• Always do your homework before purchasing a lawn mower.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Choosing the right lawn mower for a hill requires the consumer to keep certain factors in mind: the size of the hill being mowed, the amount of money he wishes to spend, and the reliability of the mower itself. With careful research, such as reading consumer reviews, a person can find the best lawn mower to fit his needs.
  
  

The Best

• The 2010 John Deere X304 was rated the best overall lawn mower by Consumer Search and Consumer Reports. The John Deere X304 was praised for its excellent performance, comfort level, engine reliability, design, and maneuverability. Created to tackle larger areas or hills, the John Deere X304 has a turning radius of 15 inches and an overall deck size of 42 inches. The 472 cc Kawasaki V-Twin OHV engine can produce 17 horsepower. The maximum speed of the mower is 5.5 mph while driving forward, and 4 mph when driving in reverse. The maximum cutting height is 4 inches. Anyone who purchases the John Deere X304 has 30 days to try it out. All models come with a 48-month or 300-hour warranty, whichever comes first.
  
  

Self-Propelled

• For those looking to buy a self-propelled lawn mower to tackle a hill, the Toro e-Cycler 20360 might be the way to go. With an estimated starting price of $400 as of November 2010, the Toro e-Cycler has a maximum cutting height of 4 inches, and a minimum cutting height of 1 inch. Consumer Reports states that the Toro e-Cycler 20360 has the ability to cut more evenly than most lawn mowers on the market. Both the deck and the mower itself come with a 2-year warranty, as does the 36 volt battery that powers it. The overall weight of the Toro e-Cycler 20360 is 77 pounds.
  
  

Honda Power

• With an estimated starting price of $800 as of November 2010, the Honda HRX217K2HXA has received high praise from Consumer Reports. The HRX217K2HXA has met the EPA 2012 emissions standards and has also been CARB (California Air Resource Board) certified. Being CARB-certified means the mower has passed California's clean air standards. With a maximum cutting height of 4 inches and a lifetime deck warranty, the Honda HRX217K2HXA also features a 21-inch cutting radius. The mower itself comes standard with a 3-year warranty. Producing only 89 decibels of noise, the Honda HRX217K2HXA is one of the quietest lawn mowers on the market.