The job of cutting grass on hills can be a significant challenge, especially if you don’t have the right machines. The best mowers for hills are designed to handle harsh terrains and steep inclines, making them essential for property owners with yards on considerable slants.
Top 3 Best Mowers for Hills
- BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
- Great States Reel Mower
1. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Lawn Mower, String Trimmer, Edger, 3-in-1 (MTC220), 12-Inch 3-in-1 Mower Only
If you’re looking for a tool that’s more than just a mower, the BLACK+DECKER Cordless 3-in-1 (MTC220) might be right up your alley. It’s a lawn mower, trimmer, and edger all in one, which is perfect for small yards and keeping things neat without switching tools.
We gave it a spin on a small front and back yard, and it did a solid job. The automatic feed system was a game-changer—we could keep mowing without stopping to adjust the line. Plus, the PowerDrive transmission breezed through thicker patches of grass without struggling. We also liked how adjustable it was; the deck height and pivoting handle made it easy to tailor to what we needed.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If you’ve got a larger property, this isn’t your mower—it’s really built for areas up to about 750 square feet. The cutting heights are also limited to 1.6 and 2.4 inches, so if you’re someone who loves a lush, longer lawn, you might find this limiting. And while the 2.5-hour charge time isn’t outrageous, it’s worth noting if you’re in a rush.
For a small yard, though, this 3-in-1 tool is super handy. It’s versatile, easy to use, and makes quick work of smaller spaces.
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2. American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re after an eco-friendly lawn mower that’s simple to use and low on maintenance, the American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 Push Reel Mower is definitely worth a look.
We gave this mower a whirl and loved how easy it was to handle. Its lightweight design made it a breeze to push around, and the blades sliced through grass effortlessly—kind of like a hot knife through butter. On top of that, it’s quiet and doesn’t produce any fumes, which is a nice bonus for both you and the environment.
That said, it’s not the best pick for larger lawns or tackling tall grass. We found it really shines on smaller, well-maintained yards with shorter grass. Also, the T-style handle might not be the most comfortable if you’re mowing for a long time, so keep that in mind.
For compact yards and those wanting a greener alternative, this mower is a fantastic choice. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and gets the job done beautifully.
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3. Great States Reel Mower
This hand-pushed mower is sturdy, sharp, and super easy to use. The blade reel, made from tempered alloy steel, cuts cleanly and can be adjusted to handle grass heights from 1/2 to 2-3/4 inches. With its 10-inch wheels, radial tires, and unbreakable steel side plates, this mower is built to last and handles hard-to-reach spots with ease. The foam-cushioned handle is a thoughtful touch, making it more comfortable to push around.
What we really love is how eco-friendly it is. No gas, oil, or electricity needed—just you and a little elbow grease. It’s nearly maintenance-free, so there’s no worrying about spark plugs or clogged engines. Plus, it snips grass cleanly for a precise, healthy cut.
That said, it might not be the best for thick or tall grass, and it can take more effort to push compared to a gas mower. Also, if you’ve got a large yard, this might not be the most practical option.
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4. American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re after an eco-friendly lawn mower, the American Lawn Mower Company 1415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is definitely worth considering.
We gave this mower a go, and it’s super easy to handle. It’s lightweight, so maneuvering around the yard is a breeze, plus it’s a great way to skip the gas-powered hassle. And the best part? It’s quiet and doesn’t put out any fumes—perfect for those who want to keep things green.
One feature we really liked was the way the blades cut. The scissor-like motion makes sure the grass gets a clean, precise cut, not a shredded mess. The blades are made from heat-treated alloy steel, which stays sharp for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about sharpening them every season.
That said, this mower is better suited for smaller yards with grass up to 3 or 4 inches tall. It also needs a bit of upkeep—specifically, regular lubrication with WD-40 to keep everything running smoothly.
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5. American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers, the American Lawn Mower Company 16-Inch 5-Blade Vintage Reel Lawn Mower is a solid pick, especially for compact yards. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and best of all, it doesn’t emit any fumes, which makes it a great choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Plus, it’s super low maintenance—just sharpen the blades every 3-5 years, and you're good to go.
We tried out this vintage reel mower, and we were pretty impressed with how well it performed. The adjustable cutting height gave us that perfect scissor-like cut, which kept our lawn looking neat and healthy. The wooden upper handle and roller design gave it a nice old-school charm that made mowing feel a little more enjoyable.
That said, this mower does have its limits. It’s not great with tall grass or uneven terrain, so it works best on flatter, compact lawns. It also doesn’t come with a bag attachment, so you’ll need to rake up the clippings yourself. Despite those few downsides, we think it’s a great planet-friendly option for anyone looking to ditch gas-powered mowers.
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6. Amazon Basics 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Blue
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, no-fuss alternative to gas-powered mowers, the Amazon Basics 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower could be just what you need.
We recently gave this mower a spin, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to use. The assembly was super simple—clear instructions and a design that was straightforward to put together. With its 14-inch cutting width and sharp 4-blade design, mowing the lawn didn’t take much time at all. It’s also lightweight and super easy to move around, even in tight spots.
What’s great about this mower is that it’s totally eco-friendly. No oil, no gas—just push and go. It’s way quieter than gas mowers, and the blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel, so they stay sharp for a while, which means you don’t have to mess with sharpening them too often.
That said, it does have its limits. It struggles with thicker or taller grass (anything over 4 inches) and isn’t great for dealing with withered grass. Also, the handle height is fixed, so if you’re tall, you might feel a little uncomfortable after a while.
But overall, if you want something that’s simple, quiet, and kind to the planet, the Amazon Basics Push Reel Lawn Mower is a solid pick. It’s easy to use and gets the job done without all the noise and maintenance of a gas mower.
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7. Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 16-Inch Push Reel Mower
If you're on the hunt for an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers, the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 16-Inch Push Reel Mower is definitely worth considering. It’s lightweight, easy to push around, and ready to go whenever you are.
We recently tested it out on a small lawn, and we were impressed. It’s really easy to maneuver, and the 7-blade ball bearing reel stays sharp for longer, giving a nice, clean cut every time.
One thing we liked is the adjustable cutting height, which ranges from 0.5" to 2.5", so you can get a really even trim. The steel side plate and durable alloy steel blades make it tough and long-lasting too.
That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. It does take longer to mow than electric or gas mowers, and it’s not ideal for long grass. You’ll also need to put in a little more effort since it’s not powered.
Overall, if you're looking for a solid, eco-friendly push mower, the Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 16-Inch Push Reel Mower is a great option. It’s perfect for small lawns and will get the job done without the gas or electricity!
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Buying Guide
Mowing hills can be a bit tricky, right? You need a mower that’s strong enough to tackle those inclines but still easy to maneuver. If you’ve got a hilly yard, here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for your perfect mower.
Cutting Width
A wider cutting deck might seem like a good idea because it helps you cover more ground quickly. But, here’s the thing: the wider the deck, the harder it can be to control, especially on uneven ground. It’s all about finding a good balance between cutting efficiency and ease of maneuverability on those tricky slopes.
Engine Power
You definitely want enough engine power to climb those hills without your mower struggling. But remember, more power can mean a heavier mower, which might be a little tough to push or control, especially when the ground’s not perfectly level. Aim for enough power to get the job done without making it too hard to handle.
Wheel Size and Traction
Bigger wheels are a must for hilly yards. They help you roll over uneven ground smoothly, and good traction is crucial to prevent slipping on steeper slopes. Look for mowers that have sturdy, large wheels and solid traction. That way, you won’t be fighting with the mower every time you hit a slope.
Weight and Maneuverability
Heavier mowers can give you more stability on hills, but they’re also harder to push around. Lighter mowers are easier to maneuver, but they might not feel as stable on those steeper inclines. Find something that feels stable but still easy to control, and if you can, look for features like adjustable handles or wheels that swivel to make things even easier.
Grass Disposal
Think about how you want to deal with grass clippings. Some mowers have bags to collect the clippings, while others mulch them right back into the lawn. It all depends on what you prefer, but make sure the mower you choose has the grass disposal option that works best for you.
By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding a mower that’ll make mowing your hilly yard a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best riding mower for hills?
If you’re after a riding mower, the John Deere X350 is a great option. It’s got a powerful engine, excellent traction, and four-wheel steering, which makes it easy to handle on hills and uneven ground.
What is the best push mower for hills?
For a push mower, check out the Honda HRX217K5VKA. It’s self-propelled, so it’ll help you with traction on hills, and it has a powerful engine that can handle tougher conditions.
What is the best electric mower for hills?
If you’re into electric mowers, the EGO Power+ LM2142SP is awesome. It has a strong battery, great traction on hills, and a self-propelled feature to make those inclines easier to tackle.
What is the best Cub Cadet for hills?
The Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 is solid for hills. It has a powerful engine, great traction, and a comfy design that’ll make mowing smoother.
What is the best mower for 2 acres with hills?
For a 2-acre property with hills, the Husqvarna YTA24V48 is a winner. It’s got a powerful engine, good traction, and a wide cutting deck that makes it perfect for large areas with some incline.
What is the best walk behind mower for hills and slopes?
For walk-behind mowers, the Troy-Bilt TB330 is a great choice. It’s self-propelled, has awesome traction, and a strong engine to power through hills and tough terrain.
