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8 Best Lawn Mowers for Hills in 2024: Choosing the Right One

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by Bryan Mckenzie

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Hilly lawn areas are appealing aesthetics-wise. However, unlike plains, they’re such a challenge to mow. That’s where the right equipment comes into play. If you stick with the best lawn mower for hills, this will ease the task significantly. In this post, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite models and elaborated on what you need to know prior to making a purchase.

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While there are mowers specifically designed for mowing steep hills, their price tag is usually astronomical. Fortunately, if your hilly lawn is only moderately steep, getting the job done on a realistic budget is more than possible. All you gotta do is choose the right lawn mower for hilly terrain and finally enjoy your beautiful but high-maintenance garden.

8 Best Hillside Mowers: Reviews & Buying Guide

Before purchasing the best hill lawnmower for your needs, it’s vital to take into account an array of factors, such as its size, engine power, and overall safety. Here in this post, I’m going to assist you in choosing the best lawn mower for steep slopes that’s durable, easy to move around, and reasonably priced. Today, I will share a few hill-friendly mower tips and specifications on how to mow safely on slopes. Read on if you’re ready to conquer your bumpy yard or lawn with the best steep hill mower.

1. Greenworks Pro 21″ 80V — My Top Pick Cordless Mower 4.4/5 

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After testing and evaluating dozens of steep slope mowers, I can say that GreenWorks Pro is the best self propelled mower for hills on the market. Top-notch features, a breeze to operate, extremely powerful, durable, long-lasting, and quiet, this beast of a mower might be exactly what you need. And it won’t take up too much storage space in your shed.

This smooth hillside mower was created with straightforward handling and longevity in mind. It’s lightweight, easy to turn around, and changing the bag is ridiculously effortless. Little to no maintenance, no gas or oil runs, no fumes, solid battery life — and the perks don’t end there. GreenWorks Pro is so easy to operate that even my grandma could do it!

While using this solid mower, you will still hear the birds sing in your garden, and the only thing that will make you cough will be pollen, not tiredness. The machine stores so nicely, especially compared to a gas mower. And the only maintenance required is occasional blade sharpening (once per season is more than enough).

Of course, if you’re searching for the cheapest possible option, then go gas. But if you need the best electric hill mower, the GreenWorks Pro 80V MO80L510 21-Inch self-propelled mower might suit your needs perfectly. So if you’re sick of your old, heavy, noisy, smelly, and bothersome mower, consider purchasing GreenWorks Pro. It’s a game changer.

ADVANTAGES
  • Powerful and durable;
  • Easy to install and move around;
  • Cordless, self-propelled, quiet, and cuts very well;
  • Compact storage;
  • Batteries last as long as advertised.
DRAWBACKS
  • Plastic handles on the height adjusters.

2. Snapper XD Electric Cordless Mower: a True Find for the Homeowner 4.2/5 

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If you’re on the fence about purchasing this excellent mower, I’ve tested it, and here’s my review. I know a lot of you might be skeptical about electric lawn mowers, but this machine is definitely not a kid’s toy. The engine is powerful enough to cope with thick and tall grass effortlessly, and the battery life is impressively long.

Furthermore, the Snapper XD SXDWM82K is very lightweight, exceptionally quiet (probably a bit louder than your vacuum cleaner), and provides excellent cutting quality. If you’ve ever felt your hands tingle after mowing your lawn for thirty minutes, you will fall in love with this honey. Why? Because the vibration is little to nonexistent!

Overall, this wonderful mowing machine screams quality. It’s not perfect, of course (what is?), but it’s pretty close to perfection. And it’s good for mowing steep hills. So, if you’re no longer into storing highly flammable material in your garage, then opting for the Snapper XD SXDWM82K lawn mower is your best choice. Definitely the Cadillac of battery operated mowers.

ADVANTAGES
  • Great-quality design and build;
  • Lightweight and easy to operate;
  • Amazingly quiet;
  • No more fumes. And above all, no more cords;
  • A joy to use and overall a beast for a battery lawnmower.
DRAWBACKS
  • A bit on the expensive side, but worth every penny it costs.

3. Cub Cadet Pro HW 336: For Any Kind of Terrain  4.3/5 

Cub Cadet is a famous brand of outdoor power equipment that has been on the market for more than 60 years. This manufacturer’s mowers are known for their high quality, and the PRO HW 336 model is no exception.

The Kawasaki engine of 14.5 Hp of this device is very powerful, which is enough to deal with any type of grass with ease. The heavy-duty construction of the mower guarantees its durability, which is essential for a quality lawn mower for hills.

As the most pleasant feature in PRO HW, I’d like to point out its ball-bearing linkage hand-lever steering control that ensures smooth handling. This characteristic makes any mowing process last much less.

I also appreciate that this mower is extremely easy to maneuver. The amazing weight balance and quite high ground clearance make it possible to handle curbs when moving both forward and in reverse. So using it on rough terrain, including slopes and hillsides, won’t be a problem at all. A cruise control feature is included here too.

ADVANTAGES
  • Sturdy and durable;
  • Suitable for any type of terrain;
  • Well-thought-out design.
DRAWBACKS
  • A bit on the expensive side;
  • Quite heavy.

4. Ariens IKON-X 52″ Mower: the Name Says It All 4/5 

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Almost like the name ‘Bentley’, Ariens says it all. It’s worth noting that this brand has been on the scene for nearly 90 years, producing top-quality snow blowers and lawn mowers. With regard to this particular model, it might suit you perfectly if you’re on the hunt for the best zero turn mower for hills in your garden. This beast of a mower boasts impressive speed and efficiency.

What you’ll definitely love about Ariens 915223 is its capability to effortlessly solve the most challenging cutting issues. Based on my vast experience, this lawn mower is among the most multi-purpose on the scene. Are you in search of the best mower for hills in your large yard? Aiming at mowing a golf course fast? Ariens 915223 is going to sort these issues out easily.

Long-lastingness and ease of operation are further perks of this wonderful lawn mower. The Kawasaki FR691 engine is worth mentioning as well, for it makes this honey super solid and long-lasting. In addition to all this, the Ariens 915223 lawn mower flaunts impeccable design and has a modern feel to it.

Overall, Ariens 915223 is a solid mower suitable for both professional and amateur users — at a very competitive price. In fact, if you compare this model to the others within this price range, you may arrive at a conclusion that Ariens 915223 is the best choice. So if you’re on the prowl for a light lawn mower for hills that’s also durable and efficient, Ariens 915223 might fit you like a glove.

ADVANTAGES
  • Perfect for larger-sized lawns;
  • Intuitive operating system;
  • First-rate cutting speed and efficiency;
  • You can adjust the necessary cutting height;
  • Reasonable price.
DRAWBACKS
  • Doesn’t feature a mulching set.

4. EGO Power+ LM2000-S: Best Walk Behind Mower for Hills 4.2/5 

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The EGO Power LM2000 is known for its impeccable efficiency and excellent cutting quality. Even when you need to groom acres of lush lawn, this beast leaves your lawn looking flawlessly pristine. It handles thick grass impressively well. You get the possibility to choose among the 5 available cutting settings — and change them within seconds, as well.

With a push-button starter waking up the machine almost instantly, this lawn mower for hills is exceptionally reliable. The EGO Power LM2000 is so easy to move around that it often seems that it glides instead of rolling. The machine’s weather-proof 20-inch deck was made to cut as much green growth as possible within the battery’s charge.

This is a family-oriented lawn mower, which means that my granny would get to grips with this beast easily. The EGO Power LM2000 comes with another nice benefit — convenient and space-saving vertical storage. In addition to all this, the model’s LED headlights allow you to mow after sunset when it’s not too hot outside.

The EGO Power LM2000 model is not the cheapest option on the scene. However, if you’re aiming at stepping away from your old noisy gas-powered guy while still making the most of great performance, then this electric mower is worth serious consideration. Using the EGO Power LM2000 is almost like vacuuming the grass!

ADVANTAGES
  • Excellent cutting quality;
  • The battery holds its charge very well;
  • Lightweight and quiet enough to use at night;
  • Cost-effective and reliable;
  • No need to deal with gas.
DRAWBACKS
  • A bit on the expensive side, but worth every penny.

5. GreenWorks G-MAX 20’’ Cordless Mower: Going Green! 4.3/5 

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It’s rare that a lawn mower comes along and changes my standard view of its class, but extraordinarily feature-packed Greenworks 25302 Twin Force G-MAX does just that. My first impression upon testing this machine was that it does a great job cutting grass evenly and mulching incredibly well.

Naturally, this cordless battery-powered mower is not as robust as a conventional gas mower. However, this electric model is a bold take on just what it takes to combine sturdiness and fantastic mowing quality in such a lightweight and maneuverable baby.

Assembling the machine and managing it is super easy, as well as moving it around. It’s built to last. And it works very well on all types and heights of grass. Wondering how to maintain a lawn mower? This model requires zero maintenance. Just make sure you avoid heavily soaked grass, do your best to regularly sharpen the blades, and keep the machine’s batteries charged.

With regard to the level of the noisiness of the 25302 Twin Force G-MAX, it is determined by your previous type of mower. If you purchase it after using a gas mower, this Greenworks model will seem incredibly quiet. Bear in mind, however, that if you have a spacious lawn, the best strategy is to go with the 25302 Twin Force G-MAX with two batteries.

Even though this model doesn’t come with a built-in drive, it’s a lot easier to operate than a heavy gas-powered self-propelled mowing machine. On the whole, this honey is almost as awesome as the gas ones, but a lot more quiet and eco-friendly. This Greenworks mower might be the best push mower for hills within its class.

ADVANTAGES
  • Excellent cutting quality.
  • Sturdy and overall reliable.
  • Long battery life for a small yard.
  • Bagging is a piece of cake.
  • No more gas fumes.
DRAWBACKS
  • If you have a spacious yard, I would recommend buying a mower with two batteries.

6. Honda HRX217VLA 21″ Lawn Mower: You’ll Like It 4.2/5 

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If you need of a classic lawn mower for a medium to large yard, the Honda HRX217VLA walk-behind model might be just the ticket. First, it doesn’t need any assembly out of the box and starts instantly. Second, the controls are straightforward. Third, it cuts grass evenly and with ease.

Also, you’ll be amazed by the cutting ability of this baby. It runs smoothly and works like a charm, without bogging down when dealing with long grass.

Eventually, the model provides a particularly even finish. This gas-powered machine boasts the powerful GCV190 engine, which is going to allow you to cope with the thickest grass while mowing.

If you purchase the Honda HRX217VLA walk-behind mower, you will forget about the steel and aluminum decks that rust quickly. The NeXite deck on this machine is crafted from a solid material which contributes to the model’s maneuverability and lightweightedness. On an additional plus side, the model boasts seven cutting levels and a variety of speed levels. Removing and replacing the bag is a breeze.

Of course, the Honda HRX217VLA lawn mower isn’t the quietest on the market, but its benefits outweigh a few minor inconveniences it comes with. All in all, if you’re choosing among Honda walk behind lawn mowers, this well-made honey might be everything you need. It’s convenient, efficient, and made to last.

ADVANTAGES
  • No assembly needed out of the box.
  • Great design and features.
  • Cuts and mulches perfectly well.
  • Silent operation.
  • Rust-resistant deck.
DRAWBACKS
  • Not the quietest lawn mower out there.
  • A little too fast to keep up with even at the lowest speed.

7. Great States Reel Lawn Mower: Excellent Performance 4/5 

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This Great States reel mower is a popular model that’s most effective on modest-sized to bigger lawns. It flaunts classic design, but the focus is on its performance. With its exceptionally sharp and long-lasting heat-treated blades, the mower effortlessly delivers high-quality and precise cuts.

Generally speaking, operating this mower is as easy as pie. However, if your grass is out of control, then you might have to do quite a bit of pushing and pulling to make the whole thing look nice. And don’t forget to ensure that there are no branches or twigs in your yard prior to mowing.

This Great States reel mower is not a miracle worker, so your expectations in terms of this baby should not be set too high. But this manual mower does get the job done very well and provides one heck of a workout for your core. Well-made, super simple to push, fairly lightweight, this mower rocks in terms of performance. And you can hang it on the wall in your garage when not in use.

Overall, the Great States 815-18 makes mowing a fun experience and less of a chore. So if you’re tired of mower breakdowns, trips to buy fuel, and endless fumes, consider purchasing this wonderful push mower. And the Great States 815-18 is a decent lawn mower for steep hills, by the way.

ADVANTAGES
  • Compact, lightweight, and environmentally-friendly;
  • Made of durable materials;
  • Zero maintenance;
  • Convenient storage;
  • Affordable price.
DRAWBACKS
  • Isn’t always great at dealing with thick weeds;
  • May be tricky to put together.

8. Troy-Bilt 382cc: Best Riding Lawn Mower for Hills 3.9/5 

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Mowing hilly areas is not much fun. You may even consider hiring someone to do it for you. However, if you opt for a solid riding lawn mower for hills, you’ll easily cope with this daunting task — and save money along the way. If you’ve been on the prowl for Troy Bilt riding lawn mower reviews, I have a few words to say about this honey.

For gardeners with average-sized to large lawns, the Troy-Bilt 382cc is among the most suitable solutions in my today’s selection. This versatile lawn tractor for hills is a combination of functions that both standard riders and compact walk-behind models boast.

This model will please you with its sturdy build, compact size, adjustable seat, easy assembly, smooth steering, good turn radius, clean cut, durability, and affordable price tag. Furthermore, this lawn mower is small-sized, which means it’s going to fit in your garage perfectly.

Delivering top-level performance and buttery smooth functioning while being as small-sized as a walk-behind model, the Troy-Bilt 382cc is among the greatest deals in its class. Needless to say that if there’s a steep hill in your yard, handling this beast won’t be difficult at all. The Troy-Bilt 382cc might be the best small riding lawn mower for hills you’ll ever get to buy.

ADVANTAGES
  • Powerful engine;
  • Starts quickly, works smoothly;
  • Assembly is as easy as pie thanks to the detailed instructions that come with the machine;
  • Reasonably priced;
  • Easy storage.
DRAWBACKS
  • Not the quietest riding lawn mower for steep hills out there.

Best Lawn Mower for Steep Hills: FAQ

Troy-Bilt 382cc in a garage

How to Mow a Steep Hill?

If you’re not blessed with a perfectly level lawn, you’re probably dealing with lots of tiring heavy metal machine pushing while grooming your gorgeous-yet-troublesome hilly lawn area. No worries. I’ll share a few strategies on how to mow a steep hill in the safest and most productive way. Read below:Adjust your mower to the maximum height setting. That way, you will enhance its maneuverability.

? Optimize your effort by choosing the less tiresome mowing direction. For instance, you can focus on pushing your machine from the left side of the hilly terrain to the left instead of working it up and down the slope.

? Do not turn on a hill and always take it slow when mowing on a hilly area.

? Opt for better-quality equipment. Even the most reliable push mower on the scene may refuse to polish the lawn on your property in an efficient way. Therefore, if you need to mow a hilly area on a regular basis, opt for the best self propelled lawn mower for hills.

? Ask a buddy for assistance. Steep hills are challenging to mow, so you can always ask a friend for help.

? Mow on a regular basis. In fact, if you’re dealing with lots of resistance when pushing your mowing beast up that hill, just try mowing more often than you usually do. Because the shorter the grass, the less effort is needed for mowing.

? Avoid mowing when it’s wet. First, it’s ineffective. Second, it’s bad for the soil. And third, it wears your lawn mower out.

How to Mow a Steep Hill With a Riding Mower?

Riding (also referred to as ride-on) mowers are a lot more convenient than their push brothers, that’s a fact. However, at the end of the day, they’re not the ultimate best option for steep hills. To tell the truth, most ride-on mowing machines are not made to function on slopes that are steeper than fifteen degrees (this information is usually specified in the manuals). If you stick with the best riding lawn mower for steep hills from this post, you’ll mow your hilly terrain with pleasure and almost effortlessly. Just make sure you follow the instructions prior to using these mowing beasts.

How to Mow a Steep Hill With a Push Mower?

For many homeowners, push mowers represent the best choice for mowing hilly terrains. Unlike their riding counterparts, they don’t run the risk of overturning. To make mowing hills easier with this type of mowing machines, consider following the tips above. Furthermore, if your push guy doesn’t come with a handle for smoother control, consider an upgrade.

What Are Propelled, Push, and Riding Lawn Mowers?

Self-propelled lawn mowers operate based on a driving system (which makes them car-like). To make this type of machine work, all you gotta do is squeeze the bar. After that, the mower will operate under its own steam, pushing itself and i.e. reducing your tiredness from the whole process. Strolling behind the machine and regulating its path is the only thing you’re going to need to do here. Needless to say that self-propelled mowers cope with their tasks a lot speedier than their push counterparts.

With regard to push lawn mowers, it’s all in a name. They have no engine and require you to push them in order to cope with their mowing task. Unlike power mowers that need gas or electricity to function, you give the necessary power to your manual mowing machine, while it cuts your lawn greenery similar to a pair of scissors. If you’re in good physical shape, you can opt for this type of lawn mower. It’s going to save you some money, for sure.

Riding lawn mowers are the fine alternative to traditional walk-behind honeys. They give you the possibility to drive the machine around your lawn, just like you would drive a car. If you’re searching for the best riding mower for hills, take a closer look at my top picks reviewed above, choose the model that suits your needs best, and have a blast mowing!

What Type of Lawn Mower Is Best for Hills?

Greenworks 40V and green grass

Mowing a slope is not a safe job, especially if you’re using inappropriate equipment. No doubt, riding mowers are a lot faster than other types of mowing machines. However, there are hilly terrains where they just don’t work. In these cases, opting for self-propelled walk-behind rear wheel drive mowers is the best decision.

How Fast Does a Self-Propelled Mower Go?

The fastest that self-propelled mowers move is about 3-5 MPH. Don’t even start Googling mowing beasts that are faster than that. That is unless you want to run after the machine while it deals with your hilly lawn area.

What Are the Main Features to Look for in a Lawnmower for Hills?

If you’re aimed at mowing your hilly garden safely, traction and control are the main aspects to focus when seeking the right mower. This, along with some standard analysis, will deliver a clean result and provide ultimate safety. The best lawn mower for hills should boast the following perks:

? smooth speed changes;

? traction tires;

? powerful engine;

? lightweight construction;

? maneuverability;

? even weight distribution to prevent flipping.

Cutting to the Chase (Pun Intended)

Nothing makes the delight of a summer day even brighter like the right mower to groom the grass on your lawn. Yep, you heard it right. The best mower for your needs can almost turn cutting your lawn into a pleasure cruise. Not all gardens are identical, and not all lawn mowers either. If you have a hilly yard, you’re more than familiar with the challenges of buying the right mower for your high-maintenance terrain.

I hope that after reading this post, you will purchase the best lawn mower for your needs, basing your decision upon the knowledge and experience that I’ve shared with you today. So, what about your opinion on mowing hilly lawns? What’s the best lawn mower for hills in your case? Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section under this post. If you have questions on the topic, ask away below! I always look forward to your feedback.

About
Bryan Mckenzie
Hi there — my name is Bryan McKenzie. Before I’d got into gardening, I worked as a landscape designer at landscape design and consultation company in Jacksonville. I enjoy sharing the vast gardening experience I’ve accumulated throughout the years with like-minded green thumbs. Read more about me and my wife.
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1 thought on “8 Best Lawn Mowers for Hills in 2024: Choosing the Right One”

  1. Great article! Now I have a batter idea about Awn Mower. And I have batter knowledge about hills. very informative article for me.
    Thanks for sharing such an informative article.
    Hopefully, waiting for your more article in the future

    Reply

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