Best Overall
John Deere X370 Lawn Tractor With 42-Inch Deck
Best Bang For The Buck
John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor
Best Electric
Ryobi 80V 42-Inch Electric Riding Lawn Tractor
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If your landscape is large and hilly , mop the lawn can be a real pain , but finding the right taunt lawn mower for hills can make it a whole set easier . Using a walkway - behind or self - propelled mower may be o.k. for small yard , but it is time - waste and wearing . A drive - on mower , on the other hand , reduces pout time and effort and offers other features that makeyard careeasier .
That being said , not all driving lawn mowers are thin out out for influence on slopes or rough terrain . The key features for these conditions are adhesive friction , balance , and powerfulness . We ’ve tested lots of zero - go mower and lawn tractors , but only a few of them are ramp up to take on the rigors of rolling landscapes . We tested some of the market ’s most well-thought-of rid lawn mowers to see how they make out in various conditions . Ultimately , our favorite was theJohn Deere X370 Lawn Tractor , which is powerful , feature pack , well-situated , and smooth in operation — even over rocky , exorbitant terrain . In this guide , we will review the best ride lawn mower for hills , discuss their performance in our mental test , and share the considerations that you ’ll require to bear in mind before buying one .
Lawn Mowers for Hills Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
The best lawn lawn mower for J. J. Hill should have the right combining of power , cut width , and fuel eccentric , but the manufacturer specs only tell part of the story . In the abide by review , we ’ll share our performance observations from test .
John Deere X370 Lawn Tractor with 42-Inch Deck
Our paygrade : Ease of Use5/5;Comfort5/5 ; Handling5/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Value4.7/5
For the tough terrain , we prefer the stability of a tractor lawn mower like this one . The X370 is a rugged and true model that ’s ideal for twelvemonth - round property maintenance . It amount equipped with a 21.5 hp John Deere iTorque locomotive engine , a 42 - inch Accel Deep mowing deck , and two - roulette wheel power steering . Everything about this mowermakes yard work more pleasurable . The 18 - in high - back tush provides a seriously easy ride over rocky terrain , with adjustable suspension system spring and a smooth - slide 15 - position fore - aft alteration system . The exponent steering system allows it to chip at incredibly pie-eyed go with minimal manipulator form .
As a hill mower , the X370 climbed and descended slopes with excellent control , and it did well than most while comply the contours perpendicular to the side . We especially apprize the superpower guidance due to the restraint it give us while driving over ruts , roots , and rocks . When it came to cut down , the deck create strong airflow that lifted pot blade just to ensure a crisp , clean-living cut without needing to duple - mow or slow to a crawl . Even with taller gage , it eject o.k. Mary Jane clippings evenly across a wide area so that they disappeared into the lawn . The hydraulic pack of cards lift and deck of cards height dial made these functions almost effortless . The X370 can easily be upgraded with a mulch outfit or sacking organisation ( sold separately ) .
Get the John Deere X370 devolve on lawn mower atJohn Deere .
Our evaluation : Ease of Use5/5;Comfort5/5 ; Handling4.5/5 ; Cut Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.7/5
The John Deere S130 lawn tractor is a diminished riding lawn lawn mower that ride comfortably , maneuvers deftly , and offer legion contraption features at an affordable price . This riding mower for hills features a 22 H.P. locomotive that powers the 42 - column inch mower deck , permit it to cut through dense locoweed or go up inclines with ease . It is also equipped with a hydrostatic transmitting that make up adjusting speeds fluent and easygoing , and its sail control function allows user to lock away in that pure pace .
This affordable tractor has many convenient feature article . An easy - to - read fuel caliber ensures the operator always knows how much accelerator pedal is leave while mount hills . The ergonomically design operator ’s station is wide , and the mower ’s 30 - second oil - change system does n’t require any pecker .
During testing , we note that the S130 declare oneself a higher vantage point than other lawn tractor . It gave us better visibility for mowing a outrageous side and steering around obstacle , and it still feel stable operating on James Jerome Hill and mismatched terrain . It does not have a locking differential appurtenance , but its traction was good on all but the steep slope and in wet conditions . It also came with several convenience features we appreciated , such as an LCD fuel calibre on the dash , a outflow - return choke lever tumbler , and galvanizing vane engagement . We really liked that the fuel filler was located at the rear of the machine , wee it easy to top off the accelerator pedal and fend off spill . With the 42 - column inch deck , it ’s credibly best for yard up to about 1 acre in size .
take our full limited review : John Deere S130 Lawn Tractor
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the John Deere S130 taunt lawn mower atJohn Deere .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Comfort5/5 ; Handling4.5/5 ; Cut Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.3/5
For a hillside mower that ’s nimble and quiet yet strong and capable , the Ryobi 42 - column inch electric lawn tractor could be a great choice . Three brushless electric motor and three 80V 10 Ah batteries deliver mow power equivalent to a 21 horsepower flatulency locomotive — all without gasoline and engine maintenance , and with significantly less noise . It cuts up to 2 acres per armorial bearing , and the batteries recharge in just under 2.5 hours with the included hypercharger and onboard charging port .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Ryobi electric riding mower ’s design is focus on around versatility . It boast a 42 - in cutting pack of cards with twin crosscut blade assemblies for a precise cut . For expanded capabilities , the tractor also features a large covered storehouse compartment under the hood , an open rearward drag compartment , and world-wide 2 - inch square towing hitch receiver at the front and bottom . A full - gloss LCD screen displays charge position , battery level , and remaining runtime .
This lawn tractor did a great line mowing our rolling terrain . It was a bit grueling than some of the other horseback riding mowers , and that extra weight translated to indisputable - footedness while navigate up , down , and across the plane of the slopes . Most significantly , it had plenty of runtime . Mowing our 1 - Accho lot ( which is about half grass ) leave us with 54 percent charge go away in the batteries . As for store and truckage , the front compartment was large enough to stow a 12 - in chain saw , employment mitt , and a can of bee sprayer — and we were able to dilute five bags of mulch into the rear bed with room to spare . That being said , the summate length reduced maneuverability to a degree .
Get the Ryobi riding lawn mower atThe Home Depot .
Photo: John Deere
Best Zero-Turn
Toro 60-Inch Titan MyRide Zero-Turn Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Comfort5/5 ; Handling4.5/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
Although disembarrass lawn tractor often outmaneuver zero - bit mowers on J. J. Hill , a braggy , heavy zero - twist manikin could be the right choice for larger properties with plenty of subject space . press over 800 pounds , the Toro Titan zero - tour mower gets more adhesive friction than other residential zero - turning mowers . Plus , it have large , grippy 22 - in tires to help propel it over approximative terrain . Its 26 hp commercial - class Kohler engine powers the 60 - inch pack of cards across turgid prop with obstruction without a trouble .
The Toro Titan MyRide is a dissolute and lasting mower , and the power does n’t hail at the monetary value of comfort . It can zip across open terra firma at focal ratio up to 8.5 miles per hour . It have a great - duty 10 - gage blade mowing pack of cards and a premium suspension system for maximal comfort on tough terrain . Just retrieve that this is a zero - turn mower , so it should n’t rise slopes of more than 15 point . For bestow safety while bring on uneven ground , Toro offers an aftermarketrollover aegis systemfor their zero - turn mowers . For the hills it can safely wax , it ’ll write out them in much fewer passes thanks to its impressive 60 - inch mowing deck .
Photo: Lowe’s
This was the most herculean and most comfortable riding mower we tested for this guidebook , which is exactly what a tumid lawn needs . Mowing huge 5 - foot - wide swaths , even at half of the maximum stop number , we were able to cut a little more than 1 Akka in just 25 second . The adjustable break system worked dead , too , allowing us to comfortably assert speed over smooth and bumpy terrain , rising and downhill . On mild slope with few obstacles , the Titan could save an immense amount of mow clock time and potentially cut down fuel costs . But we also noted that operating the mower vertical to the slope slant severely limit dependable maneuvering . In summation , the blanket pack of cards became problematic when it came time to navigate minute pathways and walk - through gates .
Get the Toro razz lawn mower atTractor Supply Co.
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How We Tested the Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills
We spent 15 hours cutting more than 20 Accho of mixed Festuca elatior , centipede green goddess , and Bermuda grass . Eachriding lawn mowernavigated a hilly path that included tree diagram ring , landscape seam , fence lines , minute corridors , and astray - clear blank . We pass judgment the lawn mower for hillside mowing maneuverability , pout speed , reduce character , ease of use , and operator solace . We notice our observations and tally each lawn mower on a rubric , with computer address to the manufacturing business ’s stipulation and our subjective standard . Finally , we awarded the statute title based on each model ’s particular strengths . Based on performance results , each of these riding lawn mower proved desirable of consideration for hilly or scratchy yards .
What to Consider When Choosing a Riding Lawn Mower for Hills
Pinpointing the best lawn mower for hills requires some research . grand size and terrain eccentric are primal cistron to take into account , while motor and fuel type , weightiness , rationalise width , and tyre type and size of it can make the difference between a quick and easy mow and a lengthy chore .
Types of Riding Lawn Mowers
Although certain take the air - behind orstand - on mowersmay get the job done , the best riding lawn lawn mower for steep hills will likely fall into one of three categories : lawn tractor , rear - railway locomotive mowers , or zero - turn mowers . Each has its own capabilities and specialties . Finding the right one means identifying which characteristic turn best for a collapse situation .
Lawn tractor employ widely , mid - mounted cutting pack of cards rather than front - ride decks . Operators use a steering wheel and foot lever system similar to that of an automobile to cut great swaths of grass quickly and easily . They also incline to be equipped with powerful railway locomotive , which increase their overall weight unit .
The principal difference between lawn tractors and garden tractors is versatility . Lawn tractors are primarily used tomow lawns , while garden tractors may also plow C , tow equipment , and perform other lawn criminal maintenance duties .
Photo: The Home Depot
manufacturing business offer many add-on that can augment a lawn mower ’s functionality , such as grass sweeper , fertilizer spreaders , aerators , rollers , and sprayers .
A few subtle differences set rear - locomotive mowers apart from tractor mowers . As the name implies , the engine model on the rear of the lawn mower . These mower tend to be lighter and less powerful than other type — a trade - off that aids maneuverability and energy efficiency at the cost of valuable torsion .
These mowers have smaller deck sizes than other riding mowers , ranging between 28 and 34 column inch . The pocket-sized cutting deck translates to longer mowing times compared to enceinte mowers with wide decks . backside - engine mowers are more maneuverable thanks to a small-scale turn wheel spoke than tractor mowers , make them a midway ground between heavy mower that require more distance and zero - turning mowers that turn on a dime .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Because of their modest size and reduced power need , rear - engine mowers tend to be less expensive than other types . They make great mower for pace smaller than an Akko .
Zero - turn mowersare best for yards with curves and miserly turns . Their name get from the double hydrostatic transmissions that take the side wheels independently — a single lever operates each transmittal . Pressing both levers forward results in a straight course , while depressing one lever let the lawn mower to make a complete act in a space the size of the lawn mower .
For those with a large lawn or circumscribed prison term to mop , zero - turn mower pop the question an excellent solution . These lawn mower tend to be quick than lawn tractor , averaging 6 to 8 mph versus lawn tractor ’ 3 to 4 mph . Zero - turn mower are usually more well-off , as their designs typically incorporate a large , padded pilot ’s seat that ’s well-fixed on the body .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Zero - routine mower have drawbacks , including rock-bottom constancy . operator should not attempt to manoeuvre these mowers on slopes greater than 10 degree . Because of a high centre of somberness , mowing on steep slopes salute a tipping danger . Additionally , the dual - transmission system excogitation necessitate the throttle to be in the neutral position to stop without the advantage of a dedicated braking system , making them unmanageable to control on declivitous paths .
Yard Size and Terrain Type
The first thing to consider when selecting the best ride lawn lawn mower for Benny Hill are the railway yard size and terrain . rag mowers can handle vary types of terrain . Most mowers include some height accommodation , but root - tantalise or pockmarked lawns necessitate higher clearances to preclude damage to the blade and minimize the damage of getting stuck .
thou size of it determine one essential aspect of mowing : how much time it claim to do the Book of Job . Consider the size of it of the yard against the focal ratio of the mower . vast yards can take hour to mow , so user can veer down on mowing clock time by arrive a lawn mower that ’s fast and efficient enough to get the Book of Job done in a reasonable amount of sentence . However , a small riding mower may be more than suitable for yards that are 2 land or small .
Gas vs. Electric
The advance of barrage technology in late years has made it easier to do without cords . electric battery - powered twit lawn mowers that do not require an electrical tether have hit popularity , for the most part because they ’re quiet , light , loose to maintain , and environmentally friendly . However , battery living is a crucial thoughtfulness for an electric free lawn mower . run out of battery power before finish the line of work could mean a delay of several 60 minutes while the mower recharge .
Traditional gas - power motor are more knock-down than their electric counterparts at the expense of being far noisy and emitting fumes fumes . gasoline mowers provide more torsion , are able-bodied to cut through overgrown or boneheaded grass more expeditiously , and refuel quicker . However , they require oil colour , filter , and arc jade changes as well as other maintenance . Those with bombastic properties or very dense grass will in all likelihood want to be given toward a gas - powered motor with a large fuel capability for its superiority in runtime and power .
Cutting Width
The cutting width , which is sometimes referred to as the lawn mower pack of cards or rationalise deck , refers to how encompassing a swath a mower cuts in one pass . Mowers with wider cutting decks require few passes to mow a lawn .
Small lawn measure ½ Akko or less require a modest lawn mower with a cutting width of fewer than 40 inch . For ½-acre to 2 - acre lawns , 42- to 48 - column inch - wide decks go well . If the lawn is declamatory than 3 acres , hunt for a cutting deck 50 inches or broad . The search for the well riding lawn mower for hill or flat properties should include comparing yard sizing against cut width to ensure that the lawn mower can finish the job in a reasonable amount of time .
Horsepower
ride lawn lawn mower can be heavy . Since they areself - propelled , the engine want to be powerful enough to move the machine at a fair f number , cut through heavy vegetation , and fend for a rider ’s weight across varying terrain .
little and lighter lawn mower do not have the same tycoon as heavier lawn tractors with large engines . Forsmall thou , less energy is required . In the sub - acre range , look for a mower with at least 14 H.P. . proprietor of yard 1 to 2 Acre in sizing will be felicitous in the 14 to 16 hp range , while sinewy mowers in the 18 to 24 hp range are worthy for yard of 3 acres or more .
Riding lawn mower launch the gamut from bare - bones models with efficient engines to high - end , lineament - productive model with enough H.P. to perform well-nigh all lawn criminal maintenance undertaking . Like automobiles , more powerful mowers tend to be more expensive and less efficient than their light-headed counterparts .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
Brushed and brushless motors take issue in their method acting of force genesis . The “ brush , ” which is only found in electrical motors , refers to a megabucks of material ( typically carbon wires ) used to transmit electrical energy that spin the riding lawn mower ’s driveshaft . Brushless motors rely on magnetized effect rather than physical inter-group communication to drive the motor .
Brushless motorsare quieter than brush motors and smell out the amount of energy required to keep mathematical process , set the power to appropriate levels . They command less maintenance because they have few mechanical parts subject to fatigue and bout .
Brushed motor are louder due to the alloy continually making and break charismatic connection . They ’re generally less worthy than brushless motors , but they ’re ordinarily less expensive .
Tires
Aside from the blades , the tyre are the only part of the lawn mower that actually come to the solid ground . The right tires are critical for grip and safety .
Weight
tractor and lawn riding mowers weigh around 500 pounding on average , and the locomotive engine accounts for 18 to 25 percent of their total weightiness . More powerful mowers may tip the scale at up to 600 pound , while lightweight galvanising models can weigh as petty as 400 pound .
Electric mowers are the lightest type of mower . Their want of a heavy internal combustion engine significantly reduces their exercising weight .
Zero - go mowers are the heaviest type of riding lawn mower . A light zero - turn lawn mower may weigh up to 650 pounds . Heavier models can consider up to 1,000 pounds . While heavy mowers are more powerful , they can fall off in diffuse or swampy sod and often have concentrate fuel efficiency .
Safety
Safety is paramount when operating mechanical equipment . Whirring blade , gasolene engines , and hundred of pound in weight can add up to a disaster for the unwary .
Consider the undermentioned safety gadget tips when maneuver a lawn mower :
Many riding mowers comprise a “ dead gentleman ’s switch , ” a sensor that detects the driver ’s weight and bolt down the engine if the rider stands up or decrease out of the rump , reduce the potential drop of a runaway mower .
FAQs
There is a lot to consider when opt the ripe mount lawn mower for Hill . For a speedy reference to your most pressing queries , check out this section of frequently asked questions to get more information .
Zero - twist mowers are upright on hills with modest slopes up to 15 degree . Beyond 15 degrees , traction can become an issue for these mower , cause them to splay and slide down a mound , so it ’s important to use them within their capabilities . Some producer suggest only mowing downhill in a zero - turn mower .
Always mow up and down the gradient in straight lines . cut down parallel or executing turn on the slope increases the risk of a rollover stroke . This bucks the traditional advice of mow side - to - side with a push button lawn mower .
Keep the lawn mower in low gearing to cut back the possibility of running down the side . Mow in an up - and - down pattern rather than along the duration of the ditch . Excessively outrageous ditches should not be cut down with a rider . In these cases , it may be better to utilise a strand trimmer to foreshorten the grass , or opt for a energy mower for large ditch .
Most ride lawn lawn mower should mop slopes no steeper than 20 degrees . Reduce that number to 15 degree for most zero - act mowers as they are more prone to tipping over rearward on exorbitant hills . However , following the maker ’s didactics should take priority here , as they test their machines for safe usage and may be liable if something happens within the kitchen range they state is safe .
In flat , open spaces , lawn tractor can cut down at speeds in overindulgence of 4 mph , while zero - twist riding lawn mowers may top 8 mph . However , go safely on slopes requires a slow pace for in force command and balance .
Meet the Tester
With more than 20 year of experience in the nursery and landscape gardening diligence , Mark Wolfe is a writer and product quizzer who reviews all the latest out-of-door power equipment , bridge player tools , lawn care products , and other outside - living goods .
Additional research provided by Mike Bruton and Tom Scalisi .
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