When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You know there are a lot of exceptional lawnmowers in the market thatre quite well-equipped to deal with steep slopes. Here's how ride-on mowers and push mowers compare. To keep the mower functioning optimally, you must clean and maintain it. A hydrostatic transmission is an automatic system that uses hydraulic fluid to transmit power to the wheels. Get the Troy-Bilt TB 30 in. The more traditional way of mowing is to push the lawn mowers. Think about the area of lawn you need to mow and the optimum cutting deck required. For hilly yards and steep grounds, we recommend gas-powered mowers. Zero-turn mowers are best for yards with curves and tight turns. Capable of handling hills and uneven terrain. And since this is a zero-turn lawnmower, it has a turning radius thats equal to zero. Powering the motor is also very smooth because the unit has a powerful 300 CCA battery, which stores charge for a long time. You need to know how to apply pressure on them for forward/reverse driving or to apply the brakes. That means it can maneuver around difficult obstacles without an issue. The deck has anti-scalp deck wheels that ensure the blades remain at the correct cutting height when navigating through uneven terrain, which was producing a very clean, even cut across the test strip of grass. Zero-turn mowers usually have a dual hydrostatic transmission to run each of the rear wheels independently. If you can afford it, they work best for larger flat areas. Safety is paramount, dont try and run a zero-turn mower up a steep incline. 4. So you should buy a lawnmower that has a deck-width of 42 inches or above. A unique feature of this lawnmower is that it uses three blades to cut the grass. Cut : 60" wide, hydro-static, rear discharge, out-front rotary mower. GreenWorks has been making quality lawn mowers for quite some time now and their heritage has allowed them to produce a user-friendly experience. You can choose a slightly lower deck size than the recommended one as per the size of your lawn to improve maneuverability while also keeping the mowing time to a minimum. If not, please refer to the best mower for 20 degree slope and the best rechargeable lawn mower that we will introduce below. While heavier mowers are more powerful, they can sink in soft or swampy turf and often have reduced fuel efficiency. Compared to walk-behind lawnmowers, they are much more effective over large areas, with wider cutting widths, as well as providing significantly more power. It features a durable steel frame. An uneven lawn usually has a lot of obstacles in it. Hustler has one rated for 25 degrees. Check the latest price of the Ariens Ikon at Ace Hardware. Gas-powered mowers are powerful and extremely efficient. Grass clippings and steep slopes don't mix. The handling was excellent, although not quite at the level of the Husqvarna, which to be fair was in a league of its own. Valued by customers and industries that operate in tough terrain like landfills, wetlands, sloped roads and more, our easy-to-run and easy-to-maintain tracked slope mowers start at $39,950 and are ideal for: HILLSIDE & STEEP-INCLINE . It comes with a 382 cc Powermore OHV engine and a 30-inch deck and will make a great option for residential use. Also, consider the steepest gradient of your lawn. If this happens, rolling over can cause serious injury, so you should look for rollover protection. The ZTX4 lawnmower is quite easy to maintain. Aside from the blades, the tires are the only part of the lawn mower that actually touches the ground. Reduce this number to 10 degrees for zero-turn mowers as they are more prone to tipping over backward on steep hills. But in terms of performance, durability, speed, and cutting ability, the following lawnmowers are unmatched: The Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 is a robust battery-powered lawnmower. It is easy to use because the system does the gear changing for you. The lack of a heavy internal combustion engine significantly reduces weight. You put the gear lever in front or reverse, then control the speed by stepping on the throttle. The most important thing is that I strive to always do the right thing for you, your lawn and your wallet! However, their hours of usage per recharge depend on their battery capacity. It comes with two massive rear tires with a radius of 18 inches. You need to take care of your mowing speed, balance, and cut quality. There are a plethora of options to augment the mowers functionality. Lastly, battery-powered mowers do not require a cord and dont need to be refueled before use. They are more of an all-rounder in all-terrain, uphill, sideways mowing, or with overgrown ridges and uneven surfaces. NEVER mow uphill with a ZTR, it can flip over on you. So, make sure your lawnmower has this feature. Lawn tractors are primarily used for cutting grass, while garden tractors may also plow snow, tow equipment, and perform other lawn maintenance duties. Apart from checking the mowers specific features, consider the following factors relating to your yard before making a purchase. Also, look for rubber footpads and a soft-touch steering wheel to dampen vibrations. Ideal riding mower for uneven ground up to 2 acres. EGO Power+ is a great battery powered mower that offers comparable performance to a gas-powered one. A broad deck trims a wide patch of grass on each pass, meaning you will complete mowing your yard faster. When mowing on an incline, keep the mower perpendicular to the direction of the slope. Mow in an up-and-down pattern rather than along the length of the ditch. The average tractor and lawn riding mower weigh in at 470 pounds, and the engine accounts for 18 to 25 percent of its total weight. It is by far the most versatile electric mowers that have all the features you require for all your mowing needs. You need to take care of your mowing speed, balance, and cut quality. Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 82V Max Lithium-Ion battery, this lawn mower is easy to start and doesnt require any maintenance. We understand it can be a really messy task and can seem to be difficult. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We only choose those lawnmowers that will be worthy of being on our list. The effectiveness of a lawnmower depends heavily on the width of the deck. The tractors 22 HP engine has a smooth-running V-twin design that performs even better after giving it an oil change. 3. We compared several zero-turn-radius riding mowers marketed to consumers with a lawn tractor on slopes ranging from roughly 5 to 20 degrees. The last thing you need is for you (or your mower) to lose your footing/traction on a steep slope. Your lawn is the perfect place to relax and a well-groomed and welcoming one is nothing short of a blessing. Some units have wash ports for easy cleaning, while others have tool-free oil change mechanisms. Troy-Bilt Riding Lawn Mower. Never try to turn the mower to mow downward as the bulk of the weight of these mowers is under and behind you and it could cause the mower to flip on top of you going down. It comes without the hassle of refueling and has perhaps the lowest maintenance cost. There are a select few zero-turn mowers that will go up to 15 degrees, and the best of these are featured below. AWD requires extra power, uses more fuel, and is quite an expensive but the safest possible option for usage. Greenworks 40V 21 Brushless (Smart Pace) Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 5. Higher battery capacity means higher costs, as well as longer recharge times. The speed control features allow the mower to mimic your speed while the Roto-Stop gives the user the option to cut off the power of the engine to the blades. Pressing both levers forward results in a straight course, while depressing one lever allows the mower to make a complete turn in a space the size of the mower. Best Riding Mower for Hills 1. No precaution is less than a human life, which is why we strongly recommend following these steps to prioritize your safety before you are mowing: We have discussed various factors for you to make an informed decision for your lawn mowing needs and tried our best to help you choose the best lawn mower for steep banks, slopes, and hills. Brushless motors are quieter than brushed motors and sense the amount of energy required to continue operation, adjusting the power to appropriate levels. We know that these mowers are way more expensive than the standard walk-behind mowers. Its probably the most crucial feature that you should consider. We've done the research for you and have prepared a list of the 5 best lawn mowers for steep hills, slopes, and banks. Electric mowers are quiet, light, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly. Make lawn maintenance an event instead of a chore with the all new Husqvarna Z254F 26HP Kohler zero turn lawn mower. It also features armrests and a shoulder support system. The only issues are a small 1.3-gallon fuel tank and a mid-back seat that is not as supportive as the high-back type. 100 Ah Battery. You can effortlessly match the mowers speed to match your stride. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Although it is the cheapest option available, it is highly not recommended for steep land, especially if your yard is big. That means the engine can operate for a long time without requiring to be refilled. When looking for a mower for hills and steep banks, there are three main types to consider: A zero-turn mower uses a set of two-lap bars to control movement and steering, so it does not have a conventional steering wheel. The cutting width, which is sometimes referred to as the mower deck or cutting deck, refers to how wide a swath a mower cuts in one pass. The mow time is suitable for an electric machine but low compared to gas-powered models. Always work within the capabilities of each mower design. So as you mow, stop and rake away the clippings to keep your footing firm. By Mike Bruton | Updated Jun 15, 2022 1:06 PM. They are ideal for the job, but most are usually small riding mowers (with less than a 40-inch deck) and have small engines. This superior technology balances greater comfort and control, decreasing rollover risk. You can mow across, or down, if conditions allow it. You can also choose your desired cutting height with the single lever height adjustment. The mower has a tractor design, and even though it cannot achieve zero turns, Cub Cadet gave it super responsive handling, which narrowed its turning radius to only 16 inches. As a matter of fact, the Cub Cadet Ultima has a fuel capacity of 5.5 gallons. Our answer would have to be the Ultima ZTX4. The way to choose this is to first choose your relevant engine type, and then decide how big of a deck size you can afford in your budget. This lawnmower features an 18-inch seat. Husqvarna Riding Mower 46-Inch 22hp Briggs & Stratton 724cc engine. Thats why, you can ride these mowers at high speeds. Then as it continued to mow up and down the bank I was in full control the whole time. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Most importantly, both the frame and the deck are covered with electrically applied paint. So lets get to know your options and be clear on the mower limitations, as we find you the riding mower for hills and slopes. Its Honda SELECT Drive feature allows it to match the speed with which you are walking, and it has a cruise control system to make it move at a specific, consistent pace. Walk-Behind mowers are most helpful in such conditions. The back seat is quite high, and its also really comfortable. Tire Chains To Mow Highway Hills. You know there are a variety of lawn mowers available, and each of them have their own functionality. The control levers feature extra padding that reduces hand fatigue and gives you a better grip surface so you can stay in control of the mower at all times. Most people buy riding lawnmowers to trim expansive yards, and covering such an area takes time. This residential zero-turn mower is an ideal option if you have a yard that is 2 acres or less in size that also has relatively flat terrain, even if there are a few obstacles. Thus, the command center should have an adjustable, ergonomic high-back seat to maximize comfort as you work. That is the only difference. There is a foot-operated lever, also known as a deck-lift that lets you control the height of the deck. Some mowers provide an additional function of side discharging, which simply means that all the mulch is discharged via special side holes back into the lawn. Automatic transmissions in lawnmowers work in a similar way to those in cars. Are you wondering what our top pick is? We will discuss each of these lawnmowers in great detail. The seats height can be adjusted. Keep discharge chutes pointed away from people, pets, cars, and structures. The twin-cylinder Kohler engine in the Craftsman T310 puts out 24 horsepower that pushes this 650-pound riding mower along at a maximum forward speed of 5 mph. There are also two large front tires underneath the frame. You can adjust the deck to 12 different positions height-wise, while a lever-engaged PTO smoothens deck operations for perfect cutting. Zero-turn mowers are maneuvered by the rear wheels that are why they are better equipped for handling steep slopes. Order your Husqvarna Z254F today! 22hp Briggs & Stratton 724cc engine. The included large grass bagger fits up to 2.1 cubic feet of clippings and the height adjustment lever lets you choose from 7 different cutting heights. Depending on the type of riding lawn mower, you can either have a steering wheel or lap bars for directional control. In addition to the excellent drivetrain, the mower has a 7 step height adjustment to fine-tune the grass clippings. A six-speed manual drive transmission is not as smooth as some models, but it provides enough gearing to push the 340-pound mower along comfortably. Hondas HRX217K5VKA is the best lawn mower for steep hills and slopes. Cub Cadet's gas-powered Zero-Turn Riding Mower has a premium 23-horsepower twin-cylinder OHV engine, which boasts commercial-grade power to meet the toughest demands. 1. Mowing hilly, or uneven terrain can present a serious risk of an accident if you are not using a mower fit for the type of job. Only found in electrical motors, the brush refers to a bundle of carbon wires used to transmit electrical energy that spins the riding mowers driveshaft. We really liked the comfortable 18-inch padded seat of the MX5000. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to select the best riding lawn mower for hills. A light zero-turn mower may weigh up to 650 pounds. Ventrac on the other hand isn't a ZTR mower, they're Articulating Tractors with Attachments. Get the Craftsman riding mower at Lowes. The V-twin engine of this lawnmower has a power of 25HP. It is also a lot cheaper than its 450X counterpart. It has a steering wheel and pedals for you to operate them. The ZTX4 has a deck thats made with fabricated steel. Remove any obstacles that may slow or hinder your progress, such as stones and sticks. Most importantly, the Zoom lawnmower comes with a double-chambered bagger, which is large enough to store a lot of grass clipping. The Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Zero Turn Mower for 45-degree slope is a versatile machine with an engine powering 24 HP. This is customer-specific, and you can simply choose what you like. RANKING LIST | SORT BY SCORES. Allow gasoline mowers to cool before refueling to avoid a fire. As we have mentioned before, we had to test out a ton of lawnmowers to come up with our list. This is a very important feature to consider. Husqvarna has decades of experience in making lawn mowers, so you can rest assured that your lawn will be kept looking great. It has a 15-inch high back to give better support as well. Some even have warranties for specific parts, such as the chassis. We finished mowing our lawn in just 2 hours. Even though it has a relatively small 2.4-gallon tank, you get an easy-read fuel gauge on the dash to monitor the remaining fuel and plan a refill on time. The first things to consider when selecting the best riding lawn mowers for hills are the yard size and terrain. Finding the right one means identifying which characteristics work best for your situation. Bill. Mowers with steering wheels cannot make zero turns. Their 38-inch rear-engine electric riding mower is an excellent choice for those with less than two acres. The neighborhood mower has been lauded on many fronts for its great maneuverability and its compact size and rightfully so. Troy-Bilts affordable riding mower is a top choice for the budget-minded consumer. Also, you can add the fuel cost to its maintenance. Below are some of the most essential features to consider when buying a riding lawn mower, especially if you have a hilly yard. Consider the following safety tips when operating a lawnmower: Many riding mowers incorporate a dead mans switch: a sensor detects the drivers weight and kills the engine if the rider stands up or falls out of the seat, reducing the potential of a runaway mower. Electric-powered corded mowers are machines that come with a plug. All these features, coupled with the luxury of an electric drivetrain make it one of the best lawn mowers for steep hills, slopes, and banks. With a 21-inch deck, it features a twin-blade instead of a single blade, which gives a double action for finer grass cutting. The best riding lawn mower for hills will likely fall into one of three categories: lawn tractors, rear-engine mowers, and zero-turn mowers, each of which has its own capabilities and specialties. Theres also a cruise control function to maintain a consistent speed across larger flat areas. The cutting finish was also excellent. Gas mowers provide more torque, are able to cut through overgrown or thick grass more efficiently, and refuel faster. The lawn mower features two batteries that can help you mow for more than an hour. Traditional gas-powered motors are more powerful than their electric counterparts at the expense of being far more noisy and emitting exhaust fumes. Yard size dictates one essential aspect of mowing: the time it takes to do the job. However, gas engines produce CO2 emissions and are noisy. But, one thing to be noted here is that just going faster wont be enough to cut your lawn into a good shape. This will enable you to determine what the height of the grass would be after mowing. The maximum slope that most push mowers can handle is 15-20 degrees, while riding lawn mowers and zero-turn mowers should not exceed one foot of incline for every four feet of horizontal width. They offer more power and stability on the slopes. Not all riding mowers are considered tractors. In terms of handling the steep bank on the test field, I felt very safe. Weve done the research for you and have prepared a list of the 5 best lawn mowers for steep hills, slopes, and banks. I know you are looking for a lawnmower that can take care of a lawn with steep slopes. A 42-inch deck handles the trimming, and you can adjust it to five different height positions using a lever mounted on the fender. The following list includes some excellent options regardless of which characteristics suit your yard. A Kohler 725cc V-twin engine powers this lawnmower. Ariens Ikon XD 52 in. If you consider the engine power, there are two types of riding lawnmowers. The EGO Power+ also features a headlight that allows you to work through the night and the 10 rear wheels give it the traction it needs to scale steep hills, slopes, and banks. This mower will cut the grass on your lawn exceptionally well. Youll need a specific kind of lawn mower with some effective features to mow a yard with steep slopes. The fuel tank size and engine capacity (cc) determine how much time you have to manicure your yard uninterrupted when using a gas-powered mower. Electric mowers come with a disadvantage; the wire cord with which they are plugged in. So, without further ado, lets start exploring the world of best lawn mower for steep slopes. Lawn mowers come with many features and specifications and it could take all day to discuss them all, which is why we will only be discussing the important ones here. However, the structure still maintains an open design and a hinged, easily removable floor plan for quick access to the deck and engine during maintenance. Look for a mower that has a low center of gravity. The easier it is to take care of your machine, the better. . If the ground is inclined upwards at an angle of 15 degrees or above, it would be considered a steep slope. Any other mower would have taken at least 6 hours. The larger the diameter is, the bigger the cutting surface gets. The advent of battery technology in recent years has cut the cord. As for the cutting height, most mowers have a 1-inch to 3-inch or 4-inch range, which is okay. The difference between a brushed and brushless motor is the presence of a brush. Not exactly. Running out of battery power before finishing the job could mean a delay of several hours while the mower recharges. Rubber footpads minimize vibrations from the cutting happening below the deck, keeping your legs comfortable. As such, they might not be practical for working large lawns, which leaves tractors, arguably, as the best option. The LM2142 a battery-powered self-propelled lawn mower that packs the power of a gas-powered lawn mower but without noise and pollution. Ideal riding mower for uneven ground up to 2 acres. However, the size of the fuel tank has more weight in the equation, and the bigger it is, the better. Team-Green L&L. A hydro mower will hold the slope for a good part, but you'll still need to string trim 20 ft. or more on the top of the grade. The lawnmower comes with a really comfortable seat. Ready-start equipped with an automatic choke system and eliminating user input to start the machine. Let me explain the differences and benefits of each. The productivity of the two different mowers: Self-propelled mowers are equipped with an engine that handles the issue of powering up their blades by itself and can move at variable speeds, so you dont need to push it around. Still, it's best to use a slope indicator. Not every ride-on can transition from a flat lawn to a 20-degree gradient, or ride parallel on a slope. Not all mowers have the same transmission type. You get a constant supply of power from the engine so long as there is fuel in the tank, and refueling takes only a few minutes, so mowing goes on almost uninterrupted. The dual-hydrostatic transmissions allow for a quick 7 mph forward (or 3.5 mph reverse) ground speed that leaves your lawn with a professional-quality finish. It can be a challenge in some units, but the S120 features a 30-second oil change system, which comprises an all-in-one oil and filter canister that you can remove and reinstall tool-free. We were impressed by its exceptional features and product design. With a 725 cc, 23 HP Kohler twin-cylinder engine, you can power the front caster wheels across slightly rolling hills and multiple obstacles to mow up to two acres. The gas-powered mower provides a fuel tank capacity of three gallons and a 22.5 HP twin-cylinder engine. While electric and gas push mowers can take on slightly steeper slopes at 20 degrees, if you're dealing with super-steep slopes, hard-to-reach areas and heavy brush, it'll definitely be a . But it is true. The floor pan of the deck is removable. But how is the gradient actually calculated? Walk-behind lawn mowers such as push mowers or automated electric mowers arent effective in going up steep slopes.