7 Best Mowers for Rolling Lawns of 2025

Punchy and confident, the YARDMAX Select PACE answers the rolling-lawn challenge with its 201cc engine, 6-speed CVT, and high-traction rubber tires. The variable-speed drive lets you dial in pace to match slopes and contours, while the 11-inch rear wheels and spike tread hang on when turf undulates. A 16-gauge stamped steel deck with Maxflow volute design boosts airflow for crisp mulching—exactly what you want on tricky hills where clumping kills momentum.

On test loops over wavy sections, the rear-wheel drive and double ball-bearing wheels kept tracking straight without fishtailing, and the single-lever height adjust (1.38 to 3.55 in.) made quick work of transitions from low in the flats to higher in the swales. The deck cleanout port is a real-world timesaver when heavy grass packs in after damp mornings. It’s heavier than a reel or corded unit, but the self-propel system offsets the weight on grades.

Against the PowerSmart 21-inch, YARDMAX’s CVT with six selectable speeds and more aggressive tire design offer better pace control on rolling terrain, while PowerSmart is lighter and simpler. Versus the SENIX 22-inch, YARDMAX trades a slightly heavier feel for superior traction and more granular speed control. Ideal for homeowners with mixed flat, sloped, and uneven lawns who want 3‑in‑1 versatility and strong hill manners; for performance-per-feature value, it edges the SENIX on challenging contours.

Sure-footed and practical, the PowerSmart 21-inch brings a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine and rear-wheel drive that grips rolling lawns without drama. The 10-inch rear wheels and steel deck keep it planted, while the 3‑in‑1 system lets you mulch on hills or bag in valleys to prevent clumps. For undulating yards, that blend of traction and manageable size hits a sweet spot.

In use, the 21-inch deck balances coverage and maneuverability, especially around mounds and dips where larger decks can scalp. The single-lever height adjust (1.5 to 3.9 in.) made it easy to lift the cut over crowns and drop it on flats. It doesn’t have variable-speed finesse like some rivals, so on steeper rolls you’ll pace yourself, but the B&S motor starts reliably and pulls steadily.

Compared to the YARDMAX 22-inch, PowerSmart is lighter and more nimble but lacks multi-speed CVT control and the same tire aggressiveness on slick slopes. Against the SENIX 22-inch, it trades raw deck width for better hill tracking thanks to RWD. It’s a strong fit for mid-size, uneven terrain where traction and simplicity matter; feature-to-performance, it undercuts the YARDMAX on control but keeps up on most rolling sections.

Confident and capable, the SENIX LSSG‑H2 leverages a Briggs & Stratton 163cc EXi675 and variable-speed self-propel to tame rolling lawns without bogging down. The 22-inch deck covers ground fast, while 8-inch front/11-inch rear wheels smooth out ruts and crowns. Its 3‑in‑1 deck and included 19‑gallon bagger make it easy to switch from mulching on rises to bagging in dips to avoid clumping.

On undulating test runs, the variable speed helped keep cadence steady going up and down grades, and the 1.25–4 in. height range allowed a higher cut over humps to prevent scalping. Vertical storage and a washout port are practical touches when you’re dealing with heavy spring growth. Front-wheel drive is noted in one line, but the spec highlights variable-speed with strong tracking; in practice, traction is solid though not as aggressive as deep-lug tires.

Against the YARDMAX, SENIX offers similar deck size and variable speed but with a slightly smoother EXi startup and roomier height ceiling to protect against scalping on ridge lines. Versus PowerSmart, it brings more power and speed variability, better for larger, rolling sections. Best for large yards with waves and slopes where coverage and adaptable pace matter; for features versus control on hills, YARDMAX’s tire grip still holds a small edge.

Crisp and purist, the Scotts 7‑blade reel delivers striping excellence on rolling lawns thanks to its scissor-like cut and lightweight frame. The 18-inch reel with 7 heat-treated blades leaves a fine, low tear-free finish that highlights contours rather than flattening them. For homeowners chasing best stripe quality, this manual reel excels on gentle rolls and well-maintained turf.

On real-world hills, the 10-inch dual-tracking wheels keep the reel aligned, and the 1–3 in. height range lets you bump up on ridges to avoid scalping. It shines on dry, regularly cut grass; in taller or wet growth, pushing up slopes becomes demanding and clippings aren’t collected unless paired with an accessory. Noise is minimal, and maintenance is mainly blade care.

Compared with the LawnMaster 16-inch reel, Scotts’ 7-blade design creates a finer finish and better stripes but requires slightly more effort on inclines. Against gas self-propelled units like the YARDMAX, you trade power for precision and lawn health. Ideal for enthusiasts with smooth, rolling lawns who mow frequently; for cost-to-finish, it outperforms corded electrics like the LawnMaster MEB1114K in stripe quality.

Compact and nimble, the American Lawn Mower 50514 uses an 11-amp motor to bring plug-and-mow simplicity to smaller rolling yards. The 14-inch deck threads between landscaping and along berms where big mowers bog or scalp. For users tired of gas fuss, the high-efficiency motor cuts typical cool-season grasses cleanly with minimal upkeep.

On gentle contours, its light weight helps you crest and descend without sliding, though the cord management becomes the main challenge on slopes and around trees. The narrow deck means more passes, but also fewer gouges on hummocks. In heavier or wet grass, you’ll need slower feed rates to avoid stalling.

Compared to the LawnMaster MEB1114K, the 50514 is similarly powered but even more compact, trading bag capacity and wheel size for tight maneuvering. Versus the PowerSmart gas unit, you lose self-propel and raw torque but gain silent operation and near-zero maintenance. Best for budget-friendly buyers with small, mildly rolling lawns; for power-to-weight on hills, the PowerSmart remains stronger, but this wins on simplicity.

Featherlight and eco-friendly, the LawnMaster LMRM1602 makes rolling-lawn grooming approachable with a 16-inch, 5-blade reel and 10-inch wheels for easy tracking. The scissor-like cut is gentle on turf, reducing disease risk and helping stripes pop on contoured yards. With 1–2 inch height settings, it’s dialed for low-to-medium cuts on well-kept lawns.

In practice, its low mass is a joy on mild slopes and around mounds, but pushing up sharper grades or through tall grass raises effort quickly. The compact deck navigates tight edges without scalping, and there’s no engine or battery to maintain—just occasional blade touch-ups. It’s quiet enough for early-morning sessions when dew is light.

Versus the Scotts 7-blade, the LawnMaster is lighter and easier to push, but the 5-blade reel leaves a slightly less refined finish on premium turf. Compared with corded electric mowers, you trade powered convenience for finesse and zero upkeep. Ideal for users prioritizing lightweight push and eco simplicity on gentle rolls; by finish quality, Scotts has the edge for stripes.

Straightforward and tidy, the LawnMaster MEB1114K delivers 3,300 RPM performance in a 15-inch corded chassis that’s easy to steer over rolling ground. At just 28 lbs, it tracks smoothly across crowns and dips without digging in, and the 7.75-inch rear wheels help maintain line. The 5-position height adjust (1.4–3 in.) adapts quickly when moving from flats to ridges.

In real-world use, it’s a quiet, low-maintenance cutter that favors routine mowing on dry grass; the 7-gallon bag keeps clippings from clumping on downhill sections. The cord requires planning on slopes, and heavy, wet grass will slow feed rates. Storage is a win—folding handles and compact size slide neatly onto a garage shelf.

Against the American Lawn Mower 50514, the MEB1114K offers a slightly wider deck and helpful bagging capacity, trading a bit of maneuverability. Compared to gas units like the PowerSmart, you lose hill-climbing torque but gain low maintenance and easy handling. Great for small to mid-size, lightly rolling lawns; for traction and speed on steep waves, YARDMAX’s self-propel package outperforms it.