Best Riding Mowers For Hills 2023: Buyers Guide

Mowers are machines that have one or more revolving blades to cut grass to an even length. The shaver uses a rapidly rotating blade or blades, which shave the surface of the grass of your lawn. So it is very important to find the right mower for mowing hills.

When you mow a simple lawn without awkward corners and steps, it’s one thing, but mowing a steep slope is quite another. Mowing the hills comes with a lot of challenges – not only are they tough, but they also need something that can work on steep hills and get the job done.

That means finding the right kinds of mowers, especially for the hills, might be a bit more challenging if you don’t spend enough time researching‌ ‌them. We made your life easier by doing the research for you to find the best riding mowers for hills.

Review of Best Riding Mowers for Hills 2023

You can have a look at the models reviewed below and make an informed decision. So, let’s get started.

1. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

If you’re looking for better performance, Husqvarna’s MZ series of zero-turn mowers are for you. With its 61-inch cutting deck, the MZ 61 lawnmower is ready for your residential or commercial‌ property‌ ‌maintenance. The 61.1-inch MZ series single-blade zero-turn lawn mower by Husqvarna delivers commercial-grade power and exceptional maneuverability.

27 HP Briggs Endurance engine

Its e 27 HP Briggs Endurance engine provides reliable start-ups and high ground speed. Built with a steel cutting deck that allows for a 54-inch cut and a deck-lifting system that enables a quick and easy adjustment from the operator’s‌ ‌seat.

9-bushel triple bag

It has a 9-bushel triple bag collection system so that clippings can be discharged, mulched, or bagged. It also has a mulching kit and bagger attachment that can be purchased‌ ‌separately.

Commercially Rated Hydraulic System

The heavy-duty steel frame as well as the commercially rated hydraulic system provide a premium mowing experience. Besides, the high-back seat with armrests and adjustable steering levers can give you an easy and comfortable ride.

Built to last for hours, the high back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips, and vibration dampeners make mowing a breeze.

Pros

Easily maneuver around obstacles thanks to a hydrostatic transmission and zero-turn technology
With a high back and easy access to all your levers, not only will you feel comfortable while operating the mower but also will find that you don’t feel the need to constantly adjust yourself
The option of bagging or mulching your grass clippings
Keep the clippings stay on your lawn.

Cons

Expensive
This mower doesn’t offer anything especially different from the competition

Verdict

The Husqvarna MZ61 zero turn mower has excellent power and efficiency that makes it great for gardening. With complete control over where the mower goes and total comfort while you drive, anything is possible.

Briggs and Stratton’s engines are reliable and have technologies like hydrostatic gear transmissions that enable you to mow large lawns quickly and ‌hassle-free.

2. Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower

The riding mowers from Husqvarna offer premium performance for excellent‌ ‌results. It is ideal for yards that are 2-3 acres flat and uneven terrain. Because of its compact size, it is easy to maneuver and requires less storage space than larger lawn tractors.

These tractors come with features that make them simple and comfortable to operate, including height adjustment for the cutting blade on the fender and an ergonomic steering wheel. Hydrostatic transmissions in all riding lawn tractors offer smooth forward and reverse speed that you can control.

Mowing with induction technology enables more airflow within the deck, guaranteeing a clean, consistent cut with each pass through the deck. All models are adjustable in a variety of ways and available with optional towable accessories and mulch kits for effectively fertilizing your lawn.

24-hp, 724cc Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine

Its Briggs & Stratton Intek V-Twin engine puts out 24 percent more horsepower and is equipped with ReadyStart for easy starting and full pressure lubrication.

Pedal-operated Automatic Transmission

The pedal-activated automatic transmission features cruise control for ‌ ‌ consistent ‌ ‌ speed,‌ ‌ even ‌ ‌ in ‌ rough ‌ ‌ terrain.

Electric Cutting Blade Engagement

The electric cutting blade can function easily with a switch on the control panel, and when operating the deck lever, the fender mounts on the side of the machine for a more convenient position.

Reinforced 48-in cutting Deck with 4 anti-scalp Deck Wheels

The 48-in, heavy-duty, reinforced cutting deck is paired with four anti-scalp deck wheels that help protect the turf from wear and tear.

Adjustable High-Back Seat

Its high back seats can be adjusted as pleased. The vehicle also features armrests, a deluxe comfort steering wheel, and an easy step-through design to keep you comfortable during your daily commute.

Pros

Easy to operate
Choke-less start
Sturdy deck
the good mower for small‌ ‌hills
The deck can be easily removed
Technology that improves cut quality through the air induction
Six deck positions ranging from ‌1.5‌ ‌inches‌ ‌to‌ ‌4‌ ‌inches
Can be fitted with trailers, brushes, etc., so it can be utilized for a variety of uses
Engines with power
CVT transmission (automatic) guaranteeing‌ ‌constant‌ ‌engine‌ ‌speed

Cons

Mods for the transmission feel jerky when going back and forth between forward and reverse
The quality of the foot pedals are low
Poor performance in snowy environments
It’s hard to see the gas tank level indicator

Verdict

One should not use this machine on a very hilly yard or lawn. However, we do have no reservations about recommending it to those individuals with a large area to mow, which is mainly flat with smaller inconsistencies‌ ‌here‌ ‌and‌ ‌there. Also, it can be purchased for a pretty good‌ ‌ price.

3. Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower RY48111

An alternative to a typical riding lawn mower, the Ryobi Lawn Mower RY48111 is ‌48-Volt. A 100AH lead acid battery powers the device instead of the traditional gas, so it can run two and a half hours.

This mower is quiet and emits 70dB to minimize noise and disturb‌ ‌your‌ ‌neighbors. Additionally, this vehicle is equipped with LED headlights, a USB phone charger, and a cruise control option. The 38 in. 6-blade deck and 12-position incline will allow you to maintain a clean, level cut whenever you want. Or you can also manually adjust this lawn mower. When you’re done, you can charge your motorcycle conveniently through the rear charging port.

38 inches 100 Ah Battery with Electric Rear Engine

This model includes Ryobi 38 inches 100 Ah Battery Electric Rear Engine Riding Lawn Mower which keeps it going.

3 Brushless Motors

It has 3 Brushless motors that supply superior power and shows great performance.

Low-Maintenance Nature

A great thing about this lawnmower is that it is very low maintenance. Once you’re done mowing with the unit, there is no huge mess left behind.

LED Lights

It comes with a super-efficient LED light so that you can operate it any time of ‌day. The integrated hitch lets you tow trailers or lawn carts.

2.5 Hours of Runtime

It offers up to 2.5 hours of runtime which can mow 2.5 acres without any break.

Pros

38-inch cutting deck with dual blades
Control of cruises
Operation carried out in silence
12- position mower deck height
Batteries with a 100 Ah capacity
Charging port for MP3 player

Cons

Close proximity of the blade switch and the reverse
It does not handle bumpy lawns well
No smart charging feature
2 acre lawns are not recommended

Verdict

This is a highly recommended lawn mower for those looking for an eco-friendly riding lawn mower with a lot of key features. It is different from conventional lawnmowers in their ability to produce‌ ‌impressive‌ ‌ results‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌long‌ ‌time‌ ‌on‌ ‌a‌ ‌single‌ ‌charge.

4. Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Mower combines the latest design, performance, and features to make lawn maintenance a fun but not a painful process. This Z254 mower is equipped with a 54-inch reinforced steel cutting deck and a 26 horsepower‌ ‌Kohler‌ ‌engine.

In addition, a maintenance-free transmission and an innovative design make this an easy mower to own‌ ‌season‌ ‌after‌ ‌season.‌ If you are considering purchasing a turf cutting machine, look no further.

Air Induction Mowing Technology

The deck is designed to draw air from the top and the bottom to improve grass lift with its air induction technology.

Maintenance-Free Transmission

Pure performance without the worry of maintenance thanks to‌ ‌maintenance‌ ‌free,‌ ‌integrated‌ ‌zero-turn‌ ‌transmissions.

Rugged Frame and Casters

In addition to being durable, the sturdy frame and casters ensure that the chassis does not twist.

Convenient Deck Lift

The deck lift is provided with spring assistance for ease of use and is conveniently located at the top of the lift for easy access for the ‌operator.

Reinforced Steel Cutting Deck

The stamped cutting deck has heavy flat stock steel reinforced on the leading edge and trim side for extra strength and durability.

Pros

The engine has 21.5 horsepower
52-inch‌ ‌cutting‌ ‌deck.
Excellent‌ ‌in‌ ‌terms‌ ‌of‌ ‌performance.
Durable than regular mowers
Comes with a warranty.

Cons

A little pricey.
Can’t be used on smaller‌ ‌lawns.

Verdict

The Husqvarna Z254 is one of the solid and powerful mowers available in the market. The Hydrostatic transmission makes handling effortless and has the capability of mowing acres of grass quickly and easily. Overall, this hydrostatic zero turn mower is an excellent purchase.

5. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

Ariens IKON X 52-in offers superior power and performance because of high-end residential quality components. The strong 23 HP Kawasaki FR V-Twin engine and the 52-inch 11-gauge steel fabricated deck make this zero-turn mower more durable and long-lasting. Designed with a heavy-duty, fully welded steel tubular frame for durability and reliability, this machine features three cutting blades and a 52-inch cutting diameter. Ariens puts a high priority on building low-maintenance machines.

The Ariens IKON X 52-in zero-turn riding mower is loaded with premium features and is designed to deliver Professional results, making it one of the best zero-turn mowers on the market. The FR series engine features iron cylinder liners for maximum durability and an automatic compression release for easier starting, along with an internally vented carburetor for enhanced fuel efficiency.

Twin EZT hydrostatic Transaxles

This mower has Twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles, which are designed to provide precise, effortless, and responsive control, so no accidents happen.

18 hp Kawasaki or 22 hp Kohler Engine

The 52-inch deck model comes with two variations of the engines, a 24 hp Kohler and a 23 hp Kawasaki engine. Further, both of these engines are great to use. The Kawasaki FR series is known for its dependability.

52-In 11-Gauge Steel Fabricated Deck

It comes with an integrated 52-Inch 11-gauge steel fabricated deck with three blades that gives a great cut every time, so you don’t have to do your mowing again very often.

Dial-Operated Cutting Height Selector

This feature eliminates the need for pins and levers to set cutting height; a foot operated deck lift with 13 cutting height positions from 1.5 to 4.5-in for custom cuts.

Dual Arm Deck Lift

This 4-point attachment system on the deck of this mower ensures the stability of the deck and straight cuts.

Extra Strength and Stability

Due to its full welded tubular steel frame, which has 3-in by 1.5-in frame rails, not bolted at every joint, it is extra sturdy and stable.

High Back Seat and Armrests

The Ariens IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower has a high back comfort seat with standard armrests, which provides superb operator comfort to the rider. Moreover, the control arms are padded with rubber to prevent vibrations while operating the machine.

Pros

The Ariens 915223 IKON-X is very rigid, and it is good at cutting grass.
This mower has a good engine, which enables it to produce high torque even when running at lower speeds.
A portion of its deck sticks out more on one side which gives you the ability to cut grass along curb edges.
The Kawasaki engine is good enough to provide plenty of power for cutting large yards of grass.
With excellent handling, the 52-inch Zero-Turn Mower is easy to drive.
At last, this mower is a great mower that also comes with a competitive price.

Cons

The short wheelbase allows the mower to wheelie while climbing a slight hill and transporting heavy trailer loads.
A rough ride can be caused by the springs under the seat.
Headlights are not included in the purchase price.

Verdict

Generally, the Ariens IKON-X is among the best zero-turns available. It’s definitely one of the top-rated. This product is loaded with great features and comes in at an amazing price. We strongly suggest checking out this product if you are in the market for a mower.

6. Ryobi Battery Electric Rear Engine(Coming)

The Ryobi 38 inches Lawn Mower features a 38-inch dual blade cutting deck equipped with 12 different adjustable positions, which let you set the grass height based on the condition. You could leave your grass longer than 2.5 inches long if the past few months were particularly dry. Their purpose is to help the lawn retain moisture. Such covers are particularly advantageous if your lawn is larger than normal or if your irrigation system has yet to work.

At the same time, the summer season has mainly been a mixed bag of rain and sunshine. If you apply this technique to your lawn, you will tend to encourage grass growth. In a situation such as this, you push the 38-inch dual blade deck down low to break up the thatch that chokes the grass.

100 Ah Battery

This Ryobi model has evolved to be an efficient riding mower. A 100 Ah lead-acid battery powers the machine. The battery will give the machine a 2.5-hour maximum runtime or 2.5 acres on a full charge.

3-brushless Electric Motors

It’s equipped with three brushless motors in its rear-mounted engine, which makes it a lot quieter to operate compared with a conventional gasoline engine. This product produces 70 dB, which makes it a good choice for homeowners who have a large yard but live close to neighbors as it won’t bother them at all.

Dual Blade Deck

This 38-inch dual-blade deck has 12 cutting heights that can be adjusted manually to produce precise results. It is convenient for leaving the grass longer during a dry period or cutting it short when the weather is wet. Besides its size, this grass cutter can also be used to mow a large lawn.

LED Headlights

In addition to the features earlier mentioned, the Ryobi RY48111 also comes with a USB charger port as well as cruise control and LED lights. The LED lights might not seem all that “Special” on papers. On paper, they might seem like an ordinary feature. However, the energy efficiency of LED is great as you try to finish cutting the lawn as the sunsets.

Music Options

Its special feature is that you can connect your smartphone or MP3 player to enjoy music while mowing with this product. This remarkably quiet electric lawnmower allows you to enjoy this feature.

Built-in Seat Suspension

Trimming hard grass is easy with the Ryobi RY48111. Especially when the cruise control is activated, although it’s been tested and proven to work well, the suspension on the Ryobi RY48111 is a bit rough due to the seat suspension. A hilly or bumpy lawn can be very inconvenient to cut for long periods of time.

Easy usage

The Ryobi RY48111 is popular for ease of use. Nevertheless, it can even tackle inclines of 10 to 15%.

Maintenance

The great thing about electric lawn mowers is that they are comfortable and easy to maintain. However, the RY48111’s lead-acid batteries can be recharged using a conventional household outlet. It’s important to note that the device doesn’t have a built-in smart charging feature. Try not to leave it for too long after it’s been fully charged since overcharging is potentially damaging.

Cleaning

This efficient electric lawnmower is easily cleanable after a mowing session. Especially when you crank the blade height to the perfect height, at most, you’ll want to blow off any stray grass clippings with an air gun or an air canister.

Built-in hitch

Not to be overlooked is the built-in hitch that comes with the Ryobi RY48111. This hitch allows you to use other attachments, such as a lawn cart or aerator, to actually wake your grass up for the day.

Cautions

It could be a good idea to take out the lead-acid batteries and store them somewhere warm if it is extremely cold in your area. In severe cold, it is recommended to have fully charged batteries, which will reduce the chances of the batteries freezing and cracking.

Safety Feature

Ryobi riding mowers come with all the safety features of an ordinary lawnmower, including blade discharge and reverse switch. You should be mindful that blade discharge and reverse switch are near each other, and you may want to take your attention away from the lawn when you change gears.

Pros

The Ryobi RY48111 has a good turning radius and steering, which makes it convenient to use.
Since it mops cleanly, unlike many other mowers that can get their operators dirty while mowing, the RY48111 has many advantages that many other similar riding mowers do not.
With a single switch, mowing in reverse is a breeze.
Most experts consider the quality of the lawnmower to be one of its most important attributes.
The mower is generally regarded as easy to maintain by its users.
Some people might like a battery gauge that indicates how long the mower has run and what state of charge it is in.
The lawnmower comes equipped with LED headlights to make it easy to mow at nighttime.
One of the real strengths of this mower is its speed.
It features a very low noise level, making it ideal for users who intend to mow early in the morning or even late at night.
It is easy to maneuver small ditches with the power of the mower.

Cons

Compared to a gas-powered riding mower, it is not as efficient and should be slowed down for taller materials
You can’t hit the switch and go forward or go backward without looking down and looking at the board, and the blade is disengaged when you push the button.
Sometimes, you can feel bumps in the mower.
It does not have a smart charging capability
Reverse as well as the blade switch are located near each other
The ride backward can occasionally be jerky.

Verdict

So, if you want the most features within a reasonable price then, Ryobi 38 inches 100 Lawn Mower RY48111 can be the perfect choice for you.

7. RYOBI RY48ZTR100-1A 42 in. 100 Ah Battery Electric Riding Zero Turn Mower and Bagging Kit

The RYOBI RY48ZTR100 is a riding lawnmower with a rear electric engine. It also offers many other benefits. With Ryobi 48-Volt Riding Lawn Mowers, you can mow while removing fumes and gas from cutting lawns. To make it more fuel-efficient, the mower is powered by 75Ah batteries, so it’s a great solution as a replacement for gas-powered lawn mowers.

In addition to a 38 x 2-Blade Deck, this Ryobi 48-Volt Riding Mower also comes with 4 Adjustable Manual Deck for an outstanding level cut. The Ryobi 48V mower is equipped with wireless charging, LED light, and cruise control technology to greatly enhance cutting efficiency.

Low maintenance

This mower needs no belts, spark plugs, or filters to operate, which makes maintaining it very easy.

Battery

The battery option is also hassle-free of this mower as it requires no gas fumes. The motor operates on 48V 75Ah battery power, therefore, provides zero exhaust emissions. It has 3 brushes that give better power and performance. It manages to run for about 2 hours comfortably or 2 acres. You can only charge its battery, and it is good to go.

Dual high powered brushless motors

It features dual-powered brushless motors that operate for hours.

Quiet cutting

With this mower, you don’t need to worry about the neighbors complaining about the loud noise while cutting grass off your lawn, as this works really quietly.

Cruise control

It features cruise control that makes the control system easy.

USB charging

It has a USB charging option.

LED headlights

Its headlights are LED, which makes it visible at night and helps to prevent accidents.

38 in. 2-blade deck

Its 38 inches 2 blade deck cuts the grass so neatly that you don’t need to do the same track more than once.

Pros

Can work quietly
Has headlights
Has USB charging option
Smooth ride
Low maintenance
Fuel or oil doesn’t need to be topped up
Time effective

Cons

Not ideal for large lawns
The seat is not secured enough
No passenger seats

Verdict

This is a unique model from the bunch, not because of what it lacks an engine and gas tank but also because of what it has 3 high-performance batteries. And also the USB port, which lets you charge your phone from your cable while cutting grass.

8. Husqvarna Z142 42 in. 17 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Husqvarna Z142 is designed to be the best mower for large areas that need mowing quickly. The machine’s performance is improved by a control panel easily accessible to the operator and a hydrostatic transmission regulated by steering controls.

Husqvarna’s Z142 zero-turn lawn mower offers homeowners compact power to get their lawns looked after quickly and easily. The Z142 comes with a 42″ stamped cutting deck and came with a 17 HP Kohler engine that is capable of servicing residential turf management. This machine offers unparalleled maneuverability, and you will wonder why you haven’t switched to a zero-turn mower before.

Kohler Engine

This mower comes with a 17 HP Kohler engine that ensures reliable starts and a max speed of 6.5 MPH power. It has Kohler’s commercial grade engine, which features long life and quality components for optimum mowing performance.

Durability

It features a reinforced steel stamped cutting deck, which is constructed of heavy-gauge flat-stock steel, ensuring a long-lasting machine.