A bumpy lawn can be a nightmare to get on top of. Finding a lawnmower that can handle lumps and hills is tricky. You need to weigh up the size of your lawn, the length of grass and many other factors to ensure you end up with a model that can handle the task at hand.
To help you find the best lawnmower for your uneven lawn I’ve put together this list of top-quality options that will handle bumps like a pro. There’s an option for everyone here from small lawns of 150m2 to massive areas up to 6000m2 there’s a mower that can tackle it.
This article covers the top five best options available based on the dozens of mowers I’ve tested over the years and then I’ve included a complete buyer guide to help you figure out which option will work best for you.
I updated this article in 2023 and once more I updated in 2024 to ensure you get the finest and the greatest lawn mowers. I’ve linked each one through to Amazon for the lowest price, but you can shop anywhere you’d like. Many of these are for sale at Screfix, B&Q or Argos
Top 5 Best Lawn Mowers For Uneven Ground
- Top Choice – Hyundai HYM510SPE Self-Propelled Petrol Mower with Electric Start
- Runner Up –Webb WER460SP 18″/46cm Self-Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower
- Best Self Propelled – Mountfield SP46 Petrol Lawnmower
- Best Budget Option – Einhell 3404821 Petrol Lawn Mower
- Best Electric – Greenworks G40LM35K2X Cordless Lawnmower
1. Top Choice – Hyundai HYM510SPE Self Propelled Petrol Mower with Electric Start
Brand: Hyundai
Type: Petrol Self Propelled
Cutting Width: 51cm
Cutting Height: 25-75mm
Power: 173cc
Suitable For: Areas up to 2000m2
Pros
- Amazing for any size of lawn
- Very powerful
- Easy electric start
- Self propelled for faster cutting
- 3 year guarantee
Cons
- A little pricey
- Wheels could have better traction when it’s wet
If you have a large garden with an uneven lawn then a self-propelled, petrol mower is a must. The lawnmower drives itself over uneven ground and the petrol engine is powerful enough to cope with the tasks at hand.
This petrol rotary lawnmower by Hyundai is a powerful and versatile option. It comes with an electric start and recoil backup so you’ll never have an issue getting it going. To cope with uneven terrain, it has a six-step adjustable cutting height up to 75mm so can cope well even with long grass.
The large diameter rear wheels can manoeuvre well on any surface and are designed to leave no mark on your lawn. The drive function has variable speed settings and this lawnmower has an economical, low emissions engine.
It’s a soft grip and a very user-friendly petrol lawnmower but at 43kg some people may struggle a bit with the weight. The steel deck is durable but steel can be prone to corrosion so make sure you clean it after every use. Hyundai has made this a simple task by adding in a hose connector to the deck so this becomes a very simple task.
2. Runner Up – Webb WER460SP 18″/46cm Self-Propelled Rotary Petrol Lawnmower
Brand: Webb
Blade Size: 46 cm cutting width
Grass Bag Size: 55 Litres
Weight: 31.65 kg
Push/Self-Propelled: Push
Height Adjust: 7 positions – 25-75mm
Power: 141cc
Pros
- Lots of choices for cutting height
- Easy to assembly
- Great price
- Sturdy build
Cons
- The clutch lever is too far back
- Heavier
This is a sturdy hand-propelled mower that will certainly be a noticeable upgrade from an electric lawn mower. It’s big enough to handle medium-sized lawns and it is easy to assemble so you can start immediately enjoying this powerful tool in the garden.
As you know for uneven ground the wheels and manoeuvrability are the two most important things that Webb Lawn Mower delivers – its wheels are durable and easy to make fast adjustments – it dodges obstacles with ease.
It has a pretty powerful engine and will handle long and thick grass with ease. It’s recorded as being clean-burning, quiet and cheap to run so emissions are low and you won’t be deafened as you cut the grass. The steel deck is very hard-wearing so this mower will last well.
As I mentioned already in my Petrol Lawn mowers review, its leaver clutch is too far back making it not as comfortable as some other lawnmowers, but for me, this is just a slight inconvenience for the otherwise great appliance.
Some people will find it a bit heavy for sloping lawns and this would be the only drawback for uneven ground.
3. Best Self Propelled – Mountfield SP46 Petrol Lawnmower
Brand: Mountfield
Type: Petrol Hand Propelled
Cutting Width: 46cm
Cutting Height: 22-65mm
Power: 125cc
Suitable For: Areas up to 500m2
Pros
- Wide cutting area for fewer passes up and down
- Large 60L cutting box for less emptying
- Lightweight for a petrol mower at 27kg
Cons
- Won’t do giant gardens
For a medium-sized lawn, you may not require the self propelled function but still need the freedom of a petrol mower. This Mountfield, hand-propelled lawnmower is a great option. With a reliable, Briggs & Stratton engine it’s easy to start and runs well.
It comes with a 60-litre grass collector which will keep you mowing for ages or to save even more time, fit the mulching plug instead. It has 6 different cutting heights and the alloy steel deck is extremely hard-wearing.
At 26kg it’s not lightweight but easy to push across flat lawns. You do need a bit more strength to use this on uneven ground.
The main benefits of this mower are the build quality and the price. It costs less than half the price of similar self-propelled mowers whilst still maintaining excellent durability and build quality. If you don’t mind a bit of a workout then this lawnmower will do you extremely well.
4. Best Budget Option – Einhell 3404821 Petrol Lawn Mower
Brand: Einhell
Type: Petrol Self Propelled
Cutting Width: 40cm
Cutting Height: 25-60mm
Power: 1200 Watts
Suitable For: Areas up to 1000m2
Pros
- Self propelling
- Good power
- Not too heavy
Cons
- Not great to assemble
- Pull cord start
If your budget is tight yet you still need a powerful lawnmower then this option will not disappoint. With disengable rear-wheel drive, it can handle slopes and uneven ground without complaining. When you let go of the handlebar the drive turns off but the motor keeps turning which allows you to decide when you need assistance or not.
The height adjustment is central so easy to move and it can be set to 7 different levels. The handle has a soft grip, and ergonomic design and thanks to the durable plastic housing it only weighs 21.5kg which is very lightweight for a petrol mower.
Foldable handles make this a compact mower to store and the 45-litre grass collection bag will leave a tidy finish for any lawn.
This mower isn’t the biggest or most powerful but it is a reliable little machine and copes well on rough ground. It’s effective for lawn care and the price makes this one a fantastic option.
5. Best Electric – Greenworks G40LM35K2X Cordless Lawnmower
Brand: Greenworks
Type: Battery Powered Electric
Cutting Width: 35cm
Cutting Height: 20-70mm
Power: 40V
Suitable For: Area up to 500m2
Pros
- Cordless so no need to deal with cables
- Very quiet
- 25 minute run time
- 5 cutting heights
Cons
- If you don’t finish in one charge you have to wait
- Need to store batteries indoors
If petrol isn’t your thing, maybe you hate the fumes or the maintenance or you just find the machines too heavy then a cordless, battery-powered lawnmower is the next best thing. They give you the freedom of petrol and are much quieter and easier to get going.
This lightweight lawnmower is only 15kg and comes with two lithium-ion batteries so you can charge one as you mow. The batteries are compatible with all Greenworks power tools so this is a major plus if you own some of these.
The cutting deck can be set to five different cutting heights by the use of a single lever and this mower can collect grass or can be set to an option for mulching.
This push lawnmower will last about 25 minutes on a single battery charge but this also depends on conditions. Thick grass, rain etc can lessen the expected runtime.
It’s not as powerful or long lasting as a petrol mower but it does perform well for an electric cordless lawnmower.
Lawnmower Buyer’s Guide
Height Settings
If you’re looking for a lawnmower that can handle lumps and bumps then you need to know that you have the freedom to easily adjust the cutting height. If the cutting height is too low then the blade can end up cutting down to the soil level and tearing bald patches in your lawn whenever it meets a dip. Look for a model with a good range of cutting heights and ideally choose one that can handle the height differences found across your lawn.
Self Propelled
Manually pushing a heavy mower over uneven terrain is hard work. If you have a lawn set on an incline then this can also slow the job way down and make for a lot of tough labour for you. A self-propelled mower takes the effort out of mowing. It drives itself over all the potholes and uphill and all you need to do is direct it. Self propelled mowers speed up the job but one downside is that they do tend to be a lot heavier than push mowers. This can make them difficult to turn or to move in and out of storage.
Power
The power of the lawnmower dictates how well it can handle long and thick grass and how well it will manage sloped lawn and uneven ground. The more powerful the mower, the quicker and easier the job will be. Power is often stated in cc for petrol lawn mowers and watts of volts for electric.
Blade
The cutting blade size and material affect how well the mower will perform. A tough steel blade will be more durable and resistant to damage. A wide cutting width needs a powerful engine to support it. If the cutting width is very wide and the engine is less powerful then the blade will not be as effective as a shorter one with a more powerful motor. Try to find a good balance between a powerful engine and optimal blade size to get the lawn cut quickly and efficiently.
Area Of Lawn
The size of your lawn is really important when choosing a new lawnmower. If you choose a model that’s too small then it’ll take ages to cut all the grass or, if it’s an electric mower then the power cord won’t reach far enough.
If you choose a model that’s too big then you may find that navigating a small narrow lawn is impossible with a big heavy mower.
Try to get a good estimation of the area of your garden and choose a mower that suits it for the best results.
Petrol Mowers Vs Electric Mowers
Battery-powered lawnmowers are quiet, lightweight and don’t emit nasty fumes. They give you freedom like a petrol mower but they do have issues. They are nowhere near as powerful as petrol mowers and struggle on the rough ground. They don’t tend to last much longer than 30 minutes so only suitable for smaller gardens.
A corded electric mower is lightweight and as easy to use as a battery mower. They are the cheapest option to buy. They tend to be more powerful than battery options and do a better job overall. The issue is that you’re limited by cable length so they can only cut lawns that stretch as far as the cable reaches.
A petrol lawn mower is powerful and can handle any lawn. They give you the freedom to roam and are superb on uneven ground. The issue with petrol is they are very expensive, heavy, difficult to use and require maintenance and upkeep.
It’s a balancing act between which mower suits you best and which model will tackle your garden without a fuss.
F.A.Q.s
Why is my lawn uneven?
There are many different reasons for a lawn to end up uneven. It can be due to poor drainage or overuse of sprinklers causing soil erosion. Moles can burrow under lawns and leave molehills causing bumps in the lawn surface. If you’re unsure what is causing the issue then it’s best to hire a professional to diagnose the problem so you can work to fix the issue.
Why choose a petrol lawnmower?
Petrol lawnmowers are powerful and solid. They resist damage better than electric ones and cut through grass quickly and efficiently. They give you the freedom to cover a large area without rapidly running out of charge like a battery mower.
Can I use a rear roller on a bump lawn?
Lawnmowers with a rear roller are best suited to flat lawns as the added weight of the roller can struggle to navigate over rough terrain. They don’t leave as neat a finish on uneven ground.
How often should I take my lawnmower for a service?
You should service your petrol lawnmower at least once a year. Usually, after the second year, things start to need attention like the blade may dull or the cables become stretched. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for confirmation on this as some warranties won’t be valid if the lawnmower hasn’t been appropriately serviced.
Can I use a hover mower on my uneven lawn?
Hover mowers are easy to manoeuvre but they tend to not be powerful enough to tackle long grass and uneven lawns. You won’t get a good finish with a hover mower and rotary mower options are a much better bet.
More Lawnmowers Reviewed
Bosch Rotak 32R
Brand: Bosch
Type: Electric Corded
Cutting Width: 32cm
Cutting Height: 20-60mm
Power: 1200 Watts
Suitable For: Areas up to 150m2
Uneven ground doesn’t just apply to large gardens. Small gardens can suffer just as much from rough patches. To tackle these types of lawns, a hover mower is just not powerful enough. Electric lawnmowers can be just as powerful as some smaller petrol ones and this rotary corded model by Bosch is a great option.
At just 6.8kg it’s one of the lightest options out there so anyone can use it. It’s designed with grass combs for close to edge cutting so you’ll get a tidy finish without needing a trimmer as well.
It has a hardened steel blade and this plus the 1200watt motor can power through weeds and long grass with ease. It has a nice sized 31-litre grass box for a tidy finish of your grass clippings. It has a 10-meter power cable and an easy carry handle.
This mower is ideal for small gardens with rough patches or long grass but is not far reaching enough for medium to large lawns.
Flymo EasiStore 380R
Brand: Flymo
Type: Electric Corded
Cutting Width: 38cm
Cutting Height: 20-60mm
Power: 1600 Watts
Suitable For: Areas up to 150m2
Here’s another good option for electric mowers. A little bit heavier at 14.9kg this one does a bit more. It has a 5 step height adjustment to get a clean finish and the 38cm blade will get the job done in no time.
Close to edge cutting gives you a neat finish and this mower has an integrated rear roller for a beautifully striped lawn.
It is really powerful with a 1600watt motor so long, or thick grass won’t be an issue. The 45-litre grass box had plenty of space to keep you going but the 10-meter power cable will limit the area you can cover.
It’s pretty powerful for an electric mower, and despite being a bit heavier it can be stored in an upright position, so it doesn’t take up much space in the shed. This mower also has a cordless option available if you need to cover an area that’s further away.
Murray EQ2- 500
Brand: Murray
Type: Petrol Self Propelled
Cutting Width: 46cm
Cutting Height: 28-92mm
Power: 140cc
Suitable For: Areas up to 1500m2
Finally, we have one more great option for those larger lawns, this is an updated version of last year’s EQ500. This self-propelled lawnmower is actually pretty lightweight at 28kg but packs a punch with the 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine. It has a durable steel deck so can handle tough jobs.
It has a 6 level height adjusted from 28-92mm so can tackle very uneven ground and long grass. The 60-litre grass collector is roomy enough to tackle a large lawn but to speed up the job this mower can also set to rear or side discharge and it also has a mulching option to nourish the lawn.
It has a recoil start so can be a bit tricky to get going when it’s cold. This mower is a good option for medium-sized, uneven lawns and is durable and well made.
ParkerBrand Petrol Lawnmower
Brand: ParkerBrand
Type: Petrol Self Propelled
Cutting Width: 53cm
Cutting Height: 25-75mm
Power: 173cc
Suitable For: Areas up to 2000m2
Pros
- Wide cutting area
- Powerful motor
- Soft grip handle
Cons
- Not the easiest to assemble
This is a powerful petrol model that makes lawn mowing day a breeze. The self-propelled drive function means that the 40kg weight is not something you need to worry about. It’s made of heavy-duty steel and the fast-spinning blade can power through long grass with no bother.
It comes with a 70-litre collection box with an easy-grip handle so it won’t fill in a hurry and when it does, it’s no bother to empty. It can also be set to side discharge or mulching option to speed up the job and keep your lawn healthy.
The handlebar is soft grip and pleasant to use and the front of this mower has a carry handle to help you get it in and out of the shed. It’s also fitted with a cup holder so you won’t end up dehydrated as you work on the lawn.
It can be set to 8 different height levels between 25-75mm using a single lever. This mower has all the essential components that make for a powerful enough machine to handle rough ground.
Husqvarna TS 138
Brand: Husqvarna
Type: Petrol Ride On
Cutting Width: 97cm
Cutting Height: 38-102mm
Power: 508cc
Suitable For: Areas up to 6000m2
For very large gardens, with thick grass and uneven ground, a riding mower is required. They are expensive to buy but these lawnmowers last well (if looked after and regularly serviced). This model by Husqvarna does a lot more than just mow. Being a lawn tractor you can use this for plenty of other jobs like ploughing snow, general landscaping and towing trailers.
It comes with a reliable Briggs & Stratton engine and choke-less start so all you have to do is turn the key and off you go!
It has a powerful air induction system that effectively gathers grass clippings and leaves and directs it all to the grass box. The cutting deck can be easily set to different heights between 38 and 102mm and is easy to clean thanks to the hose pipe connector.
The front wheels are on a pivoting axel to give superior traction on uneven ground and ensure you’ll always experience a smooth ride. The seat is fully adjustable to suit you and it even has headlights so you can mow any time.
This mower brings the fun back into cutting the grass and the only downside is that it’s far too big to use on a narrow or small lawn.
Take Home
From tiny front lawns to paddocks, no-one is immune from the uneven lawn curse. If you suffer from bumpy ground then rest assured that these mowers will have your back. I hope this list has been helpful in setting you up with the right mower for your needs. In the end, it has to be one that suits you as well as the lawn to achieve the very best results with every mow.
As I said I updated this list of the best lawnmowers for uneven ground in 2024 so I hope this was useful!
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