Last Updated on January 18, 2023 by Urska
Choosing to buy steep hill mowers is not an easy thing as there are enough options in the market that one cannot tell if they are fit.
A hilly lawn can be beautiful but it needs more work when it comes to mowing. You can easily find yourself cursing when it’s time for mowing your steep lawn.
But because it’s yours and you love it, you won’t leave it alone to get untidy. You don’t have to worry about mowing at all because if you have the right tool, you will get the work done with ease.
Most lawn mowers can mow an inclination of 15 degrees. Ride-on mowers are the best zero-turn mowers for hills because they cope perfectly with slopes and mow fast. Walk-behind mowers are quieter, cheaper, and easier to maneuver.
Most people do not understand how to mow a steep hill but with this article, we will educate you on how to do it easily. The first step to mowing a steep lawn easily is by getting the right mower. You will need to consider various aspects like a strong, reliable, and light lawnmower. Also, look for one that is self-propelling, and has a good cutting height adjustment that makes mowing steep hills easier.
What Types Of Steep Hill Mowers Are Suitable?
Before you make up your mind to acquire a new mower, you need to know your lawn’s terrain. Is it very hilly? Rugged? Loaded with obstacles? Once you establish this, you will be in a better position to pick the right mower.
With the right mower, pushing a mower uphill or controlling it downhill will be quite easy with less effort. Some of the steep hill mowers recommended by experts include:
- Riding Mowers. These mowers have a higher risk of tipping over but you will need to get one that has larger rear wheels to enhance good traction. When using this kind of mower, mow the ground when it is dry as most of them do not do well on slippery grounds.
- Zero-turn Mowers. These mowers are characterized by their ability to make a zero-turn degree using hydraulic speed. This means that this machine can turn inside its own trajectory. These mowers are quite effective on larger lawns just like other riding mowers. What makes these ones distinct is the independent power on their rear wheels. Two handles power this machine while acting as the brakes.
- Walk-behind Mowers. These are voted the safest when it comes to mowing hilly areas compared to the riding mowers. The standers provide you with the flexibility of positioning your weight properly. They are better on hills as they require you to press the navigation buttons to maneuver the mower and prevent it from going out of control.
What To Look For In Steep Hillside Mowers
Hilly terrain is beautiful but can be dangerous when mowing. Keep in mind these factors when shopping for a hilly yard lawnmower.
- Rear-wheel Drive. This provides good traction on hills compared to an all-wheel drive or a front-wheel drive. Traction is enhanced by the rear-wheel-drive and good quality tires, and don’t even think about comprising on this important feature.
- Deck Size. The width of the deck determines how easily you can maneuver a hilly terrain. For example, an open yard can be done easily with a deck of 42 to 54 inches. This is not ideal for a narrow ditch or several obstacles because a wide deck is never good at maneuvering around obstacles. The bigger the deck the more it cuts making it more efficient.
- Ease Of Operation. Some mowers can be complicated and difficult to use or operate. Consider features that are friendly to use for everybody, which makes it easy and convenient to work with. An easy-to-control machine has the advantage of serving you for longer because you will not damage it unknowingly.
- Lightweight. A heavy mower can be strenuous to push and pull around a large hilly terrain for long. This is because they use your effort. Go for powerful engines that are housed in light mowers.
A List Of Steep Hillside Mower Reviews
We have prepared a list of hilly mowers that you can choose from when looking to buy one. We may not cover your favorite brand or model but these are just to show you what kind of features to look for. All the mowers in this list are available on Amazon at affordable rates.
GREENWORKS PRO 21” 80V
GREENWORKS is one of the best self-propelled mowers for hilly areas in the market today. This brand comes with top-notch features; it is long-lasting, quiet on operation, extremely powerful, and durable.
This machine might be just the one you need! It has straightforward handling, easy to turn around, and lightweight. Changing the bag is easy and its maintenance is little. It runs on a battery with no environmental pollution and it stores power very well. It is easy to operate even for a newbie.
The only maintenance required is sharpening the blade occasionally. This self-propelled mower is able to suit your needs perfectly. If you are sick and tired of the heavy, noisy, smelly, and bothersome mower, consider the GREENWORKS Pro. This machine is a game-changer!
Pros
- The batteries last longer
- It is powerful and durable
- Has compact storage
- Cordless, self-propelled, cuts very well
- Very quiet when in performance
- Easy to install
Cons
- Has plastic handles on the height adjusters
GREAT STATES Reel Lawn Mower
This lawnmower is popular due to its efficiency on modest-sized to bigger lawns. It boasts a classic design but the focus is on its performance. It has exceptionally sharp and long-lasting heat-treated blades that give a clean cut. It delivers high-quality precise cuts like no other mower.
Operating this mower is very easy even for a newbie. But if your grass is too long, you might have to push and pull it a lot to make the lawn look all nice. Be sure to remove any twigs or branches or any obstacles on your lawn before mowing.
This mower gets the job done well and provides clean cuts. It is super simple to push and fairly lightweight. It has a high performance even more than other big brands and you can save space in your store by hanging it on the wall.
This self-propelled mower makes it a fun experience to mow your hilly lawn making it less of a chore. It doesn’t cost you anything to mow your lawn except some energy from your body. And a good meal should be able to help you wonderfully push it around.
Pros
- Zero maintenance
- Compact and lightweight
- Environmentally friendly
- Convenient storage
- Affordable price
- Made of durable materials
Cons
- Can be a little tricky to put it together
- Is not always great at dealing with thick long grass.
GREENWORKS G-MAX 20” Cordless Mower
This mower is a rare one because of the kind of features it has. It comes with a standard sharp blade that cuts evenly mulching in an incredible way. It is battery-powered but has what it takes to combine sturdiness and fantastic mowing quality. It is lightweight and offers easy maneuverability.
Assembling this machine is easy as well as moving it around. It is built to last and works very well on all types of slopes. It also cuts any height of grass with precision and ease. It requires zero maintenance just make sure you use it on dry grass. Ensure you sharpen the blades and keep the batteries of the machines charged.
It is a quiet mower offering precision cutting and mulching and it comes with 2 batteries. It is as awesome as the gas-powered ones but a lot quieter within its class.
Pros
- It’s sturdy and overall reliable
- Offers excellent cutting quality
- Is battery powered
- Has a longer battery life
- Can work medium to large yards
- Bagging is easy and fast
- Does not pollute the environment
Cons
- Costs a little more
Final Thoughts – Mower For Hills
We definitely have not reviewed every mower in the market but the few we have looked at a good start. If you aim to own a mower for sloppy gardens, traction and control are the main features you should focus on when seeking the right mower.
This along with other standard features will deliver a clean result and provide ultimate safety. The best lawn steep hill mower should have the following features:
- Lightweight build
- Smooth speed changes
- Traction tires
- Powerful engine
- Maneuverability
- Even weight distribution to prevent it from flipping over
Mowing hilly lawns can be a risky affair however if you exercise the right kind of safety precautions you will be fine. A self-propelled walk-behind is the best lawn mower for hilly areas bit you can even use ride-on with caution.
Always mow from side to side if you are using a walk-behind or up and down in a single direction if using a ride-on.
It is important to note that the flip on a ride-on can cause serious accidents if not used with caution. Therefore, always keep to the mowing instructions.
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing the best mower for me?
The first thing to consider is the direction of the slope. If you're going downhill, you're not going to want to mow with a high cutting height.
Mowing with a low cutting height gives you more control over the mower and cuts more grass in less time. If you are going uphill, you may want to mow with a higher cutting height. This way, you'll be able to cover more ground with less effort and have better control of the mower.
It’s important to know which brand will work best for your needs and wants. There are so many options out there to choose from, but you need to make sure that you get the best quality. Below, we have listed the most popular brands of lawn mowers to help you choose the right one for your needs.
If you have a steep hill in your yard, there are several things to consider before you make the purchase. Steep hills can be hard on lawn mowers, and the amount of effort it takes to cut up a hill is more than just pushing a button. A properly equipped lawn mower with the right attachments will make your life easier, and allow you to enjoy your yard without the hassle of climbing a steep hill!
When you’re looking for a new lawn mower, consider these tips before making your final decision. What type of grass will you be cutting? A good first step is to determine what type of grass you’ll be cutting. There are many different types of grasses, each with their own characteristics. Some grasses need to be cut less frequently than others, while others grow quickly. If you’re not sure which type of grass you want, try asking your local lawn care service.
What to use to mow steep hills?
There are two basic approaches. You can use a powered walk-behind mower. This is the most common approach, and will work well for many situations. However, you will be limited by the amount of power that it can generate (i.e., the engine size), and you will need to have a relatively flat lawn to get a good cut. You can use a riding mower.
A riding mower has an engine that is mounted on the frame of the vehicle. This type of mower has a wide range of power output, but you do not have the option of getting out and walking behind it. You also have to deal with a steep incline or decline to get the mower into position. It is typically more expensive than a walk-behind mower.
What are some of the best mower models for steep hills?
The mantis will get you going up hills but the torque on the mantis is a bit stronger than the tr-10. The mantis will also throw a bit harder. The mantis has a bigger engine so it will also be heavier. The tr-10 is an all around great machine. It will climb steep hills better than any other machine I know of.
What's the easiest type of mower to use for steep hills?
If you live in an area where you have a lot of steep hills, the walk-behind mower is a good choice, as it is lighter than the push or ride-on mower.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
