Best Zero Turn Mower For Hills and Slopes [2021]

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best overall rating★★★★★

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52' Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
  • Durable
  • Wide cut mower save lots of time
  • Powerful engine
  • Fast mowing/riding 
best overall rating★★★★★

Husqvarna MZ61 Zero Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

 

  • Long runtime
  • Wide cuts speed up job
  • Stable hydraulic system
  • Handles rough terrain
best overall rating★★★★★

Husqvarna Z254 Zero Turn Riding Mower

Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Durable cutting deck
  • Wide, clean cuts
  • Fast mowing and riding
  • Long high fuel capacity

Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.

 
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Zero turn mowers are the most powerful mowers you can find.

They offer precision, maneuverability, and durability. Some of them are so precise and durable that they can handles hills and slopes with no trouble at all.

Here are the absolute best zero-turn mowers for hills and slopes.

Comparison Table of Top Best Zero Turn Mower For Hills

Product Image
Product Name
Features
Price
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52" Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
  • Spec 1: 52" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 2.8 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Easy handling


Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 61" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 27 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Hydrualic system


Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 54" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 26 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3.5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Durable deck


Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 61" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 24 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Triple bag collection


Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
  • Spec 1: 42" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 18 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3.5 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Low maintenance


Snapper 2691402 360z Mower
  • Spec 1: 48" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 23 HP engine
  • Spec 3: 3 gal fuel capacity
  • USP: Storage bed


Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck and 452cc Engine
  • Spec 1: 34" cutting deck
  • Spec 2: 452cc Engine
  • Spec 3: 1.2 gal fuel capcity
  • USP: Rough lots


Reviews of Top Zero Turn Mower For Hills and Slopes

Best Overall - Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52

best overall rating Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52' Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

Key Specifications

  • 52″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 2.8 gal fuel capacity

The Ariens IKON-X is great for many things, but one of them is mowing on a slope. The way this mower is constructed is designed for maximum easy handling and sturdiness.

It has a 23HP engine and because of its zero turn capabilities, it is highly maneuverable. When mowing on a slope, the engine is able to keep up with the added resistance that may occur.

You don’t want to attempt to mow at too big of a slope or you run the risk of flipping it, as with any mower.

It has a 2.8 gallon fuel tank so you can fill it with plenty of gasoline for a long runtime. This video gives you a brief look at the Ariens IKON-X

Pros

  • Durable
  • Wide cuts
  • Powerful engine
  • Fast mowing/riding

Cons

  • Very loud mowing

If you have a large, sloped yard, this mower is perfect. It is reliable and works fast. Try it out on your lawn and the hills around it.

Best Premium - Husqvarna MZ61 61

best overall rating Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 61″ cutting deck
  • 27 HP engine
  • 5 gal fuel capacity

The Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP not only lets you mow hills and slopes, it lets you do it without worrying about your safety.

 

It can easily handle hills and it has a hydraulic system that lets the mower handle a lot.

It is perfect for huge lawns or lots as well. The 5 gallon fuel tank means you are at no risk of running out of gas with a full tank no matter the size of the lawn.

Besides that, it has a 61” cutting deck. That is much larger than most cutting decks and speeds up the mowing process greatly.

There is a service reminder meter as well that accurately tells you if and when it is time for some maintenance to be done. Here it is in action

Pros

  • Long runtime
  • Wide cuts speed up job
  • Stable hydraulic system
  • Handles rough terrain

Cons

  • Debris can get caught in the transmission

This mower lets you mow slopes, hills, and rough, dense grass without any trouble. Check it out!

Best Budget - Husqvarna Z254

best overall rating Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 54″ cutting deck
  • 26 HP engine
  • 3.5 gal fuel capacity

Durability is more important than anything when it comes to slopes and hills. The Husqvarna offers it in spades. Not only does it have a solid steel deck, it has a strong frame and chassis that keep it as tough as it is precise.

The 54” cutting deck means less time will be spent going back over spots you already mowed. Not to mention the 26HP engine means you will ride and cut even faster.

The gasoline fuel tank can hold up to 3.6 gallons of fuel, so you can use it for several mowing’s in a row depending on the size of the yard or lot.

This video shows the mower at work

Pros

  • Durable cutting deck
  • Wide, clean cuts
  • Fast mowing and riding
  • Long runtime/high fuel capacity

Cons

  • No headlight like in photo

This mower can mow big, sloped lawns fast and clean. Check it out and see how well it works on your lawn.

Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

best overall rating Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 24 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 61″ cutting deck
  • 24 HP engine
  • 5 gal fuel capacity

This mower can handle hills well, but it can also help you to not make such a mess. It comes with a triple bag collection function.

You can attach a mulching kit as well, although it is not included with the mower.

The 24 HP Kawasaki engine is strong enough to handle slope easily. With a 61” cutting deck, you are looking at wider cuts than you can usually expect from zero turn mowers.

This mower is ideal for big lots. Not just because of the big cutting deck, but also because of the huge 5 gallon fuel tank. That is a lot of gasoline for one mower and means you don’t have to refill it mid mowing.

Check it out in action right here

Pros

  • Triple bag collection function
  • Handles dense grass
  • Long runtime
  • Great for incline/big lawns

Cons

  • Very loud mowing

This mower is perfect if you want some added bagging function. Check it out!

Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

best overall rating Husqvarna Z242F 42 in. 18 HP Kawasaki Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower

Key Specifications

  • 42″ cutting deck
  • 18 HP engine
  • 3.5 gal fuel capacity

This mower can handle slope with class. The engine is powerful and provides 18 HP which is more than enough to deal with hills. The quality of the mowing is not affected by incline, either.

Each cut is 42” wide and is as precise as can be. You get a lot of runtime out of this mower as well. It has a 3.5 gallon fuel tank which gets good mileage out of the gasoline.

The hydrostatic transmission is low maintenance and is able to keep up with changes in terrain and grass density without struggling. Here it is at work

Pros

  • Fast riding/mowing
  • High fuel capacity means long runtime
  • Low maintenance
  • Wide cuts

Cons

  • The levers can be hard to push at times

This mower is well rounded and great for big lawns with some slope in them. Give it a try in your yard.

Snapper 2691402 360z Mower

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 48″ cutting deck
  • 23 HP engine
  • 3 gal fuel capacity

Sometimes, you need a mower for slopes and hills that offer extra benefits as well. That is exactly what the Snapper 360z zero turn mower provides.

Not only is it a well rounded mower with a long runtime, but it comes with a rear cargo bed.

This comes in handy especially if you have a big day of yardwork ahead of you and you need to bring out other yard gear. Besides that, each cut is 48” wide which is plenty wide enough to speed up the job.

You can expect an average runtime because the fuel tank can hold up to 3 gallons of gasoline. If you want to get a good look at what the 360z can do, check out this quick video

Pros

  • Rear cargo bed storage
  • Wide, consistent cuts
  • Smooth riding

Cons

  • Runs quite loudly

The Snapper 360z is a great mower for lawns that are huge and sloped, and if you need extra cargo space. Check it out for yourself.

Troy-Bilt Mustang Fit Riding Lawn Mower with 34-Inch Deck and 452cc Engine

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • 34″ cutting deck
  • 452cc Engine
  • 1.2 gal fuel capacity

What the Troy-Bilt Mustang lacks in fuel capacity, it makes up for in precision and adaptability. It can handle both rough and sloped terrain just as easily as flat ground.

The 452cc engine helps keep the power going strong as it mows on hills and slopes.

The wheels are sturdy and constructed specifically to handle several types of terrain.

That combined with the maneuverability offered by the zero degree turning radius makes this a perfect mower for sloped lots.

This video clearly demonstrates how maneuverable and solid this mower is

Pros

  • Wheels can handle thick grass/bumpy ground
  • Wide, clean cutting deck
  • Powerful engine

Cons

  • Low fuel capacity means shorter runtime

This mower is great for lawns that are rough and sloped. IT does not have a huge fuel capacity, but gets the job done quick due to its cutting path. Try it out on your own lawn and see how well it handles slope.

Best Commercial Zero Turn Mower For Hills and Slopes

Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52' Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series

After much deliberation, our top pick for the best commercial zero turn mower for hills and slopes is the Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series. Not only is it powerful, durable, and sturdy, but it handles slope easily.

Between the powerful engine and the wide 52” cutting deck, the Ariens IKON-X is also a great mower to consider if you want one that will help you finish your day of mowing quickly. Not to mention, the cutting deck is precise as can be.

It is perfect for commercial use because of how quickly you can cover a lot of ground with it. Commercial lots are typically big, and the 2.8 gallon fuel capacity offers more than enough gasoline space for you to mow multiple lawns.

Many commercial lots also have at least a little bit of slope to them. This mower is easy to handle and performs very well in large, commercial lots. No matter where you use it, you can at least expect clean, precise cuts each time.

FAQs

Are all zero turn mowers safe to use on hills and slopes?

No, not necessarily. In fact, many of them should not be used on hills or slopes. Check into what the manufacturer says about the mower in question. Generally speaking, you don’t want to take most zero turn mowers out on hills with a slope over 15 degrees or you run the risk of it possibly flipping over, or worse.

If you are not sure, try to measure the angle of the slope or hill and check the mower specifications.

Is mowing on a hill or slope different than mowing on flat ground?

Yes, it is quite different. When you mow on flat ground using a zero turn mower, you typically are trying to reach high speeds. That is one of the main appeals of zero turn mowers, after all. However, when you are dealing with slopes or hills, you need to slow things down a bit.

Going up or down a slope too fast can be dangerous and can potentially lead to injury.

How do you know if a zero turn mower is for residential use or commercial use?

They are interchangeable, to a certain extent. In general however, people lean toward zero turn mowers with high fuel capacities and very wide cutting decks when looking for one fit for commercial use. A commercial zero turn mower could work at a residence, it just may be overkill.

With that said, commercial zero turn mowers can mow a residential lawn much quicker than a standard riding mower or a push mower, especially.

Is mowing hills and slopes dangerous?

It can be if you do not exercise caution. Look at the slope or hill that you have in mind. If it is at an angle that is clearly too much for your zero turn mower, do not attempt it. It is not worth getting injured. Instead, use a self-propelled or standard push mower and see if it can handle the slope that you have in mind.

Zero turn mowers have many safety measures in place, but injury can still occur if you go at a slope that is at too much of an incline.

 

In the End..

We hope this article would have helped you decide on the right zero-turn lawn mower for hills and slopes. Do share your feedback on these models/queries using the comment box below.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Sharon Martin

Sharon loves to work on power tools and provides handyman services. She is an expert with both wood and metalwork. When free, she loves to hear country music and spend time with her cats.

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