It can be dangerous to mow a hill or steep slope, but with the right mower for steep hills and safe practices, you can cut grass without getting hurt.
Each year, many people get injured using the lawn mower. It will increase the risk of mowing on the steep slope. A riding mower, for example, may slide and roll on a steep slope.
The Consumer Product Safety Council report estimates that over 91,800 people in the U.S. received emergency room or hospital treatment for injuries related to lawn mowers.
Another study reviewed emergency department injury coding data from 2006–2013 and found that the most common injuries were lacerations (46.7%), fractures (22.4%), and amputations (21.5%). These injuries most often affected the wrist or hand (65.4%) and the foot or toe (19.8%).
According to the studies, most injuries happened between April and September, which is peak mowing season.
So, safety first. In this guide, we explain how to prepare, which mower to use, and how to mow on slopes safely.
Table of Contents
1. Safety First: Preparing to Mow a Steep Hill
Before you start mowing, always be careful.
Check the hill. If a 10-foot walk down the hill drops 3 feet, that is a 30% slope, which is very steep. Most home mowers should not go on slopes that steep.
Slope Angle | Slope % Grade | Notes |
0° – 5° | 0 – 9% | Flat or almost flat ground. Safe for all |
6° – 10° | 10 – 18% | Walk across the slope, not up and down. |
11° – 15° | 19 – 27% | Riding mowers and zero-turns are risky |
16° – 20° | 28 – 36% | Too steep for riding mowers or lawn |
21° and above | 37%+ | Human-operated mowing is unsafe. Bestin |
You can walk on the slope first. It can help you feel how sharp it is. If you think the hill feels too steep to walk on, you should use extra caution or a different tool.
Clear rocks and sticks. Any object on the hill can make you slip or become a projectile. Pick up stones, sticks, and toys. These items can trip you or fly out from under the mower blade.
Check for trip hazards. Look for holes, roots, or uneven ground, and mark or fill them so you don’t catch a wheel on them.
2. Dress for Safety
You should put on sturdy clothes and shoes. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin.
Use sturdy boots or closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals) for good footing. Safety gear (PPE) is important:
- Steel-toed boots and gloves to protect your feet and hands.
- Safety goggles to keep grass clippings out of your eyes.
- Ear protection (earmuffs or plugs) if the mower is loud.
You must remove any loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the mower. If you are working near a road, it is better to wear bright or reflective clothes so drivers can see you.
3. Check Conditions
Never mow a steep slope when the grass is wet or slippery. Wet grass is very slick and can cause a serious fall. Muddy ground may give way unpredictably.
Very dry and hard grass can also be dangerous because it may offer poor traction. Always mow on dry grass if you can, and avoid windy or hazardous weather.
4. Choosing the Right Mower for Steep Hills
The type of mower you use makes a big difference. Here are some hill mowing techniques by mower type:
4.1. Walk-Behind (Push or Self-Propelled) Mowers
Walk-Behind Mowers are often safest on moderate slopes. Since you walk behind them, you can step off easily if you slip.
Most of Walk-Behind Mowers can handle about a 20° slope. A self-propelled model (with drive wheels) helps on hills. Electric push mowers work similarly to gas ones on slopes.
Tips: It’s usually safest to mow across the slope. Mow in horizontal strips from one side of the hill to the other, then move up or down a bit and mow the next strip parallel to the first. This zigzag pattern keeps the mower stable.
You can also stand above the mower and push straight up, turn it off at the top, and push up again if needed.
4.2. Riding Mowers / Lawn Tractors
Riding Mowers are good for flat lawns, but only use them on gentle slopes (about 15° or less).
Riding mowers have a higher center of gravity and can roll over on steep ground. If used, you should drive straight up and down the hill (not across).
Tips: You should mow up and down the slope. Drive straight from the top to the bottom of the hill, then turn on flat ground and drive back up. This way, the heavy wheels maintain traction.
Never mow sideways with a riding mower, and keep the cutting deck a bit higher to avoid scalping the grass on uneven ground.
4.3. Zero-Turn Mowers
Zero-Turn Mowers can turn in place and are great on flat lawns. But on hills, they are risky.
Zero-turn mowers have most weight in the rear, so they can tip on slopes. It’s best to avoid using a zero-turn on anything but very mild inclines.
Tips: Only mow sideways across a very gentle slope. Never drive a zero-turn straight up or down a steep hill – it can tip over. Always go slowly and avoid sharp turns on a bank.
4.4. Electric Mowers for Slopes
Electric or battery mowers come in push and sometimes riding versions. They follow the same rules above. They’re quieter and lower-maintenance, but always check the manual’s slope rating.
4.5. Robotic / Remote-Control Mowers
You operate them from a distance, so the user stays off the slope. They have a low center of gravity and a wide base. For instance, Bestin Mower’s remote-control track mower can climb slopes up to 45°. These are ideal for steep slope mowing.
Sometimes special mowers are used on very steep slopes. Modern remote-control track mowers can meet that need: they have a low center of gravity and wide drive tracks, so they climb steep hills without tipping.
No matter what mower you use, you should check its slope rating (degrees or percent) and do not exceed it.
Tips: You can control mowers from off the slope. Set a mowing path or operate the remote so the mower cuts the grass from any direction. Because the operator is on flat ground, these mowers can safely climb both across and up-down even steep slopes.
5. Special Case: Ditch Banks and Very Steep Slopes
Roadside ditch banks or very steep embankments add an extra hazard. Always walk the ditch first to test the angle.
There are hidden rocks and debris in the ditches. Before mowing, clear large rocks, branches, and trash from the slope. For the sections that are too steep or narrow, use a string trimmer instead.
Stand safely on the top edge and trim the grass. Remember, mowing by a road also means watching for traffic, so set up cones or flags for safety.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping safety gear: Never mow without proper shoes, gloves, and eye protection.
- Mowing on wet grass: Wet slopes are extremely slippery and dangerous.
- Ignoring slope limits: Check your mower’s manual. Exceeding the recommended incline can cause roll-overs.
- Walking backward: Always walk forward. Pulling a mower backward up a slope can make it jump or flip.
- Turning on the hill: Only turn or stop on flat ground.
- Going too fast: Use the lowest speed. Slow mowing helps you stay in control.
- Not clearing debris: Rocks or sticks on a hill can trip you or become dangerous projectiles.
- Wrong Mower: Remember, zero-turn mowers are not safe on steep slopes.
7. Conclusion
You need to take extra planning and care when mowing on a slope.
You should always check the steepness first and clear debris. Wear your safety gear, then use the right pattern: walk-behind mowers go across the hill, riding tractors go up and down. Go slowly and only turn on flat spots.
For the best lawn mower for steep hills, consider a remote-control track mower. For example, Bestin Mower’s remote-control track mower has a low center of gravity and wide rubber tracks.
The operator stands off the slope (even 200 meters away) while the mower works. It can climb up to about 45–50° slopes, solving the tipping and traction problems of regular mowers.
It makes it our top recommendation for mowing steep hills safely.
Follow these safe slope mowing practices, and you’ll keep both yourself and your lawn in great shape. Happy and safe mowing!
