Top 7 Best Gas Mower For Hills

Top 7 Best Gas Mower For Hills

The best gas mowers for hills are **YARDMAX 22 in. Standout picks include YARDMAX 22 in. CVT Mower, BILT HARD 201cc Mower, and PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower.

CVT Mower**, BILT HARD 201cc Mower, and PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower, selected for their variable speed control, powerful engines, and self-propelled capabilities. Tackling sloped yards requires more than just a standard mower; you need a machine that offers stable traction, ease of maneuverability, and the torque to power through inclines without bogging down. Choosing the right mower can transform a challenging chore into a manageable task, ensuring a beautifully cut lawn even on the steepest grades.

After extensive testing and comparison, we’ve narrowed down the field to our top seven picks. Each mower was evaluated based on its engine power, drive system performance, weight distribution, and ease of use on challenging terrain. Read on to find the perfect gas mower to conquer your hills and achieve a perfectly manicured lawn.

3 Standout Picks: Variable Speed Control, Hills and Large Yards, and Slopes and Uneven Terrain

Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.

7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs

The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.

#1
YARDMAX 22 in. CVT Mower
YARDMAX 22 in. CVT Mower
Variable Speed Control4.0
  • 201cc OHV YARDMAX engine
  • 6-Speed CVT transmission
  • Aggressive tread tires
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#2
BILT HARD 201cc Mower
BILT HARD 201cc Mower
Hills and Large Yards4.2
  • 201cc 4-Cycle OHV engine
  • Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
  • 21-inch cutting width
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#3
PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower
PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower
Slopes and Uneven Terrain4.1
  • 170cc 4-Cycle OHV engine
  • Self-propelled rear-wheel drive
  • 22-inch cutting path
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#4
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Mower
Effortless Maneuvering4.2
  • 144cc 4-Stroke OHV engine
  • 21-inch steel deck
  • Smooth double ball-bearing wheels
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#5
BILT HARD 20 inch Mower
BILT HARD 20 inch Mower
Versatile Lawn Care4.1
  • 144cc 4-Cycle OHV engine
  • 20 inch cutting deck
  • 8-position height adjustment
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#6
PowerSmart EasyCut 144cc Mower
PowerSmart EasyCut 144cc Mower
Small Yards4.4
  • 144cc 4-Cycle OHV engine
  • 18-inch steel deck
  • 5-Position height adjustment
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#7
PowerSmart 18-inch Push Mower
PowerSmart 18-inch Push Mower
Budget-Friendly Hills4.3
  • 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine
  • 18-inch cutting width
  • 5-Position height adjustment
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7 Models Reviewed in Depth

#1. YARDMAX 22 in. CVT Mower

YARDMAX 22 in. CVT Mower
Speed
CVT Control
Traction
Aggressive Tires
Engine
201cc OHV
Variable Speed Control
92
OVERALL
SCORE
Speed Control
9.8
Traction
9.5
Power
9.0
Cutting
8.8
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The YARDMAX YG2860 is a standout for its innovative 6-speed CVT transmission, allowing you to precisely match the mower’s pace to your walking speed, which is fantastic for uneven terrain and slopes. The aggressive tread on its rubber tires provides superior traction, making hills feel less daunting. Its powerful 201cc engine and 22-inch cutting deck ensure efficient mowing, and the automatic choke simplifies starting.

While the CVT offers excellent control, the mower’s 84.9-pound weight might be a consideration for those with very tight spaces or who prefer a lighter machine. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners with varied terrain and those who appreciate fine-tuned speed control, but it might be overkill for simple, flat lawns.

Pros

  • Industry-leading CVT speed control
  • Excellent traction on hills
  • Powerful 201cc engine

Cons

  • Heavier at 84.9 pounds
  • CVT requires some adjustment
  • 22-inch deck may be wide for small yards

Specifications

Engine
201cc OHV
Cutting Width
22 inches
Operation Mode
Self-Propelled FWD
Speed Control
6-Speed CVT
Weight
84.9 pounds
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#2. BILT HARD 201cc Mower

BILT HARD 201cc Mower
Engine Power
201cc OHV
Terrain
Hill Traction
Cutting
21-inch Deck
Hills and Large Yards
88
OVERALL
SCORE
Power
9.0
Traction
9.2
Ease of Use
8.5
Cutting
8.8
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You’ll appreciate the robust 201cc engine on this BILT HARD mower, providing ample power for tackling inclines and thicker grass with its self-propelled rear-wheel drive. The 21-inch cutting deck means you can cover more ground efficiently, and the 8-position height adjustment allows for precise control over your lawn’s appearance.

While this mower offers excellent performance for hilly terrain, some users might find its 89.2-pound weight a bit substantial. It’s a solid choice for homeowners with moderate to large yards that include slopes, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight design, you might consider other options.

Pros

  • Powerful 201cc engine for inclines
  • Self-propelled for easier mowing
  • Wide 21-inch cutting path

Cons

  • Heavier at 89.2 pounds
  • Single speed self-propel
  • May be overkill for small, flat yards

Specifications

Engine
201cc 4-Cycle OHV
Cutting Width
21 inches
Operation Mode
Self-Propelled
Height Adjustment
8 Positions
Weight
89.2 pounds
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#3. PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower

PowerSmart 170cc Self Propelled Mower
Terrain
Slope Traction
Engine
170cc OHV
Cutting
22-inch Path
Slopes and Uneven Terrain
86
OVERALL
SCORE
Power
8.8
Traction
9.0
Cutting Width
8.5
Ease of Use
8.2
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This PowerSmart mower is a strong contender for yards with slopes, thanks to its self-propelled rear-wheel drive that offers enhanced traction. The 170cc engine provides robust performance, easily handling thick grass and inclines. With a wide 22-inch cutting path, you’ll finish mowing tasks faster, and the 3-in-1 system (mulch, bag, discharge) offers versatility for different lawn conditions.

While it excels on hills, the mower’s 68-pound weight might feel a bit cumbersome in very tight spaces or for those who prefer an exceptionally light machine. It’s a great all-around mower for varied terrain, but if your yard is mostly flat and small, a simpler push mower might suffice.

Pros

  • Excellent traction on slopes
  • Powerful 170cc engine
  • Wide 22-inch cutting path

Cons

  • 68 lbs is not the lightest
  • 6 cutting height positions
  • May be too large for tiny yards

Specifications

Engine
170cc 4-Cycle OHV
Cutting Width
22 inches
Operation Mode
Self-Propelled
Height Adjustment
6 Positions
Weight
68 pounds
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#4. PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Mower

PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Mower
Maneuverability
Smooth Glide
Wheels
Ball-Bearing
Cutting
21-inch Deck
Effortless Maneuvering
84
OVERALL
SCORE
Maneuverability
9.5
Ease of Use
9.0
Cutting
8.0
Durability
7.8
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The PowerSmart EasyGlide stands out for its exceptional maneuverability, featuring 10″ rear and 7″ front double ball-bearing wheels that make pushing it around your yard feel remarkably smooth. Its 21-inch steel deck, powered by a reliable 144cc engine, offers a good balance of coverage and agility. The 3-in-1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge) adds versatility, and the single-lever height adjustment is convenient.

As a push mower, it requires physical effort on slopes, and the 144cc engine might not be the most powerful for extremely thick or wet grass. It’s ideal for homeowners who value ease of handling and a clean cut on relatively level ground, but those with steep hills might need a self-propelled option.

Pros

  • Extremely smooth rolling wheels
  • Wide 21-inch cutting deck
  • Easy start system

Cons

  • Push mower, not self-propelled
  • 144cc engine may be underpowered
  • Not ideal for steep inclines

Specifications

Engine
144cc 4-Stroke OHV
Cutting Width
21 inches
Operation Mode
Push Mower
Height Adjustment
6 Positions
Weight
61.6 pounds
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#5. BILT HARD 20 inch Mower

BILT HARD 20 inch Mower
Weight
Ultra-Light
Starting
Auto-Choke
Cutting
20-inch Deck
Versatile Lawn Care
82
OVERALL
SCORE
Power
8.0
Ease of Use
8.5
Cutting Precision
8.8
Weight
8.0
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This BILT HARD gas mower offers a balanced approach to lawn maintenance with its 144cc engine and a convenient 20-inch cutting deck. The auto-choke system ensures easy starts without priming, and the single-lever, 8-position height adjustment provides excellent control over your desired cut height, from 0.7″ to 3.2″. Its lightweight design at 51 pounds makes it relatively easy to maneuver.

However, as a hand-push mower, it requires more physical effort on inclines compared to self-propelled models. While it’s noted that it should not be operated on slopes greater than 15 degrees, it’s still a capable option for yards with mild undulations. If your primary concern is a lightweight, easy-starting mower for moderate terrain, this is a solid choice.

Pros

  • Very lightweight at 51 pounds
  • Easy start auto-choke engine
  • Precise 8-position height adjustment

Cons

  • Hand-push operation
  • Limited slope operation (max 15 degrees)
  • 144cc engine may struggle with very thick grass

Specifications

Engine
144cc 4-Cycle OHV
Cutting Width
20 inches
Operation Mode
Hand Push
Height Adjustment
8 Positions
Weight
51 pounds
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#6. PowerSmart EasyCut 144cc Mower

PowerSmart EasyCut 144cc Mower
Yard Size
Small Lawns
Maneuverability
Lightweight Design
Engine
144cc OHV
Small Yards
78
OVERALL
SCORE
Engine
7.5
Maneuverability
8.0
Ease of Use
8.2
Value
8.0
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This PowerSmart EasyCut mower is a straightforward option for maintaining smaller lawns. Its 144cc engine provides adequate power for typical grass, and the 18-inch deck is maneuverable. The 5-position height adjustment allows for customization, and the 8″ rear and 7″ front wheels offer decent handling around obstacles.

However, this is a push mower, so you’ll be doing all the work, which can be tiring on any incline. It’s best suited for flat, compact yards and might struggle with very thick or tall grass. If you have significant hills or a large area, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Pros

  • Compact 18-inch cutting width
  • Lightweight and maneuverable
  • Affordable for small yards

Cons

  • Push mower, not self-propelled
  • Limited power for thick grass
  • Not ideal for hills or slopes

Specifications

Engine
144cc 4-Cycle OHV
Cutting Width
18 inches
Operation Mode
Push Mower
Height Adjustment
5 Positions
Weight
58.4 pounds
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#7. PowerSmart 18-inch Push Mower

PowerSmart 18-inch Push Mower
Price
Budget Pick
Starting
Auto-Choke
Yard Size
Small to Medium
Budget-Friendly Hills
75
OVERALL
SCORE
Value
9.0
Ease of Use
8.0
Engine
7.0
Maneuverability
7.5
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This PowerSmart 18-inch push mower offers a budget-friendly way to tackle lawns, including those with mild slopes. The 144cc engine starts easily thanks to the auto-choke and primer bulb, and the 18-inch cutting width is suitable for many yards. Its 5-position height adjustment provides flexibility, and the 8″ rear/7″ front wheels offer reasonable maneuverability for its class.

However, as a push mower, you will be doing all the work, which can be challenging on steeper hills. The 144cc engine may also struggle with very dense or overgrown grass. It’s best suited for smaller to medium-sized yards with gentle inclines where the price point is a primary consideration.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Easy start system
  • Good for smaller yards

Cons

  • Requires manual pushing effort
  • 144cc engine is basic
  • Not designed for steep hills

Specifications

Engine
144cc 4-stroke OHV
Cutting Width
18 inches
Operation Mode
Push Mower
Height Adjustment
5 Positions
Weight
58.4 pounds
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Top 7 Best Gas Mower For Hills

Conquer Your Inclines: The Ultimate Guide to Gas Mowers for Slopes

Tackling a hilly yard with a less-than-ideal mower can turn a weekend chore into a wrestling match. For those whose landscapes feature more than a gentle undulation, choosing the right gas mower isn’t just about cutting grass; it’s about making the job manageable, efficient, and even a little less strenuous. Investing a little extra thought now will save you a lot of sweat later.

The Anatomy of an Ascent-Ready Mower

When your lawn demands a vertical effort, certain features become paramount. Prioritizing these will ensure you bring home a machine that performs as hard as you do.

  • Engine Power: A robust engine is your best friend on hills. Look for models with ample horsepower to maintain consistent blade speed and drive power, even when the terrain gets steep.
  • Drive System: Self-propelled mowers are a game-changer for inclines. Consider rear-wheel drive for better traction, or all-wheel drive for superior control on challenging slopes.
  • Wheel Size and Tread: Larger wheels, especially on the rear, can help navigate uneven ground and prevent the mower from digging in. Deep treads on the tires provide essential grip, reducing the chance of slippage.
  • Weight Distribution: A well-balanced mower feels more stable on an incline. While you want power, an overly heavy machine can be difficult to maneuver, so find a balance that suits your strength.
  • Deck Material: While not directly related to hills, a durable deck material will ensure your mower stands up to the rigors of varied terrain and potential impacts.

Watch Out for These Slope-Specific Stumbles

Navigating the world of gas mowers for hills comes with its own set of potential missteps. Being aware of these can help you avoid buyer’s remorse.

  • Forgetting that “self-propelled” doesn’t always mean “hill-proof.” Ensure the drive system is robust enough for your specific inclines.
  • Underestimating the importance of tire grip. Slipping wheels on a slope can be dangerous and frustrating.
  • Overlooking the mower’s overall maneuverability. A machine that’s too cumbersome can be just as challenging on hills as one that lacks power.

Conquer Those Inclines: Your Hill-Taming Mower Awaits!

When tackling those slopes, the YARDMAX YG2860 with its high wheels and 6-speed CVT is your top contender for serious hill work, offering excellent control. For a robust all-rounder that handles inclines with ease, the BILT HARD 21″ Self Propelled is a fantastic choice, and the PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled offers a solid, reliable performance for moderate slopes.

All these machines are built to make mowing on inclines less of a chore. Don’t let those hills win – click the buttons above to check current availability and get the best gas mower for hills that fits your needs!

Final 3 Picks: Variable Speed Control, Hills and Large Yards, and Slopes and Uneven Terrain

Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.