Quick verdict
For a true hover mower that floats on a cushion of air, the BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551 is my pick for most home lawns. Its 1200W motor and 30 cm winged-blade deck glide in any direction across bumpy or sloped ground, with 3 adjustable cut heights, which is exactly what a hover mower is meant to do.
Maruyama MHM480 19" Hover Mower 79.2cc CER800 2
The Maruyama MHM480 is a commercial-grade hover mower with a 79.2cc 2-stroke engine and a 19 inch deck designed to cut on steep slopes at any angle. It uses a heavy-duty 14 inch impeller for durability, a deep deck cavity for better mulching, and three flail blades with a 1.25 to 2.0 inch cut height, so it is built for demanding, all-angle work rather than a typical flat backyard.
Check price on Amazon →The best hover mower for sloped and uneven lawns. I compared true air-cushion hover models with related trimming and compact mowers so you match the tool to
Why you should trust this guide
I built this shortlist by reading the manufacturer specifications and owner feedback for each machine, then judging them against what a hover mower is actually for, which is floating on a cushion of air to cut uneven, sloped, or awkward lawns. Because genuine hover mowers are a niche category, this list mixes true hover models with closely related tools, and I am upfront about which is which.
I have not used these machines myself, and I will not claim to. My aim is to translate the published specs into honest guidance, clearly labeling the true air-cushion hover mowers versus the string-based cutters and the compact push mower, so you do not buy the wrong type of tool. Matching the machine to your terrain matters more here than picking a single winner.
How we evaluated
I started by separating true hover mowers, which ride on a cushion of air from an impeller, from wheeled and string-based alternatives, since only the hover designs glide freely across slopes and bumps. For the hover models I weighed motor power, deck width, cut-height settings, and how well they handle angled ground.
For the related tools I judged them on their own merits, considering engine or motor power, cutting diameter, terrain handling, and maintenance. Across all of them I looked at power source, weight, storage, and the lawn size each maker targets, so the recommendations reflect the real strengths of each machine rather than forcing every one into the hover category.
What to look for
- True hover design: only air-cushion mowers float freely, which is the point on slopes and uneven ground.
- Power source: corded electric is light and quiet, while gas suits steeper, tougher commercial work.
- Motor or engine size: more power sustains the air cushion and cuts through thicker growth.
- Cut-height settings: multiple positions let you adjust for season and grass type.
- Terrain handling: check the maximum slope or angle if you are buying specifically for banks and hills.
- Weight and folding: a light, fold-flat body is easier to lift and maneuver across obstacles.
- Lawn size: match the deck width and power to a small home lawn versus a large or commercial site.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruyama MHM480 19" Hover Mower 79.2cc CER800 2 | Best Overall | Check price | |
| BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551 | Best Value | Check price | |
| Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower With 160cc Viper 4 | Best Premium | Check price | |
| BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower | Best Budget | Check price | |
| RB 40V 9" Mini Cordless Lawn Mower | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Maruyama MHM480 19" Hover Mower 79.2cc CER800 2
The Maruyama MHM480 is a commercial-grade hover mower with a 79.2cc 2-stroke engine and a 19 inch deck designed to cut on steep slopes at any angle. It uses a heavy-duty 14 inch impeller for durability, a deep deck cavity for better mulching, and three flail blades with a 1.25 to 2.0 inch cut height, so it is built for demanding, all-angle work rather than a typical flat backyard.
Reasons to buy
- Field proven, all angle, low emission 2-cycle engine technology
- Designed to cut on steep slopes at any angle
- Deep deck cavity for more effective mulching
- Heavy duty 14” impeller for increased durability
- Easy start system – spring assist technology for easy starting
Reasons to avoid
- The 2-stroke engine needs a fuel and oil mix and is louder than electric options
- As a commercial machine it is heavier duty and pricier than most home lawns require
BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551
The BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551 is a true air-cushion hover mower with a 1200W motor and a 30 cm winged-blade deck that lets it glide in any direction across your lawn. It handles bumpy and sloped ground where wheeled mowers struggle, offers 20, 30, and 40 mm cut settings, and folds for storage, making it the most practical hover pick for a smaller home lawn.
Reasons to buy
- Battery Capacity: 2 Ah; Soft Grip: No; Garden Size: Small; Product Weight: 6.93 Kg; Cuttin
- This compact, quiet 30 cm deck electric hover mower moves on a cushion of air, gliding acr
- Lightweight & powerful, this 1200W mower can move easily up slopes & tackle bumpy, uneven
- The convenient 20, 30 & 40 mm adjustable cut settings offers you the flexibility to suit y
- Perfect for slopped or uneven lawns. Ideal For Smaller Lawns up to 250m², Equivalent To 1.
Reasons to avoid
- It is corded with a short 46 cm lead, so you must manage an extension cord
- It is rated for smaller lawns up to about 250 square meters, not large yards
Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower With 160cc Viper 4
The Earthquake is a walk-behind string mower with a 160cc 4-cycle Viper engine and a 22 inch cutting diameter, built to power through rough growth that handheld trimmers cannot. Its never-go-flat 14 inch wheels float over terrain and the cutting head handles heights from 1.5 to 3 inches, so it is a strong choice for clearing brushy, uneven edges rather than manicuring a lawn.
Reasons to buy
- GRAB-N-GO: The handy engagement bail design lets you pause and restart the cutting head on
- EASY TO OPERATE: With extra-wide 2.5” x 14.5” airless wheels that float over any terrain a
- RELIABLE POWER: A 160cc 4-cycle Viper engine starts easily on the first pull thanks to aut
- SIMPLE CUTTING HEAD DESIGN: Load up the cutting head with 0.155 cutting line and easily cl
- LONG & STRONG REACH: The one-piece, extra-long steel deck provides strength and can reach
Reasons to avoid
- It is a string mower, not a true hover mower, so it does not float on air
- The 160cc gas engine adds fuel and oil maintenance and more noise
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a corded 12 inch 3-in-1 unit that mows, trims, and edges using a 6.5 amp motor with an automatic feed spool, so there is no bumping to advance the line. Its low 1.6 inch cutting height and compact frame make it handy for very small spaces and tidy edging, functioning more as a versatile trimmer than a dedicated mower.
Reasons to buy
- Multi-Function Convenience: Easily switch between mowing, trimming, and edging for three-i
- Powerful Cutting Performance: The 6.5 amp motor with POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers top
- Continuous Operation: Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system allows uninterrupted work without
- Ideal for Small Lawns: Designed for compact spaces with a 12-inch cutting width, 1.6-inch
- Comfort and Control: Lightweight construction with adjustable handle and height positions
Reasons to avoid
- It is a string trimmer and mower combo, not a hover mower
- The 12 inch width and corded design limit it to small areas near an outlet
RB 40V 9" Mini Cordless Lawn Mower
The RB 40V is a compact 9 inch cordless push mower with a brushless motor and a 40V 2Ah battery, rated for small lawns up to about 540 sq ft. At 11.5 lbs without the battery it is very light and easy to steer, with 3 cutting heights from 1.2 to 2 inches and a tilt safety cutoff, so it suits tight corners and small yards.
Reasons to buy
- [Powerful & Efficient] This small battery mower features a high-speed 6000RPM brushless mo
- [Ultra-Light & Compact] Weighing only 5.2kg (11.5lbs without battery), this mini cordless
- [Adjustable Cutting Height] Customize your lawn with 3 cutting heights from 1.2" to 2". Ke
- [Advanced Safety Design] Automatically stops if tilted beyond 20°–70°, meeting US safety s
- [Space-Saving Storage] Detachable aluminum handle and upright storage design save up to 70
Reasons to avoid
- It is a wheeled push mower rather than a hover mower
- The 9 inch deck and 2Ah battery keep it to very small lawns
What to look for
True hover vs wheeled
Only genuine air-cushion mowers float across slopes and bumps, so confirm the design before buying for uneven ground.
Power source
Corded electric hover mowers are light and quiet for small lawns, while gas models suit steep, heavy-duty work.
Motor or engine power
More power keeps the air cushion strong and cuts through thicker grass without stalling.
Cut-height range
Several height settings let you adjust for grass type and season on the same machine.
Slope and terrain
If banks and hills are the reason you want a hover mower, check the maximum angle the model supports.
Weight and storage
A light, foldable body is easier to lift over obstacles and to store in a small shed or garage.
Our verdict
For a true hover mower that floats on a cushion of air, the BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551 is my pick for most home lawns. Its 1200W motor and 30 cm winged-blade deck glide in any direction across bumpy or sloped ground, with 3 adjustable cut heights, which is exactly what a hover mower is meant to do.
FAQs
A hover mower floats on a cushion of air, so it excels on slopes, banks, and uneven or bumpy lawns where a wheeled mower would struggle to stay level.
No. The BLACK+DECKER BEMWH551 and Maruyama MHM480 are true hover mowers, while the others are related string cutters and a compact push mower, which I label clearly so you match the right tool to your yard.
Corded electric hover mowers are light, quiet, and best for smaller home lawns, while gas models like the Maruyama are built for steep, demanding, commercial-style slopes.
Most home hover mowers, like the BLACK+DECKER, are rated for smaller lawns. For large areas a wheeled or riding mower is usually more practical.
Electric models mainly need a clean deck and sharp blade, while gas hover mowers add fuel, oil, and engine upkeep, especially 2-stroke units that require a fuel mix.