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Hilly yards or terrain look aesthetically beautiful; however, maintaining its beauty can be tasking. However, you must keep it neat and lovely. Buying a lawn mower for your hill is one step toward keeping your lawn clean, and to ensure effective work is done, you need to find the right mower, which is very important.
the best lawn mowers for hills at a glance
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 | Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc Gas 21 in. 4-in-1
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With different options present in the market presently, it might be overwhelming to identify and select the perfect one that suits your needs. This article reviews the best eight lawnmowers specifically built to keep your hills clean and aesthetically pleasing.
Why Regular Lawn Mowers Aren’t Suitable for Hills
As a seasoned lawn care expert with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that choosing a lawn mower significantly impacts the efficiency and safety of your lawn care routine. This is particularly true when we’re talking about hilly terrain. You might ask, “Why can’t I use my lawn mower on hills?” Well, allow me to explain.
First, regular lawnmowers lack the necessary stability to work on sloped landscapes. When you’re tackling a hill, you want a machine that holds its ground, not one that might topple over due to poor balance. Working on an incline requires a specific design and engineering that typical flat-land mowers don’t have.
Secondly, control is of utmost importance when mowing on hills. Due to their standard wheels and traction design, regular lawnmowers can be challenging to control on slopes. You want a lawn mower to grip the terrain effectively, preventing unfortunate sliding incidents.
Safety is another crucial factor. Using a regular lawn mower on a hill can increase your risk of accidents. For example, if a mower isn’t designed to navigate slopes, it may lose traction and roll, potentially causing severe injuries. That’s why it’s essential to use a machine that’s built explicitly with hilly terrain in mind – it incorporates additional safety features that significantly reduce such risks.
Finally, regular lawn mowers might not provide the efficiency and neatness you want when mowing on hills. Uneven terrain requires different cutting mechanisms to ensure a uniform, clean cut.
The truth is, regular lawnmowers just aren’t cut out for hills. They lack the stability, control, and safety features necessary for this task, and they can’t provide the desired results on such challenging terrain.
What Makes a Lawn Mower Suitable for Hills?
If you’re a homeowner with a hilly landscape, you’ll want a machine that can maneuver those slopes with ease and efficiency. But what exactly does that entail? What makes a lawn mower suitable for hills? Over my 13-year career in lawn care, I’ve found a few key features you’ll want to watch out for.
Engine Power
First and foremost, a lawn mower suitable for hills needs to have sufficient engine power. Mowing uphill requires a lot of torque, and a powerful engine ensures that your mower can climb slopes without stalling or straining.
Wheel Traction
Wheel design is crucial for navigating hilly terrains. Lawn mowers for hills often come with larger rear wheels or even all-wheel drive to provide better grip and control. Some models even feature specialized tires designed for hilly and rough terrains.
Weight and Stability
Lightweight might seem beneficial for ease of maneuverability, but when it comes to mowing on hills, a certain heft is actually advantageous. A heavier mower lowers the machine’s center of gravity, increasing stability and reducing the risk of toppling.
Deck Size
Smaller deck sizes are typically better for hills. They allow for better maneuverability and can navigate uneven terrain more easily. A smaller deck also ensures that the mower blade remains in contact with the grass, giving a more even cut.
Safety Features
Mowers suitable for hills often come with added safety features like speed controls and blade-brake clutches. Speed control allows for safe descent down slopes, while a blade-brake clutch can stop the blade without stopping the engine, proving useful in case of any obstruction or emergency.
Versatility
The best lawn mowers for hills are versatile and can tackle various tasks. Look for machines that offer multiple cutting heights and options for mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This ensures you can customize your mowing to suit your lawn’s specific needs.
The landscape of your yard doesn’t have to limit the quality of your lawn care. By understanding what makes a lawn mower suitable for hills, you can ensure you have the right equipment for the task at hand, making the job safer and more efficient.
The Best Lawn Mowers For Hills, Based On Testing
Here are the best lawn mower for hills to buy today.
- 3-in-1 function – mulching, bagging, side discharge | Product arrives assembled | Does not include battery or charger | Not self-propelled mower.
The lawn mower by EGO Power + is an excellent mower for you and your hilly lawn, especially if you are in search of a durable product. One of our most loved features of the Ego power mower is that its batteries are cross-compatible with other Ego power + mower lithium batteries, this is one good way to save money.
The mower is also recognized for its tri-cutting feature that allows you to cut, mulch, and bag or discard the grass that is in the machine. Because of its size and build, this machine releases less noise than other close comparable mowers.
The EGO Power+ can run for up to 45 minutes on a single charge! Mowing at night and during different weather conditions has just improved as this mower comes with bright LED headlights, allowing you to mow any time you choose to! It also comes with a weather-resistant construction!
The EGO power+ mower is easy to assemble and use as well!
- cordless
- push assist
- Ryobi.
The Ryobi 40V mower is a self-propelled battery-powered lawn mower that works well for lawns that are up to 0.75 an acre. Unlike some other mowers, we love that the Ryobi mower runs for up to 70 minutes, in a single charge. This is thanks to the 40-volt, 6.0 Ah battery and the brushless motor.
You also have two of these batteries and you can switch them from time to time. The machines come with a 21-inch cutting deck and 7 cutting heights, ie., from 1.5 to 5 inches. With the cutting deck and cutting heights, you can guarantee an easy neat cut, especially if you have tall grasses.
The Ryobi mower is quite easy to assemble and get running. It also comes with a 3 in 1 cutting option; mulching, cutting, and bagging, allowing you to do it all in less time.
The Ryobi 40V Cordless Mower also has an LED highlight that gives you the chance to mow anytime you want to.
- Versatile Cutting Options: The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, giving you the flexibility to handle clippings in various ways
- Easy to Use: The easy push button start and single lever 7 position height adjustment make using the mower a breeze, while the cam lock handle allows for easy folding and storage.
The Greenworks is a favorite, especially for no more than 0.25 acres of small lawns. One of the perks of the GreenWorks mower is that it is easy to assemble, it will take you 10 minutes or less to get this machine running.
We love that this electric corded lawn mower has a 12 amp motor and 20-inch steel deck with 3600 RPM, all of which allow your Greenworks machine to cut through thick and long grasses neatly.
We love its versatile cutting option that allows you to mulch, bag, and discharge on the side, allowing you to be more organized while also clearing your lawn. The machine comes with an easy-push button and a 7-position height adjustment, making mowing much easier.
You will, however, be required to purchase a 16-guage 50-foot or 14-guage 100-foot extension cord, for optimum performance.
- 4 inch deep fully fabricated with advanced airflow for an exceptional cutting performance
- The plush, high back seat featuring padded arm rests is adjustable from the operator position providing superior comfort while mowing.
The Ariens IKON is definitely what you need if you need to clear some stubborn hilly grass. This mower is designed to run around strong grass and get rid of them effortlessly.
As a Zero-turn riding lawn mower, it is best to be used in not-so-hilly terrain. We love the 42-inch deck and the 22HP Kohler engine, that makes getting rid of the stubborn grasses easy.
The Ariens IKON comes with an adjustable cutting deck, with up to 13 height options, and it is designed with advanced airflow technology.
This machine is your choice if you require a good balance between performance and power.
Honda products are some of the best mower products you can find! A model we consider exceptional is the self-propelled hill mower, the Honda 662340! This Honda mower comes with some of the best features you can find on mowers.
We especially love the microCut blad system that gives you perfect cutting. Like some other Honda products, this mower gives you 3 in 1 mowing option, you can bag, mulch, and discharge, all with one mower!
Some of the features of the Honda 662340 are rechargeable batteries the GCV engine, and an electric start.
We love that the mower’s deck is made of nexite, which helps your mower resist corrosion, rusting, and denting.
Undoubtedly, a mower from Honda gives you the excellence you need. This self-propelled machine is a perfect one for your hilly terrain. The rear-wheel-drive system indicates that the Honda HRX217K5VKA is designed for your hills.
This feature allows your mower to move up and down the hill as you control it. We especially found the twin-blade microcut system to be quite fascinating, the dual blades give fine cuts off the clippings.
This mower also comes with a versamow system, that makes bagging, mulching, and side discharge easy for you. We also love the lawn mower’s clip director knob. As it allows you to decide how much grass you want to mulch, bag all by itself!
The Honda mower is quite durable, you can adjust it to the speed that suits you by simply pressing the speed dial.
- TWO 40V lithium Ion batteries included
- 3-in-1 side discharge/mulch/rear bag
- LED battery monitor and zone starting / safety bar
- Single lever height adjustment 1.5″ to 4″.
The Earthwise 18-inch 40-Volt is one of our favorites for hill mowing for a few reasons. The first is the two 40v lithium-ion batteries. The addition of the two batteries guarantees an impeccable performance.
The 18-inch deck ensures that your mower makes cutting the hilly grass easy. Your Earthwise mower can go on with the two batteries for 45 minutes. This mower has 3 cutting options; discharge, mulch, and rear bag.
We especially love the LED battery monitor because it allows you to see how much is left in the batteries and indicates when you need to charge, You’re never caught unaware!
Because the Earthwise is an electric-cordless mower, you do not have to worry about wires tangling or the thoughts of cutting off the wires while the mower is in action.
- Up to 45-minute run time for a single fully charged battery, with the Briggs & Stratton 82V MAX 2.0 Lithium-ion Battery.
- 21 inches Steel mowing deck with 3 in 1 Design mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings easily.
- Smart, efficient load sensing technology power adjusts to meet the demands of the cutting blades.
The Snapper SXDWM82 is one to get if you require power, yet convenience! With its Briggs & Stratton 82V lithium-ion battery, you are assured that this machine will deliver reliable performance on your hilly lawn.
It guarantees a 45-minute run time, with just a single charge and also seven different height-of-cut levels that allow you to adjust the height to your need.
The snapper mover is eco-friendly and quiet, it doesn’t have to worry about emissions or cords as it is cordless. The Snapper mower is perfect for small slopes and hills as it is not light.
However, if you have a high hill, you may need another model of the same product.
Buying Guide for Lawn Mowers for Hills
Choosing the right lawn mower for your hilly yard involves more than just understanding what features to look for. It’s about finding the perfect balance between these features and your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider before making a purchase.
1. Type of Hill
The steepness and terrain of your hill play a huge role in determining what kind of lawn mower you should buy. A walk-behind mower with good wheel traction might do the trick if you have a moderately sloped hill. But if your yard features steeper inclines, consider investing in a riding mower with a low center of gravity and exceptional balance.
2. Size of Lawn
The size of your lawn also matters. A compact walk-behind mower should suffice if you’re dealing with a smaller yard. But for larger hilly yards, you’ll save a lot of time and effort with a riding or zero-turn mower.
3. Personal Strength
A lawn mower on a hill can be physically demanding. If you prefer manual control, consider your strength and stamina when selecting between a push or self-propelled mower. Self-propelled models, though pricier, do most of the hard work for you.
4. Budget
Lawn mowers come in a broad range of prices, with high-end models often offering more power and features. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in a lawn mower and try to find a balance between cost and functionality. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better fit for your needs.
5. Safety and Comfort
Don’t overlook the importance of safety features like blade-brake clutches, and features that provide comfort like padded seats on riding mowers. Mowing shouldn’t be a chore you dread due to discomfort or safety concerns.
6. Maintenance
Lastly, consider the maintenance required for the lawn mower. Some machines might need more regular tune-ups than others. Also, consider the availability and cost of replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a regular lawn mower on a hill?
While it is technically possible to use a regular lawn mower on a hill, it is not recommended due to safety and efficiency issues. Lawn mowers designed for hills have specific features like better wheel traction, stability, powerful engines, and safety features that make them more suitable for sloped terrains.
Are riding mowers safe for hills?
Riding mowers can be safe for hills, provided they are designed with features suitable for sloped terrains. This includes a low center of gravity for better stability, good wheel traction, and powerful engines. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the maximum slope angle for safe operation.
How steep of a hill can a lawn mower climb?
The steepness a lawn mower can safely handle depends on its design. As a general rule, most walk-behind mowers can handle slopes up to 15 degrees, while riding mowers are often safe for hills up to 10 degrees. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific model you’re using.
Is it better to mow up and down or side to side on a hill?
For walk-behind mowers, it’s generally safer to mow side to side (across the slope), while for riding mowers, it’s safer to mow up and down (with the slope). The key is to ensure the mower doesn’t tip over, so always refer to your mower’s instruction manual for the best practices.
How do you maintain a lawn mower for hills?
The maintenance of a lawn mower for hills isn’t drastically different from regular lawn mowers. Key steps include regular oil changes, cleaning or replacing the air filter, sharpening the blades, checking the tires, and making sure all parts are functioning properly. Always refer to the user manual for specific maintenance instructions.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right lawn mower for your surrounding is essential to achieve the aesthetically pleasing look you want. The mowers reviewed in this article give you a range of suitable options for your landscape, preference, and budget.
In selecting which of the mowers is right for you, consider your specific needs such as the size of your lawn, budget, and other preferences.
