Generally speaking, Zero Turn Mowers are not the most effective at mowing a hill or rough terrain.
Because they are so low to the ground, this can lead to the mower tearing up the grass as you mow.
However, that doesn’t mean a Zero Turn Mower can’t handle a bit of a slope.
Approximately 15 degrees is the steepest slope a Zero Turn Mower is going to handle!
Are Zero Turn Mowers Good On Hills?
Typically, zero turn mowers are not well suited for hilly terrain.
In fact, they are limited to mowing a slope of 15 degrees maximum.
Going past 15 degrees, there is the potential of tearing up the grass! Even with a slight slope, mutiple times, you will want to be cautious.
If you have a yard that contains plenty of hills and/or rough terrain, a high-wheel lawn mower will be a better fit!
What Are Zero Turn Mowers Good For?
Above all, Zero Turn Motors are made for speed and precision.
They cut so close to obstacles that there’s almost no need to use a trimmer, thus making yard care more efficient and easier.
So, are Zero Turn mowers good on slopes? What are they good for?
Learn more below!
Avoiding Obstacles
Above all else, Zero Turn lawnmowers are great at maneuvering around objects.
Since the mower (and blades) are designed with the front of the machine in mind, you can get extremely close to objects without even bumping them (within reason).
This is particularly helpful for objects like yard ornaments!
A Close Cut
Above all else, Zero Turn lawnmowers are great at maneuvering around objects.
Since the mower (and blades) are designed with the front of the machine in mind, you can get extremely close to objects without even bumping them (within reason).
This is particularly helpful for objects like yard ornaments!
Large Areas (Speed)
With zero turn mowers, you get accuracy along with speed.
This makes them perfect for mowing larger lawns.
Most lawnmowers have a top speed of about 4 MPH or so, while many zero turn mowers can mow at up to 8 MPH. Mowing is fast work!
Weed-Whacking (Made Easier)
Since they are so accurate and low to the ground, the Zero Turn Mowers excel in getting to weeds or grass.
This means you’ll have to do less weed-whacking ever.
How to Use a Zero Turn Mower on a Hill
If a hill is small enough – a 15 degree incline or less – you should be able to tackle it with your Zero Turn Mower.
It is not advisable to attempt hills bigger than this, as the low-down blades will most likely rip up the grass.
With a Zero Turn Mower, a large, mostly-flat, area is the goal.
If you are so adamant about mowing a larger hill with your Zero Turn Mower, at least ensure that your blades are sharp and that your tires are full.
This will make it a bit easier. Although, you might just need luck with an incline over 15 degrees!
For a hilly yard, a high-wheel mower will do much better!
How to Maintain a Zero Turn Mower
Like every lawnmower, it is important to properly maintain your Zero Turn Mower!
This means keeping it out of the sunlight when parked and, preferably, in a cool and dry area.
Additionally, it’s better for almost any type of lawnmower to have a full tank of gas when putting it away!
Keeping the blades sharp is the next most important thing. The blades certainly will need to be sharpened and possibly replaced as well. Therefore, you should always check that the blades are sharp.
If they are not sharp, you risk tearing the grass (not cutting it neatly).
The good news is if you avoid hills, keep the blades sharp, you will get along just fine preserving your grass!
How to Work a Zero Turn Mower
Luckily, working a Zero Turn lawnmower couldn’t be simpler.
See the 4 steps below!
1. Release the Choke (and/or Brake)
The initial step for operating a Zero Turn mower is to locate and release the brake (and/or choke).
The location of the brake is specific to each mower; it is typically visible at the front of the driver.
Clearly, if you want to start moving, you will need to disengage that!
2. Push Levers to Go Forward
You’re operating your Zero Turn Mower with two free moving levers, one on each side of you.
To travel straight, push both levers forward together, and the further you push, the quicker you will go.
Did you know? Zero Turn mowers can go up to 8 MPH!
3. Pull Levers to Go Back
So, you push the levers to go ahead.
How do you go back?
All you have to do is pull the levers back!
When doing this, make sure to do so carefully, as there may be obstacles.
This is a fast, and super responsive lawn mower!
4. Turn By Pushing/Pulling Just One Lever
One of the best features of a Zero-Turn mower is that it is capable of turning on a dime.
All you have to do is push or pull one lever to turn the mower.
Just be sure you can use the levers properly, and your mower will respond quickly to a push or pull of a lever!
Final Thoughts
If you have been sitting there asking yourself, “Are zero turn lawn mowers good for mowing on hills?” Well, you finally have that answer!
Simply put, zero-turn lawn mowers were not designed for hills and do not do well when the incline is over 15 degrees.
But if you are mowing at speed and precision (on relatively flat surfaces), a zero-turn mower will do the job!