Let’s face it! Today you are going to read the complete Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills in 2024 (Top 8 Reviews) [Essential Information]. If you have a large, expansive or hilly property, you probably will ditch your walk-behind mower either because you don’t have the time or energy, or perhaps it’s not realistic physically. But you’ve procrastinated and now you need to do something pretty quickly. What type of mower is best for steep hills?
Do you really want to pay for a lawn care service or for someone else to cut your lawn for you? Or would you rather invest your money in a great piece of machinery that may allow you to enjoy maintaining your property?
This is your lucky day! Have I got the goods for you. The best riding lawn mower for hills may be the solution to your lawn care needs.
We’ll be looking at some of the most important features you should look into before actually getting yourself a mower. Regarding the nature of your lawn, you should be able to choose one of these three: the rear engine, the tractor or the zero turn mowers.
To cut to the chase and save you the trouble of reading through the whole review, let’s have a look at 5 of our best riding lawn mowers for hills.
8 Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills in 2024 Top Reviews By Expert’s
What type of mower is best for steep hills? Now that we know what to focus on when purchasing a riding lawn mower, let’s have a look at 8 of the most outstanding picks we’ve got for you in 2022.
1. Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 61940S 19-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower
When it comes to choosing a standard simple lawn mower, Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 61940S 19-Inch 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Mower is definitely a credible choice and here’s why:
The mower comes with a 52-inch cutting deck that can be adjusted to 5 different positions. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to set the perfect height to fit your specific needs. The construction of this mower allows you to enjoy the benefits of a riding mower while at the same time benefit from the size of a walk-behind mower.
The front wheels are 13×5 inches while the rear ones are 16×6.5 inches. The 18-inch turn radius comes in handy when you need to go through a narrow gate opening or a particularly difficult space to navigate.
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills Power ascensions are manually controlled which makes blade engagement not only faster but also easier. Also, the fuel tank capacity includes a 1.3-gallon tank which features a fuel sight window so that you can see the gas level at all times.
Pros
- Quick assembly and quick ignition start.
- The mower fits handily in a garage or shed for storage.
- The 28 HP Commercial OHV engine is known for durability and provides a clean performance.
- An adjustable blade height allows you to select the best height for your cutting needs.
- A turn radius of 18-inches makes steering and navigation easy.
Cons
- Some difficulty reported for shifting into reverse.
- Control may be more difficult when mowing slopes.
2. Husqvarna Z254F 26HP 747cc Kohler Engine 54″ Z-Turn Mower 967844901
The first thing that one notices when using the Husqvarna’s Z254F Zero Turn riding mower is its incredible maneuverability. Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills It features simple user-friendly controls and a smooth ride thanks to a hydrostatic transmission. This mower will trim or cut your grass cleanly and quickly.
Cast iron blades distinguish this mower together with a sturdy deck that makes this mower more than adequate for heavy-duty grass cutting and lawn care. The Kohler motor is pretty potent and permits you to maintain a steady speed regardless of the terrain.
Construction is sturdy with a reinforced stamped steel cutting deck and an exceptional 61-inch cutting width. The cutting deck width permits you to cut large swaths of grass easily contributing to saving you time regardless of the size of your property.
The deck lifting mechanism enables quick and easy adjustments right from your seat without you ever having to get up. And the seat is quite comfortable thanks to a high back, armrests, hand grips padded with foam, and dampeners for excess vibration. A nine-bushel triple collection bag is available separately for clippings collection or mulch discharge.
Pros
- This mower offers top-notch maneuverability for hilly terrain and boasts large rear tires with heavy tread.
- User-friendly controls make for easy mowing with a smooth ride thanks to a hydrostatic transmission.
- A patent-pending system for brakes when parked.
- The air-induction mechanism lifts grass for a better cut.
Cons
- There are no headlights for this mower.
- Some concerns about seat comfort have been reported.
3. Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 50-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower
Best riding lawn mower for hills With this Craftsman 17ARFACQ091 50-Inch Hydrostatic Gas Zero Turn Mower with 24HP Kohler Twin Cylinder Engine, you can get your mowing done in no time. The powerful gas-fueled Craftsman engine featured is an auto choke 679cc twin engine that makes this lawnmower a terrific choice for larger properties. The auto choke guarantees easy ascension with a quick, clean start.
A 46-inch deck allows you to cut, clip or trim your lawn easily, and it features a deck wash that will save you tons of time when you need to clean the mower underside. Attention to comfort is front and center thanks to a high back seat that is cushioned for comfort and supportive of lumbar back muscles.
Reverse mowing is another great feature with this riding lawn mower, as is the 360° turning radius, so you really never need to pause, saving you extra time if you’re in a hurry to get the job finished, all the while guaranteeing efficiency in your lawn maintenance.
Pros
- A powerful gas-fueled 50-Inch Hydrostatic 24 HP twin-engine gets your mowing done quickly, while the auto choke mechanism guarantees an immediate ascension.
- The cutting deck includes a deck wash for easy cleaning and maintenance.
- Reverse mowing capability and 360° turning radius permit you to mow uninterrupted.
- Comfort is ensured thanks to a high back cushioned driver’s seat.
Cons
- The cutting deck would benefit from a couple of extra inches in the width.
4. Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
While this Husqvarna MZ61 61-inch 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic zero turn riding mower may resemble other similar mowers on the market, this manufacturer produces mowers that are both sturdy and functional. A look under the engine hood reveals just what makes this riding mower competitive.
In addition to the 24 HP powerful engine, it features a hydrostatic gear transmission system which gives you a much smoother ride when compared to the auto and manual transmissions available. This makes it much easier for you to be able to mow at a single speed throughout your property.
The operator interface is also straightforward and user-friendly which qualifies this mower as an ideal choice for first time users.
The cutting deck offers an assisting pedal lift which makes lifting this mower much easier, especially when it comes to cleaning the Husqvarna MZ61 or for any maintenance purposes. The cutting deck is also an attractive 61 inches which makes it practical for use in hilly areas.
Mower construction boasts a heavy-duty steel frame that is resistant to corrosion making it a good bet to protect all the critical internal components of the mower.
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills It comes with an appealing 3-blade cutting system designed to give you a really clean cut thus taking productivity, performance and comfort to an entirely new level.
Pros
- The mower features an assisting pedal lift for the cutting deck offering quick and easy maintenance.
- Durability is guaranteed by a heavy-duty steel frame construction that is corrosion resistant.
- You’ll achieve the cleanest of lawn cuts thanks to an efficient 3-blade cutting system.
Cons
- Travel paths need to be carefully planned to avoid really steep descending hills in order to ensure perfect cuts.
5. Ariens IKON XD-52 (52″) Zero Turn 24 HP Kohler Lawn Mower
Ariens IKON XD-52 (52″) Zero-Turn Riding Lawn Mower offers great value for the money invested. The construction of the machine is a quality build, and the Kohler engine should guarantee you years of performance with little or no hassle. If you didn’t know it was Ariens, you might think it was manufactured by one of the higher-priced brands. The motor offers enough power to get you up and down the slopes making it a good choice for hilly terrain.
The 52-inch cutting deck makes it a convincing choice for larger properties and is produced with 12-gauge steel for durability. Rear tires and inner tubes are air-filled and boast lots of grips for uneven terrain. Power levers are positioned in front of the driver for easy operation. There is no need for you to get out of your seat to operate this mower efficiently.
The adjustment for the height of your cutting deck can be found at the right edge of your seat, meaning you can adjust while cutting. Comfort is addressed with an ergonomic seat that reduces motor vibrations and armrests that are adjustable limiting your fatigue. The legroom is comfortable, and the floor features a traction pad to avoid slipping.
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills The rear permits you to load on tools if you need to move around your property. For an affordable choice for homeowners with larger lawns to maintain, this mower is an appealing option.
Pros
- This riding mower ensures comfort with ergonomic controls and a seat that is padded.
- Larger properties with varied terrain would be well served by this riding mower with its 52” cutting deck.
- Air-filled rear tires with grips contribute to stability when mowing.
- Affordable with good value for the price.
Cons
- More adapted to private homeowners than professional landscapers or lawn care maintenance operators.
6. Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower Manufacturer Husqvarna has eliminated the need for a clutch and shifting gears by designing this riding mower with an automatic transmission that is pedal operated. Where a hydrostatic transmission would need fluids for power transfer, this mower’s automatic transmission offers a smooth acceleration thanks to belts in its design.
It boasts easy maneuverability, and with the auto transmission system, you’ll be using less power to control the mower and more power to do the cutting. The automatic choke enables an easy ascension with just the turn of the key.
Air induction mowing technology gives you an improved air flow in the deck to ensure consistent smooth cutting every time you use it. This technology will suck the air from both the bottom and top of the deck translating into an improved lifting of the grass and a superior cut.
You can also, easily and quickly adjust the blade height on this mower thanks to the lever for height adjustment mounted on the fender. It won’t be necessary to move from your seat to adjust, and since it’s spring assisted you can choose from among six varied cutting heights without a problem.
Pros
- An auto-transmission makes this riding mower incredibly user-friendly.
- Air-induction mowing technology gives added grass lift for the cleanest of cuts.
- A spring-assisted fender mounted deck lever ensures easy adjustment of the cutting blade for six different cutting heights.
- This mower guarantees comfort thanks to a high-back seat, armrests, and cruise control.
Cons
- Customer feedback indicates that it is not the best choice for hilly terrain.
7. Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Husqvarna YTH24V54 54 in. 24 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower. If you are looking for great performance, then this riding mower merits your attention. The Poulan Pro P46ZX Briggs gives you the best comfort, durability, and performance.
Here’s what you should expect from this riding mower:
The potent 22 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine powers this mower. A 3.5-gallon tank will offer you more than sufficient fuel time to completely mow your lawn. Also, considering that it has a generously sized 46-inch cutting width, you will be able to cover more ground in less time.
Thanks to the dual wheel hydro transmission, you, as the driver have maximum maneuverability. The ability to control each of the wheels independently allows you to move in all directions just by moving your hands forwards or backward on the controls.
Since you won’t be using your mower’s engine for as long a period of time as you might have when using other lawn mowers, your lawnmower will experience less wear and tear, adding to its longevity.
This riding lawn mower boasts a 6-position cutting height adjustment mechanism. You will be able to adjust the cutting height on the mower to anywhere between 1.5” and 4”. This will permit you to set the ideal height for your desired trimming level.
Pros
- Easy maneuverability allows you to reach even the most difficult places on your lawn.
- The large capacity gas tank gives you more mowing
- A 22HP engine, paired with a 3.5 gallon gas tank capacity keeps the mower working longer and better to complete your lawn care needs.
Cons
- Control on very sloppy terrain is not the best with this mower.
8. Husqvarna Z246 Z-Turn Mower 23HP 46″Lawnmower
If you are in the market for something that is going to perform on a sprawling stretch of property before you have to refill the gas tank, then this is your choice. This particular model belongs to manufacturer Husqvarna’s category of zero turn mowers that are designed for precision lawn care. One word comes to mind when considering this mower: reliability.
The mower comes with the 23 HP Kohler Confidant engine 46 which will work flawlessly on most landscapes, and it is a convincing choice for both private homeowners or lawn care professionals.
It’s robust design features two levers for guiding the motors connected to the back wheels. By pushing the levers forward you go forward, or by pulling them towards yourself, the mower will run backwards, making for easy operating. Speed will depend on how much these levers are pulled or pushed.
Fitted with a hydrostatic transmission system, it can give you a smoother ride than a manual or an automatic transmission. Longevity and durability are clearly priorities with this mower as evidenced by a cutting deck made from 13-gauge steel.
The 46” reinforced stamped deck also affords you the advantage of being able to cover more ground. This will come in handy when you want to save on fuel because you can get more work done in a shorter span of time. Users can reach the manual deck lift mechanism while sitting and this lift mechanism is spring assisted for efficiency. Air will be drawn from both the bottom and top of the deck for excellent grass lift resulting in a clean cut.
When it comes to the controls, the Husqvarna Z246I has a well-designed control panel that features the Smart Switch technology with choke, ignition and throttle buttons right at your fingertips. This practically places everything on your fingertips hence, in the long run, you get to have an added convenience. It is a two blade mower with a maximum speed of 6.5 miles an hour.
Comfort features include a 15” seat and a cup holder together with an hour meter to track your use.
Bonus features:
The fact that it comes with LED headlights on it makes it one of the few mowers you can use even in the low light condition- definitely the best zero-turn mower for hills. Deck mower clean-up is facilitated thanks to the attachment of a normal garden hose to a nozzle allowing for a quick clean up very time. best riding lawn mower for rough terrain
Pros
- Hydrostatic transmission system ensures a smooth mowing experience.
- The 23 HP Briggs & Stratton engine allows use regardless of the terrain type and it neatly cuts along fences, walls or difficult spots with ease.
- LED lights permit use even in low light conditions.
- Smart Switch technology means choke, ignition and throttle buttons are positioned right at your fingertips.
Cons
- The belts may squeak at times when the blades are disengaged.
Types of Riding Lawn Mowers
#1 The Rear Engine Riding Mowers
best electric riding lawn mower for hills If you’re one who’s looking for a relaxing, comfortable and easy mowing experience, then you should definitely consider having a look at the rear engine mower. best riding lawn mower for rough terrain
Here’s why:
Considering their smaller cutting decks, the rear riders turn out to be quite ideal for mowing yards that have got narrow passes such as a fence gate. The reason as to why most people go for these, however, is that they are cheaper hence a better alternative to the tractors and mowers for those on a strict budget. Also, they take up less space in your shed or garage. What type of mower is best for steep hills? Also, you can visit and read the Top 5 Husqvarna Robotic Mower Reviews with Short Guide for 2023
Manual vs automatic transmission
Rear engine mowers come with two types of transmission systems; manual and automatic. For the former, there is a disc-drive which is both efficient, cost effective, and the transmission is also easy to maintain. You will, however, have to change the gears manually.
As for the automated transmission system, the mowers use hydrostatic transmissions which change the gears automatically as you accelerate or decelerate. This gives you a gentler ride in the long run.
Consider the cutting width
This is something that’s worth considering if you want the best mower for hills with a rear engine. the large the deck size, the more grass you’re going to cut with each pass.
#2 Lawn and Garden Tractors
If you want something for more than the average mowing you’re used to, then you might consider the lawn tractors and the garden tractors.
Due to the powerful engines they possess, they are built to operate like work-horses. They can haul heavy attachments which would not be possible if you were using the rear engine mowers.
Though they are not the fastest and or easiest to maneuver, they are big and strong just like the linemen on a football field. If you’re looking for high speeds though, don’t consider buying these at all.
The difference between the lawn tractors and the garden tractors
When it comes to purchasing either, the determining factor should not only be cutting grass alone but rather also about any other activities around your yard.
Simply put, if you want to cut the grass and at the same time perform light yard work, then a lawn tractor is a good option. On the other hand, if you want something for more heavy-duty chores like tilling and cultivating, then a garden tractor would be a better choice.
Lawn tractors
These, as compared to the garden tractors are for lighter work, have a lower torque transmission, less horsepower and smaller tires as well. They pack enough strength to move around light carts and spreaders.
The lawn tractors can also be converted to snowplows or snow blowers when winter comes. It is worth mentioning that some lawn tractors are ideal for handling advanced lawn work such as spraying, detaching, spreading or aerating.
So, if you desire a stable experience on uneven terrain, go for the lawn tractors that have a locking rear differential; though you won’t have the forward speed, there will be better stability on slopes.
Garden tractors
These are like a larger version of a lawn tractor. Garden tractors are ideal when it comes to handling more complicated and heavier tasks such as tilling, furrowing or towing heavier cart loads.
They come with 24 horsepower engines and the rear tires are larger for better ground clearance. The larger wheels also give better stability on slopes and inclined grounds.
If you are using the tractor on slopes that are greater than 15 degrees, go for the one that has a traction control system or a locking differential.
#3 Zero Turn Lawn Mowers
Let’s try to keep it simple here, shall we? Think of the lawn garden tractors as the line men and the zero turn lawn mowers as the running backs and receivers on the team.
Here’s what makes them as good as they are:
The zero turn mower for hills will move through your lawn at speeds as much as 8mph and the best part about them is that they can make a 360 degree turn without any hassles.
Due to their outstanding steering system, these mowers simply give you faster speeds and improved maneuverability to save you the most time as you mow your lawn.
Here are some of the types of zero turn lawn mowers:
The entry-level mower
If you want the excitement of a zero turn but at the same time are on a budget, this is your choice. These will allow you to cut your lawn twice as fast as your tractor. The engines are, however, less powerful and the gas tanks are smaller.
The speeds max out at 6-7mph. The components used in their construction are also less expensive.
Mid-grade zero turn mowers
Need an upgrade to the entry level zero turn mower? Consider having a look at these.
The mower decks are more durable and the steel they’re constructed from is of a heavier gauge. For added strength, they are welded at all the critical joints. This makes them the ideal choice when it comes to handling heavier loads.
Other popular features here are a foot-controlled deck height adjustment as well as more comfortable seats.
Semi-pro
This is a popular choice with the landscaping entrepreneurs who can’t get themselves into the big leagues, The semi-pros are the best lawn mower for hills if you have a large property.
Here’s why:
With these, you get to have the ideal mower for everyday use. The steel is a heavier gauge and as for the fuel tanks, well, they’re larger since this mower is expected to do quite a lot of work. The transmission is also quite heavy duty.
The semi-pros can reach an acceleration of 8mph and can cover as much as 4-5 acres without having to stop for gas at all.
Comfort is also important in these. They’ve got a high back seat, adjustable arm rests, multiple cup holders as well as a cruise control.
Commercial zero-turn mowers
If you’ve got one of these, then you’ve got it all. These turn out to have the largest mowing decks, the most powerful engines as well as the largest fuel tanks.
The speed is the fastest and as expected, since every feature is top quality, the price tags are also jaw-dropping.
How to Choose the Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills
Deciding to purchase a riding lawnmower means you are ready to make a significant investment. If your property is extensive, you will appreciate the amount of time and work that you will be able to save yourself best john deere mower for hills.
Here are some of the things you will want to consider before making your final selection:
Lawn Size
Your lawn size is a primary consideration when deciding on a lawnmower. If your property is quite large, you’ll need a mower that can manage large spaces. Consult the specs of the mower you are looking at.
Terrain Type
Are there natural obstacles on your land or in your garden? Mowers with a tighter radius for turns and curves can help with this. If there are lots of things to navigate like numerous flower beds, zero-turn mowers may serve you better.
Zero-turn mowers will perform exceptionally well on lawns that are flat and spacious because their speed and turn capabilities will give a top performance. Rugged, hilly terrain may be better served by a garden tractor or lawn tractor.
Engine Capability
A single-engine riding mower will cost less and is fine if your yard is not particularly larger. If you have, however, a very large property, with several or more acres, a V-twin engine may be more appropriate.
It will allow you to mow fast and navigate with greater ease uneven terrain. This mower engine also offers a cooler run with cleaner burning of fuel contributing to the durability of the engine.
Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills HP or horsepower will tell you the output of power for the transmission or for the blades. Engine displacement refers to the motor’s cylinder in cubic centimetres. Attached a tachometer to check the engine RPMs (revolutions per minute).
Higher ccs translate into a engine that is more potent. Torque will indicate the force of spin in the blades. Higher torque is better for thicker or taller grass cutting.
Reverse Mowing
Reverse gear is also of great help when avoiding obstacles or smoothing rough spots.
Turning Radius
This information will tell you how much space you will need to turn the mower. If the mower has a wider radius, it will be more difficult to turn in a smaller space.
Mower’s Cut Width
This will tell you exactly how wide the mower you are considering can cut a patch of grass with one pass. Clearly, the wider the cut width capability, the more grass you can mow reducing your mowing time.
| Lawn Size | Cut Width |
| Up to 1 acre | 30 to 42 inches |
| 1 to 2 acres | 42 to 52 inches |
| 2 to 3 acres | 50 to 54 inches |
| 3 to 5 acres | 54 to 62 inches |
| Superior to 5 acres | 60 inches or larger |
Transmission
Several types of mower transmissions are available: manual, automatic, or hydrostatic. The manual transmission offers a selection of set speeds. In this case look for a mower that allows you to switch without stopping.
An automatic transmission will be similar to an automatic car transmission. Speed will be controlled through the use of the gas pedal.
The hydrostatic transmission option functions like an automatic transmission but uses liquid as opposed to belts for the transfer of power from engine to mower wheels.
Budget
Your wallet is an important factor. A gas-fueled lawn tractor can cost about $2000, while a zero-turn mower may put you out $3000.
The Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills that is “rear-engine” will be somewhat less expensive. Any type of accessory can signify a bigger price tag. While you can find some used models or refurbished riding lawnmowers at a discounted price, it would be wise to work with an authorized dealer.
Should you select a riding mower that is powered by batteries, it may cost you as much as 30% more. In any case, always consider durability. A more expensive mower will probably last longer, giving you a better return on your investment.
Note: You should use the good quality trickle charger for your batteries powered lawn mower.
Attachments
Riding mowers offer the possibility to move other things. A dump cart, for example, will permit you to remove and haul any debris.
A bagging or a mulching capability may be available for some models. Some riding lawnmowers can work all year round thanks to snowplow or snow blower attachments.
Comfort
One may assume that because you ride the mower, it will be comfortable. However, seating should be seriously looked at if you will be using your mower and must sit for a long period of time. best mower for 20 degree slope You can look for seating with a high back, armrests, or lumbar support for your lower back.
Extra features might include a cup or bottle holder, extended or greater legroom, foot pedals in rubber to avoid slippage and increase foot comfort, etc. Cruise control is a feature that is available with some hydrostatic or automatic transmissions.
Mower Storage
Where you plan to store your mower, or gate widths on your property can also have an influence on the size and kind of model you finally select.
How to Mow with a Riding Lawn Mower
Most people may get in the habit of mowing their lawn weekly. This will increase the lawn’s density if it is done properly. Your grass will benefit greatly from a weekly trim and the weeds should decrease.
Since grass grows from the bottom, you will be cutting the oldest growth. This will also promote a deeper root system that will be able to reach water found deeper in the soil bed and is an added plus in case of a dry spell.
Note: You should attached best of the best lawn mulching kits on your mower before starting mowing your lawn. It’ll help you to get the good result.
Setting and Timing
Set your mower to permit you to cut one-third of the grass blade’s length. This will help with weed control and will stimulate your grass’s health. Permit the grass cuttings to decompose and fertilize the soil.
If your lawn is out of control with high or uneven growth and sprouting, you should mow at the highest level. Close mowing should be done once and not be repeated as it may turn your lawn brown.
Wait a few days, lower the blade level to a lower setting, and then cut again. If you close mow more than once you may:
- Damage the grass’s crown
- Risk soil compaction
- Increase your lawn’s vulnerability to pests or disease
- Increase weed seeds’ germination by increased exposure to sunlight
Do not mow when the day is at its hottest as this may contribute to damaging your lawn.
Also, never cut the grass when it is wet as this may damage the mower and leave clumps of grass on your lawn.
Wet grass on hilly terrain can be the cause of your mower’s tires losing traction. Losing tire traction can also happen when mowing grass that is dry from drought on hilly terrain.
Mowing Patterns
To ensure grass health, vary the mowing patterns you use if possible. The best way to begin is by mowing straight up and down the hills unless the manufacturer indicates differently. If your hill is steep, go slowly.
If you are mowing along the side of a hill, make sure that the front tire that is positioned uphill makes a depression in the grass. If it isn’t, turn downhill and do not continue mowing along the side.
With hill mowing, it is fundamental that you keep your brakes correctly adjusted and constantly maintained. Remember that brakes are for stopping and not for slowing down your mower. Regulate your mower’s speed with the transmission. Choose a low speed. The mower should always be kept in gear when descending a hill. Never shift to neutral and coast in a downward direction. Avoid starting, turning, or stopping when you are mowing on a hill slope.
Always keep an eye out for holes, ruts, rocks, or debris as very uneven terrain can cause the mower to overturn. Be careful when using attachments like walk behind mower sulky or grass catchers as they can influence the stability of the machine.
If you need to mow around the hilly terrain that surrounds a walk-out basement, always drive to the top of the hill and mow while descending for your safety.
Fertilizer, Sharp Blades, and Grass Height
If you have fertilized your lawn, wait for at least 24 hours before mowing. Making sure your mower’s blades are sharp will not only give you a cleaner cut but will protect your grass from damage due to dull blades. Blades should be sharpened approximately once a month and it is wise to keep an extra set available if needed.
Every type of grass will have a preferred or recommended height for mowing. Make sure you know the type of grass your lawn is home to, so you get the best results from your mowing.
How to Replace the Drive Belt on a Lawn Mower
With the mower on a flat surface, disconnect the power cable and remove the fuel tank cover. Now cover the fuel tank face with a flat sheet and reattach the cover. Press the rear handles downwards and lift the front wheels. Place a wooden block between the blade and the front deck. Next, unscrew the blade.
Now locate the crankshaft pulley and rotate it counterclockwise to release the drive belt. Remove the wooden block and return the mower in position.
For the installation of the new mower belt, insert the drive belt via the front of the deck making sure it touches the transmission pulley. Pull the front hood upwards, then have the drive belt settle with the transmission pulley. Lower the front hood.
Next, press the rear handle to lift the front wheels and put a wooden block under the front deck. You should then replace the crankshaft pulley as it was by rotating counter-clockwise. Attach the drive belt carefully with the crankshaft pulley.
The next thing you should do is reinstall the blade by settling it with the crankshaft pulley using screws and use a socket wrench to tighten the screws.
With the blade in place, lower the front deck of the mower, remove the plastic sheet under the fuel tank cover then connect the power cable with the battery.
Safety Tips for Riding Lawn Mower Owner
Incredibly enough, more than 230,000 people every year are treated for injuries related to lawn and gardening tools. Imagine that the U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) reported an estimated 35,000 injuries with riding mowers that were treated in hospitals from 2012 to 2014, and from 2008-2010 an average of 90 deaths annually were attributed to riding lawnmowers.
While a riding mower will allow you to save precious time and energy, it can pose danger if not operated correctly.
Some mowers come with a safety lock that will not permit the mower to start if all the controls are not positioned correctly and if the driver is not seated on the mower. Some good precautions to take include:
- Never allow extra riders.
- Drive your mower to get the hang of it before using the blades.
- Always place the mower in neutral before either turning it off or on.
- The mower should be in neutral with the blades disengaged before starting the engine.
- Watch for holes and debris in the terrain.
- It is preferable to mow up and down hills instead of mowing across them.
- When on pavement, gravel, or hard surfaces, disengage the blades.
- Never operate a riding mower when drinking alcohol or consuming medicines or drugs that will impair judgment.
- Children should not operate mowers, nor should they be in the vicinity to avoid being struck by flying debris.
Remember to read the manufacturer’s operating manual thoroughly. take notice of warnings and recommendations. The greatest danger is for a riding mower to overturn with you on it. Low and slow is a great philosophy for mowing hills.
Wear the correct protective gear including:
- Long pants.
- Closed-toe shoes.
- Tinted safety glasses or goggles.
Also, keep your shirt tucked in and avoid any jewelry that could latch onto a moving mower.
Riding Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
Can you use a riding lawnmower on a hill? Best riding lawn mower for hills for Maintaining the condition of your lawnmower is important to maintaining your lawn and protecting your investment by ensuring that your mower enjoys a long life.
Your annual maintenance should include:
- An oil change and use the good quality grease for your lawn mower.
- The addition of a fuel stabilizer to the fuel system or if it is the end of the season drain any remaining fuel from the mower. Begin each season with new gas.
- A new sparkplug. The sparkplug should be replaced once a year. If you are doing maintenance, disconnect it for safety to avoid ascension.
- Clean or replace the air filter.
- Clean the lawn mower carburetor and you should use good quality carburetor cleaner to get the job done easily.
- Sharpen or replace the mower blades.
- Balance the mower blades using by blade balancer.
- Clean the mower thoroughly and keep it clean. Make sure there is no grass, mud, or debris caked on the mower.
- After clean the mower, use the paint or mower deck spray to keep your mower deck safe from damage.
- Fog the mower’s engine. Humidity can cause some corrosion and lubricants can dry out. A fogging oil can work to prevent these damages. Check your operating manual.
- Check your recoil starters rope and change it if needed.
A great idea is to winterize your mower at the end of cutting season, so that next spring your mower will be ready to go to work immediately. what is the best electric riding lawn mower for hills?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Riding Lawn Mower
Q: Which is the best riding lawn mower for hills?
Ans: best riding lawn mower for hills You’ll need something that has enough power to handle the climb without forcing the engine, is durable, sturdy, and safe.
Q: How do I start a riding lawn mower?
Ans: First, press the brake lever on the left side and set the parking brake with the knob on the right-hand side. Ensure the shift lever is in the neutral position on your mower.
Next, pull the choke control knob on the left side out to the fully open position. You should then have the throttle lever between the fast and slow positions, after which you need to insert the ignition key and turn the key in a clockwise direction.
Once the starter cranks the engine for 15 seconds, slowly push the choke knob in, raise the throttle to a faster position and let the engine warm-up before driving the mower.
Q: How heavy is a riding lawn mower?
Ans: The average weight is about 485 pounds
Q: How should I change the oil in a riding lawn mower?
Ans: Attach a hose to the drain first and let all the oil inside the mower out. Next, change the oil filter. Before doing this, you should clean up the mounting ring and engine compartment; ensure that the filter is as tight as possible.
Next, close the drain valve. Pour in fresh oil via the fill port while paying attention to the specified threshold amount indicated by the manufacturer.
Q: How do I stripe my lawn using a riding lawn mower?
Ans: You just need to reverse the blade after each pass and that’s it.
Q: How does one adjust belt tension on riding lawn mower?
Ans: Ensure that the mower is on a flat surface and then put it in parking mode. Next, disconnect the power cable, after which you should pull the deck upwards and access the belt.
There should be a spring attached to the mower’s main body. A bracket is also used to attach the screws to the main body. Using a wrench, loosen the screws to loosen the bracket completely. At this point pull the bracket back and forth and check it’s tight at the same time.
When it’s tight enough, settle in that position. Tighten the screws and check the belt again once the screws are in place.
Q: How can I change a riding lawn mower blade?
Ans: First, you need to park the mower and raise the deck to the highest setting. Additionally, raise the mower to make enough room for you to get underneath using a mower lift.
Using a correct size wrench, remove the nut holding the blade. Remove the blade. You should then buy a new blade whose size, offset or spine matches the old one. Install this on your mower with the right side up.
Q: How to fix steering on riding lawn mower?
Ans: Damaged bushings or a dislodged ball joint are the common causes of a faulty steering wheel. To fix the former, simply examine if the ball joints are in place and if any are dislodged, loosen the bolts on the joint’s assembly, and pop them back in place.
As for the bushings, these should simply be replaced.
Q: How much oil does a riding lawn mower need?
Ans: The oil capacity is usually between 48 oz. and 64 oz.
Q: How can I drain gas from riding lawn mower?
Ans: To do this, you first need to have the mower parked on a flat surface. After this, get a shake siphon and place the clear tube in a milk jug. Now place the other end in the mower gas tank and then shake it in different directions to start the siphoning.
You should drain the gas in containers of your choice. Next, crank the mower and allow it to idle till it quits. Having done this, all the gasoline will be removed from the gas tank.
Verdict
We’ve now come to an end of our review the best riding lawn mower for hills and one thing that I think we can agree upon is that it is best you consider the nature of the ground you’ll want to use the mower on before you actually make your purchase.
If the land is large, then have a look at the engine as well as the speed and the level of comfort available. You don’t want to be seated on your mower for too long and end up with a backache.
Pay some attention to other things such as the deck width, the transmission system and whether or not you will be able to use the mower on sloppy wet or muddy ground should be considered. Summing up, you want to get the very best for your investment of both time and money.
