Whether you have a small patch of land or acres of lush green lawn, mowing is always a difficult task! And this task becomes even more challenging when you have a sloppy lawn or a lawn situated in a hilly area.
If you’re keen on having a maintained lawn and equal-shaped grass, then there’s something you need to buy at the earliest: a lawn mower for hills.
That’s why we’ve brought this comprehensive guide 10 Best Lawn Mowers for Hills in 2022: Reviews & Buying Guide. Let’s explore right now!
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How to choose the best lawn mower for hills?
Before looking at potential new machines, you should consider the following factors:
Size of the hill
If your garden is large, it’ll be long and hard work to mow. So, you may need a more powerful lawnmower to make the job easier. Remember that pushing a mower up a steep hill or keeping it under control going downhill would be very tiring, especially if your garden is large.
Thus, it’s essential to first calculate the size of the hill before buying a mower.
Obstacles & rugged terrain
You should be aware of any obstacles or if the terrain is particularly rugged. If you have terrain that is difficult to navigate around, larger lawn mowers will not be as efficient when compared to their smaller counterparts.
Cutting width
The cutting width, sometimes referred to as the mower deck or cutting deck, shows how wide a swath a mower cuts in one pass. Lawn mowers with wider cutting decks often require fewer passes to complete a lawn.
Small lawns measuring 1/2 acre or less generally require a cutting width of fewer than 40 inches. For lawns 1/2 -2 acres, the cutting width of 42 to 48 inches works well. If your lawn is larger than 3 acres, search for a cutting deck of 50 inches or broader.
See more:
- What is the best lawn mower for 1 acre & 1/2 acres lot?
- What is the best lawn mower for 3 acres?
- What is the best lawn mower for 5 acres?
Ease of operation
Some mowers will be naturally more difficult to operate than others. You’ll need to find a mower that is as easy to operate as possible.
Weight
A lighter mower is usually much easier to propel up a hill. However, if it’s too light, it might be unstable when going up a slope. On the other hand, heavier mowers will obviously be harder to push but are likely to be more powerful.
This requires you to strike the right balance between power, weight, and maneuverability.
7 Best lawn mowers for hills
1. Honda HRX217K5VKA 187cc mower – Best mower
Honda HRX217K5VKA is a premium model that delivers exceptional grass-grooming performance year after year. The machine comes with a complete package of functionality, durability, and elegance for 1/4 to 3/4 acre of hilly terrain. From the NeXite deck material to the VersaMow system to the twin blades, there’s a lot to this mower.
We’ve combined all the information about the machine here so that you can make your decision precisely.
Automatic transmission
The machine is armed with a powerful 187cc gas engine, with rear-wheel drive and 5-setting automatic transmission to match with variable speed through different terrains. Adjusting your desired speed becomes much easier using the speed adjust dial.
Rust-free, no-dent NeXite mowing deck
The cutting deck is exceptionally impact-resistant and durable. Its unique 21-inch NeXite deck feature gives a lifetime warranty, which is absolutely a plus for you.
MicroCut system
Featuring the twin blades (MicroCut System), the machine can result in ultra-fine clippings for superior mulching and much more clippings per bag.
Versamow system
This signature feature allows you to take multiple actions between shredding, mulching, discharging, and bagging your clippings. It also helps determine how much percentage of cuttings you’d like to save or return to the lawn as fertilizer.
Ease of use & storage
It’s easy to start the machine. Additionally, you can adjust it based on your height. Storing becomes easy as it can be folded up, which makes it more compact for suitable storage.
Pros:
- Super easy start
- Great mulching with twin blades (MicroCut System)
- Rust-resistant deck
- Wide bagging system
- Long warranty
Cons:
- Can’t release grass impressively
- No wash port means you need to turn over the unit to clean, which can be risky
Specifications:
| Mower type | Self-propelled |
| Engine output | 187cc |
| Power source | Gas |
| Cutting width | 21’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 0.75’’ to 4’’) |
| Weight | 108 lbs |
2. Troy-Bilt TB330 163cc 21-Inch Self-propelled Lawn Mower
This is an impressive machine with remarkable performance and features. Actually, this model is considered a solid product offering some real ergonomic features. It is a perfect choice if you have a lawn with thick grass like Kentucky bluegrass, or you find yourself frequently having to mow when the grass is still a little damp after a passing rain shower.
Heavy-duty engine
The Troy-Bilt TB330 self-propelled lawn mower is armed with an easy-starting engine, which makes it conveniently capable of handling the hilly area.
Variable speed control system
The machine not only produces decent speed but also controls the variable speed, which allows users to set the pace through different terrains as required.
Superior cutting deck & adjustable height setting
The cutting deck is superior as it consists of tri-action blades and 21-inch cutting width. There are 6 different height settings for you, ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches. You can set and control the height setting using a single lever system integrated on the deck.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- An easy deck cleaning system
- 21-inch tri-action blades for efficient cutting
- Variable speed control in order to match different terrains and grass
- 3-in-1 side discharge capabilities, mulch, or rear bag
Cons:
- Can produce a lot of smoke in the first use
- Plastic lever might not be durable
Specifications:
| Mower type | Self-propelled |
| Engine output | 163cc |
| Power source | Gas |
| Cutting width | 21’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.25’’ to 3.75’’) |
| Weight | 81 lbs |
3. Snapper P2185020E / 7800982 HI VAC Self propelled lawn mower
Another amazing self propelled lawn mower on our list comes from Snapper. Smartly consisting of a sturdy Briggs & Stratton 850 Pro series engine, you don’t need to worry about priming or engine choking as it has a ready-start system where you just need to pull and go. With this machine, your mowing task will become much easier and faster. This product deserve one of the best electric lawn mowers for hills.
Powerful engine
The mower is powered with the 190cc Briggs and Stratton 850 Pro series engine, which can withstand comfortably hilly terrain. Featuring a ready start system, it’ll help you start eliminating any priming and choking problem. You just need to pull and go!
Alternative starting system
The machine comes with both electric and recoiling starting systems that are super comfortable. You can start the electric system with a simple push, while you need to pull its cord once in the recoil system, and then it’ll start instantly.
High speed
The mower offers a decent speed of up to 4mph – a perfect walking pace for most people. With a disc drive transmission system, it can speed up or slow down to maintain an even speed in a hilly area.
Excellent traction and smooth running
With its rear-wheel drive system, the machine ensures straightforward maneuverability without damaging your grass.
HI VAC deck acts as a vacuum
The outstanding feature of the HI VAC deck, together with a high lift blade and rolled deck edge, is that it can cut the grass without leaving clumps and patches. Besides, it has lots of airflows – similar to a vacuum – to suck clippings into the bag, which leaves your lawn super clean.
Pros:
- Powerful engine and durable cutting deck
- Alternative starting system
- Rear wheel drive with great traction and mobility
- HI VAC deck sucks up grass clippings like a vacuum
- 3-in-1 capability – side discharge, bag, or mulch
Con:
- High price for the budget-constrained user
Specifications:
| Mower type | Self-propelled |
| Engine output | 190cc |
| Power source | Gas |
| Cutting width | 21’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.25’’ to 4’’) |
| Weight | 85.2 lbs |
4. Greenworks 40V 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower – Top Push Lawn Mowers
This is considered the big brother of Greenworks 16-inch lawn mower with some extra helpful features. Take the dual blades and battery port as examples. With all outstanding features, it can handle hills properly.
Dual battery, longer runtime
The most impressive feature of this lawn mower is the dual battery port. You can plug in two batteries simultaneously and it will automatically switch to the backup battery when the primary one is out of juice.
Its 4Ah and 2Ah batteries are included in the package and together, they will uninterruptedly mow more than an hour and touch 70-75 limits as well.
20-inch deck, 5 positions
Coming with a 20-inch deck, this lawn mower is a good choice for medium-sized areas. The blades create a balance between maneuverability and cutting capacity. Dual blades make sure superior cut quality. But mulching is not great. You can adjust its deck at 5 positions according to the grass height. You could cut between 1-¾’ to 3-⅜’.
Please note that this is not a self-propelling mower. However, as it weighs only 42.5 lbs, pushing it around is not a task itself. With 7-inch front wheels and 10-inch rear wheel, this mower is quite easy to maneuver.
You could either bag or mulch the clippings with this mower. The hardtop rear grass clipping bag will indicate when the bag is full. However, as we said above, the mulching quality is not very good.
Smart cut technology
Dual batteries couldn’t run that long uninterruptedly by themselves without smart cut technology. This controls power delivery to the lawn mower blades depending on the grass thickness, so that no power gets wasted.
Pros:
- Dual battery port
- Significant power
- Push start
- Amazing runtime
- Double blade
Con:
- Mulching is not very good
Specifications:
| Mower type | Push lawn mower |
| Power source | Battery-powered |
| Cutting width | 20’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1-¾’ to 3-⅜’) |
| Weight | 42.5 lbs |
Recommendation: 7 Best Cordless Lawn Mowers For Your Garden
5. Ariens 915223 IKON X Zero-Turn Mower
The Ariens 915223 IKON X zero-turn mower is a classic mowing unit that doesn’t only leave your lawn looking professionally clean but also lets you get back the needed nutrients into your yard. Plus, a shoulder support mechanism is featured to keep your shoulders at a rested position while mowing.
Kawasaki engine
Talking of the Kawasaki engine feature, it goes without saying that the mower can be categorized as a commercial-grade mowing unit. The engine provides a high torque that gives excellent mowing results in all working conditions.
Deck power
Its 52-inch deck is made of heavy 11 gauge steel and is fabricated as well. With this deck, you can be assured of achieving an even flawless grass cut for your lawn. Moreover, the deck mower is 4½ inches deep, allowing you to get as deep as you may need while mowing.
Speed
Featuring a ground speed of 7 mph/ 3 mph FWD/REV, this mower allows you to clean up your compound within no time. Furthermore, with the speed feature, you get to spend less on fuel, and your mowing sessions do not drain out all your energy.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Robust heavy gauge steel made deck mower
- Comes with an LED light for low light regions
- Maximum comfort with the ergonomic seat
Cons:
- Limited fuel tank capacity
- Not available for sale in California
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 52’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 615 lbs |
6. Ryobi RY48ZTR100 Zero-Turn Mower
This incredible Ryobi zero-turn mower is a perfect choice for any individual looking for a high-performance easy-to-use machine to keep your hilly areas clean. To begin with, the model offers a quiet operation in that you won’t cause disturbance to your neighborhood anytime you mow. Below are some outstanding features of this mower.
Powerful battery
The mower comes with a highly powerful battery that provides you with a 3-acre continuous mowing with zero interruptions. You won’t need to slow down your mowing activities due to frequent power interruptions. Plus, the powerful battery offers all the speed you need to go about your mowing activities within a short duration.
Rugged steel frame
The mower is made with a heavy gauge steel material that makes it pretty durable. You’ll get a chance to enjoy quality long hour mowing services without breakdowns every now and then.
Comfort
The model comes with comfortable adjustable seat positions that keep you shielded from bumpy effects while working on uneven ground. Besides, the design makes it easy for you to mount on and off.
Pros:
- Features a rugged construction for optimal durability
- Maximum comfort
- Extra accessories (cup holders, LED lights, storage compartments)
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature armrests and roll bars
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Battery |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4.5’’) |
| Weight | 597 lbs |
Bonus: 4 best riding lawn mowers for hills
7. Troy-Bilt Pony 42’’ 15.5 HP Riding Lawn Mower – Top pick
The second Troy-Bilt mower on our list is a 42-inch machine, which won’t disappoint you. It is powered by a 15.5 HP Power Built Series (single-cylinder) OHV Briggs and Stratton engine, which delivers reliable starting performance for all your mowing needs. Let’s explore some excellent features of this mower.
Engine performance
This mower is powered by a 15.5 HP Briggs and Stratton engine for outstanding performance and longevity. It is one of the best-priced riding lawn mowers on the market. It has a seven-speed transmission with shift-on-the-go and backward mowing capabilities. Changing speed and direction couldn’t be easier with this transmission system.
Cutting performance
The riding lawn mower has a 42-inch deck to make sure that you finish mowing your lawn in as few passes as possible. It provides an even and clean cut and discharges grass clippings from its side.
Its two 22-inch blades are extremely sharp and can even cut through flimsy garden ornaments if you are not careful. Keep it away from these tinsel garden gnomes!
Turn radius
It has an 18-inch turn radius that lets you trim those hard-to-reach places. Just don’t put yourself in too tight a spot, otherwise, you may have some trouble getting out!
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Fully-steel construction
- 7-speed transmission
- Wide 42-inch cutting deck
- Extra accessories
Cons:
- Small gas tank capacity
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4’’) |
| Weight | 520 lbs |
8. Yard Machines 420cc 42-Inch Riding Mower – Good choice
The Yard Machines 420cc 42-inch riding lawn mower is certainly one of the best riding lawn mowers. It is user-friendly and comes with a variety of features that makes it perfect for both domestic and professional use. We will show you some of the most outstanding aspects of this lawn mower.
Engine performance
The mower comes with a 420cc Powermore engine, which should be powerful enough for all your mowing needs. It also has a seven-speed transmission, which gives you enough power to complete your mowing work.
Cutting performance
It has a 42-inch cutting deck to ensure that you will get your mowing done as quickly as possible. It also allows you to mulch and bag grass clippings in case you prefer not to discharge.
Maneuverability
It comes with some features that are often restricted to more pricier models, like mowing deck rollers or tall tires. It has been built for maneuverability, which you will quickly realize as soon as you use it for the first time.
Pros:
- Wide deck size
- Compact and easy to use
- 7 adjustable speed gear system
- Convenient headlights for excellent visibility in low light settings
- Comfortable mid-back seat
Cons:
- Doesn’t mow in reverse
- Small fuel tank
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding lawn mower |
| Engine output | 420cc |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1’’ to 4’’) |
9. Poulan Pro PP175G42 Riding Lawnmower
This is a reliable and sturdy lawn mower that should get your mowing done without any trouble. Equipped with a 42’’ cutting deck, powerful Briggs & Stratton engine, and fender-mounted, lever-controlled 6-speed transmission, this mower is a stellar choice packed into a compact size.
Engine performance
The mower is powered by a 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine with an easily serviceable air filter. It has a 6-speed gear drive transmission, which allows you to easily adjust for different terrains, even for hilly areas.
Cutting performance
It powers a 42-inch cutting deck, which will make quick work of your lawn, especially if it is less than an acre in size.
Turning radius and reverse mowing
It has a relatively small 16-inch turning radius, which enables quality mowing, especially around obstacles. It also has a reverse mowing mode, which you won’t see in most mowers in this price range.
It is quite simple to keep the blades engaged while mowing. This will save an enormous amount of time, especially when you plan on making more than one pass. Just imagine how long it would take to mow once, back up, mow again, and even back up once more if you are in front of a wall or other obstacles.
Its reverse mowing feature is definitely a lifesaver in some cases.
Pros:
- Wide 42-inch cutting deck
- Powerful 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine
- 13-gauge steel deck
- Reverse mowing feature
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Small gas tank capacity
Specifications:
| Mower type | Riding mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1.5’’ to 4’’) |
| Weight | 415 lbs |
10. John Deere Z345M Zero-Turn Riding Mower
If you’ve been looking for a reliable, powerful mower for hilly areas, then the John Deere Z345 riding lawn mower will be an excellent choice for you. Its 22 HP engine comes with smooth and flawless operation, which won’t let you down. The mowing equipment is also user-friendly along with the easy-to-use controls even for a novice. Let’s look at some incredible features that you get to enjoy with this mower.
Powerful engine
If you’re regularly involved in mowing activities, you should get yourself a mower with a powerful engine. This mower engine is powerful and offers a long-lasting service thanks to its cast iron sleeves. It also offers optimal fuel economy thanks to the over-head valves.
Cut quality
The mower comes with an impressive 42-inch Accel deep deck, which provides an attractive, clean cut. This is attributable to the deck’s outstanding ability in dealing with stubborn weeds on hilly areas. Plus, the mower deck also features different height settings that can cut long grass tirelessly.
Easy maintenance
Another impressive feature of this mower is that it is pretty easy to clean. It features a flat deck that prevents debris from accumulating on top of it. Also, it comes with flip up guards that make the process of getting grass and debris off the belts effortless.
Pros:
- Deep mower deck for high productivity
- High speed to get the job done pretty quick
- Delivers an even discharge of clippings
- Easy to use & maintain
Cons:
- A gas gauge is not included
- Not speedy while on reverse mode
Specifications:
| Mower type | Zero-turn mower |
| Power source | Gas-powered |
| Cutting width | 42’’ |
| Adjustable cutting height | Yes (from 1’’ to 4’’) |
| Weight | 496 lbs |
How we rank 10 best mowers for hills
Whatever lawn mower for hills you need, here are the criteria we feel matter most in ranking:
- Performance. We researched which ones could perform the best on hills – from a lawn-care perspective. We have measured this performance over years of long-term testing and in tests of new contenders against our established recommendations.
- User interface and features. In years of tests, we’ve found it’s essential to focus on user interface and features. How difficult is it to adjust the push bar height, or to lower and raise the mowing deck? Is the bag a pain to put on and take off? Are there any other design details to make startup smoother, reduce engine maintenance, or make storage easier?
- Owner reviews and reputation. The best mowers for hillsides out there have proved satisfying the most number of users for the longest amount of time. That led us to consider the most well-regarded models from major brands, which are covered by comparable warranties of about 2-5 years.
Advice on cutting grass using lawn mower for hills safely
Mowing a hill is much more challenging than mowing a plain home turf. That’s why you should keep these precautions in mind:
- Inspect your land before mowing. Check and get rid of all the hazards on the incline, such as ruts, bricks, rocks, sticks, holes, wire, ropes, etc.
- Don’t start or stop your mower on the slope.
- Rather than uphill, mow down slopes as much as possible, which risks the lawn mower falling back on you. If you need to move sideways across the hill, always remain behind the mower, never on the side, with both hands on the bar firmly.
- Mow dry grass only, for proper traction.
- Mow in the sunshine is an important condition for safety. You can’t notice unexpected obstacles during a shaded afternoon.
- Make a plan for an escape route in case you lose control over the lawn mower.
- Wear heavy-duty shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Also, gripping gloves can help you maintain control of the mower on hills.
- Go through the operators’ manual as well as carry out regular maintenance.
Final thoughs on best lawnmower for hills
That’s it for the 10 best lawn mowers for hills! We hope you can find the right one for yourself after reading our article.
You can see that mowing hills can be a risky affair. However, by exercising safety precautions, you’ll get ahead quite well.
So, what about your opinion on mowing hilly lawns? What is the best lawn mower for hills in your case? Feel free to share it with us your opinion about the best mower for hills right below. If you have any questions on this topic, ask us right away! We’re always looking forward to your feedback!