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Hills Ain’t No Joke: The Dos and Don’ts of Mowin’ a Hill

By Jeff Mercer · Updated December 31, 2022 · 3 min read
Hills Ain't No Joke: The Dos and Don'ts of Mowin' a Hill
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Hey y’all, it’s your boy Jeff here to give you the scoop on mowin’ a hill. Now, I ain’t no pro when it comes to lawn care, but I’ve definitely learned a thing or two from my own mishaps.

Like that time I tried to tackle a hill so steep, I practically did a backflip off the mower. Trust me, it ain’t pretty. So listen up and learn from my mistakes.

The Importance of Slope Angle

Before you even think about firin’ up that mower, it’s crucial to know the slope angle of your yard. A slope is considered steep if it’s greater than 15 degrees, and trust me, that can make a world of difference when it comes to mowin’.

Safety Measures

If you do have a steep slope to contend with, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. This means wearin’ closed-toe shoes, eye protection, and maybe even a hard hat if the slope is really rough. No sense in riskin’ a concussion for a perfectly manicured lawn.

Mower Selection

When it comes to choosin’ the right mower for the job, it’s important to consider the slope of your yard.

If the slope is particularly steep, it’s probably best to steer clear of a traditional push mower. Instead, opt for a riding mower or a mower with high traction wheels. This will give you better control and stability on the incline.

Mowin’ Across the Slope

One way to avoid the up or down debate altogether is to mow across the slope. This helps to prevent erosion and also gives you a better view of what you’re doin’. Additionally, it puts less strain on the mower and is generally safer for the person operatin’ it.

When to Say When

There may be some instances where it’s just not safe to mow on a particular slope.

In these cases, it’s better to call in a professional lawn care service or consider re-landscapin’ to create a more manageable grade. Your safety is worth more than a perfectly trimmed lawn.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a zero turn mower on a steep slope?

A: While zero turn mowers are great for navigatin’ tight spaces and gettin’ a precise cut, they may not be the best choice for super steep slopes.

It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and use caution when operatin’ any mower on an incline.

Q: Is it okay to mow when it’s wet or raining?

A: In general, it’s not a good idea to mow when the grass is wet. The mower can have a harder time cuttin’ through the damp grass, and the slope could become slippery, makin’ it even more treacherous to navigate. Wait for a dry day or mow in the early mornin’ when the dew has had a chance to evaporate.

Q: Can I use a cordless electric mower on a steep slope?

A: It’s possible to use a cordless electric mower on a steep slope, but it’s important to consider the power and run time of the mower.

If the slope is particularly long or steep, you may run out of power before the job is done. In these cases, it may be better to opt for a gas-powered mower or one with a longer run time.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, mowin’ a hill ain’t no joke. It requires proper safety measures, the right mower, and a solid game plan.

But with a little bit of know-how and a whole lot of caution, you can tame that hill and have a lawn that’ll make all your neighbors green with envy. Just remember to keep your wits about you, and if in doubt, call in the pros. Happy mowin’!

Before you start the repairWe are not certified small-engine technicians. Before any repair, pull the spark plug wire and let the engine cool. Anything involving blades under a raised machine, fuel system leaks or transmission internals — if you're not sure, have a dealer or small-engine shop look at it.

Written by

Jeff Mercer

Jeff Mercer writes GardenTooly's answers to the questions people type into a search bar while standing next to a machine that won't behave: why the deck shakes, why the mower dies when it warms up, whether a bent blade shaft can be straightened, what the difference between two transmissions really means for you, and which fuel additive is worth the shelf space.

Each answer starts with the cause that is most likely and cheapest to check. Where it comes from the owner's manual, a service bulletin or what owners report, it says so, and anything involving blades, fuel, a jacked-up machine or a hydrostatic transmission gets a plain "take it to a shop" when that's the right call.

A note on our names: GardenTooly is written by a small team under pen names, one name for each job, and Jeff Mercer is the name on our mower and small-engine guides. We are not certified small-engine technicians, and we don't sell equipment.