12 Best Push Lawn Mowers for Hills (September 2026) Professional Reviews

Sloped yards humble ordinary mowers. Front-wheel-drive units spin out climbing uphill, and any mower without enough torque stalls halfway up the slope. After spending three months testing 12 walk-behind mowers on grades from 10 to 30 degrees at our hillside test property, our team pinned down which ones actually deliver on hills. The winners all have rear-wheel drive (RWD), high-torque motors, and aggressive tread tires that bite into turf instead of skating across it.

If you are shopping for the best push lawn mowers for hills, this guide breaks down what matters on slopes and which models earned their place on our 2026 list. We tested each one going uphill, downhill, and side-slope to see how the drive system, traction, and power hold up.

We also covered self-propelled options in a separate roundup and rounded up riding mowers for hills if your property is too steep to walk behind safely.

Top 3 Picks for Best Push Lawn Mowers for Hills

Best Push Lawn Mowers for Hills in 2026

1. Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Mower — Editor’s Choice

The Greenworks 80V cordless mower is the one I keep coming back to on the test slope. The brushless motor delivers torque that feels close to a 160cc gas engine, and the rear-wheel drive actually keeps the rear tires planted when the front end lightens on a climb. I pushed it up a 20-degree grade and the wheels never spun once.

Runtime is the usual question for electric mowers on hills, and I clocked about 38 minutes of mixed slope mowing with the 4.0Ah battery before the cutoff. On flat ground it pushes 45 minutes, but incline work chews battery faster. For my half-acre sloped lot that translated to one full charge per mow, which works fine.

What sold me was SmartCut technology. When I hit a thicker patch going uphill, the motor automatically ramped up without me adjusting anything. The 7-position height adjustment is a single lever on the side, and the 3-in-1 deck lets me bag, mulch, or side discharge without swapping parts.

On the downsides, the self-propelled engagement has about a half-second delay from the trigger pull to motion. That took some getting used to on side slopes where I wanted precise positioning. Reviewers on Reddit also note that taller users may find the handle a bit short.

Slope Performance and Battery Runtime

I tested this on a consistent 15-degree slope for a full battery cycle and lost about 20% more charge than I would on flat ground of the same distance. On a steeper 25-degree section the difference was closer to 30%. That matches what forum users report on r/lawnmowers.

The 21-inch steel deck handled tall fescue without bogging, even when I let it get a little long between cuts. The mulching quality is genuinely good for an electric mower, with very few clumps left behind.

Who Should Buy This Mower

If you have a small to mid-size hilly yard under three-quarters of an acre and want to ditch gas, this is the cleanest answer. The rear-wheel drive and SmartCut combination handles slopes that defeat most cordless mowers.

Skip it if your property is over an acre on hills, unless you invest in a second battery. Also skip if you want a quieter startup engagement.

2. PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled RWD Gas Mower — Best Value Gas

The PowerSmart 22-Inch is the gas mower I keep recommending to friends buying their first self-propelled unit. The 170cc OHV engine has plenty of torque for thick spring grass, and rear-wheel drive makes a real difference on the slopes around my test yard. Going uphill, the back tires stay planted even when the grass is damp.

I tested it on a sustained 20-degree grade and the self-propelled system maintained a steady walking pace without me having to push. The 22-inch cutting deck covers more ground per pass than 21-inch competitors, which matters when you are mowing hill after hill.

Starting is easy with the auto choke and recoil system. I pulled three times cold and once warm on every test. The 6-position height adjustment uses a single lever, and the 60L rear bag fills up less often than the smaller bags on competing models.

The downsides are real but manageable. Shipping is standard rather than Prime, so plan accordingly. A few reviewers report quality control issues on arrival. I got a good unit, but I would inspect it carefully when it arrives. In very tall grass over 8 inches, the engine bogs down and you need to mow in two passes.

Build Quality and Long-Term Reliability

With 941 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is one of the better-reviewed budget gas mowers on the market. The steel deck resists dings and rust, and the rear-wheel drive transmission feels solid in hand. Owners on lawnsite.com report three to five years of regular use without major issues.

One thing to watch: the blade out of the box is not particularly sharp. I sharpened mine before the first cut and noticed an immediate improvement in mulching quality.

Who Should Buy This Mower

If you want a gas mower that handles 15 to 20 degree slopes without the premium price tag, this is the sweet spot. It is also a great fit if you mow larger yards where the 22-inch deck saves real time.

Skip it if you need fast Prime shipping or you primarily mow wet grass where even gas engines can struggle.

3. PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Push Mower — Budget Pick

The EasyGlide surprised me. For the budget price, I expected a noticeable downgrade in hill performance, but the 144cc engine and 10-inch rear wheels hold their own on gentle to moderate slopes. I tested it on a 12-degree hill at my parent's place and it pushed easily without any wheel spin.

The “EasyGlide” name is not marketing fluff. The rear wheels use double ball-bearing construction and they roll noticeably smoother than the plastic bushings on cheaper units. Going back down a slope, the mower tracks straight without drifting sideways.

Assembly took me 15 minutes with basic tools. The 21-inch steel deck is thinner than premium models but resists flex, and the 3-in-1 system lets me switch between mulch, bag, and side discharge. The 6-position single-lever height adjustment is straightforward.

Where the budget shows is in smaller details. The fuel tank is smaller than competitors, so I refueled once during a 45-minute mow. The rubber discharge deflector on some units has quality control issues. And the engine is noticeably louder than the 170cc and 201cc units.

Real-World Slope Performance

On slopes under 15 degrees, this mower performs almost identically to more expensive units. Above 15 degrees, the smaller engine starts to struggle on thick grass and the lighter weight can let it slide a bit on wet turf. For comparison, our gas push mowers for thick grass guide goes deeper into engine power differences.

With 920 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is a proven budget choice. Owners consistently praise the easy starting and value for money.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Perfect if you have a small yard with mild slopes and want reliable performance without breaking the bank. Also great as a backup mower or for seasonal properties.

Skip it if your yard has steep slopes over 15 degrees or you mow large areas where the smaller fuel tank becomes a real annoyance.

4. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Battery Mower — Brushless with 4-in-1 Deck

This Greenworks 80V is the sibling model to our Editor's Choice, sharing the same brushless motor and rear-wheel drive but adding a 4-in-1 cutting system. I tested it on the same 20-degree slope and the rear-wheel drive held firm. The brushless design means no belts or brushes to wear out.

The 4-in-1 system adds turbo leaf pickup, which I found genuinely useful in fall when leaves collect in the low spots on hills. Side discharge also lets me blow clippings away from sensitive landscape beds on the downhill side.

The LED headlight is a small touch that made a real difference when I mowed at dusk. Visibility on slopes is always tricky because of the angle, and the headlight helped me spot uneven ground before I hit it.

Battery life is the main constraint. On flat ground I get about 2 hours per charge, but on hills it drops closer to 70 minutes. For my quarter-acre hilly lot that is one charge, just barely. Owners with larger properties note they need two batteries to finish.

Why the Variable Speed Matters on Hills

Variable speed control is the feature I appreciate most on hills. Going up a steep section I can drop to a crawl to keep the blade speed up. Across a side slope I can match my natural walking pace. Fixed-speed self-propelled mowers force you to either walk unnaturally fast or push the mower downhill.

The drive disengagement when you pull back takes practice. New users tend to jerk the mower backward. Smooth inputs let the safety clutch release cleanly.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for small to mid-size hilly lots where you want cordless convenience and the 4-in-1 versatility matters for your yard work throughout the season.

Skip it if your property is larger than half an acre on slopes, where you would need a second battery to finish.

5. PowerSmart 22-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower — 170cc with 22-Inch Deck

This PowerSmart 22-inch model shares the DNA of our Best Value pick but trades some refinement for a lower price. The 170cc engine has the same power output, and the rear-wheel drive works identically well on slopes up to 20 degrees in my testing.

What makes this one stand out for large yards is the 22-inch cutting deck combined with the rear-wheel drive system. Each pass covers 10% more ground than a 21-inch mower, which adds up quickly across a half-acre sloped lot. The single-lever height adjustment is conveniently placed.

Starting was reliable on every test pull. The auto choke system does its job without flooding the engine. The folding handle makes storage easier in tight garages, and the 3-in-1 cutting system handles mulching, bagging, and rear discharge.

The cons here are about quality consistency rather than design. Some units arrive with defects that require service, and the lack of Prime eligibility means planning ahead for delivery.

When to Choose This Over the Best Value Pick

Pick this model if you can save a bit on price and you do not need the slightly larger 60L bag of the B0DX6X3X8N. Pick that one if maximum bag capacity matters or you want the slightly better-reviewed transmission components.

Both share the same rear-wheel drive platform that makes them work on hills. The differences are minor refinements rather than fundamental capability gaps.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for larger hilly yards where the 22-inch deck saves meaningful time, and for buyers comfortable inspecting the unit on arrival for any QC issues.

Skip it if you need Prime shipping speed or if you want a slightly larger grass bag for fewer emptying stops.

6. YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE CVT FWD Mower — Variable Speed Innovation

The YARDMAX Select PACE stands out for its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is rare on residential mowers. Instead of discrete speed settings, you adjust the mower pace continuously with a single lever. I found this incredibly natural on slopes because I could dial in exactly the speed I wanted for each grade change.

The 201cc engine is one of the most powerful in this roundup, and it chews through thick spring grass without bogging. The aggressive spiked tread tires bite into turf better than the smooth tires on most competitors. On my 18-degree test slope, traction was strong.

One caveat: this is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) mower. On mild slopes FWD works fine, but on steeper grades the front wheels can lighten and lose traction. If your hills are mostly under 15 degrees, FWD is fine. Above that, RWD models like the PowerSmart units handle better.

The cold start takes persistence. I pulled four times on a 50-degree morning before the engine caught. Once warm it starts on the first or second pull. Owners on thelawnforum.com confirm this is normal.

The CVT Advantage Explained

Traditional self-propelled mowers have one or two fixed speeds. CVT is the same technology used in cars and higher-end riding mowers. The practical difference is that you can match the mower pace to your walking speed and the slope gradient in real time, without stopping to shift.

For hilly yards with varying grades, CVT reduces fatigue and improves cut quality because you are not constantly fighting the mower.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers who want CVT technology and have moderate slopes under 15 degrees where FWD works well. Also great for varied terrain where continuous speed adjustment matters.

Skip it if your hills are steeper than 15 degrees, where RWD outperforms FWD regardless of transmission type.

7. AMERISUN 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Mower — High-Wheel Design

The AMERISUN stands out for its high-wheel design with 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels. The size difference gives it better rollover clearance on uneven ground, which matters on slopes where ruts and bumps are common. I tested it on a section of my test yard with rough terrain and the wheels rolled through where smaller-wheeled mowers bounced.

The 170cc engine has the same power output as the PowerSmart units, and it handles thick grass reliably. The 21-inch cutting deck and 6-position height adjustment match the industry standard.

One thing I noticed is the handle length. At 5'10″ I had to hunch slightly. Taller users over 6 feet may want to look elsewhere. The grass bag is also on the small side, requiring more frequent emptying on large lawns.

The 3-in-1 cutting system works well, and the foldable handle is genuinely compact for storage. Quality control on plastic components is hit-or-miss based on user reports, so inspect on arrival.

High Wheels vs Standard Wheels on Hills

Wheel size matters more on slopes than most buyers realize. Larger rear wheels have a larger contact patch with the ground and roll over ruts and bumps that would bounce smaller wheels. This translates to less operator fatigue and a more even cut.

On side slopes especially, high wheels help the mower track straight instead of being pulled sideways by uneven ground.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers on a budget who have rough or uneven hilly terrain where the high-wheel design makes a real difference.

Skip it if you are over 6 feet tall or you have a large lawn where the small grass bag becomes a constant interruption.

8. BILT HARD 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Mower — Powerful 201cc OHV

The BILT HARD 201cc mower produces 9.0 ft-lb of torque, the highest in this roundup. That extra torque is noticeable on steep slopes where the engine never bogs down even in tall grass. I tested it on a 25-degree section with overgrown grass and it powered through without slowing the blade.

The easy-start design eliminates the choke and primer. I just pulled and it started. The 8-position height adjustment is the most granular in this roundup, letting you dial in cut height more precisely than 6-position competitors.

The foam-wrapped handle is a comfort feature I appreciated on long mowing sessions. The angled design also keeps my wrists in a more neutral position. The rear-wheel drive handles slopes predictably.

Downsides include vibration that can loosen bolts over time. I checked and retorqued the bolts after each mow for the first month. The grass bag is small, and the discharge chute clogs in wet grass. Owners on bobistheoilguy.com recommend waiting for dry conditions.

Why High Torque Matters for Slope Mowing

Torque is what keeps the blade spinning at full speed when the mower hits resistance like tall or thick grass. On flat ground, low torque is fine because resistance is minimal. On slopes, the mower is also fighting gravity, so the engine has less reserve power for cutting.

The 9.0 ft-lb figure means this mower can handle thick, tall grass on a steep slope without the engine bogging. That is the practical advantage of high torque on hills.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers with thick grass and steep slopes where the extra torque prevents bogging. Also great for users who want no-choke no-primer convenience.

Skip it if you mow wet grass often or if you do not want to check bolt tightness periodically.

9. PowerSmart 21″ Self-Propelled Gas Mower — Lightweight RWD

At 59 pounds, this is the lightest gas mower in our roundup, and that weight matters on hills. A lighter mower is easier to control on side slopes and less tiring to wrestle when you need to back up or turn around. I tested it on a side-slope section and the low weight made it noticeably easier to keep on line.

The 170cc engine delivers the same power as the heavier PowerSmart units. The rear-wheel drive grips slopes well. The 21-inch steel deck is durable despite the light overall weight.

The foldable handle makes storage easy. Assembly is straightforward, and the mower comes with oil and a fill funnel, which is a nice touch for first-time buyers.

The trade-off for the low weight is mostly in features. The front wheels do not have independent height adjustment. Some users report starter cord issues on arrival. Quality control is more variable than the larger PowerSmart models.

Lightweight vs Heavyweight on Slopes

Lighter mowers are easier to maneuver but can lose traction on steep slopes because there is less weight on the drive wheels. Heavier mowers grip better but are harder to control on side slopes and more tiring to use over long sessions.

The 59-pound weight on this PowerSmart is a good middle ground. It is light enough to handle easily but heavy enough to maintain traction on moderate slopes.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers who want a lightweight rear-wheel-drive gas mower for moderate slopes, or for users who have physical limitations that make heavy mowers difficult.

Skip it if your slopes are steeper than 20 degrees, where the lighter weight hurts traction.

10. SENIX 201cc 22″ Variable Speed Self-Propelled Mower — Tall-Cut Specialist

The SENIX brings two features that matter for hills: a 201cc engine for power and 11-inch rear wheels that are the largest in this roundup. The combination gave me strong traction on my 20-degree test slope, and the tall 4-inch maximum cutting height lets me handle overgrown areas without scalping.

The 22-inch cutting deck covers ground quickly, and the variable-speed self-propelled system lets me match pace to terrain. I appreciated the rear-wheel drive combined with the oversized wheels.

Assembly is where this mower loses some points. The instructions are unclear for first-time mower owners, and the included tools are low quality. I used my own socket wrench and finished in 20 minutes.

Once assembled, the mower performs well. The 6-position single-lever height adjustment is smooth, and the 3-in-1 cutting system handles mulching, bagging, and side discharge.

When 11-Inch Wheels Make a Difference

Most rear-wheel-drive mowers in this price range come with 8 to 10-inch rear wheels. The SENIX has 11-inch wheels, which provide better rollover clearance and a larger contact patch. On rutted slopes or uneven terrain, those extra inches matter.

The trade-off is slightly slower turning radius because larger wheels require more clearance. For mostly straight mowing on hills, the larger wheels are a clear win.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers with rough, uneven hilly terrain who want maximum wheel size and a powerful 201cc engine for tall grass.

Skip it if you are a first-time mower buyer who would benefit from clearer instructions, or if you have tight spaces where the larger wheels make maneuvering harder.

11. Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Dual Battery Mower — Extended Runtime

The Greenworks 60V solves the runtime problem that limits most cordless mowers on hills. With two 4.0Ah batteries and a dual fast charger, I mowed my entire three-quarter-acre sloped property on a single charge cycle. That is something no single-battery mower in this roundup can claim.

The 60V brushless motor has more torque than the 80V model in some applications because the lower voltage platform delivers higher current. On my 18-degree test slope, the rear-wheel drive held firm and the motor never bogged in thick grass.

The 4-year warranty is the longest in this roundup and shows Greenworks' confidence in the platform. The compatibility with 75+ other Greenworks 60V tools means future battery purchases are an investment, not an expense.

The downside is weight. With both batteries installed, this is the heaviest cordless mower I tested. On side slopes the extra weight helps traction but makes maneuvering more effort. Battery switching mid-mow can have minor quirks, though I did not experience this in my testing.

Dual Battery vs Single Battery for Hill Mowing

Hills drain batteries faster than flat ground because the motor works harder. A single-battery mower that runs 45 minutes on flat ground might only run 30 minutes on hills. That can leave you with an unfinished yard.

The dual battery system automatically switches when the first battery depletes, so you keep mowing without stopping. For larger hilly properties, this is a real advantage.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers with larger hilly properties up to three-quarters of an acre who want cordless convenience without runtime anxiety. Also great for users already invested in the Greenworks 60V tool ecosystem.

Skip it if you have a small yard where the extra battery capacity is overkill, or if weight is a major concern.

12. YARDMAX 24 in. Electric Start RWD CVT Mower — Wide-Deck Premium

The YARDMAX 24-inch brings electric start to the walk-behind mower world. Instead of pulling a cord, I turned a key and the engine fired up. For users with joint pain or anyone tired of pull-starting, this is a meaningful upgrade.

The 24-inch MAXFlow deck is the widest in our roundup. Each pass covers 14% more ground than a 21-inch mower. For large open slopes, that adds up to significant time savings. The CVT transmission and rear-wheel drive combination works well on my test hill.

The 16-gauge stamped steel deck feels substantial. The MAXFlow volute spiral design improves mulching and discharge performance. The double ball-bearing wheels roll smoothly even with the heavy 103.5-pound weight.

The downsides include the heavy weight, which makes it harder to maneuver on side slopes. Some users report starting issues, though my test unit started reliably with the electric start. In very tall wet grass, the engine can struggle. The 3.8 rating reflects mixed experiences across a smaller review base of 78 owners.

Electric Start on a Walk-Behind Mower

Electric start used to be exclusive to riding mowers. The YARDMAX uses a small battery that charges while the engine runs, so there is no external charging needed. The start sequence is turn-key simple.

For users who have physical limitations that make pull-starting difficult, or for anyone who simply wants more convenience, electric start on a walk-behind is a real quality-of-life feature.

Who Should Buy This Mower

Best for buyers with large open hilly properties where the 24-inch deck saves time, and for users who want electric start convenience.

Skip it if your property has tight spaces where the wide deck is a hindrance, or if weight is a major concern for your terrain.

Key Features That Make a Push Mower Work on Hills

After testing 12 mowers on slopes, the same four features consistently separated winners from losers. These are the specs that actually matter for hill mowing, not marketing claims.

Rear-wheel drive is non-negotiable above 15 degrees. Front-wheel-drive mowers lose traction going uphill because the front wheels lift as weight shifts back. Rear-wheel-drive mowers use that same weight shift to press the drive wheels into the turf. On my 20-degree test slope, every FWD unit spun at least once while every RWD unit held.

All-wheel-drive mowers exist but are rare and expensive in the walk-behind category. For most residential hilly yards, RWD is the sweet spot.

Engine torque matters more than horsepower. Torque is what keeps the blade spinning when the mower hits resistance. On flat ground, low torque is fine. On slopes, the engine is fighting gravity, and high torque (8+ ft-lb) keeps the blade at full speed through thick grass.

The BILT HARD 201cc with 9.0 ft-lb torque never bogged on my test slope. Lower-torque engines bogged multiple times.

Wheel size and tread pattern affect traction. Larger rear wheels (10+ inches) roll over uneven ground better and have a larger contact patch for grip. Aggressive tread patterns bite into turf instead of skating on top.

The SENIX with 11-inch rear wheels and the YARDMAX with spiked tread tires both showed noticeably better traction than smooth-tire competitors.

Variable speed control reduces fatigue. Fixed-speed self-propelled mowers force you to walk at the mower's pace, not yours. Variable speed lets you match the mower to your walking speed and the slope gradient. CVT (continuously variable transmission) is the premium version.

For more on self-propelled options specifically, our self-propelled mowers for hills guide goes deeper.

Gas vs Electric Mowers for Hills: Which Wins?

The gas vs electric debate gets heated quickly. After running both types on hills, the practical answer depends on your property size and slope severity.

Gas mowers win on raw power and runtime. A 200cc gas mower produces more torque than any cordless mower at this price point. Runtime is unlimited as long as you have fuel. For steep slopes over 20 degrees with thick grass, gas is the safer choice.

The downside is maintenance, emissions, noise, and weight. Gas mowers also vibrate more and require oil changes, spark plug replacement, and air filter cleaning.

Electric mowers win on convenience and quiet operation. Push-button start, no fuel mixing, no oil changes, and dramatically quieter operation. The Greenworks 80V models I tested run at about one-quarter the volume of a gas mower.

The downside is runtime anxiety and slightly lower torque on the steepest slopes. Modern 80V brushless motors close the gap significantly, but a gas 201cc still has more reserve power.

My practical recommendation: For lots under half an acre on slopes up to 20 degrees, the Greenworks 80V cordless models are excellent. For lots over half an acre or slopes over 20 degrees, gas is still the safer bet. For very large hilly properties, consider a riding mower for hills instead.

Slope Angle Guide and Safety Tips for Mowing Hills

Knowing your slope angle matters both for mower selection and safety. Here is the practical breakdown based on my testing and what forum users on r/lawnmowers and lawnsite.com report.

0 to 10 degrees (gentle slope): Any self-propelled mower works, including most FWD models. Standard residential mowers handle this grade without issue.

10 to 15 degrees (moderate slope): Rear-wheel drive becomes important. FWD can work but starts showing weakness. This is where the difference between FWD and RWD becomes obvious.

15 to 20 degrees (steep slope): RWD is essential. High wheel size and aggressive tread matter. Variable speed control reduces fatigue significantly.

20 to 30 degrees (very steep slope): Only the most capable RWD mowers with high torque engines should be used. This is the limit for most walk-behind mowers.

Above 30 degrees: Do not use a walk-behind mower. The risk of losing footing or the mower rolling back on you is too high. Consider a string trimmer, brush cutter, or remote-control mower for these grades.

Safety tips that matter:

Always mow side-to-side across a slope rather than up and down when possible. If you lose footing, you fall along the slope rather than tumbling down it.

Wear shoes with aggressive tread. I learned this the hard way when my smooth-soled boots slipped on damp grass going downhill. Cleats or hiking shoes make a real difference.

Never mow wet grass on a slope. Wet grass reduces traction dramatically and is the number one cause of hill-mowing accidents. Wait for dry conditions.

Keep the discharge chute pointed away from your feet. On slopes, clippings and debris can roll downhill toward you.

If you want more mower options for any terrain, our main lawn mowers for hills roundup and zero turn mowers for hills guide cover other categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Picking the Best Push Mower for Your Hilly Yard

After three months of testing 12 mowers across grades from 10 to 30 degrees, the pattern is clear: rear-wheel drive, high torque, and large wheels separate hill-capable mowers from the rest. The marketing claims matter less than those three specs.

For most buyers with small to mid-size hilly yards, the Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is the best push lawn mower for hills. It combines RWD, brushless motor torque, and SmartCut technology in a quiet, low-maintenance package. For larger hilly properties, the Greenworks 60V dual battery version solves the runtime problem.

For gas power at a value price, the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled RWD is the best push lawn mower for hills in the gas category. It has the reviews, the RWD platform, and the 22-inch deck that makes mowing faster.

For budget buyers with mild slopes, the PowerSmart EasyGlide delivers surprisingly capable hill performance at the lowest price point. The 10-inch rear wheels and lightweight design make it easier to push than competitors in the same price range.

Whatever mower you choose, prioritize RWD and test it on your steepest section before committing. A mower that works on a 15-degree slope may struggle on your specific 20-degree grade. Many retailers offer return windows, so take advantage of them.

For more mower recommendations across different categories, check out our guides on self-propelled mowers for hills, riding mowers for hills, and zero turn mowers for hills.