How to mow steep grass?

[Peterc49]

I want to cut the grass (and weeds at the moment) on the batter (45-degree slope) alongside our pool. At my age (and back!), I don't want to use a brush cutter, and the four-stoke cutter we have blows smoke if we use that. Instructions for your small Ryobi battery mower say I shouldn't use it on more than 15-degrees. You can't buy two-stroke mowers any more, apparently. What to do... and please don't tell me to get someone in?

[AlanM52]

Hi @Peterc49,

RE: shouldn't use it on more than 15-degrees.

Manufacturers of course need to be very conservative with the product operating instructions in particular the safety aspect - same for distributors.

Don't do this - a cordless mower will work fine lying on its side.

I am a old guy and if I had a slope like that to mow I would use a cordless mower.

What model of Ryobi?

Cheers

[Jason]

Would you like to share a photo or two of your garden so we can see what you are working with @Peterc49? It might help members suggest the most appropriate tool and strategy.

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We trust you'll get loads of help and inspiration for your projects. 

Jason

[AlanM52]

Back again...

Just thought of something - pole trimmer.

Not sure if that will cut grass?

Cheers

[JacobZ]

Hi @Peterc49,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

As @AlanM52 mentioned, all mowers that I have checked include a caution against using them on excessively steep slopes for obvious reasons, as there is potential for rollover and slip-related injuries.

Unfortunately, as I can only recommend what the manufacturer recommends, a conventional mower is likely not an option.

I hadn't thought of it, but Alan's idea of a pole trimmer might be a good option. I'm not so sure how well it would cut short grass, but once it gets a bit longer, I imagine it would work reasonably well, and the reach from the pole would allow you to stand on level ground.

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members to see if they have any ideas - @Dave-1, @Noyade, @JoeAzza, @DIYGnome.

I'll wait to see what you are working with before assisting further.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Peterc49 

I would also have a go at a battery powered mower, same reasoning as @AlanM52 . And yes the manufacturers rules are vailid, anything over that 15deg slope and the equipment wants to start rolling very easily.

So to solve that problem, how about a battery powered mower and you attach a length of pipe to the handle on a loose hinge, make the pipe a little shorter (tilt the mower at the angle of your lawn with it not turned on) and have that pipe make contact if it tilts more then the angle of your lawn. That way it cant roll.

Caution is the highest part of the scenerio. 45 deg is very steep, the other way would be to have a post driven in to the top of the slope, then a rope from the post to the handle of the mower, as long as its taught it wont want to lift and roll, tho you cutting might be arks, but would be safe.

Dave

[AlanM52]

Let's look at this from a different angle (no pun intended).

If everyone adhered to the safety instructions and the 15 degree thing there would be many homes (thousands... hundreds of thousands?) with areas of grass that have not been mowed and... how tall would that grass be?

That includes our place and I would be spending a lot of nights in the garden shed.

Cheers

[Peterc49]

Thanks, AlanM52, I was looking at the smallest cordless Ryobi, as we have others in that series. Will probably give it a try, albeit cautiously!!