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Made to take on any type of lawn and come out winning, the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain ensure your success no matter what. With unique qualities that are made for the job – like extra large wheels, tank-like durability and roaring engines – they’ll give you a gorgeous looking lawn, all while keeping you safe and comfortable.
Even though we’ve already listed our personal picks for the best riding lawn mowers, the ones on this list have shown test after test that they’re a step above the competition by absolutely decimating hills, no matter how steep they are, while always giving beautiful results and a safe experience. Let’s take a look!
Best Riding Lawn Mowers for Rough Terrain Reviewed
These are our in-depth reviews of the models that are, in our opinion, the best lawn mowers for rough terrain, letting you know exactly what each one has to offer and which one’s perfect for you.
Swisher ZTR2766BS Response 27 HP 66-Inch B&S ZTR Mower
The Swisher ZTR2766BS Response is built for durability and delivers reliable performance. The lawn mower features a 27 hp Briggs & Stratton engine and a big 66-inch cutting deck, which can tackle a medium-sized yard in around 30 minutes. With the widest cutting deck and 3 Gator blades, the lawn mower is a beast with mulching capabilities too. The best part is that you can get this superior performance and features at a very attractive price.
Features
- 27 hp Briggs & Stratton engine
- 66-inch cutting deck
- 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck
- Hydro-gear 2800 transmissions
- Ogura clutch
- Foot-assisted deck lift
Pros
- Extremely responsive controls
- Cutting deck is impressively large
- Incredibly powerful performance
- ROPS (roll-over protection system) kit included
- Built to last a lifetime of heavy-duty use
Cons
- Very large, needs adequately large storage
Husqvarna MZ61 61 in. 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna MZ61 is a workhorse built to withstand rugged conditions and rough terrains. It is an excellent option, especially if you are into professional landscaping. The 61-inch cutting deck allows you to mow large yards very quickly and efficiently. The 27 hp engine is reliable and provides the power you need to cut grass. The Husqvarna MZ61 is designed to offer comfort, especially when you’re using it for several hours at a stretch.
Features
- 27 hp Briggs and Stratton Endurance V-Twin engine
- 11-gauge fabricated steel cutting deck
- 61-inch wide cutting deck
- Hydrostatic Gear Transmission
- Pedal-Assisted Cutting Deck Lift
- 3-blade cutting system
Pros
- Solid and durable cutting deck
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- The downhill traction of the lawn mower can be better
ARIENS COMPANY APEX 60 Lawn Tractor, Zero Turn Radius, 25-HP Engine 991157
The Ariens APEX is a fantastic lawn mower for hills and an excellent machine in general – especially for the price. It can be controlled very easily, thanks to the great handling system, and the super comfortable seating coupled with the large wheels ensure that you always work comfortably on rough ground. The potent 25 hp engine allows you to not only cut any type of grass very easily but it also gives you more than enough speed to get any mowing task done quickly. The low center of gravity of the lawn mower offers excellent stability and maneuverability and makes it very easy to maneuver accurately while the nearly indestructible body ensures it lasts a lifetime. The features, riding comfort, performance and its top quality makes the Ariens APEX, in our view, an excellent value buy.
Features
- 25 hp engine
- 60-inch wide cutting deck
- 5-gallon fuel capacity
- Hydro-Gear ZT3100 transmission
- Extra-comfortable seating
- Famous “indestructible” design
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Great potency and width makes quick work out of large lawns
- Easily maneuvered and very responsive
- Extra-durable construction
- Incredibly comfortable
- Excellent amount of bang for the buck
Cons
- Needs regular maintenance
Husqvarna Z254 54 in. 26 HP Kohler Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower
The Husqvarna Z254 with its 26 hp engine and 54-inch cutting deck is a great option and works very well for rough terrain lawn mowing. The lawn mower has great safety features to protect you when you’re working on rough ground. The lawn mower features the Air Induction mowing technology that delivers an excellent cut and the cutting deck made from stamped steel offers great durability.
Features
- 26 hp Kohler engine
- 54-inch wide cutting deck
- Reinforced steel stamped cutting deck
- Spring-assisted deck lifting
- Air induction mowing technology
- Park brake system
Pros
- Powerful engine delivers sufficient torque
- Compact build
- Suitable for heavy-duty usage
- Delivers efficient performance
Cons
- The engine can be a bit noisy
- You need to buy the mulching kit and bagger attachment separately
Ariens 915223 IKON-X 52″ Zero Turn Mower 23hp Kawasaki FR691 Series
The Ariens 915223 IKON-X is a powerful zero-turn lawn mower. The design and engine of the mower enable it to perform very well even on rough terrain. The adjustable controls of the mower allow you to cut grass at different heights. The 52-inch cutting deck of the Ariens 915223 IKON-X delivers excellent performance and the padded high-back seat with armrests provide a lot of comfort. Overall, I recommend the Ariens 915223 IKON-X as one of the best lawn mowers for rough terrain – based on my experience – because of its robust design.
Features
- 23 hp 726 cc Kawasaki V-Twin engine
- 52-inch cutting deck
- 10-gauge tubular steel frame
- 4-point dual arm deck hanging system
- Padded high-back seat with armrests and padded control levers
- 3-year warranty
- Not for sale in California
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to ride
- Steel frame body of mower is quite durable
Cons
- Quite noisy
- A bit on the heavier side
Husqvarna TS354XD (54″) 26HP Kohler Lawn Tractor 960430290
Next on my list is the Husqvarna TS354XD Yard Tractor, which has great features and delivers powerful performance too. The lawn mower features a robust Kohler engine and the hydrostatic pedal transmission ensures a smooth ride on rough terrains. The Husqvarna TS354XD also has a nice cruise control feature; however, you may not want to use it when working on rough terrain or while you’re landscaping. Nevertheless, it’s a great feature to have when you’re working on flat ground. The compact build, the excellent ergonomic features and fair price make the Husqvarna TS354XD Yard Tractor a truly great buy and, in my opinion, one of the best lawn tractors on the market in general.
Features
- 26 hp Kohler engine
- 54-inch cutting deck
- Hydrostatic Pedal Transmission
- Electric Blade Engagement
- Cruise Control
- Extra-comfortable seating
Pros
- Stunningly potent
- Impressively wide mowing deck
- Compact and lightweight, yet it is quite powerful
- Adjustable seat with the armrests is highly comfortable
Cons
- Adjusting the height can be quite a hassle
- Spindles are made of aluminum and not of cast iron
Troy-Bilt Mustang 54 25HP 54-Inch Zero-Turn Mower
Featuring a 25 hp engine, the popular Troy-Bilt Mustang delivers excellent cutting performance and maneuverability at an especially affordable price. The 54-inch wide cutting deck and peppy engine, along with the rugged wheels, make the Mustang suitable for not only flat lawns but also for rougher terrain. It’s ruggedly constructed, comfortable to ride and above all delivers great cuts. The Mustang is available at an affordable price, which makes it suitable especially if you are on a budget.
Features
- 25 HP Briggs & Stratton Intek Twin Cylinder Engine
- 54-inch cutting width
- Steel frame and rugged construction
- Comfortable seating
- Hydrostatic transmission
Pros
- Rugged construction quality
- Great power and performance for the price
- Beautifully even cuts
Cons
- May not be very effective on steeper slopes
- The deck may feel a bit flimsy at the bottom
Husqvarna YTA24V48 24V Fast Continuously Variable Transmission Pedal Tractor Mower, 48″/Twin
Next on my list of the best lawn mowers for rough terrain is the ever-dependable Husqvarna YTA24V48, which is excellent for use on hilly and rough terrain, as well for use on a regular yard. The lawn mower features a Briggs & Stratton engine, hydrostatic transmission and cruise control. The 42-inch cutting deck ensures that you get effective and fast performance. Equipped with two steel cutting blades, the Husqvarna YTA24V48 is capable of cutting grass to perfection.
Features
- 24 hp Briggs & Stratton engine
- 48-inch cutting deck
- 3 gallons fuel tank
- FAST auto transmission
- Choke-less start, electric clutch, charging port
- Air Induction mowing technology
- Spring-assisted deck lever
- 3-year limited warranty, 5-year warranty on frame or chassis and front axle, and 10-year cutting deck consumer warranty
Pros
- Great potency and performance especially for the price
- The Air Induction mowing technology ensures that you get a consistent cut every time by improving the airflow within the deck
- Deck lever is spring assisted which allows easy operation
Cons
- Adjusting the height can be fairly difficult
- Needs a lot of maintenance
Conclusion
With tailor-made features that are made to take on any type of lawn, these truly are, in my opinion, the best riding lawn mowers for rough terrain. They’ll not only ensure excellent results but also keep you safe at all times.
Thanks for reading and as always, have a great day!