How to Mow on a Slope | Tips to Safely Mow with your Slope Mower
To safely mow a steep hill, use a push mower or remote control lawn mower and mow up and down the slope rather than side-to-side, as this provides better traction and reduces the risk of tipping over. Always clear obstacles, wear sturdy footwear with a good grip, and avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent slips or falls.
It's common to see your neighbors struggling and sweating when slope mowing up a hill. “Surely this isn't the best way to mow a hill,” you think — and you'd be right! Mowing a hillside requires the right equipment, safety precautions, and finesse.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 35,000 injuries and nearly 100 deaths related to riding lawnmowers occur each year in the U.S. because users lose stability and are injured by the mowers. To stop you from getting injured, our team at Mowrator has outlined the best ways you can get the job done. Here's our guide for the best way to cut grass on a hill without breaking a sweat or your back.
Key Takeaways
- Use push mowers for slopes under 10°, riding mowers up to 15°, and remote-controlled or robotic mowers for anything steeper to prevent tipping and injury.
- Ride-on mowers are the safest going straight up and down slopes, while walk-behind mowers generally work best moving across the slope.
- Clear debris, check ground conditions, wear proper gear, and follow recommended safety protocols (like rollover protection and seatbelts) before and during operation.
- Regularly check tire pressure, sharpen blades, and follow your mower’s maintenance guidelines to ensure safe, efficient slope mowing and prolong equipment life.
How to Mow Steep Slopes Safely
The best way to mow a steep hill or slope safely requires having the right equipment for the job and using it properly while considering the necessary precautions. Before and after mowing a slope, you must conduct proper maintenance checks on your lawn mower.
| Steps | Outline |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose the Right Equipment |
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| 2. Use Proper Mowing Techniques |
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| 3. Practice Necessary Safety Precautions |
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| 4. Conduct Proper Maintenance | Regular maintenance, including proper tire inflation, blade sharpening, and familiarity with your mower's controls, is essential for safe and effective slope mowing. |
1. Choose the Right Equipment
For safe and effective slope mowing, choose equipment based on the incline angle. To select the right mower for the job, you'll need to know the angle of your slope and the limitations of your mower.
- Small to medium slopes (< 10°) only require push mowers or walk-behind mowers.
- Steep slopes (< 15°) require a more powerful lawn mower, like a riding mower. Do not use a riding lawn mower for slopes greater than 15°.
- Very steep slopes (> 15°) often require a remote control lawn mower or robot mower. It’s always better to mow extreme hills with autonomous or remote control mowers that don't require controlling your weight transfer or weight distribution.
2. Use Proper Mowing Techniques
The proper mowing techniques depend on the type of lawn mower you're using. For example, ride-on mowers operate best when mowing up and down a slope rather than across or diagonally. Mowing diagonally or across a hill using a riding mower or lawn tractor can be dangerous, potentially leading to tipping and serious injury if you're mowing steep banks.
However, walk-behind and other push mowers work best by mowing hills and slopes across rather than up and down. Mowing steep slopes up and down using a push mower is strenuous and challenging, and mowing across is a far more efficient method.
Remote control lawn mowers are the most straightforward piece of equipment to mow a slope, with models like the Mowrator Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD tackling slopes up to 37° with no problems.
3. Practice Necessary Safety Precautions
You’ll need to take several safety precautions to ensure your slope mowing is completed efficiently and with a reduced risk of injury. Safety precautions are required not only during your operations but also before them.
| Before Mowing | During Mowing |
|---|---|
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If you’re unsure about the slope’s stability, test a small section first to gauge traction and mower performance before tackling the whole hill.
4. Conduct Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance after you've mowed your lawn's steep hills is another crucial step to ensure your lawn mower's longevity. You’ll need to ensure that your tires are correctly inflated (if applicable), your lawn mower blades are sharpened, and that you know the mower's controls and limitations. Your lawn mower's manual will outline how to mow a hill using its specific model and type.
What is Slope Mowing?
Slope mowing refers to mowing specific areas that have significant inclines. You may even need special equipment and techniques for mowing hillsides, although it can depend on the steepness of the hill, the terrain you're mowing, and the length of the grass. Make a special note of the degree slope hill you're mowing and if you can safely mow it.
| Degree | Classification | Type of Lawn Mower Required |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10° | Hill | Any |
| Up to 15° | Steep Hill | Riding Mower |
| Up to 37° | Very Steep Hill | Mowrator 4WD |
What are the Unique Challenges of Slope Mowing?
Unique challenges you’ll face when you mow on a slope include tipping, terrain challenges, limitations to your equipment, as well as maintenance issues:
| Safety Hazards | Equipment Limitations |
|---|---|
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| Terrain Complexities | Operational Challenges |
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| Environmental Factors | |
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Choose Mowrator for Easy Slope Mowing
Why worry about maintenance and strain when you can use a remote control lawn mower from Mowrator? Designed to mow 1.125 acres on a single charge and tackle any terrain thanks to a powerful Beast™ motor, even the most severe slopes. Shop our range of lawnmowers and mower accessories today.
FAQs on How to Mow a Steep Hill
What is the difference between a slope and an incline?
“Slope” and “incline” can be used interchangeably, but you'll often hear “slope” used to describe challenges for a hillside lawn mower or property. In contrast, “incline” is a mathematical term for describing angles, elevations, and directions on a plane. The differences between slopes and inclines are mainly reflected in the context in which they are used.
What tool is best to cut grass on a steep hill?
The best tools for hillside mowing are remote-operated lawn mowers that can handle intense slopes thanks to features like all-wheel drive and a low center of gravity. Many remote control lawn mowers like the Mowrator 4WD can handle slopes up to 30° or more without issue. This lets you mow your lawn from a distance, where it's safe, while reducing your risk of injury.
How do I measure the slope of my hill?
You can use a smartphone inclinometer app or a digital level. Place the tool at the base of your hill to get an accurate angle reading and determine the right equipment for the job. For the most precise results, take multiple readings at different points along the slope to account for variations in terrain.
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