9 Best Lawn Mowers for Uphill Yards 2025

Punchy and confidence-inspiring, the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower brings rear-wheel drive traction and a 21-inch steel deck to hilly yards that demand more bite. Its brushless motor delivers extra torque when the grass thickens, while a single 5.0Ah battery nets up to about 45 minutes depending on slope and turf. Add the 7-position height adjust and 3-in-1 bag/mulch/side discharge, and it solves the uphill struggle of slipping wheels and uneven cuts without gas hassle.

On real slopes, rear-wheel drive keeps the mower planted, especially with damp morning grass. The 21-inch deck covers ground quickly, and the brushless motor maintains blade speed on mixed-height patches common to hillside lawns. It stores vertically to save space, though runtime can dip on long climbs and thick spring growth—bring a second battery for large, steep lots.

Compared with the gas-powered Yard Force 150cc, Greenworks trades raw power for lighter handling and lower maintenance. It’s more capable on hills than the compact WORX WG779 thanks to its wider deck and self-propel system. Ideal for suburban slopes up to medium-size areas, it balances traction, coverage, and simplicity better than the YARDCARE 36V, with more robust build and hill control closer to the Yardmax—without the gas upkeep.

Built for brutal grades, the YARDMAX Select PACE uses a 201cc gas engine and CVT with 6-speed control to keep your pace steady up steep slopes. The 11-inch high rear wheels and aggressive spike-tread rubber tires claw into uneven terrain where lighter mowers spin out. With a heavy-duty 16-gauge steel deck and MaxFlow volute design, it powers through dense, wet grass without bogging.

In testing on sloped and uneven yards, the rear-wheel drive and double ball-bearing wheels produce predictable tracking and fewer stalls. The 22-inch deck and 7 cutting heights (1.38’–3.55′) provide fine control on sloped turf where scalping is common. It’s heavier than cordless rivals and louder, but the deck cleanout port simplifies maintenance after mulching heavy spring growth.

Versus the Greenworks 40V, the Yardmax offers superior traction and sustained power on long, steep inclines at the expense of weight and upkeep. Compared to the Yard Force 150cc, its CVT and tire design provide more nuanced hill control but similar cutting muscle. It’s the pick for homeowners with steep slopes and rough terrain, delivering more climbing confidence than the WORX models or YARDCARE cordless.

The Yard Force leans on a Briggs & Stratton EX625 150cc engine and rear-wheel drive to muscle up inclines without slipping. Its 12-inch high rear wheels add leverage and stability on uneven slopes, while the 22-inch steel deck with a 21-inch blade prioritizes durability and cut quality. The single-lever 7-position height adjust (1.25’–3.75′) helps tame hillside scalping and control turf stress.

On challenging grades, it holds a steady line and maintains blade speed through thicker patches better than most cordless options. The drivetrain keeps traction consistent on damp or bumpy climbs, and the 3-in-1 system adapts to bagging heavy clippings or mulching to reduce washouts on slopes. It does require gas upkeep and is heavier to maneuver in tight switchbacks compared to compact electrics.

Against the Yardmax, Yard Force is similarly strong but lacks the CVT pacing and spike-tread tires, making the Yardmax slightly better for extreme slopes. Compared with Greenworks 40V, Yard Force trades convenience for uninterrupted power on larger hills. It’s ideal for homeowners who want gas reliability on inclines and a tough deck, landing between Greenworks’ ease and Yardmax’s specialized traction.

Featherlight yet capable, the WORX 40V 17-inch mower is purpose-built for hilly small yards where maneuverability matters more than brute force. At just 35 lbs, it’s easy to push uphill and pivot along terraces and narrow paths. INTELLICUT smartly increases torque in dense grass, while the 7-position height adjust (1.5’–4′) and 2-in-1 bag/mulch keep cuts consistent without overtaxing the batteries.

On short, steep sections, its compact body and low weight reduce user fatigue—key for repeated uphill passes. The dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries handle up to 1/8 acre, and the full-bag indicator saves trips on sloped turf. It’s a push mower, so no self-propel assist, and heavy, wet grass will drain runtime faster than flat dry cuts—plan for staged mowing on thicker hillsides.

Compared with the Greenworks 21-inch self-propelled, this WORX trades traction assist for agility and lighter carry—better for smaller, steeper segments. It’s more capable than the 14-inch WG779 at handling slightly taller grass and wider paths, yet both are quieter and simpler than gas models like Yard Force. For compact hillside yards, WORX 17-inch offers a strong balance of weight, control, and smart power.

The WORX WG779 is a hill-friendly compact built for tight terraces and narrow paths where larger mowers stumble. Weighing just under 30 lbs with a 14-inch deck, it glides up short slopes and zips through confined areas without wrestling. INTELLICUT auto-adjusts power in thicker spots, and the 6-position height range (1.5’–3.5′) keeps the cut uniform on uneven ground.

In real use, its light footprint minimizes sliding on inclines and reduces fatigue during repeated uphill passes. Battery runtime matches small-yard needs, while the 2-in-1 bag/mulch and charge-level indicator streamline stop-and-go mowing on sloped lots. Expect it to struggle if you let grass get tall and wet; the small deck and push-only design favor frequent, quick cuts.

Compared with the WORX 17-inch, the WG779 is even more nimble in tight hill paths but covers less ground per pass. Against Greenworks’ self-propelled 21-inch, it sacrifices traction assist and deck width for portability and simplicity. It’s best for small, sloped yards and layered landscaping, and offers better maneuverability-to-effort ratio than the heavier Yard Force or Yardmax on micro-terraces.

The YARDCARE 36V mower brings smart convenience to sloped small-to-medium lawns with a brushless 3200 RPM motor and a clear LED status display for battery and error alerts. Dual 18V 4.0Ah packs provide up to 60 minutes on low or 40 minutes on high, and the 5-position height adjustment spans 0.98’–2.56′ for tidy, frequent hillside cuts. Its 8-gallon bag and 3-step safety start make it approachable for family yards.

On gentle to moderate slopes, its light chassis is easy to guide uphill, and the motor’s smooth torque keeps blade speed consistent through average-density turf. The lower maximum cut height suits lawns maintained regularly; taller or wet grass will reduce runtime and may need two passes. No self-propel means user effort rises on long climbs compared to RWD mowers.

Against Greenworks’ self-propelled model, YARDCARE wins on weight and user-friendly feedback but can’t match hill traction or deck size. Compared with Litheli’s 18-inch deck, it offers smarter controls and longer claimed runtime, though Litheli cuts wider per pass. It’s ideal for homeowners who want cordless simplicity with clear battery insights on moderate hills rather than maximum climbing power.

Litheli’s 18-inch 40V mower aims for wide coverage with manageable weight, pairing a brushless motor with a mid-size deck ideal for sloped small-to-medium lawns. The 6-position height range (0.98’–2.95′) and a 10.57-gallon bag reduce dump trips on hills, while the 2×4.0Ah batteries deliver around 30+ minutes for regular maintenance cuts. At 42.33 lbs, it’s stable yet still maneuverable on grades.

On uphill passes, the 18-inch deck threads between tight landscaping better than 21–22 inch gas models, and the brushless motor keeps the cut clean on moderately dense grass. Runtime drops on heavy or wet turf, and without a charger included, you’ll need a compatible unit to get started. It’s push-only, so long steep climbs demand more effort than self-propel options.

Compared with the YARDCARE 36V, Litheli offers a wider deck and larger bag, making it more efficient on open hillside areas. Against Greenworks 40V self-propelled, it lacks traction assist but is easier to handle on intricate slopes. Best for homeowners seeking a budget-friendly, larger-than-compact cordless that balances coverage and hill maneuverability.

The Steelite 13.2-inch mower is a micro-deck hill climber—only 20.5 lbs with a brushless motor that adds torque without noise. It’s tailor-made for tight sloped areas, terraces, and tricky corners where larger mowers stall or slide. With 5-position height adjustment (0.98’–2.56′) and an 8-gallon bag, it keeps small hillside lawns neat with minimal strain.

In practice, the tiny deck and ultra-low weight make uphill pushes easier than nearly any competitor here. Expect about 25+ minutes per battery; on thicker or taller grass, stage your cuts or swap a spare battery. It’s not intended for large yards or heavy, wet growth, but for spot-mowing slopes and tight passages, it’s fast, clean, and highly maneuverable.

Compared with the WORX WG779, Steelite is even lighter and more precise in cramped hill sections, though it covers less area per pass and has a smaller power system. It’s far easier to manage on micro-terraces than gas models like Yard Force or Yardmax. For small, steep segments and narrow hillside paths, it’s a surprisingly effective lightweight solution.

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is the eco-friendly climber for grades where noise and emissions matter. Its 14-inch, 5-blade reel delivers a scissor-like cut that’s gentle on turf—valuable on slopes prone to stress and scalping. With 10-inch wheels and tool-free 1’–2′ height settings, it’s simple, quiet, and highly maneuverable on small hillside lawns.

On real slopes, the motorless design means no battery drain or engine stall—just consistent, clean cuts if you mow frequently. It’s best on short, dry grass; letting hillsides grow tall makes pushing tougher and reduces cut quality. The compact deck excels around obstacles and along edges where heavier mowers struggle for footing.

Versus the WORX WG779, the reel mower is quieter, lighter, and maintenance-light, but demands more frequent mowing and won’t handle tall grass. Compared with Greenworks’ self-propelled, it trades hill traction assist for total simplicity and zero upkeep. It’s ideal for small sloped yards where precision, silence, and sustainability outweigh speed.