best robot mowers for hills and slopes

3 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills and Slopes in 2024

In Lawn & Garden by Tim Brennan

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In this article, I provide a thorough review of the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes you can get right now. My three choices are from the top manufacturers of these cool robotic landscapers worldwide.

My top three picks for the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes are:

You can click on any of the links above to jump down to my specific review for that product. Or read on for a brief intro and side-by-side comparison table.


Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work on Slopes?

best robot lawn mowers for hillsRobot lawn mowers are becoming an increasingly popular smart home tech solution for homeowners looking to free up time and minimize the drudgery of lawn maintenance.

Robot lawn mowers are gaining popularity as smart home tech solutions, allowing homeowners to save time and reduce lawn maintenance efforts. The robotic lawn mower market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, up from $538 million in 2017.

The effectiveness of robot lawn mowers on hills and slopes depends on the specific model and yard conditions. Some can handle significant slopes, but it’s essential to check manufacturer specifications for slope compatibility.

In this blog post, I review the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes, rated for 8.5% to 45% inclines, based on features, customer satisfaction, and performance. It includes a comparison table, product details, a buyer’s guide, and answers to common questions. I hope this will help you confidently choose the right robot mower for your hilly yard.

In the following sections of this guide, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison table, key features, advantages, and shortcomings of each product, and a short buyer’s guide and answers to common questions about robotic lawn mowers.

With this information, you can confidently select the perfect robot lawn mower to conquer the hills and slopes in your yard.


Robot Mowers for Hills & Slopes Comparison Chart

Here is a comparison table of the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes that you buy right now.

Table could not be displayed.

#1 – Best Overall: Worx Landroid

The WORX WR155 Robotic Mower is the most budget-friendly option on this list. Even with its lower cost, you can still expect it to cover yard sizes of up to 1/2 an acre with a slope inclination of 35%, which is just slightly less than the more expensive Robomow RS630.

This smart lawnmower lets you control it via a smartphone app or voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices.

The Landroid also features a noise-reducing motor design, LED headlights, and rubber bumpers. The bumpers are combined with the included boundary wire to keep your mower contained and avoid collisions with kids and pets.

The bottom line: This is the best choice here if you have steeper hills and slopes in your yard.

Pros

  • Solid battery life of up to 100 minutes per mow.
  • Uses same battery as other Worx tools so they are hot swappable.
  • Affordable with advanced features found on more expensive mowers
  • Anti-collision sensor prevents this mower from crashing into obstacles.
  • It includes antigravity sensors to prevent it from sliding down slopes as well.
  • Boundary wire-based DIY installation.
  • 3-year warranty is a full-year longer than many similar mowers in this class

Cons

  • A few customers have reported that the app crashes occasionally.
  • Limited to yards under ½ an acre.

Best Robot Lawnmowers for Hills Video Review

Hanging Out with Mike has a great YouTube video demo and testimonial to the Landriod’s effectiveness. This is super informative. I am a big fan too, Mike.

You can also check out this video from LinusGillander of how well the Landroid performs on steep slopes:

Where To Buy It

No products found.


#2 – Runner-Up: Husqvarna Automower

The Husqvarna 430X Automower has the best slope capacity out of my three pics of the best robot lawn mowers for hills at slopes. The company describes the mower as being ideal for “highly complex medium to large lawns” with slopes up to 24°. This is a decent-sized hill similar to one in the featured image on this post.

This is the most advanced mower in the Husqvarna line, and it includes GPS navigation and tracking as well as pin code security protection. Moreover, it can cover 3/4 of an acre, making it a good choice if you have a moderate-sized lawn. This model also includes special features like LED headlights, rubber bumper, and orange X-Line wheel caps.

Pros

  • The 45% inclination coverage makes this an excellent option for steep hills and slopes in your yard
  • An added advantage of this lawn mower is that it has one of the longest runtimes of robot mowers on the market. It can mow for up to 145 minutes on a single charge.
  • It only takes 50 minutes to recharge, which is the shortest charging period of any device here.
  • Three sharp blades make cutting high grass more efficient on slopes as well. By cutting a width of 9.45” and a height of 2.4”, this lawn mower can handle tough spots easily.
  • In addition to tracking a stolen mower via GPS feature, you can set a PIN code on this device that can enable or disable it in the event of theft.
  • It is also the quietest device here with a total volume of just 57 decibels.

Cons

  • It is more expensive than the other two models here.
  • If areas of your yard have grass longer than 2.4”, you might need to run it again over the area.

Video Review

DIYDanielle does a nice job reviewing this mower in laypersons terms over on YouTube. I will embed her review below for your convenience.

Where To Buy It

No products found.


#3 – Small Yards: Gardena Silano

The Gardena Silano robot mower is an excellent choice for homeowners with small slopes in their yards. With its ability to handle slopes up to 35% (or 19.3 degrees), this compact and powerful machine is perfect for maintaining lawns with moderate inclines.

Its intelligent navigation system ensures efficient and even cutting, while the quiet motor allows for unobtrusive operation during the day or night. One of the standout features of the Gardena Silano is its SensorCut System, which delivers precise and even cuts without leaving noticeable wheel marks.

The mower is also equipped with an easy-to-use programming interface and a mobile app, allowing you to customize mowing schedules and monitor the mower’s progress remotely.

The Gardena Silano robot mower is an ideal solution for those with small slopes in their yards. Its slope-handling capability, combined with its innovative cutting system and user-friendly controls, make it a reliable and efficient option for maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn.

Pros

  • Handles slopes up to 35% (19.3 degrees) with ease.
  • SensorCut System ensures precise, even cutting.
  • Quiet operation suitable for day or night mowing.
  • User-friendly programming interface and mobile app.
  • Intelligent navigation for efficient lawn coverage.

Cons

  • May struggle with larger or steeper slopes.
  • Requires regular maintenance and blade replacement.
  • Limited cutting width compared to some competitors.

Video Review

Andreas M has a nice review of this Gardena vs Worx Landroid robot mowers over on YouTube.

Where To Buy It

No products found.


Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills & Slopes: Ultimate Buying Guide

When it comes to tackling uneven terrain, the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes are the ideal solution. These mowers provide a much-needed answer for those tough mowing jobs that traditional mowers struggle with, especially on hilly gardens and steep terrain.

Slope Performance and Inclination Capacity

best robot lawn mowers for hills

When researching the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes, the most important factor to consider is the slope performance or the inclination capacity. Your autonomous mower needs to be able to handle the slope of your lawn without getting stuck or losing traction on difficult terrain.

The best model among our recommendations can manage slopes with up to a 45% inclination, a feature held by both Worx and Husqvarna models. These mowers are designed to effortlessly glide over medium-sized lawns with inclines ranging from 8.5% to 45%.

Size of Your Lawn

The size of your lawn, whether it’s a large lawn extending over square feet or a smaller one, is also a crucial factor. The best option for you would depend on this, as some robot mowers are ideal for lawns up to ¾ acre, while others are better suited for larger lawns.

Related: Husqvarna vs Robomow vs Worx

Battery Life and Capacity

When it comes to electric lawn mowers, battery life and capacity can influence the efficiency of your mower significantly. Newer models, particularly those with lithium-ion battery packs, generally perform better and offer longer mow time. Also, note the recharge time, as it can range from one to two hours, with the mower automatically returning to its docking station to recharge. best robot lawn mowers for hills

Blades

Different robot mowers use different types of blades. Some are equipped with a cutting disc and razor blades, ideal for a variety of grass types and lengths. The best robot lawn mowers for hills usually come with two or three blades powered by individual motors, ensuring sharp and precise cuts, whether it’s tall grass or wet grass.

Connectivity

Advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps allow you to control your robot lawn mower remotely. Some models even offer Bluetooth connectivity, voice controls, and compatibility with the Automower Connect app for enhanced ease of use. best robot lawn mowers for hills

Weather Protection

The best robot lawn mowers for hills are equipped with weather protection features. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and have rain sensors that direct them to their base station during bad weather. They also offer GPS tracking and security features to protect your investment.

Warranty

When buying your robot lawn mower, ensure it comes with a warranty of at least two years. This will be beneficial for repairs, replacements, and refunds within that period.

Related: 5 Best Robot Mowers for Small Lawns


FAQs

In this section, I will try to answer some frequently asked questions about the best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes.

Are the Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills and Slopes Safe?

Safety is an inherent feature in robotic lawnmowers. They are equipped with tilt sensors that prevent them from operating on steep inclines beyond their capacity and rain sensors that direct them to the charging station during wet weather. However, for enhanced safety, adult supervision is recommended when these machines are active around children and pets.

What Accessories Might I Need for My Robotic Mower?

Most robotic mowers come with essential accessories, including a perimeter or guide wire, extra blades for the cutting deck, and rechargeable batteries. Depending on the mower’s placement, a protective “shelter” may be advisable to shield the mower from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.

How Often Should I Replace and Clean the Parts Of My Robotic Mower?

Regularly cleaning the mower’s components, such as the brushless motor and cutting height adjuster, is crucial for maintaining its performance. Signs of decreased performance, like slower wheel drive or difficulty making a single pass on flat ground, may indicate the need to clean or replace parts.

What Is a Boundary Wire and How Does It Work with Robotic Lawn Mowers?

A boundary wire or perimeter wire guides the robotic mower within the lawn boundaries. It’s particularly helpful in keeping the mower from straying off hilly or sloped lawns. Installing correctly helps the mower perform a great job without getting lost or mowing unwanted areas like flower beds.

How do Robotic Mowers Compare to Traditional Gas-Powered or Electric Mowers?

Robotic mowers like the Worx Landroid WR and L models utilize artificial intelligence and other new technology features to navigate your lawn. Unlike traditional gas-powered or self-propelled mowers, they operate quietly, reducing noise levels, and their low center of gravity offers better traction on uneven terrains. Additionally, their automatic mowing schedule saves time and effort.


Final Remarks: Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills and Slopes

So what do you think about my review of the three best robot lawn mowers for hills and slopes?

Are you ready to step into the future and save weekly time with a robot mower? My three choices are among the top mowers you can buy for hills and slopes.

How large is your yard, and how steep are the hills? Does your yard have hard rough terrain? Please leave me a comment below and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, if your yard has rough terrain, check out this post I wrote on the best robot mowers for rough terrain and uneven yards.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tim Brennan

Tim Brennan, a tech blogger and host of the @TecTimmy YouTube channel, writes about smart homes at oneSmartcrib, home theaters at UniversalRemoteReviews, and AI in writing at Writeinteractive. He holds a Journalism degree from Northeastern University and has covered technology for three decades. He lives on the ocean in Nahant, Massachusetts.


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