Mowing a leveled ground is challenging, but mowing a hill is even more so. Hills can be hazardous, and this is why it is better to determine how safe a steep slope is before going ahead to mow it. Generally, a hill is considered unsafe if it is steeper than an inclination of one foot for every three feet of horizontal length.
Slopes like this do not have soil that is as firm as the ones on a leveled ground. Therefore, low maintenance grass is usually planted on them to prevent erosion. Here are some of the steps to follow for a perfect hill mowing.
The Self-propelled Push Mowers
Mowing a hill perfectly will be impossible without the right equipment. Getting the right machine is the very first step to mowing a steep slope.
If you’re mowing for the first time, either on a leveled ground or hill, a push mower should be your first choice. Why? Because the push mower offers better control than the ridden ones. It is easy to navigate and is not likely to topple over.
A push lawn mower is operated by pushing a handle that controls the motor. This design makes the machine safe to use since it is not likely to run out of control as it is being used. However, it is not all mowers that come with motor control. If yours does not have one, you should consider getting an upgrade.
Riding Mowers
Many people opt for this kind of mower because it is quite convenient to use. Despite this, a riding mower can only be safe to use on gentle steeps. A ground is gentle if it has a one-foot incline for every 4 feet of horizontal distance.
When using a riding mower on a hill, never ride side by side. Doing this will only destabilize your machine and may end up causing it to topple. Rather than mowing side by side, mow the slope in rows that move uphill and downhill.
If you must use a mower on a hilly ground, go for a steep slope mower. These mowers are designed specially to tackle sharp inclines. Because this mower makes it convenient to mow hills, its cost is quite high. As such, it is best to buy one if you own large tracts of steep land. This way, you can maximize every dime you’ve invested in the mower.
Which are the Best Mowing Conditions for a Hill?
It is much safer and efficient to mow your steep ground when it is dry. A wet ground can easily damage your mower or cause debris to cling to it. If this happens, you’ll need to go through the stress of cleaning your mower thoroughly. Besides this, a wet ground increases the possibility of your mower slipping.
It is also best to mow when the lighting of the day is perfect. You may not easily see obstructions that can damage your mower or harm you when it is dark.
The Mowing Processes
Before anything else, make sure to inspect the hill you’ll be mowing. This is one of the most important things to do when mowing a hill, so don’t overlook it. Examining the area allows you to see rocks and sticks that can obstruct your mower and take them away.
Once you’re sure there is no obstacle, begin mowing. To cover more grounds when using a push mower, you could do side to side. However, go up and down the hill if you’re using a riding mower.
The Secrets to Mowing on a Steep Hill
Set your mower to cut at the highest height possible. This will prevent it from scalping your yard. Therefore, your yard will be patch free. If your grass is overly long, lower the mower enough only to cut the more extended parts.
It is easier to navigate this machine on slopes. Because it doesn’t need any pushing, you’re not likely to slip.
Avoid mowing horizontally when using the riding mower as this can make you lose balance and go downhill. It is much safer to go vertically.
The chances of falling are high when you’re using a self-driven mower. This is because you’re moving against gravity. The best way to avoid any slipping is by mowing side by side.
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