Outdoor Equipment Reviews

Best Lawn Mower for Hills in 2021: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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Whether you live on a hill or have a yard on an incline, a must-have tool is the best lawn mower for hills.

There are plenty of models on the market that claim to work on all terrains.

However, not all of them have features that can make them convenient for cutting grass uphill.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to scout out the best lawn mowers for this task.

We reviewed and compared five units by checking their main features, pros, and cons.

Best Lawn Mower for Hills: A Review

1. Greenworks Pro

Greenworks is one of the most popular brands when it comes to power tools.

The Pro is a new addition to their series of mowers.

Instead of using gas as its power source, this version has been modified to use a battery.

It’s the perfect solution for those wanting a more sustainable unit.

It produces no emissions, doesn’t use gas or oil.

However, don’t let that fool you, as the unit also includes new improvements from previous versions, making it more efficient for lawn mowing.

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Let’s take a closer look at what else this model has to offer.

Below are the specifications we’ve found with the Greenworks Pro.

  • Battery Options

The first significant improvement of the Greenworks Pro is that it’s a powerful battery-operated system.

There are multiple options for this specific mower, including two types of batteries: 2 Ah or 4 Ah.

  • Wide Coverage

It also includes the ability to be self-propelled or pushed.

The Greenworks Pro also includes widespread coverage so that you can cut more grass with one pass.

  • Extended Cordless Use

The Greenworks Pro has an 80-volt lithium max battery that delivers the gas equivalent to help cut down on waste.

It’s designed to have a quick 30-minute charging speed which allows you to use it even in a pinch.

When fully charged, the lithium battery can run for up to 45 minutes using a 4Ah battery.

That said, run times may vary depending on the type of grass you’re cutting.

  • Adjustability

The 21-inch steel deck of the Greenworks Pro allows the mower to handle large areas at one time.

The mower also has a seven-position height adjustment which allows you to use it on multiple grass types.

It can cut zero inches on the lowest setting, and at the top, it can cut up to four inches off the ground.

This is ideal for hills due to the grass being variable in height.

Being able to adjust the settings allows you to get an even cut throughout.

  • Multi-Functional Bag

The Greenworks Pro’s 3-in-1 functioning bag allows you to pull out the remaining grass that’s cut conveniently.

It also doubles as a mulch and side discharge bag.

The rear bag makes it highly convenient to empty the contents and get back to mowing quickly.

  • Increased Blade Speeds

The Greenworks Pro features innovative Smart Cut Technology that helps increase the movements of the blade.

This automatically adjusts the blade’s momentum to the grass it’s cutting and ensures that no debris will clog the mower.

Plus, you can adjust the speed settings if you feel like the Smart Cut Technology isn’t working.

  • Warranty

All Greenworks Pro 80V tools include a four-year limited tool and battery warranty.

If there are any issues during that time, you can send the device back to the manufacturer free of charge.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Wireless, quiet operation
  • Quick charging
  • Long battery life

Con:

  • Blades can become jammed

2. Makita Lawn Mower Kit

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Yet another popular manufacturer of power tools, there is no doubt that this state-of-the-art cordless OPE made it to our list.

Its main benefit is that, unlike other models, this unit has zero emissions, lower noise, and doesn’t require as much maintenance.

It also includes a powerful battery pack that helps the unit function at maximum power even while cordless.

This particular kit includes the Makita Lawn Mower, four fast-charging 18V batteries, and an 18V LXT Dual Port Charger.

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The Makita lawn mower comes in multiple options, including just the lawn mower, a kit with four 4.0 Ah batteries, or four 5.0 Ah batteries.

The model we’ve reviewed is the kit with four 4.0 Ah batteries.

  • Upgrades

One major upgrade from previous models is that this Makita Lawn Mower features commercial-grade cutting.

It uses a steel deck and includes a quiet mode and a BL brushless motor.

  • Protected Parts

The lawn mower includes Makita Extreme Protection Technology.

XPT is a seal placed inside the unit.

The protective seal improves operation by channeling dust, water, and other debris away from internal components.

This helps extend the overall lifespan of the mower and prevents damages.

  • Cordless Operation

The 18V LXT System includes 18V lithium-ion slide-style batteries.

For operation, the Makita Mower can function for up to 43 minutes at a time.

Aside from these features, lithium-ion batteries have fast charging speeds.

  • Star Protection Computer Controls

For improved tool performance, the Makita includes Star Protection Computer Controls.

What Star Control does is allow the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data.

This prevents overloading, discharge, or even overheating.

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly 
  • Durable
  • Quiet
  • Compact
  • Weather-resistant

Con:

  • Small mowing width

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3. Craftsman M105 140CC Push Mower 

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Craftsman is another well-loved maker of tools that have been in the business for years.

Their M105 is a lawn mower model suitable for small yards.

It has been upgraded to have a 140cc engine that uses an auto-choke.

Another feature added is a 3-in-1 deck which allows for mulching or discharge.

Lastly, they’ve made it easier to adjust the cutting height while moving by adding in dual lever six-position height adjustments.

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For those looking for an all-around unit, the Craftsman is ideal due to a few features.

Below are some of the most notable ones that you need to keep in mind when planning to purchase it.

  • Efficient Cutting

Improvements from previous models include more accurate cutting.

This is mainly due to the 140CC gas engine, which has an attached bagger and a 3-in-1 cutting deck.

The cutting deck is 21 inches and features a wide cutting range.

It’s efficient enough to cut any grass with just one quick pass.

The dual-lever height adjustments also make it easier to cut grass on an incline due to the adjustable front and rear tires.

  • Quick and Efficient Startup

The 140 CC OHV gas-powered engine of the Craftsman M105 140CC Push Mower comes with an auto-choke and recoil.

Due to this, the mower can quickly start without having to mess with a primer or choke.

All you need to do is pull the lever, and it will automatically start.

  • Convenient Composting

The M105 has 3-in-1 capabilities make the mower a good pick for composters.

The side discharge can easily detach and allow you to compost the surrounding area.

As for the rear, there is also a discharge. The unit also has mulching capabilities.

  • Adjustability

You can easily adjust the Craftsman M105 140CC Push Mower ‘s cutting heights.

It has a dual lever switch to help you switch between six height settings.

Pros:

  • Easy assembly
  • Powerful engine
  • Works for steep inclines
  • Evenly cuts grass

Con:

  •  Missing Bolts

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4. Worx WG779 Lawn Mower

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Innovation is one of the things Worx is known for, as they continue to improve their products to meet changes in the industry.

The WG779 lawn mower is a simple solution to staying environmentally friendly.

This particular model costs less to operate than your standard lawn mower by running on batteries.

Plus, it includes enhancements such as more substantial torque to help mow in harsh environments.

The overall design has also been simplified from previous versions and is lightweight and compact.

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The Worx comes in multiple models, including 14, 17, and 21 inches blade models.

With this version, you’ll be getting the 14-inch model.

  • Upgrades

Enhancements from previous models include a powerful 40V battery designed to keep up with harsh mowing jobs.

Additionally, the Intellicut includes extra torque, which works well for harsh mowing conditions.

  • Battery and Charging

The WG779 includes 40V lithium-ion with two removable 20V 4.0 Ah batteries.

The mower also has charge indicators located on the right side of the 4.0 Ah batteries.

This allows you to gauge how much power is left in each of the batteries.

When charging, the dual-port charger will fully charge two batteries in just one hour.

  • Compact Design

The Worx WG779 Lawn Mower is lightweight, weighing around 29.1 pounds, almost ⅔ of the standard lawn mower.

The unit is also compact and easy to carry, so you can store it easily and conveniently.

The lightweight design also makes it easy to carry uphill.

  • Easy Adjustments

The Worx WG779 Lawn Mower has a single lever that has six height adjustments.

Each setting correlates to the height of the grass.

  • Mulching Capabilities

The 2-in-1 lawn mower has a large capacity bag that can hold up to 0.85 bushels.

You can use the bag to mulch your grass or as a grass container.

Additionally, the plastic-topped collection bag includes a full-bag indicator that notifies you when it’s full.

Pros:

  • Quiet operation
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy assembly
  • Fast charging batteries

Con:

  • Only for small yards

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5. HRN216VKA Honda Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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Last on our list is a unit by a brand also known for producing several pieces of equipment and tools.

Their HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Mower has variable speeds.

This particular version includes a 3-in-1 Clip Director that allows you to compost.

It also includes an auto choke system which makes startup hassle-free.

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This is a good model if you’re going to be mowing tight corners.

Here is a complete rundown of some of its most important specifications:

  • Smart Driving

The HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Mower includes intuitive and variable speed driving.

It uses five adjustable positions to help sustain long mowing ventures.

The speed settings also vary anywhere from zero to four miles per hour.

Also, the Smart Drive makes it less strenuous on the back when mowing on an incline.

  • Superior Mulching and Bagging

The HRN mower includes a high-quality build that provides superior cutting, whether you’re mulching or bagging.

There is a 3-in-1 Clip Director System that helps sort between mulching, bagging, and discharging.

The heavy-duty 21-inch steel deck also optimizes the airflow making this model perfect for mulching and bagging.

  • Superior Cutting

The MicroCut Twin Blade System includes both a stacked and offset twin blade design.

Stacked and offset cutting helps cut grass into smaller clippings and makes it easier to bag or mulch.

The durable MicroCut Twin Blades provide accurate cuts at a 21-inch range.

The dual-level height adjustment system also allows you to adjust between seven cutting heights.

Additionally, the GCV170 Honda Engine is reliable and can power through the toughest of yards.

  • Improved Maneuverability

Two components increase the unit’s maneuverability: the two-way ratchet system and the quick release handle.

Homeowners who need a unit with increased maneuverability will strongly appreciate the two-way ratchet system.

It reduces the amount of turn it takes to move the mower.

Additionally, it helps reduce the pull-back force when mowing.

As for the quick release handle, you can adjust it into two positions, making it easy to move or store.

  • Safe and Durable

The flywheel brake safety system in the HRN216VKA Self-Propelled Mower helps prevent injury.

It will stop the engine if you let go of the flywheel brake lever.

Plus, the Smart Engine Layout makes it easy to perform maintenance on the mower.

That includes the spark plug, air filter, oil change, and tank spout.

Lastly, you can turn off the manual fuel shut-off valve when transporting the tool.

Pros:

  • Powerful 
  • Easy to use
  • Improved control 
  • No assembly 
  • Quiet operation

Con:

  • Too powerful at full speed

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Final Recommendation

There are plenty of lawn mowers out there that are geared towards flat lawns. 

Our list has taken it a step further to help those homeowners or business owners who have to mow an incline.

Standard lawn mowers just won’t cut it, so finding one with high maneuverability, auto-propel, and a few other features makes your life easier.

That said, we’ve found that the best lawn mower for hills is the Worx WG779.

It’s a highly versatile model due to the recharge times and powerful blades.

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