7 Best Walk Behind Mowers for Hilly Uneven Lawns 2025

Confident and sure-footed, the YARDMAX Select PACE storms hilly, uneven lawns with its 6-speed CVT that syncs to your stride. The rear-wheel drive with aggressive spike tread delivers bite on slopes where cheaper mowers spin out. A 201cc engine powers a 16-gauge steel, 22-inch MaxFlow deck, giving cleaner mulching and fewer clumps—exactly what uneven turf demands.

In testing across sloped backyards and bumpy patches, the 8′ front and 11′ rear wheels plus double ball bearings kept the mower tracking straight without fishtailing. The 7 height settings (1.38–3.55 in.) help navigate scalp-prone humps and thick spring growth. It’s not the lightest to pivot in tight corners, and the steel deck adds heft, but the deck cleanout port simplifies maintenance after damp cuts.

Against the SENIX Gas (B0FFMYSSJN), the YARDMAX’s variable-speed CVT offers finer control on mixed incline, while the SENIX’s single-speed feels more locked-in. Compared with the lighter Greenworks 60V (B0DC12WH48), this YARDMAX trades portability for traction, torque, and mulching airflow. It’s ideal for homeowners with sloped, uneven terrain who want RWD stability and a durable deck; for overall performance on hills, it outmuscles the Greenworks while edging the SENIX in speed control.

The SENIX 22-inch RWD comes ready for hills with Briggs & Stratton EXi675 (163cc) power and rear-wheel drive that keeps pushing when front wheels lift on bumps. Its 19-gallon bagger and 3-in-1 deck make cleanup straightforward, while the Prime n Pull start reduces fuss on cold mornings. The ergonomic handle and integrated washout port round out a well-thought hill companion.

On uneven ground, the 11-inch rear wheels track confidently, and the single-speed drive hits a practical pace for slopes without dragging you downhill. The 6-position height lever (1.25–4 in.) helps prevent scalping on mounds and improves cut consistency through dips. It lacks variable speed, so pace-sensitive users on mixed gradients may find it less adaptable than CVT models, but power delivery remains steady.

Compared to the YARDMAX Select PACE (B0B136QPNL), the SENIX trades variable speed for a simpler, predictable drive that’s easier for new users. Against the SENIX LSSG-H2 (B0BX7J9H46), this model’s RWD setup is the clear hill winner versus FWD, offering superior traction on inclines. Best for homeowners prioritizing grip and straightforward operation on hills; for hill traction alone, it outperforms the FWD SENIX LSSG-H2.

Built for versatility, the SENIX LSSG-H2 pairs a Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675 with a variable-speed self-propel system for better control over rolling terrain. The 22-inch 3-in-1 steel deck and included 19-gallon bagger give flexible yard cleanup options. With 8′ front and 11′ rear wheels and a single-lever height adjust (1.25–4 in.), it adapts quickly as ground levels change.

On moderate slopes and uneven patches, the variable speed helps you dial back on steeper sections to prevent slipping while maintaining momentum on flats. The deck’s washout port keeps airflow clear for mulching, and the ergonomics reduce wrist fatigue during long sessions. It manages moderate inclines effectively, though extreme slopes still benefit from more aggressive tread patterns found on rivals.

Relative to the SENIX Gas RWD (B0FFMYSSJN), the LSSG-H2’s variable-speed control offers finer pacing on mixed terrain, but the RWD model boasts more consistent hillside traction. Versus the YARDMAX Select PACE (B0B136QPNL), it’s a bit lighter-feeling but not as grippy underfoot. Ideal for users with moderate slopes wanting adjustable pace and easy storage; it delivers more control than the SENIX Gas single-speed at a small trade-off in hill-climbing tenacity.

Surprisingly capable for a push mower, the YARDMAX 21-inch leans on 11-inch high rear wheels and double ball-bearing hubs to glide over ruts and humps. Its 170cc engine and MAXFlow deck keep clippings circulating longer for finer mulch, a big help when uneven lawns chew up airflow. The 16-gauge steel deck and seven height settings (1.25–3.75 in.) add durability and flexibility.

In real use, the tall rear wheels stabilize the chassis on bumpy ground, and the one-lever height adjust lets you quickly bump up on scalp-prone areas. Without self-propel, it requires more muscle on inclines, but the smooth-rolling bearings reduce push effort more than typical budget push mowers. The deck’s vibration damping helps keep lines straighter on rough patches.

Compared to the powered YARDMAX Select PACE (B0B136QPNL), this model trades hill-climbing ease for lighter handling and lower complexity. Against the PowerSmart 144cc (B0CB9XSR1S), it delivers better deck rigidity and wheel bearings, making it friendlier on uneven terrain. Best for smaller, uneven yards where push control and high rear wheels matter more than self-propel.

Featherlight and agile, the Greenworks 60V 17-inch excels on tight, uneven spaces where gas mowers feel clumsy. The brushless motor stays smooth on rough turf, and the 40-minute runtime with a 4.0Ah pack covers small hills without cords or fumes. Its rust-resistant 17-inch deck and 6-position height range (1.5–3.15 in.) make it a nimble fit for terrace-like yards.

On lumpy ground, the lighter chassis resists sinking into soft spots and is easy to pivot across contours. It’s not built for tall, wet grass on steep grades, but for regular maintenance on modest slopes, it keeps pace and keeps noise down. The compact deck helps avoid scalping crests, though repeated passes may be needed on thick spring growth.

Versus the YARDMAX Select PACE (B0B136QPNL), this Greenworks trades hill-climbing torque for portability and low maintenance. Compared to the MightyMow (B0FGPLS1NX), it delivers stronger power and better durability for uneven terrain. Ideal for homeowners prioritizing lightweight handling on small, hilly yards; for overall performance, it offers better usability than the MightyMow with less raw grunt than YARDMAX gas.

The PowerSmart 21-inch is a straightforward hill-capable push mower thanks to its 144cc OHV engine and 21-inch steel deck. Dual-lever height adjust with six positions (1.5–3.9 in.) lets you quickly tune for uneven patches. Foldable storage and a durable blade make it a practical, budget-friendly choice for homeowners tackling bumpy yards.

On slopes, the lack of self-propel means you’ll work harder, but the moderate weight and balanced chassis help maintain control. It handles weekly cuts well; let grass get tall or damp and you’ll need slower passes. The 3-in-1 setup is flexible, though airflow isn’t as refined as MaxFlow-style decks on thicker turf.

Against the YARDMAX 21-inch push (B08P3KJRVW), the PowerSmart offers similar cutting width but less sophisticated wheel bearings and deck airflow. Versus self-propelled options like the SENIX Gas (B0FFMYSSJN), it saves weight and complexity but can’t match uphill ease. Best for users who want basic, reliable cutting on uneven terrain with minimal frills; it’s more economical than self-propel models while demanding more effort.

Light as a feather and surprisingly capable on small slopes, the MightyMow 13-inch mower thrives where big decks stumble. At just 24 lbs, it floats over ruts and is easy to pull uphill and pivot across uneven edges. The dual 4.0Ah batteries (2×20 min) and 5-position height range (1–2.6 in.) keep small hilly yards trimmed without gas hassle.

In real use, the compact 13-inch deck avoids scalping crests and fits tight corridors and terraces. It’s best for frequent maintenance; tall or wet grass will sap speed and runtime, and the narrower height range limits winterizing cuts. The 35L bag collects well on regular growth, though mulching density lags behind larger steel-deck gas models.

Compared with the Greenworks 60V (B0DC12WH48), the MightyMow is lighter and more maneuverable but delivers less power and runtime. Against gas options like the YARDMAX Select PACE (B0B136QPNL), it prioritizes portability and simplicity over hill torque. Ideal for small hilly yards, balconies-with-lawns, and quick trims; it offers better maneuverability than Greenworks at the cost of power and deck size.