8 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Uneven Terrain 2025

Punchy and planted, the YARDMAX 22-inch self-propelled mower brings CVT-based Select PACE with 6-speed control that actually matches your stride—gold when tackling ruts and slopes. The 11-inch rear rubber tires with spike tread bite into uneven ground far better than plastic wheels, while the Maxflow volute deck keeps clippings moving for cleaner mulching. A 16-gauge seamless steel deck keeps vibrations down, and the single-lever height adjust (1.38–3.55 in.) makes dialing in cut height quick.

In testing across lumpy yards and sloped patches, the rear-wheel drive stayed composed, especially when bagging damp spring growth. The 201cc engine has the headroom to maintain blade speed through thick patches, and the deck cleanout port simplifies maintenance after muddy runs. Seven height settings cover transitional seasons well; only very tall fescue above 3.5 inches may need a slower pass.

Against the Greenworks 40V, the YARDMAX is heavier but delivers stronger traction and torque for rough terrain; versus the PowerSmart E550 (22-inch), it offers finer speed control and a smoother-running deck. It’s ideal for homeowners with mixed terrain who want gas power and precise pace matching without fuss. Compared to the SENIX, the YARDMAX’s CVT speed range and deck airflow feel more refined for uneven terrain at a similar tier.

Light, quiet, and surprisingly capable, the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower brings brushless power and a steel 21-inch deck to uneven yards without the noise and fumes. The rear-wheel drive improves grip on bumpy patches, and the single-lever height adjust with 7 settings makes quick work of seasonal changes. With up to 45 minutes runtime on a 5.0Ah pack, it’s a confident pick for small-to-medium, uneven suburban lots.

In real-world mowing, it navigates dips and roots smoothly thanks to 8-inch front wheels and a planted rear axle. The brushless motor maintains blade RPM well in average growth, though dense, wet patches may need a second pass or a slower pace to preserve runtime. Vertical storage is a big win in tight garages, and the 3-in-1 system (bag, mulch, side discharge) works cleanly with shorter, weekly cuts.

Compared with the MightyMow 40V, Greenworks offers more proven battery ecosystem support and slightly better deck robustness; against gas options like the PowerSmart 140cc, it trades raw torque for quieter, maintenance-free operation. Best for buyers wanting battery convenience on uneven terrain with manageable slopes. Versus YARDMAX, you lose grunt but gain easy storage and simpler upkeep.

Confident on climbs, the PowerSmart 22-inch with Briggs & Stratton 150cc EX625 engine brings steady torque to steep, uneven slopes. Rear-wheel drive and a 22-inch steel deck combine for surefooted tracking, while 6 height positions (1.5–3.9 in.) let you raise the deck to clear lumpy patches. The ReadyStart system makes cold starts simple—helpful for early-morning mow sessions.

On rough, sloped terrain, the self-propel feels strong and predictable, and the heavy-duty blade leaves tight, fine clippings that mulch well. It shows best results when tackling thick, tall grass in a single pass, aided by the 1.4-bushel bag that’s easy to empty. On very wet turf, the wider deck may benefit from a slightly higher cut setting to maintain blade speed.

Compared with the YARDMAX, this PowerSmart has less speed variability but better hill punch for steep sections. Versus the PowerSmart E550 140cc, the EX625’s extra displacement gives a bit more headroom in heavy grass. It’s a match for hilly yards or dense turf where consistent drive and reliable starts matter; compared with Greenworks 40V, it delivers superior slope performance at the cost of noise and maintenance.

Grippy and nimble, the SENIX 22-inch pairs a 163cc Briggs & Stratton EXi675 with oversized 8-inch/11-inch all-terrain wheels to shine on bumpy yards. The rear-wheel drive locks in traction over roots and ruts, and the single-lever height adjust (1.25–4 inches) offers one of the widest cut ranges for uneven ground. A washout port and fold-down handle make cleanup and storage painless.

In use, the mower tracks straight on slopes and maintains blade speed through thick patches without bogging. The included 19-gallon bag is notably large, reducing emptying trips when bagging heavy spring growth. Mulching is effective with weekly cuts; in dense, wet grass, side discharge keeps momentum and prevents clumping.

Versus the YARDMAX, SENIX doesn’t have CVT pacing but counters with bigger cut-height ceiling and slightly stronger engine feel. Compared to PowerSmart 150cc, the SENIX adds better out-of-the-box traction on uneven turf. It’s ideal for bumpy, mixed yards where traction and height flexibility matter most; compared to the PowerSmart 140cc, it offers a punchier engine and larger bagging capacity.

Quiet muscle meets smooth pacing in the MightyMow 40V, delivering dual 8.0Ah packs and a brushless 3500 RPM motor for up to 60 minutes with self-propel active. The 21-inch steel deck and variable speed drive (2.0–4.3 ft/s) help it flow over uneven terrain without jolts, while 6-position height adjust (1–3 in.) supports a tight, manicured cut. It’s an excellent low-noise option for early mornings on bumpy suburban lawns.

On undulating yards, the self-propel keeps momentum without spinning the wheels, and airflow is strong enough to bag cleanly with shorter grass. For dense or taller growth above 3 inches, mulching is fine but slower; bagging or raising the height improves throughput. The deck rides low at the top setting (3 inches), so very tall turf may require a prep pass.

Compared with the Greenworks 40V, MightyMow offers longer runtime with included batteries and slightly higher blade speed; versus gas units like YARDMAX, it trades peak torque for serenity and nearly maintenance-free ownership. Best for homeowners demanding quiet performance on uneven terrain and consistent weekly cuts. Against SENIX, it’s quieter and lighter but less capable in very thick or wet grass.

Efficient and straightforward, this 21-inch PowerSmart uses a Briggs & Stratton 140cc engine and rear-wheel drive with 10-inch wheels to stay planted on rough patches. The steel deck and 6-position height adjust (1.5–3.9 in.) cover season-to-season tuning, and the 3-in-1 system gives flexible clipping management. It’s a smart pick for uneven yards needing gas reliability without extra frills.

On lumpy ground, traction is solid and steering remains predictable, though the smaller deck requires an extra pass versus 22-inch models. It powers through tall or damp grass better than most electrics, with only moderate slowdowns in very thick growth. Mulching performs best with weekly maintenance cuts; rear discharge keeps pace in heavier conditions.

Compared with the 22-inch PowerSmart 150cc, this model is lighter and easier to maneuver but slightly less forceful in dense turf. Against YARDMAX, it lacks CVT pace control but competes well on cut quality and hill stability. Ideal for users balancing value, traction, and manageable size; versus Greenworks 40V, it wins on raw power over uneven, overgrown lawns.

Built for thick turf, this 22-inch PowerSmart with B&S E550 140cc engine and rear-wheel drive maintains blade speed where many mowers stall. The seamless stamped steel deck and heavy-duty blade deliver fine clippings that mulch evenly, and the 2-lever, 6-position height adjust (1.5–3.9 in.) lets you tailor clearance for uneven sections. The 1.4-bushel bag is practical for spring cleanup.

On real-world uneven terrain, traction is reliable, and side discharge keeps momentum through dense patches. It’s slightly heavier to swing around obstacles than 21-inch units, but the wider deck reduces total passes. Starts are consistent, and the drive engages smoothly for steady hill work.

Versus the PowerSmart 150cc EX625, this E550 is a touch lighter on torque but feels more agile; compared to YARDMAX, you lose CVT finesse but gain a strong, simple drive with excellent cut uniformity. Best for users facing thick grass on uneven ground who want a no-nonsense gas setup. Against Greenworks 40V, it offers stronger performance in heavy growth at the expense of noise.

Compact yet clever, this 18.5-inch cordless mower brings Easysurge brushless power up to 4100 RPM and a unique one-touch electronic height adjust (6 positions) that’s a back-saver on bumpy yards. The variable self-propel (1.3–2.9 MPH) makes careful pacing easy over ruts, while the smaller deck nimbly threads tight spaces. It’s a great compact electric for uneven town lawns and townhouse strips.

In the yard, traction is steady and the high blade speed snips cleanly, but the up to 30-minute runtime suits smaller areas—about 1/6 acre—especially if terrain and thick turf slow you down. For rough patches, raising the deck electronically keeps airflow and blade speed high; mulching is best with frequent cuts, while bagging reduces clumps in moist grass.

Compared with Greenworks 40V, this model is more compact and quicker to adjust but has shorter runtime and a narrower cut. Against MightyMow 40V, it’s lighter and easier to maneuver on tight, uneven plots, while trading endurance and top speed. Ideal for users prioritizing compact size, fast height changes, and quiet operation; versus YARDMAX, it wins convenience but not raw hill-climbing force.