Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills

Got a yard that’s full of hills? Choosing a ride-on lawnmower to manage tight turns and keep your grass level can be quite a challenge.

However, there are models out there that will do the job and do it well. 

Ride-on lawn mowers for hills have specific features that enable them to perform better in rugged terrain. For instance, they have a more powerful engine, automatic transmission, and zero-turn technology.

If you’re looking for the best riding lawn mower for hills, here are our rankings based on their features and reviews.

Our Top Picks:

Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills

1. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower (Residential Pick)

Key Features

• 5 cutting height adjustments.
• Blade commitment is wild due to the manual power take-off.
• Compact size for easy storage.
• The 18-inch turning radius allows for sharp, controlled turns.

The Troy-Bilt TB30R comes with a 30- inch wide cutting deck and has a rear engine that helps to ride the mower. This engine has a capacity of 382cc. The mower might look small, but it’s quite powerful. You will note that it pools together the advantages of a walk-behind mower with the simplicity of a riding mower. It is perfect for those people who need a smaller, powerful mower.

Besides its excellent cutting ability, it can fit through narrow spaces quite easily. If you know that you will be sitting on the mower for longer hours, this mower is perfect for you. Its seat and control are very comfortable. Finally, it comes with a soft padded steering wheel and a changeable starring column.

Why we like it

• Has got the 382cc OHV engine that’s quite powerful for a lawnmower.
• The blade is entirely adjustable to fit your convenient height.
• The 18-inch turn radius makes it easy for you to navigate.

What we don’t like

• Sometimes, the deck height can scalp your lawn.

Our Verdict

The Troy-Bilt 382cc is perfect for anyone looking for an affordable riding mower. It is capable of mowing medium-sized to large yards. This lawn mower lacks the wide cutting deck that expensive lawn mowers possess, but it’s great for anyone looking for a machine that you can store in a shed or garage without taking too much space. Since it can deliver excellent performance and is easy to operate, it is one of the most powerful lawn mowers for hills.

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2. Husqvarna YTH18542 Riding Mower

Key Features

• Sturdy 42” cutting deck.
• Ergonomic design for comfort.
• Impressive 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton Engine.
• Rear differentials for improved traction.

This lawnmower is one of the most powerful and user-friendly lawn mowers that allow you to tackle vast landscapes with ease. With many unique features and a robust built, it is one of the most effective options that you should consider. It comes with an 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine, pedal-operated hydrostatic drive fast automatic transmission, and an auto-choke feature. The good news is that this machine is maintenance-free.

Why we like it

• Has a deck wash port that allows for secure connection of water hose during cleaning.
• Air induction mowing technology.

What we don’t like

• To some, it might take time to get used to the cushioning on the seat.

Our Verdict

Since it is powerful, precise, and easy-to-use, this machine can tackle even the steepest yards within a short period. With its robust construction, headlights, and user-friendly design, it is recommended for anyone looking for a powerful riding mower that will stand the test of time.

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3. Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower

Key Features

• 54” steel reinforced cutting deck.
• 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series Engine.
• Incredibly powerful and reliable.
• Zero-Turn transmission for maintenance-free and smooth operation.

This lawnmower is designed to deliver high performance and power in a sleek, cutting edge design. It takes the work out of mowing your lawn. It comes with a 54″ 12 gauge steel cutting deck, which is rigged and can enable you to work on your yard fast. Its 26 HP Kohler 7000 Series engines with its premium air filtration, finished bearing surfaces and chrome plated valves, and a big cooling fan, make it more robust and durable.

With this lawnmower, you will enjoy maintenance-free zero-turn transmission. This mower draws air from the top and bottom of the deck. It also has an ergonomic control panel that makes it easy to operate it.

Why we like it

• A powerful engine that offers plenty of torque.
• Easy to use.
• Suitable for heavy-duty usage.
• Has a compact design and delivers efficient performance.

What we don’t like

• The engine is a bit noisy.
• You need to purchase the bagger attachment and mulching kit separately.

Our Verdict

We recommend this lawn mower for hilly terrains for several reasons. First, it is stable and reliable. The workhorse of this mower can deliver exceptionally. Secondly, it’s easy to operate. It comes with a powerful 18 HP motor and a smooth hydrostatic transmission that makes it easy to drive this model.

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How to Choose the Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills

If you’re looking for the best lawn mower for hills, there are many factors that you should consider. These include:

1. Speed

Speed is the first thing that you have to consider when choosing a lawn mower for hills. You will realize that there is a moment when you will need to go either fast or slow down. If you are working on a lawn with few obstructions, you will want to get a riding lawn mower that can go move faster. However, if you are going to encounter obstacles along the way, you will have to be more precise when mowing.

2. Yard Conditions

Before you think of investing in this lawnmower, you should inspect your yard. Ideally, a good riding lawn mower should be able to grind well through the bushes and around the trees. Therefore, you must check its turning radius as well as its front and rear wheels. You should check how well they can keep the drive as smooth as possible.

3. Engine Power

If your lawnmower of choice is sturdy, you can trust that it will be able to drive it on hills and other surfaces such as ponds and fences. In this case, you should choose a lawnmower that has both front and rear-drive.

4. Engine Features

You should buy a mower whose engine has an oil filtering system and a cooling system. These features are essential in ensuring that your mower lasts for more extended periods.

5. User-Friendliness

A lawnmower, as with other achiness, should be straightforward to use. Therefore, you should pay special attention to things such as how simple the cutter is to launch and mobility. Also, it should be easy to assemble. Finally, it should be able to perform different undertakings such as mulching, packing, and side release to make it more helpful.

6. Comfort and Safety

Your lawn mower of choice should be good from a safety point of view. Therefore, it should have a rugged sitting deck with safety belts and other features meant to reduce the chances of experiencing an accident. Also, the mower should have headlights so that you can easily maneuver in low-light conditions.

7. Warranty

No one wants to buy a new lawnmower year-in, year-out. You want to get a lawnmower that comes with durability assurances. In this case, you should check the warranty of the mower before buying it. The longer the warranty period, the higher your chances of saving more money in the long run.

8. Budget

You should check your budget before buying a lawnmower. Ideally, you should go for the best lawn mower that your budget can get you. This means that you can forego some advanced features if you’re on a low budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Main Features to Look for in a Lawn Mower for Hills?

Depending on the size of your lawn, you should consider looking for self-propelled, rear-wheel-drive mowers that are as light as possible. The wheels of this machine should be durable and have good traction. Also, it should have an adjustable blade height for efficiency when cutting the grass.

What are the Advantages of Using a Riding Lawnmower Over a Push Mower?

A riding lawn mower has many advantages. First, if you have a large lawn, riding this lawn mower will make the process of cutting your grass easier for you. This lawnmower uses little effort. Besides, this mower offers better handling compared to walk behind lawn mowers.

Which Parts Need to be Replaced More Regularly?

Your lawn mower will experience some wear and tear. As such, there is a need to change some parts of this machine. These include grass catcher, discharge cover, and also the trail. It is vital that you replace these parts the moment that you notice that they are damaged. We highly advise that you get the spare parts from the manufacturer.

Do I have to Assemble the Mower Myself?

This depends on the type of mower you have. However, you should not do it on your own. You will realize that most mowers come fully assembled. All you need to do is some primary assemblies, which are usually very straightforward, and thoroughly explained in the instructions.

Final Thoughts

We believe that the Husqvarna YTH18542 Yard Tractor is the best riding lawn mower for hills. It is powered by 1 18.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine, making it quite powerful for rugged terrains. With a 42-inch cutting deck, it is possible to cut large areas at a time. The automatic transmission, maintenance-free, and ergonomic design make it very user-friendly. You’re also assured of excellent technical support by the manufacturer.