7 Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hills – Reviews & Buying Guide

While different homeowners will have varying tastes and preferences when it comes to home aesthetics, those with large yards will often form some sort of hills to improve the overall appearance.

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Hilly yards and lawns have a very appealing look, but this kind of setup takes more effort to maintain, and this is why you need the best lawn mower for steep hill mowing.

Lawn mowers for steep hill look and work like the typical ones for flat terrain. However, they tend to have more power to tackle, the slope or incline are also more maneuverable.

Also, these lawn mowers will in most cases be rear wheel driven to provide excellent traction on the steep terrain for efficient mowing, and to prevent slipping and other accidents.

Before you buy a lawn mower for steep hills, there are several things you need to first consider such as the drive mode, cutting capacity and speed.

In this guide, we explain these factors in detail and also review 7 of the best lawn mowers for steep hills.

Product Name

Power

Capacity

Weight

Rating

Current Price

1. Greenworks GLM801600 Cordless Lawn Mower

80 V

21 in

57 lbs

4.5

2. Ego Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower

56 V

20 in

65.3 lbs

4.4

3. Honda HRX217K5VKA Lawn Mower

187 cc

21 in

108 lbs

4.4

4. Troy-Bilt TB330 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

163 cc

21 in

80 lbs

4.1

5. Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

382 cc

30 in

340 lbs

4.0

6. Worx WG775 Cordless Lawn Mower

24 V

14 in

32 lbs

3.6

7. Snapper P2185020 Variable Speed Lawn Mower

190 cc

21 in

91 lbs

3.5

7 Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hill - Reviews

Your choice of lawn mower will determine how picturesque your hilly lawns will end up looking. Below we compare 7 top rated lawn mowers for steep hill mowing using power, speed, and a few other factors to help you get one that will help you keep your lawn in great shape.

#1. Greenworks GLM801600 Cordless Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Greenworks GLM801600 Cordless Lawn Mower
  • Power: 80 Volts
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 21 inches
  • Weight: 57 lbs
If you prefer the silent operation of a battery-powered lawn mower, the Greenworks GLM801600 will be a great pick. At 80 Volts, it is the most powerful battery-powered mower on our list, and it is also a super silent unit with minimal vibrations.

This mower also provides longer run times for every charge as you can use it for up to one hour without having to recharge. And it also uses Smart-Cut tech to improve the performance and runtime.

The brushless motor provides more torque and power to make mowing a quick and easy task. Also, it requires minimal maintenance and has zero emissions.

With the 21-inch deck size, this mower has a large enough cutting width to speed up mowing and the deck is also 3-in-1 which means it will mulch, side discharge and has a rear bag capability.

Pros:

  • Relatively affordable
  • Longer run times
  • Minimal wear and tear
  • Easy to start
  • Less noise and vibrations

Cons:

  • Does not come with the battery or charger

#2. Ego Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Ego Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower
  • Power: 56 Volts
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 20 inches
  • Weight: 65.3 lbs
Although this Ego Power+ lawn mower is quite expensive for a battery-powered unit, it is worth the extra cost as it is a high performing unit that is almost as efficient as the gas-powered models.

The 56 Volts walk behind lawn mower for steep hill allows you to choose from three battery options and depending on what you pick, you can get a run tie of up to an impressive 90 minutes.

You can also be sure of minimal downtimes when using this mower as it comes with a rapid charger that will take as little as 30 minutes to recharge the battery fully.

The mower has a 20-inch deck size to speed up the mowing process, and it is also a true 3-in-1 mower that allows for superior mulching, side discharge, and rear bagging.

The LED headlights are also a convenient addition as they make the mower ideal for use at any time. And the manufacturer will back it with a 5-year warranty.

Pros:

  • High-torque motor
  • Tough and weather resistant construction
  • Convenient headlights
  • Quick battery charge time
  • 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Relatively pricey

#3. Honda HRX217K5VKA Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Honda HRX217K5VKA Lawn Mower
  • Power: 187 cc
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 21 inches
  • Weight: 108 lbs
Self-propelled lawn mowers for steep hill can be quite convenient and this is more so if it is something as powerful and efficient as the Honda HRX217K5VKA.

Unlike other small and older gas-powered mowers, it uses an automatic choke system to make starting a less complex process.

Although it does not have a side discharge, the excellent mulching and bagging make up for this by helping to capture the grass clippings to eliminate the need for raking afterward.

This Honda mower will give the grass smooth and even cuts thanks to the MicroCut blade which has 4 cutting surfaces instead of the typical 2 in most other models.

There are also seven cutting levels in this mower that range between 3/4 and 4 inches to make it more useful for different situations.

Pros:

  • Self-propelling
  • Relatively easy start
  • Excellent mulching and bagging
  • Lager discharge bag
  • More cutting surfaces

Cons:

  • Quite a loud mower
  • Plastic wheels

#4. Troy-Bilt TB330 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (4.1 / 5)

Troy-Bilt TB330 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
  • Power: 163 cc
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 21 inches
  • Weight: 80 lbs

Troy-Bilt makes some of the top-rated lawn mowers for steep hill and this is more so when it comes to the gas-powered models. And their 163 cc TB330 self-propelled model does not disappoint.

It is a variable speed drive control unit with four top speed settings and with a single lever control for convenient and comfortable operation.

This 3-in-1 mower has mulching, side discharge and rear bagging which are some of the main features that many users are looking for in steep hill mowers.

The ergonomic and adjustable handle is also very convenient as it will accommodate different kinds of users but the only shortcoming about it is that you have to remove the carriage bolts completely to fold it.

The high performance and durable 8 x 8 wheel also move through the lawn with ease and it will be a long time before you need to replace them.

Pros:

  • Variable speed drive control
  • High-performance wheels
  • Adjustable ergonomic handle
  • Self-propelled
  • Easy start engine

Cons:

  • Folding the handle takes longer and more effort 

#5. Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Troy-Bilt Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
  • Power: 382 cc
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 30 inches
  • Weight: 340 lbs

If you are homeowner looking for powerful riding lawn mower for steep hill mowing, this is a great choice.

Although it is the heaviest item on our list at a total weight of around 340 lbs, it is still relatively lightweight when you compare it to other riding lawn mowers in the market.

Its compact size makes it great for midsize lawns and also quite convenient to store as it takes up little space in the garage.

The 382 cc engine makes it the most powerful lawn mower for steep hills on our reviews and it delivers forward speeds of up to 4.25 MPH.

The 30-inch deck size with 5 adjustable settings helps to speed up the mowing process and the size makes navigation through the yard quite easy.

Other things like comfortable, mid-back seat, 18-inch turning radius and large and durable wheels also add to the ease of use and convenience of this mower.

Pros:

  • Higher cutting width
  • Powerful engine
  • Fast and easy blade engagement
  • Larger and more durable wheels
  • Comfortable seat

Cons:

  • Footrest area is a little slippery

#6. Worx WG775 Cordless Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars (3.6 / 5)

Worx WG775 Cordless Lawn Mower
  • Power: 24 Volts
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 14 inches
  • Weight: 32 lbs
The 24 Volts Worx WG775 is the cheapest unit on our lawn mower for steep hill reviews. This compact and lightweight lawn mower is easy to maneuver and control, and it will be a great choice for smaller yards.

By making the battery removable, the manufacturer makes charging convenient as you can do it far from the machine. And the battery will provide enough run time to cut up to 6,000 square feet once fully charged.

With the ergonomic upswept handle design, hand fatigue should also not worry you, and so you can use this mover for extended periods comfortably.

Despite the relatively affordable price tag and compact size, this is still a 3-in-1 mower that will allow for mulching, bagging, and rear discharge. And the push start button makes it easy and quick to start.

Pros:

  • Removable battery
  • Easy to start
  • Ergonomic upswept handle
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Relatively affordable

Cons:

  • Smaller deck size

#7. Snapper P2185020 Variable Speed Lawn Mower

Editor's Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)

Snapper P2185020 Variable Speed Lawn Mower
  • Power: 190 cc
  • Clearing Capacity (deck size): 21 inches
  • Weight: 91 lbs
Rear wheel drive mowers like the Snapper P2185020 are the best for mowing hilly terrain thanks to their excellent traction. And it also comes with some 10-inch rear wheels for even better traction.

The highly efficient vacuum deck will cut and suck up the clippings to ensure you always get a clean finish. And it also has the 3-in-1 mowing capability.

With the ready starting system on this mower, you will never have to worry about choking or priming as a simple pull is all it takes to start it.

The easy to use adjustment handles make it quick and easy to change the cut height to 7 different positions between 1.25 and 4 inches.

Pros:

  • Excellent traction
  • Easy maneuverability
  • Highly efficient vacuum deck
  • Relatively easy start and quieter operation
  • Adjustable cut height

Cons:

  • Vacuum bags need a lot of improvement

How to Buy the Best Lawn Mowers for Steep Hill

How to Buy a Lawn Mower for Steep Hill

A hilly terrain on your front lawn or backyard always creates breathtaking terrain but maintaining it takes more effort and requires you to have the best lawn mower for steep hills.

While there are many lawn mowers out there that can work well on steep hills it is important to always consider the following things when shopping for one to ensure you make the right pick.

#1. Rear vs. Front vs. All-Wheel Lawn Mower

When it comes to finding a good lawn mower for steep hills, one of the first things that you will need to consider it the drive mode. And here you will have three main options which are rear, front and all-wheel drive lawn mowers.

1. Rear Wheel Drive

Rear Wheel Drive

The rear wheel drive lawn mower is the best choice for mowing steep hill as it provides an excellent traction which is crucial in case you lose control when mowing.

With the rear wheel drive mowers, bagging is also easier since most of the weight is on the on the rear wheels.

Also, the excellent traction makes it easier to mow a straight line and so you are more likely to end up with a more precise cut and pristine hilly yard.

The rear wheel drive lawn mowers will not only work well for hilly terrain but are also great for other irregularly shaped yards.

Pros:

  • Excellent traction
  • Easier straight line mowing
  • Great for irregular yards

Cons:

  • Relatively harder to maneuver

2. Front Wheel Drive

Front Wheel Drive

With the front wheel drive lawn mowers, the drive wheels are at the front and this makes them one of the best choices for level terrain.

The mode of drive of these types of lawn mowers will allow you to tip up and turn them more easily than most other type and hence making them highly maneuverable. 

However, the front wheel drive lawn mowers will not be very useful for incline or hilly terrain as they require the front wheels to be firmly on the ground to move.

Pros:

  • Great maneuverability
  • Best for flat yards

Cons:

  • Not very useful on hilly and incline terrains

3. All-Wheel Driver

All-Wheel Driver

As their name suggests, the all-wheel drive mowers are the kind that will provide power to both the front and rear wheel. And this gives you some of the benefits of both the front and rear-wheel drive mowers.

Since all the wheels are on the ground, you will get good traction on both hilly and flat terrain with an all-wheel driver lawn mower.

With the power distributed evenly on all the four wheels, these mowers tend to be more balanced which makes mowing in tough conditions simpler.

The only significant shortcoming with this type of mower is that most tend to be pricier than the other two types.

Pros:

  • Added traction
  • Great balance

Cons:

  • Relatively more costly
  • Limited maneuverability

What to Buy

If you want the best lawn mower for steep hill mowing, the rear-wheel drive is the best choice.

The front-wheel drive is a good choice when you want something relatively more affordable for flat terrain.

The all-wheel mower can be great for all conditions if you do not mind the extra cost and have enough experience to maneuver it.

#2. Deck Size

The deck size determines the maneuverability of the lawn mower on hills and slopes and so it is always an important factor to consider.

If you are dealing with a large open lawn, a deck size of up to 54 inches is a great choice as it gives you more cutting width so that you can finish mowing fast.

However, the large deck sizes might not be appropriate for narrow lawns. For narrow lawns, something shorter is more appropriate as it gives you better control and maneuverability.

It is important to gauge the size and shape of your hilly lawn and use this information to choose an appropriate deck size.

#3. Weight

A lightweight lawn mower will be more ideal for hilly terrains. Heavy lawn mowers are harder to handle and will take more effort to move up and down the hill.

But, as much as you might want a light and easy-to-use lawn mower, it is vital to make sure that you strike the right balance between weight and power.

Most lightweight lawn mowers will not have a lot of power and so they might not be very efficient for mowing steep hills. And so the right idea is always to look for the most powerful but lightweight steep hill lawn mower.

#4. Ease of Use

Any lawn mower for steep hill mowing that you buy should be easy to use because mowing is already a stressful task, and you do not want something that only makes things worse.

When it comes to the ease of use, you will have to look out for things like how easy the mower is to start and the maneuverability.

Also, assembly should be easy if it requires any, and it should do various tasks like mulching, bagging, and side discharge to make it more convenient.

Luckily, most modern lawn mowers are made with ease of use in mind. And so if you get something from one of the top brands, you can be sure that it will be straightforward to use even if you are a beginner.

#5. Warranty

You do not want to have to buy a new lawn mower for mowing your steep hill yard every other season, and so you need to buy something that comes with some durability assurances.

A warranty is this assurance that you need and it also helps to protect your investment for a particular period.

While the longer the warranty the better, the best lawn mowers for steep hill come with an average of 2-year warranty which is still good enough.

Handy Tips for Mowing on a Steep Hill

Handy Tips for Mowing on a Steep Hill

Mowing on a steep hill is not the easiest landscaping task and it can also be quite dangerous. But, it will be less risky if you do things the right way and below are some handy tips to help you with this.

#1. Never Mow Wet Grass

While sometimes you might not have a choice but to mow the grass when wet due to time constraints, it is a bad idea when dealing with steep hills.

Wet grass is harder to mow through than dry grass, and it also increases the likelihood of debris getting caught up in your mower and clogging it or even cause more permanent damage.

Also, a damp or wet yard is more dangerous to you as it increases the likelihood of slipping. Hence it is always important to ascertain that the grass is dry before you start mowing, and this is more so if the hilly yard is shaded.

#2. Keep Mower at Maximum Cut Height

Scalping is a common issue when mowing on a steep hill and besides from obviously being annoying, it can damage your lawn mower.

The best way to prevent it is by keeping the mower's cut height as high as it can go. And in case the grass you are cutting is too long you can move it down just enough when cutting those long spots.

#3. Mow Side to Side with Push Mowers

When using a push mower to mow your steep hilly terrain, you should avoid doing it by moving up and down because this will compromise your safety significantly.

While going up the hill it is easy to for the mower to roll back down on you, and you can easily slip down under the motor when mowing downhill or it can speed down and away from you.

The safest way to mow a steep hill with a push mower is doing it side to side. Although there is still a slim chance of the mower tipping when mowing from side to side it is unlikely to roll down as fast or as far as it would when moving up.

#4. Mow Up and Down for Riding Mowers

If you are using a riding mower, the best idea is to mow up and down and not side to side as you should with a push mower.

With a riding lawn mower, you are more likely to topple down the hill when mowing from side to side, and you can end up getting crushed in case you are still on the seat when the mower flips.

The tire design, power, and weight of the riding lawn mower make it harder to flip when mowing up and down the steep hill.

Conclusion

Frequent mowing is necessary to keep your hilly backyard neat and picturesque. But, you need to get the best lawn mower for steep hills to do this.

Since most mowers are made for flat and open terrains, it is important to take more time and also know what to look for when buying something for mowing your steep hill yard.

Our detailed buying guide above provides the vital information you need to pick that perfect steep hill mower, and with reviews of some of the top rated ones for recommendations.

But, as you are shopping for your lawn mower also keep other important factors like the fuel efficiency or runtime (for battery-powered models) and overall build quality in mind, and also go for something from a reputable brand.

Last Updated on July 22, 2019 by Tom Bradly

Our Score
Tom Bradly
 

My entrepreneurial journey started in 2006, when I dropped out of university. I wanted to work with my hands, to build things. Now I mix my background with computers with my first-hand experience with woodworking to provide insights into the tools I like best. I love everything about woodworking and have been building stuff for over 20 years of my life. I hope to pass some knowledge and expertise. See more at TomBradly.com

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