Mowing your lawn regularly will keep the grass short, and it will significantly enhance the beauty of your property. But, mowing the lawn may feel like an excruciating and challenging task to most people.
This is especially true if you have a large lawn with hilly, uneven surfaces. You are so exhausted thinking about mowing your uneven lawn, right?
Yes, it happens to most of the users having hilly lawn. But don’t be so crazy as there is a good solution for it!
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Since you are reading this article, it’s safe to assume that you are looking for a riding lawnmower that can deal with steep hills. Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of the best riding lawn mowers for hills. You know we want to help you find the perfect lawnmower that would satisfy your needs.
So, my friends, without wasting any more time, let’s see what’s new is waiting for you.
In this content you’ll learn:
Top 7 Riding Lawnmowers For Hills
To make this list, we went through in-depth research. We researched some of the most well-received lawn mowers that are currently available in the market. Then we bought them and tested them out to find the top seven best riding lawn mowers for hills.
We will review these lawnmowers and rank them in terms of durability, cutting ability, engine performance and speed. Our picks of best lawn mowers for hills are as follows:
1. John Deere E120 Lawn Tractor
If you have a large lawn and are looking for a robust lawn mower to mow it, then John Deere E120 should be your top choice. This one is oil-powered, and it features a hydrostatic transmission.
And this type of transmission provides you with a wide range of choices in terms of speed. You can also turn this lawnmower quickly and efficiently. It’s quite user-friendly, and it features cruise control that will enable you to control the tractor’s speed.
The John Deere E120 also comes with a wash port that is installed underneath the deck. It cleans the inner part of the deck by using pressurized water. The operator station of this one is quite large and easy to control.
Features and benefits:
Engine:
A strong 20HP V-twin engine powers the E120. The engine is made using John Deere’s proprietary technology. Most importantly, the engine works smoothly, and it provides the user with enough ability to go up rocky surfaces.
Deck:
This lawnmower features a wide 42-inch deck. This deck helps in lifting the grass clippings. Then, the sharp blade smoothly cuts them into shape.
Seat:
The E120 features a high back seat. The best thing about it is that it is adjustable. You can adjust this seat into ten different positions. Suffice to say that it is pretty comfortable. You can even change the seat’s position and take it forwards or backwards for about five and a half inches.
Fuel:
This lawnmower is oil-powered. It has an oil-refill mechanism underneath its hood. The fuel tank holds 2.4 gallons of oil. That’s a lot, and you won’t have to refill the tank that often.
Changing the oil should only take 30 seconds.
Starting:
The mower has a 300cca battery installed inside it that helps in starting the lawnmower. The E120 features ready-start technology that makes it reasonably easy to start.
Height adjustment:
You can adjust the deck-height of this lawnmower by increments of 1 inch to 4 inches. It even has deck-lifts that protect the mower from getting hit by grass clippings.
This is a lawnmower that’s worth your money. It’s suited for all types of mowing conditions, and you can buy accessories and increase its functionalities. On the whole, it is worth considering.
2. Troy-Bilt Bronco Lawn Tractor
If you want a convenient lawn mower that’s easy to use and comfortable to ride, then the Bronco lawn tractor is the best option for you. This cutting device doesn’t cause any kind of noise or vibrations.
The Troy-Blit Bronco can be maneuvered quickly and efficiently. It can go around obstacles effectively. It has a turning radius of about 18 inches.
You can easily find accessories for this lawnmower and increase its functionality and versatility. You can even attach a mulching kit when you are mulching. Or, if you prefer bagging, then you can attach a rear bagger. Some other accessories include sprayers, dump carts and rear hitches.
Features and benefits:
Engine:
This mowing machine is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Intek engine. The internal parts of the engine are lubricated so that they don’t get damaged due to friction. That’s why the engine is long-lasting.
Bagging:
This lawnmower is better suited for bagging. There is a rear bagger attached to the back of the Bronco lawn tractor. The bagger will collect the grass clippings and put them in a disposable bag.
Deck:
The 42-inch deck of this lawn mower makes sure that your lawn is cut correctly. You can also buy a kit of mulching and install it on your mower, and that will provide you with the option of mulching.
This product comes in different deck sizes. That can range from 36 inches to 54 inches.
Speed:
This best lawn care product has a maximum speed of 5.5 MPH. Moreover, it can also drive in reverse, and its maximum reverse speed is 2.5 MPH.
Maintenance:
The Bronco lawn tractor is quite easy to maintain. All you need to do is attach a garden hose to the deck-wash port of the deck. It will keep the inside of the deck clean.
This one is reliable, and it’s also dependable. And all the features make it easy for you to take care of your yard.
3. Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Lawn Tractor
It’s easy to set up, and all you need to do is follow the instruction manual. If you have owned a Craftsman lawn mower before then, you’ll see that this grass cutting machine is much better than the Craftsman lawnmowers. The XT1 Enduro is made with better quality materials and its way more comfortable.
The XT1 is fuel-efficient, and you won’t have to worry about refilling the tank regularly. You’ll have to maneuver this lawnmower using a steering wheel. The steering is responsive, and it’s covered with rubber that makes it comfortable for the rider.
This lawnmower is quite versatile as you can buy accessories for it and make it suitable for mowing in different types of mowing conditions. The accessories include a snow thrower, a snow blade, a mulching kit, and a twin bagger.
Features and benefits:
Engine:
This one is powered by a Briggs & Stratton Intek V-twin engine. The internal parts of the engine are lubricated so that they don’t get damaged due to friction. That’s why the engine is long-lasting.
Headlights:
This product features LED headlights that increase visibility in case it’s dark outside. The lights are long-lasting, and they will make it easy for you to mow your yard on an overcast day.
Maneuverability:
The cutting machine can handle obstacles pretty well. As it has a turning radius of about 16 inches, it can go around obstacles and provide you with a smooth cut.
Height Adjustment:
In order to mow your lawn properly, you need the ability to change the deck-height. The XT1 Enduro features 12 different cutting heights to choose from. This feature will enable you to cut your grass perfectly.
Deck-Wash:
The Bronco lawn tractor features a deck-wash that cleans out the dirt and grass clippings that build up underneath the deck.
This one is user-friendly, and it has a powerful engine that can deal with hilly surfaces. And considering all of its exclusive features, We highly recommend it.
4. RYOBI Electric Riding Lawn Mower
The Ryobi lawnmower runs remarkably well. Although you might need to learn how to use the lawnmower, when you get the hang of it, mowing your lawn with this lawnmower will feel like a breeze.
Its engine provides enough power to go up steep hills. But we would suggest you be careful while going downwards. That’s because the mower goes faster while going downwards and you have to control the speed by using the foot brakes.
The mower will provide you with a smooth cut even if your lawn is full of obstacles. Also, it only requires a little amount of assembly.
Features and benefits:
Battery:
This lawnmower is battery operated, and it’s completely environment-friendly. It doesn’t cause any kind of emissions. The 100Ah battery lasts for about two and a half hours if it’s fully charged. That’s more than enough time to mow your entire lawn.
Materials:
The structure of the lawnmower is made using sturdy 12-Gauge steel. The mower is quite durable.
Height Adjustment:
As we have mentioned before, in order to cut the grass efficiently, you have to change the height of the deck. That’s why the Ryobi electric mower features 12 different options for deck adjustment.
Headlights:
The Ryobi electric lawn mower comes with LED headlights. They will enable you to mow even in low light conditions.
If your lawn is full of obstacles and steep hilly surfaces, then mowing it would be a challenging task. But, the Ryobi electric lawn mower will make that task much easier for you.
5. RYOBI 38 in Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower
This mower is environmentally-friendly as it doesn’t produce any kind of fumes or carbon emissions. So it’s a better alternative to some of its gas-powered competitors. It’s 38-inch wide dual blade deck makes sure that the grass clippings are cut cleanly.
This lawnmower is useful in different modes of mowing such as bagging, mulching and side discharge. And the mower is surprisingly quiet, and you won’t have to worry about waking your neighbours up if you are mowing during nighttime.
Mowing in the dark is quite effortless with the Ryobi 38inch lawnmower. That’s because it features bright LED headlights.
Features and benefits:
Fuel:
As the name suggests, the Ryobi lawnmower is powered by electricity. Four 75Ah batteries power the engine. You will get a runtime of about 2 hours from the batteries when they are fully charged.
Cruise Control:
The Ryobi lawnmower features cruise control. That means you can change the ground speed of the lawnmower using a handlebar. You can easily adjust the speed to match different mowing conditions.
Speed:
The Ryobi lawnmower has a top speed of 8 MPH, which is extremely fast for a lawnmower. It can also go in reverse, and the maximum speed in the reverse direction is 3 MPH.
Headlights:
This lawnmower comes with LED lights that can help you mow in different lighting conditions.
Height Adjustment:
Just like the previous lawnmower that we have discussed, this one also features 12 different height-adjustment options.
In fact, if you are looking for a battery-powered lawnmower that can handle harsh mowing conditions, then the Ryobi lawnmower should be your first choice.
6. Troy-Blit Super Bronco XP Lawn Tractor
The new Troy-Blit super Bronco XP is more powerful and durable than any other models that had come out previously. The manufacturers have thoroughly tested this one out in different weather conditions.
And they found that the Super Bronco performed efficiently in all kinds of mowing conditions. Moreover, it can even cope with adverse weather conditions.
It also provides the rider with comfortable riding experience. It causes minimal amounts of vibrations or noise while mowing. Most importantly, it has a step-through frame, and you can easily get on the mower. It can cut rugged, tall grass and weeds proficiently.
You can add accessories like a mulching kit or a bagger to increase its effectiveness.
Features and benefits:
Speed:
It features Autodrive transmission. There are different types of Autodrive transmissions available. You can buy a 6-speed transmission or the 7-speed transmission. They will provide you with six and seven different options for controlling speed, respectively.
Its maximum forward speed is 5.5 MPH, and maximum reverse speed is 2.5 MPH.
Fuel:
This lawnmower is gas-operated. That’s why, it is energy-efficient, and the fuel tank can hold 1.3 gallons of engine oil. That will last for a long time, and you won’t have to refill it that often.
Speed:
The Ryobi lawnmower has a top speed of 8 MPH, which is extremely fast for a lawnmower. It can also go in reverse, and the maximum speed in the reverse direction is 3 MPH.
Deck Maintenance:
The mower is quite easy to maintain. You can attach a garden hose . It will wash the debris and grass clippings off that build up under the deck.
Obstacles:
No matter how many obstacles your lawn may have, the Troy-Blit Super Bronco XP lawn mower can handle them. The mower is designed in such a way that it can go up hilly terrains without an issue.
The Super Bronco XP is an excellent lawn tractor that has enough power to go up irregular surfaces. Very few lawnmowers even come close to its quality.
7. Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1
The cub cadet Ultima ZT1 is one of the most prominent contenders to have the title of best mower for hills. It’s a zero-turn lawnmower. That means you can maneuver it with ease. It’s best suited for large uneven yards. And It mows faster than any other lawnmower on our list.
You can mow your entire lawn in just a couple of hours even if your yard has an area of 5 acres. The ZT1 is ideal for dealing with hilly terrains and rolling hills.
We tested out this lawnmower on a lawn with a lot of obstacles. And you will be glad to know that we weren’t disappointed with the results.
Features and benefits:
Frame:
The Ultima ZT1 features a sturdy 2 by 2-inch tubular frame made of steel. The structure was electrically coated so that it can protect itself from corrosion. According to the manufacturers, it has triple guard protection against wear and tear.
Speed and transmission:
This lawnmower has a dual transmission of hydrostatic. It means you will get a variety of speed options that you can choose from. You know it’s one of the fastest lawnmowers on our list. It’s maximum forward speed is 7.5 MPH, and its top reverse speed is about 3.5 MPH.
Deck:
The Ultima ZT1 comes with a 50-inch deck that’s made with 11-Gauge fabricated steel. We have tested out the blade of this lawnmower. We were amazed at how smoothly it cuts the grass clipping and leaves a tiny amount of clumps lying around in the yard.
Deck Maintenance:
It’s designed in such a way that maintaining this mower is comparatively more straightforward than the other entries on our list. You can remove the floor pan of the deck and get access to the internal components underneath the deck.
Fuel:
This lawnmower is powered with gasoline. The fuel tank can hold up to 3.5 gallons of oil. That means you’ll rarely have to refill the tank.
Headlights:
The Ultima ZT1 features LED headlights that will illuminate the way when you’re mowing in the evening or on an overcast day.
In terms of strength and durability, this lawnmower is unmatched. It’s perfect for bagging, and you can add accessories to make it more efficient. You will be impressed by the ZT1’s performance, be sure.
How To A Riding Mower For Hills (Buying Guide)
Not all types of mowers are suited for mowing lawns with the hilly areas. You’ll need to have a lawn mower that has various speed options and that has a sufficient amount of engine power.
In order to provide you with a clear picture about the features that you should consider before buying a lawn mower for hills, we are going to describe those features in great detail.
The features are described below:
Height Adjustment:
If you want to maneuver over rolling hills, you need to have the option to change the height of the deck. It’s also necessary to cut the grass into your desired size. You may want to keep the grass tall during a drought. In contrast, you may want to cut them short during spring.
So, we suggest you check the height adjustment options of the lawnmower before buying it.
Rear Wheel Drive:
It’s a well-known fact that rear-wheel-drive mowers have better traction than front-wheel mowers. Although mowers that feature such type of wheel drives are more expensive than the mowers with front-wheel drives, we believe they are worth the money.
They are especially worth considering if you intend to mow a lawn with bumpy surfaces. These types of mowers have bigger rear wheels that help the mower to go up steep slopes. These mowers are also faster than lawnmowers with front-wheel drives.
Zero-Turn Capability:
Zero-turn mowers are among the most versatile lawnmowers that are available in the market. If you have a curved yard with a lot of hilly terrains, a regular lawnmower will most likely get stuck while mowing.
As a matter of fact, you have to steer the mower adequately so that your mower doesn’t tip over with you on it. Now come to the point, zero-turn mowers have a turning angle of zero degrees. So it can turn instantly.
This feature comes in handy while dealing with steep hilly terrains. Moreover, zero-turn mowers are extremely fast. This speed will help you maneuver better around obstacles.
Type of lawnmower:
There is a variety of lawnmowers available. These mowers differ in terms of power, maneuverability, cutting ability and engine performance. Different types of mowers are required for different kinds of tasks.
So, you have to choose the right type of mower for mowing a yard with hills. You should totally avoid buying a push mower or a walk-behind mower, as they are basically useless while going up hills.
Only a riding type lawn mower is up for this type of task. It also has to have a zero-turn capability.
Deck Size:
Deck size is an important feature to consider before buying a lawnmower. You should purchase a mower with a large deck. The size of the deck should be between 36 inches to 54 inches.
But if your lawn is small, then buy a mower with a deck that has a width of 36 inches. And if your yard has an area of more than 5 acres, then you should buy a mower with a deck size of 42 or 50 inches.
Speed:
You will need a fast lawnmower to go up hills. That’s why you should consider buying a lawnmower that has a maximum forward speed of about 7-8 MPH. The maximum reverse speed should be about 2.5-3 MPH.
Weight of the mower:
You also have to consider the weight of the lawnmower. That’s because if the mower is too heavy, it will have a tough time going up hills. On the other hand, if it’s too lightweight, it won’t have enough momentum to go up slopes.
Hydrostatic Transmission:
In fact, there are various advantages of using a lawnmower having this technology. This feature allows the user to change the speed of the mower to whatever level he/she desires. The hydrostatic mowers use a hydraulic motor to provide power to the engine.
These mowers are extremely durable. That’s why they cost more than other types of lawnmowers, and they also require more fuel to operate. But the fact is that all those things are necessary for mowing a lawn with hills and steep slopes.
Furthermore, a mower with hydrostatic transmission will provide you with a smoother ride than other types of mowers. This type of mower will last for many years, and it will require very little maintenance.
Final Verdict
Creating our list of the topmost lawn mowers for hills was a complicated task. That’s because there are hundreds of excellent lawn mowers out there that deserve recognition. But, we want you to find the very best riding mower that is money worthy.
We hope that our list has helped you in deciding which riding mower would be best suited for mowing your uneven lawn. We suggest you go through the buying guide in order to get a better understanding of what kinds of features you should be looking for in a lawnmower before buying it.
But finally, do you want to know which lawn mower is our favourite? Our answer would have to be the Ultima ZT1. It comes with so many exciting features that no other mowers could even come close to its quality and durability.
