Best Lawn Mowers For Hills And Inclines (2024)
Ever feel like you’re in a real-life game of King of the Hill with your lawn mower when it comes to tackling those steep inclines?
If you’ve ever tried to mow a hilly backyard, you’ll know it’s like doing the cha-cha with a feisty partner — one wrong move and it’s downhill from there, literally!
As your landscape-loving, slope-scaling compadre, I’ve wrangled more than my fair share of challenging terrains, and I’m ready to share the goods.
We’re talking top-tier mowers that can handle the highs and lows of your backyard like seasoned alpine pros.
We’re gonna dive deep into the best lawn mowers for hills that’ll turn your mountainous mowing into a breezy hillside jaunt.
By the time we’re done here, you’ll be ready to tackle those inclines with a mower that won’t bail at the sight of a steep slope.
Best Lawn Mowers for Hills
We’ve done the research to bring you the best lawn mowers designed to tackle hills and uneven terrain, providing superior performance and an effortless mowing experience.
Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
For an efficient and powerful lawn mower with the convenience of cordless operation, we highly recommend the Greenworks Pro 80V.
Pros
- Impressive gas-like performance
- Multiple batteries for continuous run-time
- Quiet operation with a brushless motor
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 79.5 pounds
- Battery life may vary depending on grass condition
- Not self-propelled
Our experience with the Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower was overwhelmingly positive.
This mower is designed for durability and heavy-duty jobs, and it truly delivers the power and performance of a 160cc gas engine.
We were able to tackle hills with ease, and the brushless motor operates quietly for a more pleasant mowing experience.
The Greenworks Pro 80V offers a 5-position height adjustment, making it versatile for various lawn conditions.
Its 3-in-1 design allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharging, which we found incredibly useful.
We appreciated the convenience of having a maintenance-free lawn mower that doesn’t require gas or oil.
However, we should note that this mower is a bit heavy at 79.5 pounds, which may not suit everyone.
Additionally, while the two included batteries are designed to provide up to 60 minutes of run-time, actual battery life may vary depending on grass conditions and user technique.
Finally, this model is not self-propelled, so it may require a bit more pushing effort on steeper hills.
Overall, the Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is an awesome choice for those seeking a powerful, efficient, and versatile mower for hills.
The combination of its performance and convenience, in addition to being environmentally friendly, makes it a worthwhile investment for lawn care enthusiasts.
Worx WG743 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
This cordless lawn mower is ideal for tackling hills with efficiency and ease, making it a valuable addition to your lawn care routine.
Pros
- Quiet and efficient battery operation
- 6 adjustable cutting heights
- Powerful Intellicut technology for thicker grass
Cons
- Limited to 1/8 acre per charge
- Takes up to 2 hours for battery to fully charge
- Plastic construction may affect durability
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Worx WG743 40V Cordless Lawn Mower and found several remarkable features worth sharing.
The battery-powered operation was not only quiet but also far more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered mowers.
This lawn mower made quick work of hills, thanks to its powerful 40V performance and patented Intellicut technology that adds torque on demand for thicker grass.
Adjusting the cutting height was effortless with the single-lever control.
We could easily switch between six height positions ranging from 1.5”-4.0”, accommodating various grass conditions and personal preferences.
The Worx mower cut smoothly along the edges of fences and other landscape features, reducing the need for additional trimming.
However, there are a few downsides to consider.
The mower can only cover up to 1/8 acre per charge, which may be limiting for those with larger lawns.
Recharging the batteries takes about 2 hours, so it might not be ideal for those short on time.
Additionally, the plastic construction could raise concerns about long-term durability, especially when compared to more robust metal options.
That said, the Worx WG743 40V Cordless Lawn Mower presents an excellent option for homeowners with smaller yards and hills, seeking a quiet, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution to their lawn care needs.
Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower
The Great States 415-16 Reel Mower is the perfect eco-friendly choice for those seeking a clean, efficient, and quiet lawn mowing experience on hilly terrain.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially on hills
- Quiet operation without gas or oil needed
- High-quality heat-treated alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
Cons
- Manual push mower requires physical effort
- May struggle with taller, thicker grass
- Not suitable for very large lawns
The Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower provided us with a satisfying and relatively effortless mowing experience on hilly areas due to its lightweight design and large 10-inch composite wheels.
We appreciated how quiet this lawn mower operated, making it possible to mow at any time without disturbing our neighbors.
The heat-treated alloy steel blades are of high quality and maintained their sharpness after multiple uses, delivering a clean and even cut.
However, this manual push mower does require some physical effort, especially when mowing uphill.
While we didn’t find it too challenging, it’s worth considering if you prefer a mower that doesn’t require manual pushing.
We also noticed that the mower struggled a bit with taller, thicker grass, so make sure to maintain a regular mowing schedule to avoid overgrown lawns.
The Great States 16-Inch Reel Mower is an excellent option for those with smaller hilly lawns seeking an eco-friendly, quiet, and efficient lawn mower without the need for gas or oil.
Just be prepared for some physical effort and regular mowing to keep your lawn in the best condition.
EGO Power+ LM2130SP 21-Inch Lawn Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2130SP is a strong contender for those seeking a powerful, versatile, and eco-friendly lawn mower for hilly terrains.
Pros
- Powerful brushless motor
- Touch Drive self-propelled technology
- Select Cut multi-blade system
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- May require more frequent charging with older batteries
- Right wheels may leave a trail of grass clippings
We recently got our hands on the EGO Power+ LM2130SP lawn mower, and we were impressed by its high-efficiency brushless motor.
It delivers an impressive performance that rivals gas-powered mowers, while also being environmentally friendly thanks to its battery-powered system.
Navigating on hills was easier than ever, thanks to the Touch Drive self-propelled technology.
With the ability to control the variable speed through a conveniently placed dial, maneuvering the mower up and down slopes was a breeze.
One of the standout features of this mower is the Select Cut multi-blade system, which offers both premium mulching and bagging options.
We were able to easily switch between the two interchangeable lower blades for different cutting needs.
The quality of the cut is truly remarkable – it looks as good as, if not better than some high-end gas mowers we’ve tried.
However, there are a few downsides to consider.
First and foremost, this specific model does not include the battery and charger, which means an additional purchase is necessary.
Additionally, we noticed that using an older battery might cause more frequent charging than desired.
Lastly, some users have reported grass trails being left behind by the right wheels of the mower.
That being said, the EGO Power+ LM2130SP is still an excellent option for anyone in search of a powerful and versatile lawn mower for hilly terrain.
Its premium features, environmentally friendly design, and overall performance make it a top choice for tackling hills with ease.
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, 3-in-1
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 electric lawn mower is perfect for those with small yards and looking for a versatile, lightweight option.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: mower, trimmer, and edger
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Infinite runtime with corded power
Cons
- Must deal with cord management
- Not ideal for larger lawns
- Limited cutting height range
Our experience with the BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower was a positive one, as it tackled the hills and tight spaces in our small yard with ease.
The 3-in-1 functionality allowed us to switch between mowing, trimming, and edging without the need for multiple tools, saving us time and effort.
The lightweight design of the mower made it easy to maneuver on uneven terrain and inclines, while the built-in cord retention system prevented accidental disconnections.
However, having to manage the cord while mowing can be a bit inconvenient and may limit your range.
One drawback of this mower is its limited cutting height range, with a maximum of 1.6 inches.
This might not work well for those who prefer a longer grass length.
Nevertheless, the mower efficiently handled smaller yards, borders, sidewalks, and flower beds as promised.
If you have a small lawn with hills and tight spaces, the BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, 3-in-1 is a practical and versatile choice.
Its lightweight design and functionality make it an excellent addition to your lawn care routine.
What To Consider About Lawn Mowers For Hills
When looking for the best lawn mower for hills, there are several factors to consider.
In order to help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a straightforward buying guide.
Stability and Traction
A major concern when mowing hills is the stability and traction of your lawn mower.
Look for a mower with a low center of gravity and wide tires, as these features will help to prevent tipping and ensure strong, consistent traction on slopes.
Engine Power
For tackling hills, a powerful engine is essential.
We recommend choosing a mower with at least 190cc engine power, as it helps to maneuver on steep slopes and cut through thick grass easily.
Cutting Width and Adjustability
To efficiently mow a hill, it’s important to have a lawn mower with a wider cutting width.
A wider cutting width reduces the number of passes needed, making the task quicker and easier.
Additionally, be sure the mower you choose offers adjustable height settings that are easy to modify; this will ensure optimal cutting according to the terrain and grass height.
Drive System
A self-propelled lawn mower with variable speed options will dramatically ease the challenge of mowing hills.
We suggest selecting a mower equipped with a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive system to ensure optimal maneuverability and handling on slopes.
Safety Features
Hill mowing can be more dangerous than flat terrain mowing, so it’s essential to prioritize safety features when selecting a lawn mower.
Look for mowers with blade brake systems, which stop the blade from spinning when the handle is released, as well as those with a safety start mechanism that prevents accidental starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top riding mowers for steep inclines?
When it comes to steep inclines, we recommend the following riding mowers: the Husqvarna YTH24V54, the John Deere E180, and the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro Series.
These mowers have powerful engines, good traction, and durable components to handle slopes efficiently.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding safe slope angles.
Which self-propelled mowers excel on hilly terrain?
For hilly terrain, consider self-propelled mowers like the Honda HRX217K5VKA, the Toro Super Recycler, or the EGO Power+ LM2135SP.
These mowers offer reliable power, adjustable speeds, and sturdy construction to tackle slopes with ease.
How do zero turn mowers perform on slopes?
Zero-turn mowers generally perform well on slopes up to 15 degrees, depending on the specific model.
They provide excellent maneuverability and faster mowing times for large lawns.
However, they may lack the stability and traction needed for steeper terrains.
It’s crucial to check with the manufacturer before operating a zero-turn mower on inclines.
Which mowers are suitable for a 45-degree incline?
For a 45-degree incline, we recommend walk-behind mowers with specialized traction features.
The Honda HRC216HXA, the Toro ProLine HDX, and the Exmark Turf Tracer S-Series are suitable for handling extreme slopes.
Keep in mind that working on such steep inclines can be hazardous, and you should always follow safety precautions.
How do stand-on mowers compare on hills?
Stand-on mowers offer good performance on hills, combining the power and maneuverability of larger mowers with better visibility for the operator.
Examples of quality stand-on mowers include the Toro GrandStand, the Wright Stander X, and the Scag V-Ride II.
As with other mower types, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for slope compatibility before use.
