A well-trimmed lawn adds to the curb appeal of your house. But cutting your lawn can be a tiring task, and it’s always better to get some assistance. Using a self-propelled lawnmower, you’ll get your task done quickly and easily.
A self-propelled mower moves, and all you have to do is guide its direction. It is designed to get your mowing task done much faster than normal.
Since you’ll be spending your hard-earned cash on a good mower, it is better to first go through the pick of the best ones out there.
QUICK PICKS
Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…
7 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills
Here is the list of the best Self Propelled lawn mowers for hills as per our recommendations.
1. Lawn-Boy Self Propelled Lawn Mower | Editors’ Choice
- Kohler XTX OHV Engine
- 21-inch cutting deck
- Height adjustable at 2 points
- Electric start and pull cord system
- Tri-Cut (mulching, side discharge, and clip bagging)
- 3-year engine warranty and 2-year full product warranty
- Weighs 72 pounds
- Great traction and control
- Long warranty period
- Premium product for heavy-duty use
- Sometimes, it becomes difficult to pull backwards
Overview
This mower is simple & easy to use and delivers exceptional cutting performance. It has a 21-inch cutting deck that is lightweight and dome-shaped. The deck delivers a clean tri-cut and offers great mulching capabilities. It also has a large bag for storing the clippings, which you can easily empty and clean.
It has a 149cc Kohler XTX OHV Engine that is considered heavy-duty and is classified as commercial grade. The servicing of this engine is also easy and user-friendly due to its unique design.
Just twist the key for starting the mower, and just so you know, it has an electric start function as well. You could also self-start it by using the pull cord, which makes it a great self-propelled mower.
It has an 8″ rear wheel and a 7″ wheel at the front that is considered an important feature for self-propelled vehicles. These wheels offer great traction and enhanced maneuverability in rough terrain and soil conditions. The height of these wheels is big enough to provide a smooth run on your lawn.
You can adjust the deck height from two points using a lever on the front & back wheel side. This would allow you to cut at different lengths, which makes it perfect for striping your lawn.
The manufacturer has offered a 3-year warranty on the engine and a 2-year warranty on the entire product, which indicates the confidence that it has in the mower’s durability.
2. Makita Self Propelled Mower | Steep Slope Mowers
- Two 18V LXT batteries (extra space for 2 additional batteries)
- 21″ steel cutting deck
- 3-in-1 design (mulching, side discharge, and bagging)
- Quiet mode
- Cutting height adjustable at 10 different positions
- Grass level indicator
- Weighs 116.8 pound
- Weather-resistant build
- No gas fumes and less noise
- Grass bag can store up to 2 bushel
- Handle is not foldabl
Overview
This mower is powered by two 5Ah 18V LXT batteries recharged in under 45 minutes with the turbocharger. For enhanced runtime, you can also add 2 more batteries to the mower, and you’ll get an even better performance out of it.
The cutting deck is 21″ wide, and on its right side, it has a side discharge chute that helps get rid of long and moist grass from underneath the deck. This helps the accumulation of grass clippings in the cutting space.
The mower is also equipped with a mulching mechanism, which allows grass to be cut more finely. The waste collected in the bag can then be used later as a fertilizer for your soil.
You can also stripe your lawn as there are 10 different height positions (ranging between 1.25″ and 4″) that can be adjusted using a single lever located at the rear wheel on the right. The bag is pretty big with this one as it has the capacity to store up to 2 bushels of grass.
With the BL brushless motor, the cutting blade spins at 2,800 RPM, sufficient for getting that clean cut. It also has a quiet mode that you can activate at early dawn to create less noise. This would, however, decrease the RPM by 500.
3. PowerSmart Lawn Mower | Gas Powered Hills Mower
- 200CC OHV Gas Engine
- 22-inch cutting deck
- 3-in-1 deck functions (side discharge, bag, mulching)
- 5 adjustable height levels
- Forced air cooling system
- 3-year warranty period
- Weighs 88.1 pounds
- Powerful engine with air-cooling function
- Ideal for use on large areas and estates
- The cutting deck is durable and is a bit wider than others
- Poorly connected short cable for the drive bar
Overview
The company has been involved in this mower business for the past 10 years, and like most of their products, their self-propelled mowers are high-rated. This mower is powered by a 200CC OHV Engine that provides great power and is equipped with a single gas cylinder. It also has a forced-air cooling system for keeping things cool when working for long periods.
The cutting deck is 22-inch-wide and makes cutting grass on large lawns easy and quick. You can change the deck height at 5 different positions within a range of 1.2″ to 3.5″. To do this, adjust the two levers located at the front and rear wheel on the right side.
The bag can hold up to 1.5 bushels, and it offers great mulching capabilities. This mulch can be used as an organic fertilizer and serves great for your soil.
The PSM2322SR is a rear-wheel-drive mower equipped with 11.5″ rear wheels, making it easier to direct and maneuver. The handles can be folded with ease, and they can then be stored in your shed, saving valuable space.
The manufacturer has also offered a 3-year warranty on the product and access to qualified technicians and customer service representatives.
4. Snapper Lawn Mower | Best Push Mower for Hills
- Two Briggs & Stratton 82V batteries
- 21″ steel cutting deck
- 7 different height positions
- Intelligent Load Sensing Technology
- 3-in-1 capabilities (mulching, bag, side discharge)
- 5-year product warranty and 2-year battery warranty
- Weighs 80.9 pounds
- Heavy-duty batteries with quick recharge times
- Impressive warranty periods
- Efficient due to Intelligent Load Sensing Technology
- Clogging issues experienced by some customers
Overview
Two 2.0Ah 82V Lithium-ion batteries power this electric self-propelled mower by Briggs & Stratton, included in the package. You can also use 4Ah or 5Ah batteries in this mower for better performance and runtime.
Talking about recharge times, it would take 30 minutes to recharge a 2Ah battery, 1 hour to recharge the 4Ah battery, and 1 hour 15 minutes for the 5Ah one. The standard 2Ah batteries would give you a runtime of 90 minutes when fully charged.
The steel cutting deck is 21″ wide and can create great mulch for your soil. It also has a side discharge and a bag to store grass clippings up to 2.1 cubic feet. You can adjust the height adjustment lever to select your desired height from 7 different positions and achieve that lawn striping you’re looking for.
The front wheels are 8 in size, and the rear ones are 10″ big. They are grippy and have treads for increased traction on slippery surfaces and wet spots.
It would help if you were comfortable regarding the product’s durability as the warranty period is 5 years on the product and 2 years on the batteries.
The mower is also extremely efficient as it is equipped with an Intelligent Load Sensing Technology that adjusts the brushless motor’s power depending on lawn conditions.
5. WEN Lawn Mower | Best Commercial Mower for Hills
- 173CC 3.3kW Gas engine
- 21″ cutting deck
- Rear wheel drive
- 4 operating modes
- 8 different height adjustments
- 2-year warranty
- Weighs 83.8 pounds
- Attractive price point
- Great for hilly areas and uneven surfaces
- Engine displacement and power are greater than most brands
- Few customers faced problems with folding the handles
Overview
You can have a well-maintained yard in no time with this lawnmower. It has a 173CC Gas engine that can deliver 3.3kW of power, while the cutting deck is 21″ wide and can spin at 2800 RPM. This allows it to get an adequate finish and makes your mowing task easier.
The deck’s height can be adjusted at 8 different positions (ranging from 1″ to 3″) using a lever located next to the rear wheel on the right. The transition is pretty smooth, and this makes lawn striping very convenient.
The LM2173 has 4 modes of operation: mulching, side discharge, rear discharge, and bagging. These finely cut clippings can then be used as a fertilizer for your yard, and it also saves time & effort to sweep them up.
This mower has rear-wheel drive, so you wouldn’t have to exert much power to drive it. Also, the 10″ rear wheels and the 8″ front ones are designed to work in rough terrain.
The handle can be collapsed and so storing the mower becomes easier during winters. It also has a larger grass bag that can store up to 16 gallons.
The product comes with a 2-year warranty, and you would have access to skilled technicians and friendly customer support staff if things go sideways.
6. Craftsman Lawn Mower | Battery Pwered Mower for Hills
- 159CC OHV Gas engine
- 21″ cutting deck
- Height adjustment at 6 positions
- Electric quick start along with auto choke function
- 3-in-1 capabilities (mulching, side discharge, and rear discharge)
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
- Weighs 87 pounds
- Auto-choke function
- Super quick and easy deck wash
- Front-wheel drive provides stability and better balance
- Big wheels make mowing easier and smooth
- The battery starter drains fast as per some customer reviews
Overview
This mower is similar to the M105 in terms of its features. It is powered by a 159cc Craftsman automatic choke engine that has been designed for robust use. For a self-propelled mower, the engine displacement is pretty sufficient to provide the appropriate power.
The electric start button, located on the handlebar, lets you quickly begin your yard work instantly. It also has an automatic choke function to ensure that it starts with no hassle. The battery and charger are included in the box, and the product comes with a 2-year warranty period.
The M275 has a 21″ cutting deck that is capable of delivering a clean cut. The deck can be cleaned very quickly by using the hose attachment. This would keep your machine clean and possibly extend its life.
The 3-in-1 design of the deck allows for mulching, as well as rear and side discharge. We’ve read that the mulching feature is very effective and boosts soil quality on the lawn. This is also an eco-friendly option that would also save you money on buying artificial fertilizers.
The front wheels are 8″ while the rear wheels are 11″ wide and offer great traction and mobility. Even in wet conditions, the mower would run with precision because of the zig-zag treading on the wheels.
It also features a dual-lever design for the height adjustment of the deck. This would allow you to choose from 6 different height points as per your requirements. The mower is really quick and easy to assemble and works for long periods without any problems.
7. EGO Power Plus LM2142SP | Hill Lawn Mower
- Powered by two 56V Lithium-ion batteries
- 21″ cutting deck
- 6 adjustable height positions
- Bright LED lights
- Quick recharge
- 5-year product warranty and 3-year battery warranty
- Weighs 89.8 pounds
- Fast recharge times and can be operated by any two 56V EGO batteries
- Long warranty period for the product and batteries
- Weather resistant
- Eliminates fumes and noise
- The long nose deck has proven to be a hurdle for reaching some tight spots
Overview
This is like the Rolls Royce of battery-powered self-propelled mowers out there because of the premium build quality that it offers along with other exceptional features. It is also super quiet to use and doesn’t create fumes as you would experience using a gas-powered mower.
The LM2142SP is powered by any two 56V EGO batteries that can give a runtime of up to 80 minutes on a single charge. It is equipped with Peak Power Technology to draw combined power from both the batteries for maximum efficiency and a long runtime.
The box includes two 5.0Ah batteries, but you can buy a 7.5Ah one for enhanced performance. It also comes with a cover that you can use to protect the machine against dirt and debris. The batteries can be recharged quickly with the Power+ charger included in the box; one 5 Ah battery takes less than 40 minutes for a full recharge.
The cutting deck is 21-inch wide, meets the industry standard, and allows you to get your task done quickly. It can reach a forward speed of up to 9 mph and 3.1mp on the reverse, which is pretty great compared to others.
On the left side, there is a lever that you can use to adjust the cutting height. The deck’s height can be adjusted between 1.5″ and 4″ at 6 different height positions. Like many brands, this one offers a 3-in-1 function and refined mulching, bagging, and side discharge.
It also has LED lights for increased visibility during early dawn or sunset times. The build is also weather resistant and extremely durable. It is one of the reasons why the manufacturer has given a 5-year warranty on the product.
Buying Guide for Self Propelled Lawn Mowers
With so many mowers out there, you can’t just buy from the first few that you come across online. What is considered best by others may not necessarily be the best for you?
To help you make this decision, we’ve discussed some factors to consider before your purchase that would prove to be quite beneficial.
Cutting Width
The time taken to mow a lawn is inversely related to the size of the cutting deck width. A larger size can get your task done quickly with ease as it would take you less time to cover the area.
Some brands have developed self-propelled mowers with a cutting width of 28 inches for use in much bigger fields and extra-large estates. You would generally find most mowers with a 19″ to 21″ deck that perfectly serves residential and most commercial purposes.
Cutting options
Look for mowers that offer a variety of cutting options, one of which is the mulching function. This is a highly recommended feature, as most states have banned or discouraged lawn waste dumping in landfills.
Mulching accelerates the decomposition process as it cuts grass into small clippings. Plus, it acts as a natural fertilizer, which is a rick of nutrients and moisture.
Many of the products have a bag for storage of grass clippings and a rear or side discharge for disposal of grass debris. Look for these options and make your decision to help ease your additional work required after mowing.
Drive options
The rear-wheel-drive offers more traction and works exceptionally well on steep slopes. It also makes it easier to mow straight lines with the bag’s weight placed at the rear end.
The front-wheel drive makes it easier to maneuver on flat surfaces, as you can easily tilt the mower back to slow down and change directions. If the mower has a feature to vary speeds, you could easily select a mower with a rear-wheel-drive as it is clearly the better option.
Wheel sizes
The low-to-mid end models have wheels that are 8 in diameter on the front and back, while the mid-to-high-end models are equipped with larger wheels that range from 9″ to 12″. These big wheels cost an extra $30 on average but offer great traction and work smoothly on rough terrain, requiring less effort to steer.
Some models have a height adjustment level located next to the wheel. But we have seen that, generally, wheels fixed to full-length steel axles are much more reliable than those connected to the levers.
Also, look for treading on wheels as they improve handling on wet surfaces.
Battery or Gas Powered
There are many battery-powered mowers out there that use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries ranging from 18V to 80V. They make less noise and are free from fumes, but they may not be as powerful as a gas-powered mower.
These batteries provide a runtime of an average of 50 minutes, after which it has to be recharged. This would take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to get it fully recharged, depending on the charger.
Please ensure that the batteries and charger are included in the deal so that you don’t have to incur additional costs.
A gas-powered mower requires fuel, which can be filled many times without having to wait for a recharge. This makes it more efficient in terms of avoiding downtime. This is probably the reason why these mowers are used on large lawns.
Recoil vs. Electric Start
Well, there are two ways you could start a mower; the traditional pull-rope style or the electric start. The recoil start requires manual effort, but it takes 3 or more tries to get the engine started.
In the electric start, all you have to do is turn the key or hit the quick-start button for it to work. But it does require a battery to power it, and sometimes you experience some issues with it. So the best option would be to go for a mower that is equipped with both functions.
Height Adjustment
These levers for adjusting the deck’s height are present in all mowers. This is used to set the length of the grass that you want on your lawn. These are normally located next to the wheels or cutting deck and offer multiple points for different lengths.
The range is between 1.25″ to 4″, and some mowers have 2 options while some offer 11 height options. Adjust the lever to your desired setting to achieve that leveled plain, while with the help of this feature help, you can also stripe your lawn to create a unique look.
Weight
The weight is an important factor in mowing on hilly surfaces or rough surfaces, as more effort is required to take it up slopes or turn it around.
A self-propelled mower normally weighs between 50 to 100 pounds, and the major chunk of the weight is attributed to its motor. So, consider your physical strength and the lawn’s surface, then choose the mower with the right weight.
Warranties
To protect your investment, look for brands with a product warranty as you would expect to use for many years. The warranty covers any damages to the equipment, and they’ll make repairs if your mower breaks down.
Some companies give a 1-year warranty period or more depending on their company policy. Usually, the longer warranties signify a higher quality and the confidence that a manufacturer has in their product.
Final Verdict
Using the above-mentioned factors and our top pick mentioned in this article, choose the best self-propelled mower that suits your needs. But also account for the cost and the durability of the product. Remember, you want the mower to run for many years, and having warranties would be a plus point.
FAQ’s about Self Propelled Mower
Here are a few questions answered about self propelled lawn mowers;
What are the best self-propelled lawn mowers in 2022?
Here is the list of top-rated as per our ranking;
- Lawn-Boy 17734 Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Makita XML08PT1 Self Propelled Mower
- PowerSmart PSM2322SR Lawn Mower
- Snapper XD 82V MAX 1687914 Lawn Mower
- WEN LM2173 173cc Mower | Best Budget Pick
How do self-propelled mowers work?
You would activate the drive-by by squeezing a bar on the mower’s handle (could be rear or front-wheel drive). It runs on its own, and there is no need to push it. Some of them are powered by batteries, while others run on gasoline.
When is the right time to change the lawnmower’s oil?
For this, you should always refer to the product manual that you can find on the manufacturer’s website. But on average, companies advise changing oil every 2 weeks or every month.
What does the bare tool mean?
Some product descriptions on websites include the term bare tools. This means that the package does not include any battery or charger. It has nothing to do with the blade, as some customers might think.
What are the major benefits of a self-propelled lawnmower?
Well, here are some benefits that you would have in using a self-propelled lawnmower:
- They are portable and fairly lightweight.
- You wouldn’t need to push the mower as it is self-propelled, which would save you energy.
- Batteries power most, and they make less noise, and are also environmentally friendly.
- The blade overrides feature that most mowers have, provides safety, and offers better control.
- Almost every model has a side discharge, bag for storing grass clippings, and mulching capabilities.
- They are easy to start with the electric push/key start function or an alternative recoil start.
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