I am assuming you are a proud owner of hilly terrain. But with pride comes responsibility. With owning an uneven land, the hard task of mowing it even and quite often comes.
I, myself, have a little hilly land in the countryside with trees and slopes.
While pursuing the best riding lawn mower for my hills, I still remorse some bad investments.
Determining the type of your land
After getting determined that you are going to buy a riding lawn tractor for hills, the best of its kind, you have to determine the type of your land at the very first.
Well, it is a hilly terrain, you already know that – but how big it is; how steep the hills are.
The size of your land will help you determine the deck size of your recent to-be-bought riding lawn mower. A big land requires lawn tractors with bigger deck sizes. It is totally up to you.
- 0-3 acres — 30” – 42” Riding lawn mower/ 30” – 32” zero turn mower only
- 3-5 acres — 42” – 54” Riding lawn mower/ Zero turn mower
- 5+ acres — 42” – 61” Zero turn mower preferred/ Riding lawn mower
The number of Best lawn tractors for hills I have reviewed here is separated by their deck size, aka the overall size of the riding lawnmowers.
I am assuming that you already got a picture of how big a riding lawn mower is needed for serving your land; click below in correspondence of your necessity.
Core Knowledge of hill-riding mowers
Before jumping right into the lawn tractor suggestion, let’s know what features and aspects you should be looking into in a lawnmower, while hilly, uneven land is where your lawn mower will mow.
- More horsepower. (Climbing up and down requires more power than usual)
- A good serving engine (Kohler is best for regular riding lawn mower, Kawasaki for zero turn mower)
- Go for Husqvarna if you can; they are the most long-lasting lawnmowers.
- A bit big deck size that it should be whenever flat land is in mind. (Bigger structure holds better stability, less probability of rolling over)
- Bigger fuel tank (A must requirement for big hilly, rough terrain)
- Different cutting height (It is available on almost every mower available, anyway; it is needed. Look for the count of cutting height)
- The suspension system is for comfort. (Jittering too much while mowing will leave unwanted pain in your body)
- If it is a small riding lawnmower, the rear portion of the mower should be bigger than the front side. (It establishes better overall balance, which is required for mowing hilly land)
- ROPS – rollover protection system (A must-take safety precaution for hilly ground)
- Less turning radius – (To mow critical angles, zero-turn mowers are great for mowing hills)
- Anti-scalp wheel – (A common feature in all riding mowers nowadays, check for the count and the quality of it. You do not want your land to be scalped naked)
- All-wheel drive.
- Automatic or hydrostatic transmission. (It allows better control over speed and reverse)
- Differential lock system for too harsh and steep hills. (This is not a common feature, not too many riding lawnmowers are equipped with this feature. But you can always do a further modification to enable a differential lock system on your mower; check with the manufacturer before purchasing whether your mower can get ahold of a differential lock.)
- Check for reverse mow since yours is a hilly track; you just cannot go front mowing and then get back again after doing a successful U-turn, haha. Make sure that your mower can mow while going reverse. It’s a pretty basic feature. However, make sure that it is there.
Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Hills
If you are an owner of a small hilly track, do not want to buy a push mower – you want to buy a small riding lawn mower instead; it’s your lucky day – such a small and well-balanced riding lawn mower exists that will mow your small hilly land well.
Best 48″ riding lawn mowers for hills
Husqvarna TS348 (48″) 24HP Kohler Lawn Tractor
This one is the best garden tractor for hills currently for big lands. Buying this for small land would be ridiculous, though.
But if you have some big hills, this one should be the one if you do not have other specific choices.
It has a 24 HP Kohler engine, a grand under the hood.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Kohler
- Engine Power – 24 hp
- Deck Size – 48 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 15.14 L
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Cutting level: Seven
- Height Adjuster – Fender-mounted
- Height Adjustment – Central, Spring Assisted
Summary
So, final words on the Husqvarna TS348? If you are willing to spend around three grand and need a riding lawn mower for your hills, buy this one.
It’d be an excellent investment. It does what it is meant to do, and it does it well.
But before concluding, let me say a bit about its suspension system. There is no ‘Suspension’ here, at least what we know whenever the word ‘suspension’ pops up.
The thing is, Husqvarna has done solid work here regarding comfort.
The seat put on here is a P-ZT premium seat. It is the seat that Husqvarna uses in their zero-turn mower. Real comfortable. And under the seat, there are multiple springs to swallow the jitters.
These springs are good. And the seat adjustment system is top-notch, making it a good choice for hills in terms of comfort.
Source: Eshlemania TV. Check this video to learn more about the Husqvarna TS348
Another must say is its cutting height levels. It can cut grass at seven different heights. Usually, this number is six in riding lawnmowers. This makes this lawnmower a great choice for hills.
Special Features:
From here now on, I will be notifying you about some specialties in the special features segment which did not take place in the ‘Most Important Section’.
Mostly this special features segment will be equipped with attachments and their usage.
- TrioClip: BioClip® is Husqvarna’s patent-protected mulching technology. And this trio clip system will collect all the grass clippings ready for mulching into the back and leave them back to the field again from the rear and evenly, making it very efficient than regular mulching lawnmowers.
- Different rear attachments are available.
Finding used riding mowers? Used riding lawnmowers can be found in good condition. Check out
Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48″/Twin
This Husqvarna managed to get a place in this article and in 2nd position for its automatic transmission.
A hydrostatic transmission is good, but an automatic transmission is the only solution for fast movement.
So here’s the basic verdict, if you own a big hilly land and frequently want to mow it quickly – This Husqvarna YTA24V48 48-inch riding lawn mower should be the one for you. However, this lawnmower has its demerits.
Remember to check that after finishing with this specific mower’s review.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Power – 24 hp
- Deck Size – 48 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 3 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Cutting level: Six
- Height Adjuster – Fender-mounted
- Height Adjustment – Central, Spring Assisted
- Height
- Suspension – NO.
- Turning Radius – 16 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 4
- Transmission – AUTOMATIC Transmission
Summary
I told you before that this is for automatic transmission lovers. It has a Briggs & Stratton 24 hp engine under its hood. Strong engine and will do great.
The fuel tank is big; you shouldn’t worry about fuel while mowing.
But there are some things off here. According to real buyers’ view – if there are surfaces where a tire would lose touch with the ground, you will face problems while maneuvering.
Enabling the differential lock system will resolve the issue.
There is no suspension system. For mowing too harsh hills, it is not a great choice either if you do not wanna jitter till your teeth fall off, haha.
Anyway, for those who need a suspension system along with the automatic transmission, I won’t leave them alone here. A great choice is waiting there a bit later after.
Otherwise, it is a great machine. The automatic transmission provides fast maneuvering with preciseness if yours is a regular uneven lawn; feel no hesitation in buying it.
Special Features:
- Fast, Choke start
- Induction mowing technology ensures very precise and even cut. This tech allows air from above to be drawn into the cutting areas, providing perfect grass lift. This enables very even grass-cutting.
- Different attachment options like trailers, snow blades, brushes, etc.
Best 46” riding lawnmowers for hills
Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton Intek Automatic 46-Inch Riding Lawnmower
Since we are discussing the best garden tractor for hills, the traction and maneuvering ease will come front before engine power or that sort of thing.
And in continuation of this factor, here comes the Troy-Bilt 540cc Briggs & Stratton 46-inch riding mower with automatic transmission.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Power – 19 hp
- Deck Size – 46 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Cutting level: Five
- Height Adjuster – Fender-mounted
- Height Adjustment – Spring assisted
- Height
- Suspension – YES.
- Turning Radius – 18 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 2
- Transmission – AUTOMATIC Transmission
- Reverse mow: Yes
And additionally, the equipped Briggs & Stratton engine will serve you well. Speaking of comfort, since we intend to find a good mower for hills, the provided mid-back seat will cheer you up while mowing. Now, automatic transmission.
Have to talk about it again. After the hydrostatic transmission system became popular among mower manufacturers, automatic transmission in lawnmowers is not a regular thing to see nowadays.
The hydrostatic transmission is good too, and it does have its advantages. But the automatic transmission system has its advantages while maneuvering, making it superior to the hydrostatic transmission system.
And when it is intended for hills, automatic transmission significantly increases preciseness.
Special features:
- Soft-touch steering wheel
- Step-Thru frame for easy in and out access
- The easily integrated deck wash system
Tractor Comparison guide: Kohler vs Honda vs Briggs Stratton vs Kawasaki
Husqvarna YTH20K46 20HP 725cc Kohler 7000 46″ Lawn Tractor
Husqvarna has always been a superior manufacturer in the lawnmower industry. If you are one of the Husqvarna praisers too, this lawnmower is for you.
Well, it’s not like people love Husqvarna for nothing. In terms of longevity, Husqvarna is the best. So, let’s see the different aspects of the Husqvarna YTH20K46 below.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Kohler
- Engine Power – 20 hp
- Deck Size – 46 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Cutting level: Seven
- Height Adjuster – Fender-mounted
- Height Adjustment – Spring Assisted
- Height
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 16 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 4
- Transmission – Hydrostatic Transmission
It is a plus one. Fuel capacity is okay; it is now 2.5 gal. A 46-inch riding lawn mower is meant to mow bigger lands.
There are seven cutting levels. It’s another plus one. You mow according to your desired height. It is likely to be covered in these seven cutting heights. Turning radius – 16 inches.
Husqvarna is known for its lower turning radius; it minimizes the effort; increases efficiency.
Special features:
- Since there is no Suspension system on board, thinking about the seat and comfort is essential as the mower would be intended for mowing uneven grounds. It can be adjusted by sliding back and forth.
- The edge of the cutting deck is modified and attached with heavy flat-stock steel for additional robustness.
- There is an hour meter which is pretty basic; what is exceptional is it will remind you to take the mower out for a service when it is time.
- The rear tires are extra-large, comparing the rear tires of other mowers. It allows the mower to be more stable on the hilly ground.
- There are two springs under the seat to lessen the shaking. An active suspension system would be great, but this one is not bad, either.
- Remember one very important thing I mentioned on what to look for in riding mowers intended for the hills section? It is ROPS or Roll Over Protection System which prevents the rider from falling under the mower and being injured if the mower rolls over for any reason. And it is very much likely to happen because you are mowing a hilly terrain with it!
In a word, this is a very good riding lawn mower for steep hills. Check the video below if you want to see this mower in action before purchasing.
Thanks to the creator for the in-depth video review of the Husqvarna YTH20k46 he made.
Husqvarna YTH22V46 46 in. 22 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding mower
If you want a bit more power, aka horsepower in the engine, but money is still an issue – you may look into this riding lawnmower.
It is priced less than the Kohler model, and still, its hp is 22, more than the Kohler model.
Briggs & Stratton is a promising engine manufacturer, and their engine is good. They are a bit cheaper than Kohler’s engines, and there is your reason for being able to get them at a lower price.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Power – 22 hp
- Deck Size – 46 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Cutting level: Seven
- Height Adjuster – Fender-mounted
- Height Adjustment – Spring assisted
- Height
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 16 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 4
- Transmission – Hydrostatic Transmission
This is your choice. Kohler engines tend to cost more, and Briggs & Stratton is trying to take the market hence leaving for a bit cheap.
That is the fact here. Briggs & Stratton is also a very good engine manufacturer company; they are currently occupying the second position in ZTR mower engine manufacturing right after Kawasaki, in my opinion.
So, there you, there’s your cheap and stable choice for more power.
Special feature:
- Now, it’s time to say a bit about ‘cruise control’. It is also available with the previously mentioned Husqvarna YTH20K46. I didn’t mention it then to apprise you about it here. The Cruise Control system allows you to maintain a consistent speed while mowing in hilly and uneven lands.
There are two options, lock the cruise control or not.
While mowing in hilly terrain, this feature comes in very handy.
This feature makes the Husqvarna YTH20k46 and YTH22k46 a very good choice for mowing uneven ground.
- The same good seat is set here, too, like the Husqvarna YTH20k46. A high back seat that is adjustable back and forth. Very good from Husqvarna when the suspension is not available.
- Spring under the seat is also available in this riding yard tractor.
Check the video below to get a visual of this riding yard tractor.
Craftsman T135 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton 46-Inch Gas Powered Riding Lawnmower
This yard tractor is intended to soothe a different type of need. If you want a large cutting deck enriched lawnmower, say 46 inches but do not want to break your wallet, this should be your pick.
The manufacturer company Craftsman is known for delivering quality mowers within a short budget.
They cut specs from engine power and enable the mower to be under desired price point.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Power – 18.5 hp
- Deck Size – 46 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 1.3 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 3.75 inch
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 18 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 2
- Transmission – CVT Transmission
- Height
Its turning radius is 18 inches which are larger than the regular Husqvarna. Engine power is 18.5 hp.
But it does what it was meant to be, to mow your big hilly track with a 46-inch deck while you are getting your lawn mower for a lower price.
The rear wheel size is 20 inches, a very good choice for stability.
Check the product buying page below:
Before finishing talking about this Craftsman T135, it should be precisely told that this specific model’s transmission system is CVT.
If you are not comfortable with the CVT transmission, you should give it a try, I’d say.
However, if you are not comfortable with it and do not plan to get accustomed to it, you should go for the Hydrostatic transmission model.
It is modeled under number T225. Check that below
Best 42″ riding lawnmowers for hills
Husqvarna dominates this segment of this lawn mower buying guide.
I will tell you about the best riding land mower from their current 42-inch deck-sized yard tractor line-up and a cheap one to get you going even if your wallet isn’t that bloated.
Husqvarna YTH20K42 20HP 725cc Kohler 7000 42″ Lawn Tractor
If you did not jump here by clicking the jump link dedicated for 42-inch deck sized lawn mowers only,
I mean, you are at this moment reading the article all along, you might know by now that Kohler produces the best riding lawn mower engine, and Husqvarna is the best manufacturing company cause they implement Kohler engine the best and makes great riding yard tractors.
This is the best 42-inch riding lawn mower currently. But does this perform well on hilly terrain? Let’s get to know its important specs and figure out that. Most Important
Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Kohler
- Engine Power – 20 hp
- Deck Size – 42 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Height
- Cutting level – 6
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 16 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 4
- Transmission – Hydrostatic Transmission
Summary
First, if you own relatively bigger land, I suggest you go for a 46-inch riding lawnmower. Because the collection of 46-inch lawnmowers is more premium than this side, you’ll get more for what you pay for.
Okay, now let’s get back to here – in the arena of 42-inch deck-sized ground tractors.
If you are aware of other Husqvarna lawnmowers already, well – then there’s nothing new here for you.
You will get what regular Husqvarna lawn mowers are equipped with. I have talked about how they are a perfect choice for hills. But hey, if you are not aware of them already – let’s get a recap.
You will get an adjustable sliding seat. You can adjust its position according to your comfort, and it is a very important thing when you do not have an active suspension system along with your yard mower.
And this adjustable seat is backed by two springs under it; you are very good to go for your hilly ground with it
Whenever it is rough, hilly terrain – you will need a better grass lift than usual.
If you do not know already, grasses must be lifted up long before cutting.
Normal flat land does not require this much, but when it is hilly land, you need a better grass lift; otherwise, you’ll get an uneven cut.
Air induction controls this grass lift, and Husqvarna does it best with its top-notch Air Induction system.
Cruise control is available here. It allows your tractor to maintain a constant speed on uneven land.
If you looked over the basic requirement needed in a lawnmower intended for hilly ground, you could know that a wider rear tire is needed for better balance.
If your mower is big, say 46 or 48 inches deck-sized, you can ignore this because it is already a big machine and it is already well-balanced.
But when the size is cut down for your convenience but yours is still a hilly land, you need to look this into your lawnmower for better balance.
You are getting what you need here. Large and wide rear tires for better stability and less risk of damaging the ground.
Husqvarna YTH18542 42 in 18.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Riding Mower
Here comes the second choice for 42-inch lawnmowers for hills. It is also from Husqvarna, and it is cheap.
Now, let’s see in which sector – performance is cut to meet the budget of those who are seeking a cheap 42-inch yard tractor for uneven ground.
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Power – 18.5 hp
- Deck Size – 42 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 2.5 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 4 inch
- Height
- Cutting level – 6
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 16 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 2
- Transmission – Hydrostatic Transmission
Summary
So, to compare this lawn tractor with the previous one and summarize it – first of all, the engine’s horsepower is lower. The anti-scalp wheel number is reduced from 4 to 2.
These are the basic performance cut down to downsize the price. Moreover, the hour meter has vanished.
Another thing gone is the cruise control system. You will have to use your feet throughout the whole mowing session.
Usually, people buy 42-inch mowers to cut grasses from comparatively small lawns, and it is no big issue then.
If they vanish this feature with the return of a lesser price, I think it is great. Good thinking Husqvarna.
Without this slight modification, it is almost the same as it is in the previous Husqvarna 42-inch lawnmower.
Now, I slightly modified my previous sentence where I said, “Slight Modification”, haha. The modification isn’t just slight, though.
You may omit hour meters from your necessity, but better horsepower means a more powerful engine. I think I do not have to spell out the necessity of a powerful engine.
And four anti-scalp wheels have their reasons to be there. But two can do alright.
Check this funny video out to know what is there and what is not. Thanks to the creator.
Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
This tiny little machine is intended for small landowners who do not want Push-Mowers, they want a small riding lawnmower instead. Let’s get straight to its specs:
Most Important Specs:
- Engine Manufacturer – Single Troy-Bilt engine
- Engine Power – 382cc
- Deck Size – 30 inch
- Fuel Capacity – 1.3 gal
- Cutting Properties
- Height
- Minimum – 1.5 inch
- Maximum – 3.75 inch
- Height
- Cutting level – 5
- Suspension – No.
- Turning Radius – 18 inch
- Anti-scalp Wheel – 2
- Transmission – 6-speed Shift-on-the-Go transmission
For small mowers, stability is a very big issue, and whenever it is intended for hills, you have to be careful. The rear engine design places a comparatively bigger weight in the back portion, and it helps the mower to maintain its balance on uneven ground.
Except this, it does not completely meet the requirements for being a good yard tractor for hills. It does not have suspension; there’s a spring under the seat.
But you will jitter mow your lawn with it. There are some plastics in the body. It is a cheap lawn mower competing with all the giant lawnmowers above; you must keep an open mind. As for protection, there is a button under the seat that is consistently pressed by the seat.
So, if the seat gets up for any reason, the engine will be turned off as a security precaution. And with the deliverance of this information, this article is about to be finished.
If you want to know more about the Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch riding lawn mower, you can check out the video below. Thanks to the creators.
That’s all for the moment. I think I quite managed to soothe your quest for the best riding lawn mower for hills up above, according to your desire and your specific land type.
If you have any other mowers in mind which would do great in hills, let me know in the comment section below. Thanks.
Hi, This is George. Founder Of Vacuumist.com. Completed my graduation in Bachelor of Business Administration. Proud father of two lovely baby girls. Reviewing home appliances is my passion. Developing this blog to update and publish my recent reviews and research. Stay in touch.