Having a yard is a great thing, but it can be challenging to take care of it when the yard is over the hills. Normal lawnmowers might not be the best for hilly gardens, and the only solution would be to get the best zero-turn mower for hills.
With a zero-turn lawn mower, you will eliminate the need to go back to landscape edges or a missed patches of grass. Moreover, you will also eliminate the need to push the mower and losing your momentum as you incline up the hills.
To help you get a great mowing experience, we have compiled reviews of the five best zero-turn mowers for hills and other tricky jobs, their pros and cons, as well a few factors you need to consider before getting a zero-turn mower for hills.
5 Best Zero Turn Mowers for Hills
1. CRAFTSMAN 42" Zero-Turn Mower
- 42" ZERO-TURN GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable stout 20 HP*...
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 42" stamped steel deck, robust...
- TWIN-CYLINDER DESIGN: Unique twin-cylinder design ensures a quick...
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 3 easily adjustable lap bar positions offers...
We have worked on the CRAFTSMAN 42" Zero-Turn Mower, and we liked the 20 HP Kohler engine included in the package. It has performance on wet and dry grass making it possible for use to mow the hilly landscape in our compound. The dual hydrostatic transmission is accurate, enabling changes depending on the situation on both flat and inclined terrains.
There is another advantage of this mower – the comfort. Longer mowing sessions are comfortable due to the high back seat, and the use of conventional adjustable lap bars gives us an opportunity to find the most appropriate positions to assume while using the mowers. The maintenance of dimensional stability, on the other hand, is well provided by the 20x8 Turf Master tires which also offer good grip to offer stability and control on irregular terrains.
Despite the fact that it is powerful and durable, the 42-inch cutting deck may be a drawback if we have to mow a very big area. Furthermore, maintenance is essential to ensure that all systems run optimally. The weight may be slightly inconvenient on the steeper slopes, yet in terms of efficiency it is definitely a go-to mower for those who want to master the slopes.
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2. Craftsman 46" Zero-Turn Mower
- 46" ZERO-TURN GAS RIDE ON MOWER: Provides the optimized power and...
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINE: Powered by a reliable stout 22 HP*...
- DURABLE AND EFFICIENT: Rugged 46" stamped steel deck and dual...
- TWIN-CYLINDER DESIGN: Unique twin-cylinder design ensures a quick...
- RIDE IN COMFORT: 3 easily adjustable lap bar positions offers...
Operating the Craftsman 46” Zero-Turn Mower gave us a lot of satisfaction. With 22 HP Kohler engine, this machine provides enough power in mowing any type of grass, and even in wet or dry conditions. The physical build of the mower in question is rather colossal, which translates into proper weight distribution, especially when dealing with curved or hill-covered lawns.
We also liked the design considerations incorporated in the ride; it boasts of a high-back seat and an adjustable lap bar. That is why these features made our mowing sessions far more comfortable. That is invaluable if your yard’s layout is complex; it can effortlessly diffuse between hedges during our testing while giving a clean cut.
Nonetheless, we can identify a few downsides while our major experience was quite positive. At times when we turned the key, the mower did not start immediately, although this was not very frequent. Moreover, one might experience difficulty in obtaining replacement blades, thus encountering frustrations in the long run for individuals who require frequent sharpening solutions. Still, this Craftsman mower receives a great number of recommendations for those who are going to deal with hilly terrains.
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3. Greenworks PRO 80V 42” Electric Zero Turn Lawn Mower
- 80V TRUBRUSHLESS Motor – 2 x more torque, more power, longer...
- 42” Deck Size – reinforced 12-gauge steel cutting deck Up To...
- High Intensity LED Headlights - for enhanced visibility mowing at...
- Integrated Cargo Bed – haul up to 200 lbs. of mulch, soil, and...
- Battery Powers 75+ 80V Products – one battery to mow, blow,...
We found the Greenworks PRO 80V 42” Electric Zero Turn Lawn Mower very responsive when used the way it was designed – for hilly terrains. It is wider with a 42-inch cutting deck in order to provide a wider coverage within the least time, but its body is made of reinforced steel hence can handle tough jobs. Hillside mowing showed robust performance, as it did not reduce the speed even when the cutting height was being changed.
The cutting power was something that had to be applauded, especially the Cyclone Cut technology where the blades never falter not even in densely packed grass. This mower is quite easy to use and does so quietly without the sound of a gas powered engine. Instead, the operation targets 4x less noise pollution as gas mowers, thus you can mow at dawn or at dusk without necessarily wake your neighbors.
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4. EGO POWER+ ZT4205S 56-Volt 42-Inch Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Bundle includes the Zero Turn Mower, (4) 12.0Ah ARC Lithium...
- Industry-leading e-STEER technology provides ultimate control...
- Peak Power technology combines power of up to six EGO 56V ARC...
- Cuts up to 2.5 acres on a single charge with the four included...
- Fully expandable—add more batteries to cut three, four, five,...
All in all, the EGO POWER+ ZT4205S is a real revelation in electric lawn care equipment. Intended for performance and accuracy, this 42-inch zero-turn mower harnesses lithium-ion battery innovation along with offering great maneuverability; it is one of the superior electric riding lawn mowers in the market.
It is operated by six 56-volt ARC Lithium batteries that give it an operating capacity of up to 2 acres per charging. Its slow, variable drive system, direct drive brushless motors, and easy steer give the exact zero turn maneuverability. It can work on four cutting modes including Control, Standard, Sport, and Eco depending on the type of grass and the environmental circumstance. It’s still easy to mow with a 42-inch cutting deck and LED headlights for those who work late into the night.
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5. EGO Power+ ZT5207L Z6 Zero Turn Riding Mower
- Peak Power+ Technology combines the power of up to six EGO 56V...
- Power of gas with 25 HP equivalent engine
- Cuts up to 4-Acres on a single charge with the included six 56V...
- World’s First Platform Compatible Rider – powered by all EGO...
- 4-8 MPH Speed
The ZT5207L 52-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower from the house of EEGO Power+ is one of the most impressive cordless mowers in recent years, capable of delivering excellent results and maintaining a clean and silent working environment. -built for durability and performance, it incorporates a 56V Lithium-ion battery system besides featuring a 52-inch cutting deck to give clean cuts across large coverage. Going up to a speed of 8 MPH, and the ability to adjust the deck from 1 ½” to 4 ½”, and easy control, makes mowing much easier. It can turn at 0 degrees, thus making easy work of turning around objects, and the battery endurance is adequate for up to 4 acres depending on the ground texture.
The main advantage of the ZT5207L is its sturdy 56-Volt Lithium-ion battery system which supports up to 6 batteries for increased run time. The larger 52-inch cutting deck means large areas are covered in fewer passes and the ability to turn the machines in a zero turn allows it to maneuver in the most precise of ways. With comfort of the user in mind, this mower comes with a comfortable seat, armrests, and a simple to use LCD screen for battery and operation status. On the performance level, it can be compared to the gas powered model, without the loud noises, emissions and inconveniences of oil changes; an excellent option for the environmentally concerned homeowner.
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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Zero Turn Mower for Hills
1. Power
While all zero-turn mowers are designed to do a lot of work with less effort, they come with different power. For this reason, if you have a large land to clear, then you would want to get a very powerful mower to tackle the space with ease.
2. Size
If you have a landscaping business where you cater to parks and golf courses, then you need to get a bigger zero-turn mower with a larger deck. This will help you cut a great amount of grass in the shortest time possible.
On the other hand, if you're looking to mow an average-sized lawn, you may consider getting a compact zero-turn lawn mower. You also want to consider if you have enough space to store the lawn mowers.
3. Control
When looking for riding mowers for hills or difficult terrain, you want to ensure that you have enough control. Some people may want duel arm controls while others a body length lap bar. However, high-quality zero-turn mowers come with a foot-controlled deck, raising the deck while mowing on hilly places much easier.
4. Efficiency
While most zero-turn mowers are designed for commercial workload, it doesn't mean that you can't use them as your everyday mower. If you're purchasing the zero-turn mower for your yard at home, ensure that you get one that will tackle the specific jobs you have.
Generally, these mowers are designed to make the mowing job quick and simple. They also allow you to get closer to edges compared to other lawn mowers. This is why you need to get a lawn mower that can hold plenty of gas and features a hydraulic transmission to allow easy maneuverability.
5. Comfort
You want to ensure that you get a lawn mower that is comfortable to use. For example, it should come with a comfortable adjustable seat, plenty of space, and a padded foam armrest. Find a mower that is right for you because the more comfortable the mower is, the better and smoother the ride will be.
If you're taller and will require more room for your feet, you will find that some mowers will offer more foot space so that you won't feel cramped in, as well as a high backrest to ensure you're comfortable throughout the mowing process.
6. Quality
Getting a zero-turn mower is quite a big investment, and you want to ensure that it is made of high-quality materials that will last long. Ensure that it is well designed and sturdy enough to tackle the job you have planned.
It is important to note that there are some mowers that are built with heavy-duty materials, which means they can't withstand heavy use and will easily break down. Find one with few or no plastic parts while the other parts should be made from high-quality metal.
7. Price
While shopping for anything, you want to find products around your budget. To come up with a reasonable budget, you should put into consideration the where and how you're planning to use it. Time is also another factor. The best time to buy a mower is after the end of mowing because the prices have gone down as sellers are trying to sell out the old ones at a lower price so that they can be able to manufacture new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Zero Turn Mowers for Hills
1. Which zero-turn mower is best on hills?
The best zero-turn mower for hills is Husqvarna MZ61 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower. It features HP Briggs & Stratton v-twin engine powered with 27 HP, which gives good startup speeds. The cutting deck of 61 inches also provides commercial-grade power where it is reinforced with a fabricated 11 gauge steel.
With a speed of 8.5 MPH, a hydrostatic gear transmission system, three stainless steel blades, a 9 blush triple bag collection system, a comfortable high back seat, and 6 inches wheels, you're assured of outstanding performance.
2. Are zero-turn mowers good for steep hills?
A good zero-turn mower can be a great option for hilly terrain because of the versatile caster wheels in the front to help maneuver quickly around the lawn. However, zero-turn mowers can as well be trouble on hills, especially steeper ones, and it requires one with great quality and outstanding performance to tackle the steep hills.
