hilly lawns at least two acres in size. And it is not just wide. With a powerful 24 HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine and a robust cutting system, this mower does a great job of trimming and bagging. There are 12 different height settings for the deck, and a lever on the PTO smooths out the deck’s movements, so you get a perfect cut.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Broad 50-inch heavy-duty deck
    Highly responsive handling
    Rubberized, soft-touch steering wheel
    Fuel tank sight gauge
    SmartJet deck wash system

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The seat is not fully adjustable

    What other experts liked

    This has a strong engine with a lot of power, and the Cub Cadet XT1 looks and feels like it is made of strong materials.
    Tools Official

    What other experts didn't like

    The mowers made by Cub Cadet will cut grass just as well as any other lawn tractor on the market.
    The Lawn Review
  • Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #8

    Troy-Bilt Bronco 42 Inch Riding Lawn Mower

    Best Automatic Headlights

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Troy-Bilt Bronco hill riding lawn mower has an automatic transmission with a foot pedal, making it drive like a regular car. It makes it easier for people who have never driven before to figure out how to drive, and it also makes it easier to change speed and direction. The tractor also has a step-through frame that gives you more room for your legs and makes it easy to get on and off. Rubber footpads keep your legs from getting tired from the vibrations caused by the cutting below the deck.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Intuitive AutoDrive automatic transmission
    Easy to get on and off
    Anti-scalp deck wheels
    Durable pressure-lubricated engine
    Automatic headlights

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Small fuel tank

    What other experts liked

    For the best possible cut, the deck stays level on turns and slopes, and the deck shell has a two-year limited warranty.
    Commercial Mower Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    As it gets older, the electric ignition can act up, and it needs regular maintenance to get a good return on investment.
    Lawn Mower Review
  • John Deere S120 V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #9

    John Deere S120 V-Twin Gas Hydrostatic

    Best Comfortable Adjustable Seat

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The John Deere S120 has a 30-second oil and filter canister that you can take out and put back in without using any tools. The 22 HP engine in the tractor is a V-twin that runs smoothly and works even better after an oil change. This hill riding lawn mower has a powerful 300 CCA battery that holds a charge for a long and runs the motor smoothly. Even though it only has a 2.4-gallon tank, there is an easy-to-read fuel gauge on the dash so you can track how much fuel is left and plan when to get more.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Smooth V-twin engine perfect for riding up 1 acre
    Comfortable adjustable seat with a high back

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Relatively small fuel tank

    What other experts liked

    It's easy to start and turns out to be a fun mower. I like that I can change how fast it goes and how quickly it turns. It's easy to sit on and has enough room for your legs. 

    What other experts didn't like

    The 9.1-liter gasoline tank may compel you to refill while working in wider regions, and the open operator station leaves you vulnerable to injury.
    Igra-world
  • RYOBI 48V Brushless Electric Rear Lawn Mower
    Have a problem
    with this product?
    #10

    RYOBI 48V Brushless Electric Rear Lawn Mower

    Best Quiet Operation

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Ryobi, a company that makes tools, knows how good battery power can be. If you have less than two acres, their 38-inch electric riding mower with a rear-mounted engine is a great choice. Three brushless motors that are very quiet and low-maintenance put out 48 volts of power, which is enough to mow for about 2 1/2 hours. The time it takes to cut is suitable for an electric machine. Once the power runs out, it can take up to six hours to get a full charge.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    No gas and limited maintenance required
    Excellent performance, even in thick grass
    Quiet operation
    No emissions
    Impressive battery life
    Straightforward setup

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Excessive packaging
    Uncomfortable seat
    Questions about longevity
    Expensive replacement batteries

    What other experts liked

    The Ryobi RY48111 is a powerful and quiet riding mower that can help you take care of your backyard. Plus, it runs on batteries.
    TopTen Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    This mower has a seat that is not comfortable and batteries that are expensive to replace.
    The Spruce

Conclusion: Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills

Some people don’t like cutting the grass. Riding lawn mowers reduce the time it takes to mow the lawn, makes it more comfortable, and gives you many options to make yard work easier. To find the best lawn mower for hills, you have to learn about a huge market with a lot of different options for power, features, sizes, functions, and more. With the information, we’ve given you about the products we think are the best riding lawn mowers for hills, it will be easier to find a riding lawn mower to help you take care of your hill.

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