Best Type of Mower for Hills and Slopes

Steep slopes and sweeping hills can create a beautiful appearance for residential and commercial properties but can be a challenge for mowers. This type of terrain presents unique issues for lawn care and can be dangerous without the proper equipment and safety actions. Operators should choose a reliable mower for these landscapes and consider several factors to find the appropriate model.

In this guide, you can learn about the various considerations for finding the right mower, how to choose among the best options and safety tips you can use for efficient operation.

Understanding the Challenges of Hillside Mowing

Mowing over hilly terrain or sloping embankments can be dangerous without the proper tools and safety tips. Whether you’re mowing a vast personal property or a commercial space, you must be aware of several obstacles you may not consider when working on even ground. Challenges surrounding hillside and slope mowing include:

• Losing traction: The type of mower you choose can impact the direction you should mow for the best traction. For example, if you’re working with a ride-on mower, you can move up and down the land to lessen your risk of rolling. You should begin the task where the slope peaks at the top-most edge. However, if you’re utilizing a walk-behind mower, you should mow either diagonally up and down or only upwards. Mowing diagonally can reduce the chances of slipping and potential damage from slipping. Only mowing upwards can be more time-consuming, as you must turn off the mower and move to the bottom of the slope before mowing again, but it can be safer and provide an aesthetic look.
• Ensuring weight distribution: When working across hilly terrain, you must have even weight distribution. While moving up and down, you could face tipping risks that could result in injuries or equipment damage.
• Finding optimal grip: Tire pressure and tread play a critical role in safe mower operation. For instance, turf treads are ideal for flat surfaces, while rib treads can provide more stability for hills and slopes by gripping the group to prevent slipping. Similarly, low tire pressure can lead to a weaker grip and increase the chances of equipment damage. The pressure you need may vary depending on the degree of slope you’re working on.
• Considering ground conditions: All ground can become slippery when wet, but slopes and hills can become a dangerous site for work with these conditions. The muddy ground can make it hard for you to stay standing or move securely, increasing your risk of injuries. Very dry ground can also cause issues because the ground may be hard and unable to provide the traction you need for mowing safely.

What Type of Mower Is Best for Slopes and Hills?

The two types of mowers for hills you should consider are track and wheel models. These models have unique features that can aid in your task, depending on the terrain you’re working on and which features you prefer over others.

Track mowers offer advantages including:

• High traction: Track mowers can offer great traction, especially when conditions are less than ideal. If you’re working on wet ground or in the rain, you can feel comfortable knowing the mower will provide stability and security.
• Low ground pressure: A great advantage of track mowers is low ground pressure. This feature prevents the tracks from leaving deep grooves where the ground is wet or soft.
• Smooth rides: These mowers can provide a comfortable ride for operators working over bumpy ground. Track mowers have a torsion axle rear suspension that can bridge over holes so the operator doesn’t feel the equipment moving holes and ruts.

Wheel mowers offer advantages including:

• Enhanced safety: Large wheel mowers can ensure safety when working on steep hills. The wheels make it easy to navigate the hill and allow easy maneuvering over embankments.
• Bag assistance: The drag and weight of bag attachments for grass clippings can impact mowers by dragging them down. However, high-wheel mowers offer extra height to eliminate this problem, allowing you to work with fewer interruptions and face fewer equipment problems down the road.
• Easy operation: Wheel mowers enable operators to quickly and efficiently turn the equipment. High-wheel mowers are easy to navigate, empowering you to move faster and prevent strain.

Zero-Turn vs. Tractor Mower: Which Is Better?

Another consideration for the best mower for hills is whether you should work with a tractor mower or a zero-turn mower. A zero-turn mower is a riding mower with a small turning radius. Operators stand on these mowers, while tractor mowers allow operators to sit while working.

Zero-turn mowers are good on hills and lawns with many curves. These mowers have a unique pattern that leaves fewer missed grass sections around corners and curves. These models also operate at a higher speed, allowing for faster work completion. Comparatively, tractor mowers have a large turn radius and slower speeds, which can result in needing a second pass over some sections while taking longer to cover the same area.

However, tractor mowers can provide intuitive control. These models are easy to use and often resemble a car’s functions for moving and stopping. Zero-turn models feature control levers, so operators may need to spend time becoming familiar with the equipment before using it regularly.

Safety Tips for Mowing Hills and Slopes

Regardless of the mower model you choose, it’s important to put safety at the forefront of your tasks. Keep these tips in mind as you navigate terrain:

• Do not mow when the ground is overly wet or dry.
• Always wear seatbelts and use protective features where possible.
• Wear protective glasses and earplugs.
• Ensure the mower does not need maintenance before starting it.
• Mow regularly to prevent tall grasses and weeds from accumulating.
• Reduce speed on slopes.
• Wear the proper clothes and footwear to protect from flying objects and clippings.
• Mow in the appropriate direction, depending on your mower model.
• Avoid sharp or sudden movements.
• Test brakes before moving up or down a hill.
• Never mow near areas with a drop-off.
• Clear the land of obstacles before mowing.
• Do not stop or start the mower on a slope.

Find a Commercial Mower for Hills at MacAllister Outdoors

Choosing the right mower is essential for safe and efficient operations. When you need help finding reliable models, you can count on MacAllister Outdoors to find what you need. MacAllister Outdoors values safety, innovation and continuous improvement. With us, you can find a quality riding lawn mower for hills, access a customer-service-focused team for expertise and feel confident that you’re working with a trustworthy and understanding business.

You can browse new models and well-maintained used equipment to find the best options for your task and budget. For help finding the right model, connect with our expert team.