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6 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills: 2023 Guide

A robot mower sits on a sloped yard in front of a large log cabin-style house.

6 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hills: 2023 Guide

Robotic lawn mowers are an awesome way to cut down the time you spend caring for your lawn, while also maintaining that fresh-cut appearance all the time. 

But you could have a problem if your yard has a few steep grades or a big hill. There’s certainly no shortage of outstanding robot mowers out there, but not all of them can handle serious inclines.

And you don’t want to waste money on an expensive gadget that you can’t even use. 

So we’ve combed through the options out there and put together this list of the best robot lawn mower for hills in 2021. Each of the models featured here can handle inclines of at least 35% (20 degrees).

Let’s jump in!

NOTE: Don’t let the Amazon ratings (or lack thereof) deter you; some of these are newer products on the market. 

I’ve looked at multiple sources to gather information, and I’ve determined that these are the best robot mowers for steep hills. 

RELATED: Even the best robot mower sometimes needs a push mower as a backup. If using the latest and greatest technology for lawn equipment interests you, check out favorite electric push mowers that are self propelled.

1. Husqvarna Automower 450XH

Husqvarna Automower 450XH
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 45% slope (24 degrees)
  • Lawn size: 1.25 acre
  • Cutting height: 2 – 3.6 inches
  • Run time per charge: 270 minutes
  • Recharge time: 60 minutes
  • Cutting capacity: 2239 square feet per hour
  • Warranty Information: 2-year limited warranty for residential use

The Automower 400 series is ideal for the steepest grades, and you can’t beat Husqvarna’s brand recognition and reputation. 

We’re looking at the 450XH model here, but there are three other models in the 400 series: the 430X, 430XH and 450X. There are differences in the acreage capacity, run-time per charge, recharge time and cutting capacity, but all of them have the same 45% (24 degrees) slope rating. 

For the initial set-up, you’ll need to install guide wires around your lawn’s perimeter to keep your Automower contained. You’ll also need to obtain a PIN to program your settings on the large LCD screen. 

Once that’s done, you can communicate with your mower through the Automower Connect app. The app also lets you connect your Automower to Amazon Alexa or Google Home voice commands.

The Automower also has a GPS tracker that lets you set certain off-limits areas and receive alerts if your mower gets stuck or leaves the boundary area.

If someone comes along and decides to help themselves to your Automower, it sends out a loud alarm that will hopefully deter the thief. If it doesn’t, the GPS also lets you locate your device.

Another notable feature is that the Automower even works in rainy weather- that’s something you don’t see too often in robot mowers! 

However, the Automower cannot detect puddles, standing water or mud, so don’t send your mower out in heavy rain. 

One thing we don’t like is the small cutting width, at just 9 inches across. Even though the 400 series has a good run-time per charge, the narrow cutting path reduces efficiency.

PROS

  • GPS capability
  • Works in rainy weather
  • Long run-time per charge
  • Effective theft deterrent system
  • Voice command capability

CONS

  • Narrow cutting deck

2. Ambrogio 4.0 Elite

Ambrogio 4.0 Elite Extra Premium
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 45% slope (23.5 degrees)
  • Lawn size: 0.5 – 0.8 acre
  • Cutting height: 0.8 – 2.5 inches
  • Run time per charge: Varies by Battery Power Units; see below
  • Recharge time: Not stated
  • Cutting capacity: Not stated
  • Warranty Information: Upon purchase, you get the standard 2-year warranty package, with the option to extend your warranty period for another 4 years on select parts. So you’re looking at up to a 6-year warranty on several key components.

The 4.0 Elite Series from Ambrogio combines rugged hardware with smart software to keep your lawn in tip-top condition, hills or no.

Use the touch-screen controls mounted on the mower housing to easily program your mowing schedule. 

The Elite 4.0 uses a combination of guidewires and GPS tracking to stay within the confines of your lawn. And anti-theft technology alerts you instantly when your mower leaves the pre-set boundaries. 

Thanks to a central joint located between the rear wheel axle and the mower housing, your mower can self-level over rough terrain for even cutting. And six cutting blades ensure no areas get missed on a single pass. 

You can control your lawn boundaries and monitor mowing progress via an app, and this is where the Elite 4.0 could be a little better. Some users state that the app is difficult to set up doesn’t always communicate well with the mower. 

Ambrogio offers the 4.0 Elite in three options for Battery Power Units:

  1. The Extra Premium (which we’re featuring here)
  2. The Premium
  3. The Medium

All three models are ideal for lawns 0.5 to 0.8 acres in size, and they all use the same robotics, operating pattern and materials. The differences come into play for battery lifespan per charge and recharging interface:

  • The Premium and Extra Premium models use an 8.7 Ah battery that runs for up to 3 hours and 45 minutes per charge. 
  • The Medium uses an 5.8 Ah battery and runs for up to 2 hours and 45 minutes per charge. 
  • The Extra Premium model uses an inductive recharging port vs. a contact port for the Medium and Premium models.

PROS

  • Rugged construction
  • Central pivoting joint adapts to terrain
  • Touch-screen controls
  • Outstanding warranty

CONS

  • Software can have a few bugs

3. Husqvarna Automower 315X

Husqvarna Automower 315X
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 40% slope (22 degrees)
  • Lawn size: 0.4 acre
  • Cutting height: 0.8 – 2.4 inches
  • Run time per charge: 70 minutes
  • Recharge time: 60 minutes
  • Cutting capacity: 786 square feet per hour
  • Warranty Information: 2-year limited warranty for residential use 

As long as your yard is under 0.4 acres, the 315X offers a fantastic combination of function and affordability. 

We’ve already covered the Husqvarna Automower 400 series in quite a bit of detail, so we’ll do some comparing between the two.

The 315X is Husqvarna’s recent update of its older 310 and 315 models, and it’s definitely quite an upgrade!

Just like the 400 series, you get:

  • A large LCD screen for programming
  • GPS tracking,
  • Amazon Alexa and Google Home connectivity via the Automower app
  • PIN-based security system
  • Anti-theft alarm and alerts
  • Works in the rain

You are looking at losing almost 1/2 inch in cutting deck width, and the 315X covers about half the square footage per hour as the 430X. 

The incline capability is slightly lower than that of the 400 series, but it’s still pretty impressive, especially at this price point. 

PROS

  • Exceptional value for small yards
  • GPS tracking and anti-theft
  • Good slope capability
  • Weather-resistant shell

CONS

  • Not ideal for medium or large areas

RELATED: Make short work of mowing those large areas (without needing a drop of gasoline!) with an electric zero turn mower!

4. Robomow RS Series

Robomow RS Series
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 36% slope (20 degrees)
  • Lawn size: Varies by model; see below
  • Cutting height: 0.8 – 3.5 inches
  • Run time per charge: 80 – 100 minutes
  • Recharge time: 90 – 110 minutes
  • Cutting capacity: 1937 square feet per hour
  • Warranty Information: 1-year manufacturer warranty

The Robomow RS series offers two choices based on the size of your lawn:

  • RS630: Handles areas up to 3/4 of an acre (featured here)
  • RS612: Ideal for areas up to 1/4 of an acre (see it here)

The RS630 uses a 26V lithium battery to cruise around your yard in a random mowing pattern, working for 1 to 1.5 hours at a time. 

One nice feature about this mower is the large 22-inch cutting deck. That’s more than double the cutting width of several other models out there!

Also, the blades reach just past the wheels on either side, yielding a clean cut that doesn’t leave grass blades straggling at the edge of your lawn.

And a central joint feature lets your mower adapt to changes in ground elevation from bumps and ruts to even cuts. 

Robomow also included a feature they call Turbomow, which senses changes in grass density. This feature speeds up blade rotation when your mower detects tall or thick grass, so the mower slices through the grass rather than just knocking it over.

Guidewires keep your robot mower contained in your own yard, and you can monitor your mower’s progress and change settings with an app. Also, if you’re using the Amazon smart home system, you can use Alexa voice commands to send your mower out. 

Again, as with the Ambrogio 4.0 Elite, the software seems to be the weak point for Robomow. You may have to keep an eye on your mower as it’s doing its thing and rescue it if it gets hung up. 

NOTE: Robomow also manufactures an RK line of mowers that can handle up to 45% (24-degree) incline. However, it appears that they’re only available through dealers in Europe. 

If that’s where you live and you’d like more information, you can check it out on the Robomow website.

PROS

  • Perfectly cut edges
  • Alexa voice command capability
  • Generous cutting width
  • Turbomow feature adapts to grass density

CONS

  • App controls can be glitchy

5. MowRo RM24

MowRo RM24
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 35% slope (20 degrees)
  • Lawn size: 0.25 acre
  • Cutting height: 1 – 2.5 inches
  • Run time per charge: 120 minutes
  • Recharge time: 90 minutes
  • Cutting capacity: 6,500 square feet per charge
  • Warranty Information: 1-year warranty on the battery, 2-year limited warranty on the mower

If you’re looking for a lower-tech option for your small yard, the MowRo RM24 fits the bill. Also, it’s the least expensive option we’re looking at today.

There are no apps or other wireless communication settings to worry about, which can be a pro or a con depending on your preference.

Programming the MowRo is as simple as:

  • Obtaining and inputting a PIN code
  • Laying your guide wires
  • Setting your preferred time for your mower to go about its work

The simple set-up is nice, but one concern is the lack of a true anti-theft protection system. While the PIN prevents other people from using your RowMo, there’s nothing to prevent someone from actually stealing your mower (like an audible alarm) and no GPS tracking to recover a stolen mower. 

One thing to be aware of is the mowing schedule. While you can choose the time of day or night that you want your RowMo to operate, it comes factory-set to operate every 48 hours. This is opposed to other models that you can run daily or on command at any time. 

For most people, running your robo mower every 2 days should be enough to keep your yard looking sharp. But if you live in a rainy region where grass grows like lightning, you may want to take that into consideration. 

Three cutting blades work together to form a 9.5-inch cutting width. While that’s a little on the small side, it’s comparable with several other models and it should be perfectly sufficient for small areas. 

PROS

  • Great option for low-tech setup/operation
  • Attractive price point
  • Ideal for small yards
  • No software bugs to worry about

CONS

  • Only runs every 48 hours
  • No anti-theft protection

6. WORX Landroid WR143

WORX Landroid WR143
  • Maximum Incline Capability: 35% slope (20 degrees)
  • Lawn size: 0.25 acre
  • Cutting height: 1.5 – 3 inches
  • Run time per charge: 90 minutes
  • Recharge time: 90 minutes
  • Cutting capacity: 10,890 square feet per charge
  • Warranty Information: 3-year limited warranty

The Landroid is a popular choice for a robotic mower, and WORX offers it in 1/4 acre (featured here) or 1/2 acre capability (which you can check out here.)

To set up your mower, you’ll lay your guidewire around your lawn’s perimeter and input some data in the Landroid app. Based on this information,  the Landroid suggests a mowing schedule, or you can select your own custom schedule. 

The app also uses GPS to alert you if your Landroid gets stuck or crosses the wire boundary. You can also manage WORX software upgrades when they become available. 

If your mower gets stolen, the “Find my Landroid” feature lets you use GPS to monitor your mower’s whereabouts for recovery. The GPS also lets you digitally set off-limits areas around trees or other obstacles. 

WORX also offers this mower without the GPS tracker. At the time of publishing, the no-GPS model was about $200 less. The choice is up to you, but in my opinion, GPS capability is well worth the extra cost.

Using a standard 3-blade system, the Landroid has a 7-inch cutting width, which is the narrowest of the bunch we’re looking at today.

However, one upside to this is that the Landroid can maneuver in tight spaces. Also, the blade design cuts all the way to mower housing’s edge. So your Landroid should be able to keep those odd nooks and crannies looking sharp with no manual trimming on your part.

And if you own other WORX tools, you’re in luck: Your Landroid battery is interchangeable with other 20V and 40V WORX power tools. Nice!

PROS

  • Great price point with lots of features
  • Battery is compatible with other WORX power tools
  • Works in tight spaces
  • Customizable mowing schedule
  • App alerts for software upgrades and stuck/lost mower issues

CONS

  • Narrow cutting path means more passes to cover your lawn

Choosing the Best Robot Lawn Mower for Hills

As you can see, there are many great options out there vying for the title of the best robot mower for hills. 

Here are some thoughts on choosing the one that’s right for you:

Slope Tolerance

This one is kind of a given.

Before you can choose the robot mower that works best for you, you need to know the actual incline angle you’re working with. 

This document from the University of Tennessee Extension Office does a great job of outlining the process of measuring your slope. 

Finding out your lawn’s actual incline before you shop can safeguard you from investing in a mower that’s either overkill or too weak for the task.

Cutting Area Capacity

The manufacturers aren’t kidding when they state how much acreage or square footage their product can efficiently cover.

Robot mowers use random mowing patterns and preset algorithms to cover the entire surface of your lawn every few days.

If you choose a mower that’s rated for a lower acreage than your yard, those algorithmic calculations get thrown off.

The result: Patches of long, uncut grass that your mower missed. 

So take those figures seriously, and buy enough mower for your acreage. 

Warranty Term and Ease of Repairs

Even the most basic model we’ve covered here costs several hundred dollars, so it makes sense to have a plan for making that investment last. 

Familiarize yourself with the warranty conditions and timeframe.

The most common warranty term is 2 years on manufacturer defects. But the terms can range anywhere from 1 year all the way to 6 years. 

Also, it’s worth looking into how you can obtain replacement parts or have your mower serviced.

For example, all Husqvarna technical support and repairs must go through a local certified dealer. So it’s a good idea to research where your closest service center is if you’re interested in a Husqvarna model. 

Technology Features

How high-tech do you want your robot mower to be? 

If you already have a smart home system, it makes sense to choose a model that fits into your setup. The Robomow RS series, the Husqvarna 400 series and the Husqvarna 315X all integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. 

On the other hand, if you’d prefer a more low-tech option, the MowRo RM24 may be a perfect fit. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed our look at robotic lawn mowers for steep hills, and that you’ve gained a better understanding of which features to look for while shopping. 

Here’s to getting those weekends back from behind the lawn mower! 

We want to know what you think! Do you have any other questions about robot lawn mowers, or any other helpful tips to share?

Let us know in the comments!