The Best Riding Mowers for Uneven Ground

If your yard has bumps, hills, or rough patches, a basic riding mower might not cut it—literally or figuratively. Mowing uneven ground takes more than horsepower. You need a machine with traction, a sturdy deck, and a frame that can handle dips and slopes without scalping your lawn or throwing you around.

These riding mowers are all built to hold up on uneven terrain and are available now from trusted retailers.

Cub Cadet Enduro XT1 LT42 with IntelliPower

This mower combines comfort, control, and consistent power. The 42-inch stamped deck follows the terrain better than wider decks, and the IntelliPower system helps keep the engine from bogging down in tall or wet grass. It’s got a smooth hydrostatic drive and a tight turning radius, which makes maneuvering around trees or tight corners easier on rough yards.

John Deere S100 42-Inch Lawn Tractor

The S100 has a solid reputation for reliability and handles sloped or uneven ground better than you’d expect for its size. It runs on a 17.5 HP engine and uses a hydrostatic transmission, so there’s no shifting while mowing. The deck floats well over uneven spots, and the frame feels stable, even on hills. For basic residential use, it’s a dependable pick.

Toro TimeCutter 42-Inch Zero Turn

Zero turns are usually better for flat lawns, but the Toro TimeCutter handles rough terrain surprisingly well thanks to its smooth steering and wide rear tires. The 42-inch fabricated deck cuts clean, even on slopes and bumps. It’s not meant for steep hills, but for uneven flatlands with lots of turns and obstacles, this one’s a time-saver.

Craftsman 42-Inch Gas Riding Lawn Mower

Craftsman’s gas mower is a budget-friendly option that still gets the job done on rougher yards. The 42-inch deck offers good coverage without being too bulky, and the mower feels grounded thanks to a well-balanced frame. It’s not the most high-end machine out there, but it cuts clean and holds up well with regular use.

Troy-Bilt TB30B 30-Inch Riding Mower

This smaller mower is a smart choice for tight or uneven areas where a larger deck would bounce or scalp. The compact 30-inch deck hugs the ground better and makes for smoother passes in narrow or sloped areas. It’s easy to store and steer, which makes it a solid pick for folks with tricky layouts and smaller yards.

Cub Cadet CC30H 30-Inch Riding Mower

The CC30H is another great compact option for uneven ground. It’s powered by a 10.5 HP engine and offers a hydrostatic transmission for smoother operation. The smaller deck stays more level on dips and hills, and the mower’s lower center of gravity adds stability. If you want something that’s easy to handle and built to last, this one delivers.

EGO Power+ 42-Inch Z6 Zero Turn

For a battery-powered option, the EGO Z6 stands out. It’s got the torque of a gas engine but runs quiet and clean. With a 42-inch deck and multiple driving modes, it adapts well to changing terrain. The suspension seat helps smooth out the ride over uneven areas, and you’ll get a solid runtime on one charge—plus it charges faster than most.

Husqvarna TS 142

Husqvarna built this one for comfort and control. The 42-inch deck is wide enough for good coverage, but not so big it gets caught up on uneven patches. The hydrostatic transmission is responsive, and the oversized rear tires give it better grip and stability on hills or dips. It’s a great balance of price and durability for residential use.

Ryobi 48V 38-Inch Electric Riding Mower (RY48111)

This battery-powered mower is quiet, clean, and surprisingly capable on bumpy yards. It’s got a steel deck, cruise control, and LED headlights if you’re mowing late. The smaller 38-inch size helps it stay even across dips and ruts. If you’re trying to avoid gas but still want a dependable ride, this is a strong option.

Acreage Tow-Behind Rough Cut Mower

If your uneven ground is more “pasture” than “yard,” this tow-behind rough cut mower might be the way to go. It’s built to handle heavy brush, uneven terrain, and thick grass. You’ll need an ATV or tractor to pull it, but it’s made for the jobs that would destroy a standard mower. Ideal for large, rugged properties.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.