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The 5 Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hills – Reviews
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A lush green lawn with fresh, thick and neatly mowed grass is a delightful sight for the owner as it represents the owner’s efforts to keep it top notch.
Yet, having a terrain in the lawn or the rolling lawns on the whole just adds up the glory and elevates its royalty. However, rolling lawns can be challenging to deal with as they come with heaps of difficulties to get the job done.
Moreover, they also require high maintenance & mowing them with a regular lawn mower is not a great idea.
Granted that, there are tons of lawn mowers available in the market which are specially designed to mow them steep hills and dangerous slopes, but the fancy prices make them out of reach for most people.
Luckily, we got you covered. In this article, we have got a list of 5 best lawn mowers for steep hills which fall in a reasonable budget and aren’t too heavy on the pockets.
Just read it and find out which lawn mower works best according to your needs.
Check Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hills
| Name | Item Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc | 108 pounds | Check Price |
| Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch | 336 pounds | Check Price |
| Snapper P2185020 / 7800980 HI VAC | 91 pounds | Check Price |
| Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding | 870 pounds | Check Price |
| Poulan Pro PP155H42 | 465 pounds | Check Price |
1 – Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. 4-in-1
The lawn mower HRX217K5VKA 187cc from Honda is certainly flawless to tackle the slopes.
Assembled with a solid mighty engine and tons of sharp blades, this gigantic lawn mower enables you to mow your steep slopes in the nick of time.
Not only that, the 4-in-1 feature of Versamow empowers you to transit between shredding, mulching, discharging and bagging your clippings to keep your lawn healthy and neat for a longer period of time.
One cannot go wrong with this self-propelled steep lawn mower.
Product Description
The Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc is a gas-powered mower that gives excellent grass cutting performance equally in small and large yards.
Weighing in at 96lbs and with an engine of 1900cc, this mower is ideal to cut uneven grasses to the perfection. The Honda HRX217K5VKA mower is a rear wheel drive with rear wheels of 11 inches in height.
Its seven cutting positions allow you to handle any type of grass on any type of surface. It comprises of a large bag that can hold quite a few clippings before it needs to be emptied.
By default, the handle is set at 41 inches which makes it equally convenient for taller people to work with it. However, it comes with 3 adjustable height settings of the handle which makes it easy to maneuver by anyone.
Lastly, its 5-year warranty, which is extended than all its substitutes, is enough to give you the peace of mind.
2- Troy-Bilt 382cc 30″
The TroyBilt 382cc 30” comes with superior power and speed. This riding lawn mower is fairly smaller as compared to its alternatives but still gives you a comfortable ride and high power which aids in cutting the grass quickly.
TroyBilt 382cc is perfect for mid-size lawns and gives brushed mowing action. It has a wide cutting deck which gives uniform performance in a short period of time.
Moreover, the large wheels installed in its rear help in controlled movement even through uneven surfaces.
Finally, the system is powered with high quality engine and sharp blades which keeps the surface of grass even and clean.
Production Description
Equipped with a 382cc Auto Choke OHV engine which gives speed up to 4.25 mph & weighing at a 336 pound, this ride on mower with dimensions 62 X 34 X 26 gives you high power cutting along with a comfortable ride.
The mower works on the key cart system and comes with a cutting deck of 30 inches that can be adjust at 5 different height levels. It has 6 speed transmissions and the turning radius of 18 inches.
Moreover, it comprises of a standard fuel tank of 1.3 gallons and a window for fuel sight. TroyBilt 382cc has large rear wheels which makes it easy to control it through uneven areas.
Moreover, its compact size makes it easy to store it in small storage places and also work in places where large mowers cannot. This is one of the best lawn mower for steep hills.
3- Snapper P2185020E / 7800982 HI VAC 190cc
Snapper P2185020E / 7800982 is certainly an ideal walk behind mower to use in sloppy lawns.
This rear wheel drive mower comes with adjustable speeds and 7 height settings which make it practical for any person to work with it.
Its Hi-VAC technology and premium quality motor makes the process faster and a pleasant view to the eyes.
Relatively high priced, but an ideal pick for ones who truly want to elevate their lawns and hands down one of the best walk-behind mowers.
Production Description
Snapper P2185020E / 7800982 comprises of The Briggs & Stratton 850 professional series engine which possess ready start technology that enables a durable performance for a longer period of time.
The ready start technology enables it to start without choking and quiet operation of engines makes it convenient to mow at any time of the day.
The 10-inch rear wheels help in maneuvering it quite easily hence makes it easy to use. Moreover, its adjustable cutting height function enables you to cut even wild and taller grasses.
Its excellent Hi- Vac bagging system is its highlight feature as it gives you a clean yard after mowing. Lastly, its 3-year residential and 90 days commercial warranty is satisfactory enough to get your hands on this mower.
4- Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding Lawnmower
Raven MPV7100 is an ultimate mower out there. This is something more than a mower which gives you the ultimate driving thrill.
The machine took the world of lawn tractors to another level by bringing out the eco-friendly aspect in the market.
It uses hybrid technology whereas the motors are electronically controlled. Raven MPV 7100 is highly fuel efficient.
Lastly, this tractor gives you a noise free pleasant drive thanks to its electrical aspect and placement of engine in the rear.
Product Description
Weighing in at 870 pounds and a gasoline engine providing power of 420cc Raven MPV7100 is an all-rounder.
It comes with a 7100-watt generator which is perfect to provide power to the outlets and blades.
Moreover, this generator also helps in charging the batteries. The greatest feature of this mower is its reverse function.
With the reverse function, the mowing process becomes a lot faster and gets your work done in a nick of the time.
It has a wide 46-inch deck which enables you to cut a large area of the grass in single go. Its vacuum mulch and discharge option make the cleaning process easier than ever.
Lastly, its mighty speed of up to 17 miles per hour is the highlight feature of this mower. However, one should be careful with speed at slopes. This is likely the best riding mower for hills.
5- Poulan Pro 960420182 42″
The last but certainly not the least is, Poulan Pro 960420182 42″. The giant 465 pounds front engine ride on mower is a perfect choice for large and sloppy yards.
Its cutting deck is made with 13-gauge reinforced steel and is wide enough to cater a large area in one go. Just like Raven MPV7100, it also has the reverse mowing function which makes mowing along a slope a lot easier.
It comes with a wide step which aids the rider in easy mounting/dismounting. Lastly, it’s priced lower as compared to its substitutes and also other models of Poulan Pro.
Product Description
Weighing in at 465 pounds and fabricated with the Briggs & Stratton Engine of 15.5 horsepower, Poulan Pro 960420182 42″ can mow an entire lawn no matter what the conditions may be.
It comes with 6 different cutting heights so you can pick the ideal size for your grass. It has a wide 42 inch cutting deck which is also floating in nature which enables to maintain a uniform height of the grass even if the yard is uneven.
Moreover, its Auto Hydrostatic Transmission technology enables you to alter the speed while in motion. Lastly, it is made with air vents to keep a constant flow of air even in long and thick grasses.
Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hills Buyer’s Guide
So far, we have sorted out 5 best lawn mowers for you. But, the question arises, which is the best option for you among these?
This is yet to be sorted. Next in the line, we provide you a complete guide to choose the best option among these.
Starting from the safety to what to look for in a mower and also the type of mowers, we have covered it all.
And lastly, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers which will help you better to get a clear vision. So, read further and find out.
A Quick Word about Safety
Mowing steep lawns is a dangerous task. One should always take safety measures before getting the job done.
Although ZTR ride on mowers are time saving and comfortable, we would recommend a self-propelled, walk behind mower where ever possible as a roll over from a ride on tractor can be fatal and is definitely not worth your life.
There are a lot of safety measures which you can adapt in order to minimize the risks associated with using lawn mowers, some of which are as follows:
Always wear appropriate clothing as long clothes can get stuck in tires which can be cause injuries. Wearing personal protective equipment is also better
Clear any obstructions in the lawn to avoid accidents
Try to keep consistent speed
If you are using a ride on mower, keep in mind that they are designed for one person only. Therefore, extra passengers should never be allowed as it could roll over
Avoid attempting sudden turns.
Lastly, make sure the mower is completely powered off before dismounting.
What to Look for in Best Lawn Mower for Steep Hills
The following things should be considered in choosing the best lawn mower for steep hills:
Rear wheel drive mowers should be opted for cutting on a slope as front wheel won’t cut on a slightly greater inclined plane. An all-wheel drive is also a good option however, the rear wheel drive is winner in all situations.
Rear wheels being taller than the front ones is also a plus point as it reduces the effort to mount the hills.
Use a ride on mower in cases only where it is impossible to get the job done without it. As they are risky. Walk behind self-propelled mowers are idle pick even in large yards
Even if your mower is of very high horsepower, you are likely to get tired with it as pushing such heavy machinery across requires considerable effort. Make sure not to get too tired and avoid doing large portions in a single go. Also let go before the mower gets too hairy.
Lastly, as we know, there are limits to what can be handled by a walk behind mower, so choose the mower deciding whether you got to move it up and down or across the yard.
Types of Riding Lawn Mowers
Primarily, there are 3 types of riding lawn mowers. All of them have their pros and cons.
Rear Engine
These are the smallest ones available in the market. People who have small storage places and average size lawns, this is the best pick for them.
These are ideal for narrow spaces so if your yard has slender paths, you should opt for this. In comparison to the other types, these are also cost effective.
However, one should keep in mind that their decks are made for smaller cutting and also, they move slowly.
Lawn/ Garden Tractor
The second type is lawn/ garden tractor. These mowers provide great power but by compromising on the speed.
There speeds are usually low. However, these are the best picks if you have attachments to weave around the yard like snow blowers, tillers.
They have big engines that provide high power. Though, they are not ideal for lawns with quite a few obstacles
Zero Turn Mowers
Among all three types, the zero turn mowers are the fastest. They can move with a whopping speed of 8-10 miles per hour and can make 360 degree turns without any hassle.
These mowers are best to work in a yard with a lot of obstacles. However, they are quite expensive and not in realm of every person.
While choosing the mower for your lawn, one should keep in mind a lot of factors.
Like weight, as heavier ones don’t flip over. Being able to turn easily is also a factor to keep in consideration especially when you are working on a slope.
Make sure to read the guide properly before buying as its great way to find the turning radius of the mower.
Lastly, keep in mind the size/slope of your yard as you need to pick a mower with high power engine to cater larger and sloppy areas.
Frequently Asked Question
Do I get a lawn tractor or zero turn radius mower
Getting a lawn tractor or zero turn radius mower entirely depends on your needs. If your interest in towing stuff, spreading fertilizers or ploughing, then you should opt for a lawn tractor. However, if you want to mow your steep slopes or rolling lawns, then zero turn radius mower is the best option for you.
Which manufacturers make the best zero turn radius riding lawn mowers?
In this article, we have covered 5 mowers and all of them are zero turn radius mowers. Therefore, the afore mentioned manufacturers which include, Honda, TroyBilt, Snapper, Raven & Poulan all make best zero turn radius mowers. Moreover, Gravely, Kubota, Husqvarna, Hustler, Toro, Scag & Cub Cadet are also some well-known ZTR manufacturers.
Are there different seat options for zero turn mowers?
Yes. There are numerous seat options available in zero turn radius mowers depending on the comfort level and the time required operating. As, the longer you operate, the easier you want to be. The options may vary from low back to high back, 90-degree backrest, back rest equipped with lumbar support & also the ones with air suspension. But keep in mind that it would cost you a thousand bucks or so for installing your desiderate seat.
How much time does a zero-turn radius mower save in comparison to a lawn tractor?
A zero-turn radius mower saves a lot of time as compared to a lawn tractor. 25-30 percent to be precise. This is because a lawn tractor operates at 5-6 miles per hour whereas a zero-turn radius mower can run at speed even higher than 10mph. Moreover, due to its zero-radius turning, it twists around obstacles in the garden smoothly hence saves the time.
Conclusion
So, this was our complete guide about best lawn mowers for steep hills. Once you find the right option for you, mowing your rolling lawn will become a lot more convenient and a pleasant experience.
As it is a big investment, make sure to do thorough research and find the one which best suits your needs. Moreover, it’s always a wise decision to pick one with extended warranty.
Lastly, always remember that mowing a steep lawn is a risky task hence goes through the user’s manual thoroughly as safety first!