How Safe Is A Zero-Turn Mower on Hills?

People love to use their zero-turn mowers.

Zero-turn mowers are known for how fast they can cut a lawn and how easy they are to turn. They certainly are more maneuverable than a regular riding mower.

While there are many pros to these mowers, there are also cons.

One question often asked is about a zero-turn lawn mower on hills – how safe is it? These mowers are great, but those of us with inclined landscapes may run into challenges while using them. 

Are Zero-Turn Mowers Good on Hills?

Let’s get right to it.

If possible, avoid using a zero-turn lawn mower on hills. These mowers are not designed for inclines higher than 15°, and using them on steep inclines increases the likelihood of them either flipping or rolling over. To guarantee your safety, you should not use a zero-turn lawn mower on hills or wet grass as these both increase the chance of an accident occurring.

Are Zero-Turn Mowers Safe for Use on Hills?

Zero-turn mowers are not the safest option to use on hills.

Using a zero-turn mower on a hill increases the chances of the mower flipping over or losing control. These incidents are partially due to the weight and center of gravity on the machine, and the types of wheels typically found on zero-turn mowers. The front wheels on these mowers have casters, designed for use on a flatter surface. The front wheels are also smaller, which provides less traction. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that around 35,000 riding mower-related injuries were treated in just the years from 2012 to 2014. In the years prior, almost 100 deaths were attributed to riding-mower-related incidents. The most common accidents are the mower tipping over, or someone being run over by the machines.

You Can Use a Zero-Turn Mower on a Hill If You…

While it is advised not to use a zero-turn lawn mower on steeper hills, it is still possible to use with smaller inclines. If this type of mower is your only option, you may still decide to use it on hills, while understanding the risk you are taking. There are steps that users can take to remain as safe as possible while operating a zero-turn mower. 

Mow Slowly

One of the selling points of these mowers is that they can reach speeds double that of other mowers. This speed may be great for flat surfaces, but it can be dangerous when used on an incline. To avoid accidents, do not use a zero-turn mower at full speed when mowing on an incline. Instead, opt for half of the speed, remaining especially slow and careful on turns. 

Start Cutting at the Bottom of the Hill

If possible, bring your mower to the bottom of the hill before you begin mowing. Starting at the bottom of the incline helps maintain more control over the mower. Starting at the top could result in a loss of traction and sliding. Sliding could cause an uneven cut of your grass or an accident. 

When using a zero-turn mower on a hill, start at the bottom, work across the slope from side to side and work your way up.

Only Mow When the Grass Is Dry

If the grass is wet, your mower may have trouble gaining traction on the slick surface. Due to the wheel casters on the front of a zero-turn mower, these machines already have less traction than other lawnmowers. The pairing of poor traction, steep slopes, and slick, wet grass increases the chances of losing control of the lawnmower. 

To avoid accidents caused by this lack of traction, only mow when the grass is dry. 

Take Turns With Care

Again, zero-turn mowers can move at a very fast pace. They can turn quickly at a zero-degree radius, making it possible to mow lawns efficiently and accurately. However, when using a zero-turn mower on a hill, take each turn with care. Slow down as you approach the turn, and carefully rotate the mower in your next direction. 

Pay attention to how stable the machine feels as you turn. If it feels as though the mower may tip, consider approaching that section of grass from a different, safer angle. 

Cut Across The Slope From One Side to the Other

When mowing, cut vertically across the slope from one side to another. This style helps prevent the driver from losing control of the mower. Other concerns would be the mower rolling over. A mower rolling over can result in serious injuries, such as the driver getting crushed under the machine.

Mowing side to side helps distribute the center of gravity, keeping the rider safer and more stable. This also allows the driver to have more control over the front wheels.

For more tips and a visual guide on mowing from one side to the other, watch this YouTube video by American Pride Power. He demonstrates how to keep the front wheels facing forward, and ways to avoid accidents when using a zero-turn mower on steep slopes. If you find your mower sliding downhill, it is safest to turn your mower in the direction you are sliding. This allows you to regain control of the wheels.

Use High-Quality Tires on Your Mower

High-quality tires make a huge difference when driving. Whether you are driving a car, bicycle, or lawnmower, high-quality tires will make a big difference in the control you have over your vehicle. The zero-turn mower’s front tires struggle with traction due to their casters and size. Making sure your tires are high-quality can help alleviate some of these traction issues. 

Have a Mower With ROPS Included

Because the risk of rolling over is high when using a zero-turn mower, it is important to make sure your mower has a rollover protection system (ROPS). These are designed to keep the rider safe in the case of a rollover. Remember, the ROPS can only do its job if the bars are in an upright position when the mower is in use. 

To find the best zero-turn mower option for you, refer to the best zero turn mower article where we review the best models.

When Not To Use a Zero-Turn Mower

It can be tempting to use a zero-turn mower for all of your mowing needs. They are fast, easy to use, and efficient. However, it is highly recommended that you do not use a zero-turn mower on a steep hill or a wet lawn. 

On a Steep Hill

Zero-turn mowers are only suited for hills under 15°, although it is advised to avoid slopes above 10 degrees if at all possible. If the hill you are trying to mow is higher than 15°, opt for a push-mower. These mowers are safer on hills because they are easier to control, less likely to flip over, and the driver does not have to worry about falling off. 

Wet Lawn

Wet lawns make for a slick surface that the wheels of a zero-turn mower may struggle to gain traction on. If the mower cannot gain traction, the driver has less control over the machine which can result in an accident or injury. A zero-turn mower may also slide on a wet lawn, making the grass harder to cut.

If possible, wait until the lawn has completely dried to continue mowing. 

Near Water

It can be dangerous to mow near bodies of water such as ponds or lakes. It is dangerous because the ground is more likely to be unstable or wet, which could result in losing control of your mower. Similar to mowing after rain, the slick, wet surface increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Do not use a zero-turn mower If there is a body of water at the bottom of a hill. If the mower begins to slide, it may end up in the water. This could be dangerous for whoever is driving the mower and could result in costly damages to your zero-turn mower.

ZeroTurn vs. Lawn Tractor, Which Type of Riding Mower Is Better for Hills?

A lawn tractor will have better control than a zero-turn mower when mowing hills. Zero-turn mowers are more likely to slide because their front wheels lack control and the mower is back-heavy. This leads to a potential to flip the front end when going uphill, and no traction to the rear wheels when heading down. A four-wheel drive lawn tractor is the best riding mower option for mowing on a hill. 

To see a comparison of a zero-turn mower vs two types of lawn tractors, watch this video posted by Sloan Implement.

So, Can You Use a Zero-Turn Mower on Hills?

Technically, the answer is yes. You can use a zero-turn lawn mower on hills if you follow all the proper safety procedures. However, we do not recommend it. Zero-turn mowers are best for flat lawns, and using them on hills increases the chances of an accident. If possible, use a different mower, such as one of the best push lawn mowers.

If you have any other questions not addressed in this article, feel free to ask in the comments!