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. Husqvarna MZ61 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower
- 24 HP Kawasaki engine provides reliable startups and high ground...
- Roll-over protection system (ROPS) ensures safer operation in all...
- Fabricated 11-gauge steel cutting deck offers an excellent 61 in....
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged with a 9-bushel...
- High-back seat with armrests, foam-padded hand grips and...
You've probably come across the brand Husqvarna that is popular for producing high-quality and reliable products. The Husqvarna MZ61 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero-Turn Riding Mower, an advanced version of the Husqvarna series, is one of their amazing products when it comes to the best zero-turn mower for hills.
This mower features Briggs and Stratton v-twin engine powered with 27 HP, which gives good startup speeds no matter the condition. With a cutting deck of 61 inches, this mower provides commercial-grade power. This wide cutting deck is reinforced with a fabricated 11 gauge steel.
The steel will give a 54-inch cut and comes with an ergonomically designed deck lifting system that is for smart adjustments of the user's seat. With a speed of 8.5 MPH, it is a steady tool, especially for rough terrain. Moreover, it features a hydrostatic gear transmission system that uses special fluids to make speed regulation smooth and easy.
It comes with three blades that are 100% stainless steel and rust-free. The 9 blush triple bag collection system helps to bag the clippings. It also has a high back seat with armrests, vibration dampener, and foam padded handgrips that provide comfortability. The 6 inches wheels can rotate independently and in opposite directions.
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2. Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Lawn Mower 23 Hp Kawasaki
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work...
The Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower has an engine with 23 HP and 726 cc Kawasaki FR V-Twin. It also has a fabricated cutting deck of 4.5 inches that is made of 11 gauge steel. It also comes with twin EZT hydrostatic transaxles that are designed to give an effortless and smooth control.
An outstanding feature of this zero-turn lawn mower is that it comes with 13 cutting positions that you can easily turn the dial to select either of the position ranging from 42 to 52 inches. The 3 inches by 5.1-inch frame rails that are welded on the tubular steel frame provide additional stability and strength.
It also has a dual-arm deck lift that has a four-point hanging system to offer higher deck stability and even cut. The zero-turn radius boosts the effectiveness of this mower as its functionality is quite impressive. Moreover, it makes less noise which means you can use it in sound-restricted areas.
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3. Husqvarna Z254 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
- 26 HP Kohler engine provides reliable startups and a max speed of...
- A patent-pending park brake system automatically activates or...
- Air induction mowing technology draws air from the top and bottom...
- Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck is made of heavy flat-stock...
- Clippings can be discharged, mulched or bagged (mulching kit and...
The Husqvarna Z254 features a 26hp Kohler engine that aids in fast and reliable startups. It also features a 54 inches wide deck with heavy flat-stock steel for additional strength and durability. The deck lift system comes with spring support that is conveniently located for ease of use.
Its mower deck is designed to draw air from the top and bottom, which helps improve the grass lift and also gives a superior cut. The high-quality vinyl seat features armrests and a high back to ensure you're comfortable and make work easier for you.
Moreover, it features a new patent-pending park rage system that automatically activates and deactivates. With a speed of 6.5 mph, you can cover a large area in less time. It also has three blades, with each blade having a tip speed of 18500fpm. The large fuel tank, great performance, cutting design, and other innovative features make it an impressive mower.
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4. Ariens Zoom 34 - 19hp Kohler 6000 Series V-Twin 34"
The Ariens Zoom 34 features an engine with 19 Hp 600 V-Twin 4-Cycle, 660 cc displacement, and is powered by gasoline. It can reduce the mowing time and mow about half an acre in half an hour. It comes with an oil filter which gives additional protection from the adulterated oil.
This mower won't disappoint you even on uneven ground because of its weight of 425 lbs that can easily tackle the hills. It has a deck size of 12 inches thick and 34 inches long that is made up of steel to prevent it from heat corrosion. It also has three sharp blades that help in the cutting of grass.
You can easily set the heights you prefer with the seven height adjustments ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. The extensive two-gallon fuel tank ensures that you won't be worried about refilling it while on the mowing process. It also has a fuel indicator, a bag for both bagging and mulching, a comfortable 18-inch seat, and a compact design.
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5. Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT Mower
- Designed for larger commercial mowing jobs, The zt-3200...
- Now featuring adjustable rear coil-over shocks and a pivoting...
- The mower deck Lift system makes adjusting the fabricated steel...
- Designed to perform under harsh, demanding conditions. With its...
- Experience a great cut with the added durability of a welded...
The Simplicity 5901744 Contender XT Mower is a gas-powered zero-turn riding lawn mower that has been designed to cater to larger mowing jobs. The ZT-3200 transaxles are known to deliver bidirectional control, a continuous torque, and smooth speed.
It comes with a pivoting front axle and adjustable rear coil-over shocks for increased performance and comfort. Its mower deck lift system makes it easier to adjust the fabricated steel mower while moving the pin to the desired cutting height. It delivers a great cutting performance and front and rear suspension for a smooth ride.
This mower is designed to perform great under harsh conditions because of its patented five-step integrated cyclonic air management system, which offers protection against dust and debris. The mower deck is made of rugged 10-gauge steel with a reinforced top, corners, side skirts, and a steel front edge.
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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.
