No doubts, hilly terrains can improve the overall aesthetics of your lawn, but what do you do when you are faced with the challenge of maintaining them?
The majority of lawnmowers in stores today either fall short of the required power or lack the traction needed to avoid slipping backward.
Faced with this issue we took it upon ourselves to carry out the necessary background research needed to find the best lawn mowers for hills. Do have a nice read!
Comparison Table and Runner Up
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | GreenWorks 25022 | • Cutting Deck: 2o-inch • Motor: 12 AMP • Body Design: 3-in-1 | |
 | American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14 | • Cutting Deck: 14-inch • Motor: 11 AMP • Body Design: 2-in-1 | |
 | Troy-Bilt 382cc | • Cutting deck: 30-inch • Motor: 4.25 MPH • Body Design: - | |
 | EGO Power+ LM2000-S | • Cutting Deck: 20-inch • Motor: 600W • Body Design: Two tone | |
 | Greenworks GLM801600 | • Cutting Deck: 21-inch • Motor: Brushless Motor • Body Design: 3-in-1 | |
 | Sun Joe iON16LM | • Cutting Deck: 16-inch • Motor: - • Body Design: Hybrid System | |
 | Honda HRR216K9VKA | • Cutting Deck:12-gauge steel deck • Motor: - • Body Design: 3-in-1 | |
 | Troy-Bilt TB330 | • Cutting Deck: 21-inch • Motor: - • Body Design: 3-in-1 | |
 | Snapper XD SXD19PWM82K | • Cutting Deck: 21-inch • Motor: 1,200 Watts • Body Design: 3-in-1 | |
 | BLACK+DECKER BEMW482ES | • Cutting Deck: 17-inch • Motor: 12 AMP • Body Design: 3-in-1 |
The comparison table below takes into consideration the three most important features of a good lawn mower for hills; the cutting deck, the motor power and body design. Compare and contrast side by side these three features in our top 10 best lawn mowers for hills to find one that is suitable for your needs.
If you are on a budget, compare the features of low priced alternatives with the features of higher-end models to make an informed decision.
Top 10 Best Lawn Mower for Hills
While lawn mowers for steep terrains look and work like traditional lawn mowers for flat surfaces, they are reasonably more powerful than ordinary lawn mowers. Most lawn mowers for hills will be rear-wheel driven because of the needed traction for strong support. To simplify the features you need to take into consideration we have included a dedicated buyer’s guide just below our top ten lists. You will do well to read it.
1. GreenWorks 20-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower 25022, 20 inches
- Powerful Cutting: The 12 amp motor and 20-inch steel deck with a 3600 RPM work together to cut through the toughest grass with ease
- 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
GreenWorks is a well-known brand in the lawn mower industry so it’s not surprising that one of their models tops our list as the overall best in terms of all-round performance. In this case, we paid attention to mowers that are best suited for uphill lawns. The GreenWorks 25022 lawn mower is heads and shoulders above the rest because it’s very easy to push uphill and highly functional.
With ergonomically designed handlebars and an averagely sized mowing deck of 20-inch, maintaining lawns in sloppy areas shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Outside the obvious drawback of an extension cord we are pretty certain this mower will do a good job at precisely cutting grass to your satisfaction. What more could you ask for?
Since you need a reliable mower for hills, this model has sturdy front and back wheels to help improve traction and reduce the possibility of sliding backward. The front-wheel measure 7-inch whist the larger back wheels are 10-inches. Apart from offering improved traction, the wheel design makes it a lot easier to slice through grasses effortlessly.
With an industrial leading 3-in-1 feature it’s easy to see why this model is the preferred choice for many users. This feature allows grass clippings collection in a moderately sized rear bag, discharged sideways back on the lawn or mulched back into the soil to promote healthier grass growth.
Who needs this mower? If you have a small to the moderately sized lawn on an inclined hill then waste no time bargaining with this model. You will be pleasantly surprised at the low physical energy required to push it uphill.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Cutting Deck
It has an extremely durable cutting deck that in fabricated steel that provides shelter to the cutting blades.
- Traction
Improved traction is provided for by large rear wheel tires. These tires support the friction between the surfacethereby reducing the instances of sliding backward.
- 3-in-1
A reliable 3-in-1 design feature that gives users the option of either bagging grass clippings, side discharging them or just mulching them back into the soil.
- Extremely quiet during mowing runtimes
- Powerful 12 Amp motor power
- Wide cutting deck
- Long 4 year warranty period.
- Extension cords frequently gest on the way.
- Mowing areas are limited to the length of the cord
- Not efficient on wet or very thick grass
2. American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower, Black
- Electric lawn mower with a powerful 11-Amp motor to cut all types of grasses; High efficiency, yet low-maintenance motor for gas-like cutting power.Motor : 120V, AC only, 60Hz, 11 Amps
- Corded electric lawn mower with a large 14" cutting width and 5 changeable cutting height adjustments from 1" to 2.5"
The American lawn mower company 50514 lawn mower has a rather small cutting deck of 14-inch suitable for small to moderately sized lawns. It makes our list of uphill lawn mowers because of the ease at which it is operated and the numerous design features that are not seen in models within its range. The high Amp motor can tackle uphill task on uneven terrain.
The cutting deck can be adjusted in 5 increments to offer some customization experience. This improves the functionality and allows users to customize the cutting heights of grass. As opposed to a 3-in-1 feature found in top models the 50514 lawn mower comes with a 2-in-1 that allows for rear discharge and a mulching system. The bagging system is equipped with a large 1.6 parcel grass bag with an indicator for easy disposal.
If you need a reliable lawn mower for hilly terrains, ensure you take into consideration the level of comfort of any lawn mower you intend to purchase. Since you will be exerting a considerable amount of physical energy, anything that makes mowing runtimes harder should be tossed out the window. Fortunately, the American lawn mower company 50514 comes equipped with state-of-the-art comfort features to ease mowing routines.
Firstly, it’s a no-tools assembly model: once purchased, pick up the parts and screw them right in with your bare hands. Secondly, it is built with an ergonomic handle for a cushioned grip and a push start button. Lastly, the handle height can be adjusted to match the needs of the user. These comfort features make this model easier to use uphill than other lawn mowers.
If lawn mower spillage downhill is a concern, worry no more because there are 7-inch easy roll composite wheels at the front and rear to tackle that problem.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- 2-in-1
The American lawn mower company 50514 model is designed with a 2-in-1 grass disposal feature. You have the option to either mulch grass clippings or collect them in a 9.25-gallon rear bag.
- Cutting Deck
It has a 14-inch cutting deck that is rather small and only suited for small to medium-sized uphill lawns.
- Ergonomic Handles
To mow the grass on inclined hills you want to be sure the handles of your lawn mower don’t make the job harder. Fortunately, the 50514 model comes equipped in ergonomic handles that are easy to use.
- Ergonomic handles with push start button system
- Handle height can be adjusted to suit the user
- Single lever height adjustment settings
- Easy to assemble without the need for tools
- Small 14-inch cutting deck
- Extension cords can get in the way of mowing
- Coverage area determined by the length of cord
3. Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower
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Troy-Bilt 382cc 30-inch lawn mower is one of the best riding lawn mowers for hilly terrains; howbeit they are not suited for small lawns but for medium to large lawns. This model was built for heavy-duty mowing work so save yourself some investment dollars if your requirements are on the lower side of the spectrum. This beast of a machine is powered by a reliable 382cc Auto choke engine that eliminates the need for priming. The motor system can drive it to top speeds of 4.24 MPH in 6-speed transmissions.
Designed with a 30-inch cutting deck combined with top speeds of 4.24 MPH large acres of land will be covered in no time. There is an option to incrementally adjust the deck heights in 5 steps to suit the cutting needs of the user. To maximize traction, the mower is equipped with 13 x 5 front wheels and 16 x 6.5 rear wheels. Whether you are mowing upwards or downwards in dangerous inclines, the wheel system coupled with the low center of gravity means the mower stays grounded at all times.
Arguably it’s not the best performer at inclined hills but still does a relatively good job at cutting grass. For comfort, the paddled high rise back seat is more than what users can ask for. It makes mowing the lawn more of an enjoyable routine rather than a hard chore. Climb on to the seat and enjoy comfortable rides even at its top speeds. Installing this machine is like a walk in the park, all you need do is fix in the steering column and wheel.
The troy-bilt engine system is built with a manual power take-off system that engages and disengages the blades quickly. The blades are good at providing crisp grass cutting consistently. If you have a large lawn to cover, after the first use, you will quickly complement the ease-of-use and the wide coverage area of the cutting deck.
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TOP 3 FEATURES
- Auto Choke Engine
Troy-Bilt 382cc is powered by a reliable auto choke engine that eliminates the need for priming. The engines pick up in 6-speed transmission to a maximum of 4.25 MPH.
- Cutting Deck
It has a wide 30-inch cutting deck that is the ideal choice for medium to large lawns. The cutting deck is made from 12-gauge steel and protects the blades from wear and tear.
- Wheels
It has heavy-duty wheels that are capable of making tight turns in 18-inch turning arcs. For traction and support, the rear and front wheels are 16 and 10 inches wide respectively.
- Decent height range for a riding lawn mower
- Steering turns smoothly
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Consistent grass cutting at all times.
- Manual start system that engages and disengages the blade quickly
- Not too steady on hills
- Rough transmission system
4. EGO Power+ LM2000-S 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mower – Battery and Charger Not Included
- Battery and Charger Not Included
- True 3-In-1 Function: Superior mulching, rear bagging and side discharge performance
Ego Power takes the lawn mowing industry by surprise with a reliable LM2000 20-inch model. Powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion cordless battery system this lawn mower is a completed representation of how an electric lawn mower ought to be designed. The most obvious feature is the king-sized cutting deck that cuts the mowing time required for the large lawn in half. Don’t take our word for it, when it comes to performance, the Ego Power LM2000 is at the zenith in the industry.
The beautiful premium design has tons of admirable features that stand it out from the rest. These features are built into a sleek like two-tone body design in emerald and grey. I’d like to reiterate that the large 20-inch cutting deck coupled with the power and speed from the battery reduces grass curbs and twigs to mere clippings. Engine power has a 600 torque magnetic motor, so there is more than enough force to slice throughgrass like a razor.
Like most state-of-the-art models in its class, it also has a 3-in-1 feature for mulching grass clippings, bagging and side discharge for proper disposal. Additionally, LED lights are included in its classic design to offer lighting conditions at the early hours of the day or whenever there is sub-optimal visibility. There is an additional space for a spare battery in case you need runtime extensions.
For convenience sake, Ego Power LM2000 folds up easily for proper storage and cleaning. The compact nature during storage is one of the strongest features of this model.
Safety and the environment are of paramount interest with Ego power. Their models are environmentally friendly, emit fewer fumes than gas variants, and operatewith little to no noise. No more exhaust smokes to deal with, no messy oils and lubrication system to tackle and no pull strings to bed your back to. What more can you ask for?
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Cutting Deck
It has a wide cutting deck. Combine this deck with the power from a reliable lithium battery to ensure fewer passes are needed to cover wide areas.
- Body Design
It has a strikingly beautiful two-tone body design in grey and emerald. The body design features 3-in-1 bagging, side discharge and mulching capabilities.
- Compact
The compact nature ensures it folds up properly for easy storages and cleaning.
- Large 20-inch cutting deck
- Reliable 56 volts li-ion battery system
- Universal Compatibility with all Ego Power battery
- Eco-friendly; no fumes and no noise
- Batteries drain out easily and need constant recharging
- Quite pricy
5. Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower, Battery Not Included, GLM801600
- Your purchase includes: 21-Inch 80V Push Lawn Mower (Battery and Charger Not Included).
- Brushless motors are more reliable and delivers gas equivalent performance to a 160cc gas engine.
These days it’s very difficult to find a cordless lawn mower with the required battery power for long runtimes. Greenworks has an unmatched reputation of always crafting some of the finest machines in the market. It’s no wonder that it is a household name in the lawn mower industry. The Greenworks GLM801600 model is a solution to the cry for a reliable battery powered mower with long runtimes.
How does the mower increase runtimes? Very simple, it’s fitted with a high capacity 80 Volt battery that promotes runtimes of out to 60 minutes without stopping. As long as the 4.0AH batteries are fully charged, expect a performance that is above every brick and mortar competitor out there.
The cutting power and reliability of this model can be compared to those found with gas-powered lawn mowers. There is a patented DigiPro brushless motor system that powers the inner workings of the mower. The brushless system leads to less wear and tear and provides high torqueing powers to slice through grasses.
One major drawback is that the battery powering this lawn mower has to be purchased separately. However, users can take solace in the fact that it is reasonably priced and compatible with a number of batteries and charger model i.e. GBA80200, GBA80400 and GCH8040.
In line with safety requirements and Greenworks dedication to greener policies, this model features a low maintenance feature to aid its use. Low vibrations, low noise, and less oil mess are a win-win situation for both
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Battery Power
It has a reliable battery system that guarantees mowing runtimes of up to 60 minutes. This model is also compatible with a range of batteries and chargers.
- Cutting Deck
Offers crisp grass cutting provided for by a sturdy smart-cut technology.
- Eco-friendly
It operates in less noise, low vibrations and fewer gas fumes.
- Very powerful for the toughest of grasses
- Long runtimes of up to 60 minutes
- Universal battery compatibility
- Very easy to store
- Cordless and operates with less vibration and noise
- Not self-propelled
- Batteries not included
6. Sun Joe iON16LM-HYB 40V 4.0 Ah Hybrid Cordless or Electric Lawn Mower, 16″
- No pull cords, gas, oil, tune-ups, carbon emissions or tangled extension cords
- Powerful brushless motor increases battery efficiency, maximizes motor performance, decreases noise and vibration and extends motor life
The Sun Joe iON16LM-HYB electric lawn mower is a great asset if your lawn sits on hilly terrain. It’s easy to push around and doesn’t require much physical exertion on the part of the operator. Of course, there are lawn mowers that are more equal than others and this model prides itself as one of the best in the business of cutting grass. This model has a 40V battery system with a rather small 16-inch cutting deck.
It’s the perfect choice for small lawn owners who don’t require the robust features of larger machines. It provides an above-average performance when it comes to maintaining the lawn and is void of all the complications that come with gas guzzlers. The power derived from the 40v battery ensures that there is a runtime of about 30-45mintues. This time is relatively shorter if you compare it to that of GreenWorks GLM801600.
To tackle the problem of runtimes, this model employs the use of hybrid technology to give users an option to either use it as a corded or cordless device. Honestly speaking mowing runtimes of 30 minutes is quite low when compared to other top models. With an initial charge time of 5 hours and a subsequent charge time of 2 hours, this model is not the most convenient around.
Other notable features include an ability to adjust the height of the cutting deck in 6 incremental steps, ETL approved and a full 2 year warranty period.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Hybrid Tech
It is equipped with the capability to use the mower as a corded or cordless machine. This greatly increases the functionality
- Battery Power
4oV battery system takes 5 hours to charge up initially and then 2 hours subsequently after every drain.
- Cutting Deck
It has a small 16-inch cutting deck ideal for small lawns and gardens.
- Very compact and lightweight for hilly lawns
- Hybrid functionality
- Simple to operate and easy to store
- Mid-range price
- Ridiculously Long initial battery charge time
- Low battery power translates to shorter runtimes
7. Honda HRR216K9VKA 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self-Propelled Gas Mower with Auto Choke
- Includes full manufacturer warranty
Self-propelled lawn mowers are one of the best mowers for Streep inclines because they don’t require too much physical exertion to get moving. The self-propelled technology only requires a little guidance to get mowing jobs done. The mower is an embodiment of Honda’s long-lasting tradition and dedication to state-of-the-art machinery.
Honda built this lawn mower with two things in mind; firstly to outperform every other model in its class and secondly to provide top class functionality not seen anywhere else. However, despite the positives it has its own shortcomings. The Honda HRR216K9VKA has a very sturdy GCV160 engine with auto choke mechanism to mitigate the need for annoying priming.
Gas-powered mowers are particularly a more favorable approach to tackling weeds on hilly lawns. This mower is gas-powered and has a lot of power to cut grass on large lawns, hills and uneven terrain. It is also enhanced with variable speeds drive system that improves the performance in uneven terrains and hills.
To make the most out of this mower you will have you put in the effort required for maintenance, from keeping the oil at an appropriate level, changing the spark plug to sharpening the blades.
Notable inbuilt features include a 3-in-1 capability for bagging, mulching and side discharge. A micro-cut twin blade provide ultra-fine grass cut, ergonomic handles for comfort and a compact design for easy storage.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Variable Speed
A variable speed control system improves the performance of the lawn mower on steep hills and uneven grounds.
- 3-in-1 Feature
A variable speed control system improves the performance of the lawn mower on steep hills and uneven grounds.
- Cutting Deck
12-gauge steel deck houses micro cut twin blades for crisp grass cutting.
- Powerful GC160 engine
- Self-propelled features require little guidance
- Variable speed feature for improved performance
- Auto choke mechanism
- High maintenance cost
- Small rear and front tires
8. Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive Self-Propelled Lawnmower
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Troy-BiltTB330 is a popular but lower end mower model that offers premium features at a reduced price. It has almost all the features seen in higher-end models making it one of the best sorts after mowers by those on a budget. The mower’s all-round performance places it in prime position as a reliable mower for hills.
It has a strong 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine powerful enough to propel the Tri-Action cutting system. This model employs the use of a rear-wheel drive system along with threaded front and rear wheels to provide maximum traction and support uphill. Improved performance is enhanced smart speed settings that are controlled by a single-lever variable drive control.
There is a large capacity 1.9-bushel bagging system which is a very prominent feature at the back. It allows you to collect a reasonable amount of grass clippings before stopping to dispose of the content. Side discharge and fine grass mulching make up the 3-in-1 design capability. For comfort the long handle is designed with a soft cushioning foam material.
Finally, it comes equipped with a wide 21-inch cutting deck which is slightly above the average cutting width for residential apartments. In six cutting height adjustments, users have the option of customizing grass cut heights as they wish.
For safety, it has a blade controlling lever handle that allows the operator to stop the blades whenever there is a major obstacle on the way.
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TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine Power
Reliable power comes from the standard 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine. Power your way uphill or on any terrain
- Tri-Action
The deck features a Tri-Action cutting technology with superior cutting features to blaze past any level of grass thickness.
- 3-in-1
3-in-1 capability with a prominent 1.9-bushel grass bagging feature, fine grass mulching and side discharge system.
- Excellent 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- Powerfully made cutting blades
- Auto choke mechanism
- Self-propelled and easy to start
- Deck cleaning system
- Needs bigger rear wheels for traction
- A shabby drive control system
9. Snapper XD 82V MAX
- Up to 90-minutes run time with (2) Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium ion 2.0 Batteries; Kit comes with (2) 2.0 Lithium ion batteries and rapid charger
- 19 inch steel mowing deck with 3 in 1 design mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings easily.
Snapper XD is a reputable brand in the production of reliable and powerful yard equipment. This model features a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine operating on an 82V motor system. The power system emits enough energy to tackle large lawn areas in as little time as possible. The brushless motor system makes use of efficient magnets to increase runtimes and durability.
It has a 21-inch cutting deck system adjustable in 7 incremental steps from 35-95mm. You have the option to cut grass to the perfect height at any time of the year, or according to the goals you set for your lawn. The deck houses a 19 –inch steel blade system to cut grass in ultra-fine pieces.
Other notable features include a 3-in-1 body design that incorporates a large 60-liter bagging bushel, side discharge as well as mulching capability. One prominent feature is the load sensing system that efficiently stores power by adjusting itself to the level of grass thickness.
Users can get up to about 90 minutes of runtime from the dual battery system and to speed things up, there is a rapid charger included with every purchase that cuts charging time in half.
To reduce the hassles of pushing this lawn mower uphill, Snapper XD is enhanced with soft rubber handles and easy to reach touchpoints for smoother operation.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Engine
The live house and power needed for proper function come from a standard Briggs & Stratton engine fitted with a 1,200-watt brushless motor. You can expect to use this mower for many years to come.
- Load Sensing
It has a load sensing feature that adjusts the output power to suit the demands of the cutting blades. This feature can come in handy as a tool to save power during light mowing sessions.
- Compact
It’s very compact, weighs just 59.5 lbs and can be stored vertically to conserve space.
- It’s a self-propelled lawn mower that is perfect form hills.
- Good power output from Briggs & Stratton engine
- Lightweight at 56.5 lbs
- Load sensing feature
- Long 5 year warranty period
- 2 batteries included
- Wet grass can significantly hamper mowing runtimes.
10. BLACK+DECKER BEMW482ES Electric Mower 17″ Lawn Pivot Control Handle
- LIGHTWEIGHT CORDED ELECTRIC MOWER - Gasless 12 amp 17 Inch electric mower for powering through rough grass
- PIVOT CONTROL HANDLES - For tight turns and maximum control
Black & Decker BEMW482ES is a mower designed for maximum maneuverability and comfort. The pivoting handle is one of the most striking features that stands it out form the lot. The ergonomic push handles are a very practical approach allowing users to navigate past tight corners and obstacles. Meanwhile, the improved winged blade increases clipping collection by 30 percent.
For quality grass cutting experience the Black & Decker electric lawn mower comes with a moderately sized 17 –inch cutting deck which can be adjusted in 6 incremental steps from 1-3in. The cutting deck houses impressive wing blades that slice through thick grasses with ease.
Becker & Decker places simplicity as a core value to make their products one of the easiest to use machinery in stores. Once you get the mower plugged into a power outlet, you are all set and ready to mow. There is a handy single lever located at the back of the left wheel that allows users to adjust the cutting heights of the deck.
For traction and support the threaded rear and front-wheel tires are properly crafted to provide the most friction for the mower. This model is a great choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive lawn mower for small residential yards.
TOP 3 FEATURES
- Comfort
Comfortable pivot looking handles makes maneuvering close to obstacles easy. Push start features, touch buttons, and easy to use single lever makes mowing jobs fun.
- Cutting Blades
This model is designed with wing blades to offer superior grass cutting than most mowers of comparable prices.
- Cutting Deck
It has a moderately-sized 17-inch cutting deck suitable for small and residential houses only.
- Well-designed winged blades
- Pivot control handles for maneuverability
- Easy to install and use
- Small cutting deck
- Mowing part depends on the length of the extension cord
Buyer’s Guide to the Right Lawn Mower for Hills
Mowing hilly terrains can be a very tedious process if you don’t have the right equipment. Not all lawn mowers are designed to operate on steeply hills so be sure you purchase the right one for your needs.
There are quite a number of mowers out there designed for a wide range of purposes to the extent that finding the best one tailored to your needs can be challenging. Allow this section guide your purchasing decision on locating the best lawn mower for steep hills.
1. Choosing Between rear-wheel, front-wheel or all-wheel drives
When it comes to hilly terrains nothing could be more important than the type of wheel drive system. You need a mower with absolute maneuverability as well as top-notch traction to get the job done in time. Since you will have an uphill task against gravity, pay special attention to the wheel drive system. Let’s go over them one at a time.
Rear Wheel Drive System
Rear-wheel drives are the best at traction. When it comes to mowing uphill lawns, good traction is one of the most important factors to consider. Rear-wheel drive provides the much-needed traction to tackle hills and increase support with the ground.
It’s also easier to bag grass clippings with rear-wheel drive since most of the mower’s weight rests on the rear wheels. Rear wheels are also very good at mowing in straight lines because of their increased traction. So for greater support, traction and pristine cut opt for a mower with a rear-wheel drive system.
Front-Wheel Drive System
Front wheels are less common than rear-wheel drive for good reason. If y wheel drive you have little obstacles littered around the lawn to navigate past, choose a front lawn mower. Their design helps the operator tip over and around obstacles making them the most maneuverable mowers in stores.
Despite the positives they fall short when it comes to mowing hills. They don’t have the required traction for support because as opposed to been maneuverable, hilly terrains require that the front wheels are firmly rooted to the ground.
All-Wheel Drive Lawn Mowers
All-wheel drive lawn mowers are an attempt at fusing the merits of both rear and front-wheel drive systems. They are designed to offer support at both the front and rear wheels. With an all-wheel-drive mower, the four wheels are rooted to the ground firmly to provide great traction for both flat and hilly terrains.
All-wheel drives are not as popular as rear wheel drives because they are harder to construct, making them the most expensive of all three systems.
All in all, rear-wheel drives are best for hilly terrains; front wheels are for flat terrains and maneuverability while all-wheel drives combine the benefits of both. If you don’t mind the extra cost, buy a reliable all-wheel drive if you find one.
2. Deck Size
Deck size can impact the maneuverability of the lawn mower. The larger the deck size the more difficult it is to maneuver around obstacles. Choose a mower with a large deck size if you have large areas to cover but opt for small deck size for narrow lawns.
A deck size of 54-inches is an ideal width if you have a very large open lawn. The wide cutting width will allow you to cover more grounds.
Before you make a purchasing decision, factor in the size of your lawn and match it to an appropriately sized lawn mower.
3. Weight of the lawn mower
Weight is of utmost importance when it comes to hilly terrains. Heavy mowers are obviously harder to drag uphill than lightweight lawn mowers. The energy exerted to push the lawn mower upwards can be saved for more positive ventures. Unless you have the funds to purchase a self-propelled lawn mower, opt for mowers that are lightweight in nature.
The tradeoff however, is that lightweight mowers aren’t as efficient as heavy lawn mowers because they are significantly less powerful. Your task now is to strike a balance between power and weight.
Look for a very powerful but lightweight lawn mower.
4. Ease of use
Mowing is not an easy task, look for features that make the job a lot easier. Features like cushioned handles, seats, easy to reach controls and ergonomic designs are very important aspects that make a lawn mower easy to use.
Look also to how easy it is to start the mower plus the rate at which it navigates past obstacles. The only way to determine this is if you have a hands-on approach with the lawn mower, if not, ensures you read the reviews of others.
You will find the 3-in-1 feature very convenient during mowing.
5. Warranty
Check and recheck the warranty period. Lawn mowers are quiteexpensive, you will do well to understand the warranties before committing to any. Models with short warranty periods might have durability issues and vice versa.
Warranty periods for many hill lawn mowers are 2 years. Anything above that is considered very good. Pay close attention to the warranty details too, some models come with different warranties for the engine and chassis.
Hill Mowing Tips
Mowing on steeply hills is a difficult task but if you purchase the right lawn mower your efforts can be cut in half. Here are some hill mowing tips to help make the most out of your routine.
- Never mow wet grass
While it’s tempting to mow the lawn when the grass is wet, it’s a very bad idea when you have to deal with a steep hill. No matter how strong the traction tires are, mowing steep hills when the ground is wet is a no-no.Wet grass increases the likelihood of clogging the engine and reduces the friction between the tires and ground. Sliding downwards isa common occurrence when mowing so it’s always wise to ascertain the condition of the grass before you mow. - Cut Height
Scalping the mowing deck is a common occurrence when mowing hilly terrain. To avoid this, adjust the deck to a reasonable height in an effort to reduce or minimize the probability of scalping.
It’s common place to increase the height all the way before technically adjusting it lower to find the right height. - When using push a lawn mower
When you use a push lawn mower for steeply hills, try to mow from side-to-side rather than mowing from up downwards. Since you will be behind the push lawn mower the likelihood for the mower sliding downwards on you is high.Don’t compromise your safety in the name of completing the task in time. Take out the time to mow from side-to-side and on dry surfaces. The push lawn mower is unlikely going to slide downwards if you take the side mowing approach. - Using a Riding Lawn Mower
As the name suggests, you will be sitting on the mower during mowing rather than behind. In this case the only rational way to mow steeply hills is upwards and downwards and not the side approach of push lawn mowers.
Riding lawn mowers aren’t designed to mow side-to-side. If you try it, be prepared to topple down the hill. Thanks to the design features of riding lawn mowers, it’s very rare to flip when mowing upwards and down a hill.