Mowrator S1 2WD 56V 12Ah Remote Control Lawn Mower, 45% (24°) Slope, Upgraded with Deformable Tires & Metal Hubcaps, 21" Steel Blade, 1.8–4.6" Height, Covers up to 0.75 Acre, Mulching Blade Included Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Mowrator S1 2WD is a remote control lawn mower designed for homeowners and property owners who need to tackle steep, dangerous slopes or large, open lawns without breaking a sweat—or risking a fall. With a 56V battery, 21-inch steel blade, and the ability to handle up to 45% (24-degree) inclines, this machine is built for those who prioritize safety over speed and prefer to mow from a deck chair. It’s best suited for properties with challenging terrain, not for manicured suburban postage stamps.
Who Should Buy This
1. Owners of steep, hilly properties (over 15 degrees slope)
If your lawn has sections where a push mower feels like a rock-climbing expedition—or worse, a slip-and-fall hazard—the S1 is your ticket to safe mowing. It handles 45% grades with surprising stability, thanks to those deformable tires.
2. Retirees or anyone with mobility issues
If bending over to start a gas mower or pushing one up a hill is no longer practical, the remote control lets you mow while seated. You can cover up to 0.75 acres without physical exertion.
3. Large-lot owners (half to three-quarters of an acre)
This mower is overkill for tiny yards but efficient for medium to large open spaces. It’s not a zero-turn speed demon, but it’ll save you time compared to a walk-behind on flat ground.
4. Tech enthusiasts who love gadgetry
If you enjoy controlling a machine from your phone or remote, the S1 offers a fun, futuristic mowing experience. It’s like driving an RC car, but for lawn care.
Key Features Breakdown
56V 12Ah Battery
A single charge runs about 45–60 minutes on flat terrain, which is enough for 0.75 acres if you’re not fighting thick grass. The battery is removable, so you can swap in a spare (sold separately) for larger jobs. It’s lithium-ion, so no memory effect—but expect 2–3 hours to recharge.
45% (24°) Slope Capability
This is the headline feature. Most residential robot mowers top out at 15–20 degrees. The S1’s low center of gravity and aggressive tire tread let it climb and mow slopes that would stall a typical ride-on. The deformable tires conform to uneven ground, reducing wheel spin.
Deformable Tires & Metal Hubcaps
These aren’t just for looks. The rubber tires flex over rocks and roots, maintaining traction on loose soil. The metal hubcaps protect the wheel hubs from debris—important on rough terrain. They also add a tough, industrial aesthetic.
21-Inch Steel Blade
This is a single-blade system (not a deck with multiple blades). It’s heavy-duty and mulches well with the included blade. The cutting width is decent for a remote mower, but expect some uncut strips if you don’t overlap passes.
1.8–4.6-Inch Cutting Height
Adjustable via a simple pin system. The range is good for most grass types—1.8 inches for a tight cut, 4.6 for tall or infrequent mowing. No electric height adjustment, but it’s easy enough to change.
Mulching Blade Included
A separate mulching blade comes in the box. It’s effective for fine clippings, but you’ll need to swap it manually. No side discharge or bagging option—this is strictly mulching or rear-discharge (via an optional chute).
Pros
- Slope performance is legit. This mower climbs 24-degree hills without tipping or losing traction, even on damp grass. It’s a genuine safety upgrade for steep properties.
- Remote control is intuitive. The range is about 300 feet line-of-sight, and the joystick-style remote is easy to learn. You can mow from a patio chair.
- Build quality is solid. The steel deck and metal hubcaps feel durable. The deformable tires are a thoughtful upgrade over standard hard rubber.
- Quiet operation. At about 70 decibels, it’s far quieter than a gas mower—your neighbors will thank you.
- No gas, no oil, no pull cords. Zero maintenance beyond blade sharpening and battery care. The 56V system has plenty of torque for thick grass.
- Mulching performance is good. The included mulching blade chops clippings fine enough to disappear into the lawn, even in fescue or Bermuda.
Cons
- Battery life is just adequate. At 45–60 minutes on a full charge, you’ll need a second battery or a long extension cord (it doesn’t have one) for anything over half an acre. Recharge time is slow.
- No obstacle avoidance. This is not a smart robot mower. It has no sensors—if you drive it into a tree, it’ll keep spinning its wheels. You must watch it constantly.
- Cut quality isn’t pristine. The single blade and lack of a deck vacuum mean you’ll see some unevenness, especially in thick grass. It’s fine for functional mowing, not a golf course finish.
- Price is steep for what it is. At $2,500, you’re paying a premium for the slope capability and remote control. A good zero-turn ride-on costs less and cuts faster on flat ground.
Bottom Line
The Mowrator S1 2WD is a niche tool that excels at one thing: safely mowing steep slopes that would be dangerous with a standard mower. If your property has serious hills, it’s worth every penny for the peace of mind. But if your lawn is flat or only gently sloped, you’ll get better cut quality, faster mowing, and more features from a traditional ride-on or robot mower for less money. Buy this for the slope performance—not for speed or precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I leave the Mowrator S1 outside in the rain?
No. The electronics and battery are not weatherproof. Store it in a shed or garage when not in use. Light dew on the grass is fine, but avoid mowing in rain.
Q: Does it come with a charger and extra blades?
Yes. The box includes one 56V 12Ah battery, a charger, the standard 21-inch blade, and a separate mulching blade. No spare battery or remote control batteries are included.
Q: How long does the remote control range actually work?
The manufacturer claims 300 feet line-of-sight. In practice, expect about 200–250 feet in open areas. Walls, trees, or metal structures will reduce range significantly.
How It Compares
Quick Verdict
The Craftsman wins overall for traditional homeowners due to its proven reliability, larger cutting deck, and significantly higher customer satisfaction, while the Mowrator S1 is a niche choice for steep-slope properties that no standard rider can handle.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mowrator S1 2WD | Craftsman 42" Riding Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.00 | $2,099.00 |
| Power Source | 56V battery (12Ah) | Gas (17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton) |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 42 inches |
| Self-Propelled | Yes (remote control) | Yes (drive wheels) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 0.75 acre | 1–2 acres |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely 1–2 years) | 3-year limited, 5-year deck |
| Customer Rating | 3.1/5 (4 reviews) | 4.2/5 (166 reviews) |
Where Mowrator Wins
1. Slope Capability – 45% (24°) vs. ~15% for standard riders The Mowrator’s deformable tires and metal hubcaps allow it to mow slopes that would roll or stall a Craftsman tractor. If your yard has steep hills (e.g., a 25° grade), the Mowrator is your only practical option among these two.
2. Remote Control Operation You can mow from a distance, eliminating the need to sit on the machine. This is ideal for wet grass, uneven terrain, or if you have mobility issues. The Craftsman requires you to ride on it.
3. Mulching Blade Included The Mowrator comes with a mulching blade standard, which helps return nutrients to the soil. The Craftsman typically ships with a side-discharge blade; mulching kits are sold separately.
Where Craftsman Wins
1. Cutting Speed and Efficiency – 42" deck vs. 21" deck The Craftsman covers twice the width per pass. For a 0.75-acre lawn, the Mowrator takes roughly 45–60 minutes; the Craftsman finishes in 20–30 minutes. For larger yards, the Craftsman saves significant time.
2. Proven Reliability and Support With 166 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the Craftsman has a long track record. Briggs & Stratton engines are widely serviceable, and replacement parts (belts, blades, filters) are available at any hardware store. The Mowrator has only 4 reviews and unknown long-term durability.
3. Lower Price and Better Warranty The Craftsman costs $400 less and includes a 3-year limited warranty plus a 5-year deck warranty. The Mowrator’s warranty is unclear, and battery replacement (56V 12Ah) could cost $200–$400 within 3–5 years.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Mowrator S1) if:
- Your yard has slopes steeper than 15° (e.g., a hillside property) that a standard rider cannot safely traverse.
- You want to mow remotely – for example, if you have a large garden with obstacles where you prefer to stand back and control the mower.
- Your yard is 0.5 acre or less and you prioritize electric operation (no gas, no noise complaints) over speed.
Buy Mower B (Craftsman 42") if:
- You have a typical flat or gently sloping lawn up to 2 acres – the Craftsman will finish faster and with less effort.
- You value proven reliability, easy parts access, and a strong warranty – the Craftsman’s 166 reviews and 3-year coverage offer peace of mind.
- You want the lowest total cost of ownership – the $400 savings plus no battery replacement costs over 5+ years make the Craftsman cheaper long-term.
Skip both if: Your yard is under 0.25 acre – consider a $500 push mower instead. If you need to mow 2+ acres, look at a zero-turn rider ($2,500–$4,000).
Quick Verdict
The Craftsman wins for traditional, large-lot mowing due to its proven reliability, wider cut, and lower price, while the Mowrator S1 wins only for steep-slope or remote-control novelty use cases.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mowrator S1 2WD | Craftsman 36" Riding Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.00 | $1,899.00 |
| Power Source | 56V battery (12Ah) | 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton gas engine |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 36 inches |
| Self-Propelled | Yes (remote control) | Yes (ride-on, 7-speed manual) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 0.75 acre | 1–2 acres |
| Warranty | Not specified (likely limited) | 2-year limited (Craftsman standard) |
| Slope Capability | 45% (24°) | ~15–20% typical for residential tractors |
| User Reviews | 3.1/5 (4 reviews) | 4.2/5 (166 reviews) |
Where Mowrator Wins
- Steep-slope mowing: The 45% (24°) slope rating is nearly double what most riding mowers can handle. If your yard has steep hills that a tractor would tip on, the Mowrator’s remote control lets you mow safely from flat ground.
- Remote operation: You can mow while sitting in the shade, avoiding direct sun, dust, or noise. This is a niche advantage for users with mobility issues or who want to multitask.
- Deformable tires and metal hubcaps: The upgraded tires conform to uneven terrain for better traction on slopes, and metal hubcaps add durability compared to plastic alternatives common on budget RC mowers.
Where Craftsman Wins
- Value and proven reliability: At $600 less and with 166 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the Craftsman is a known quantity. The Briggs & Stratton engine is a workhorse with easy parts availability, while the Mowrator has only 4 reviews and a 3.1 rating, suggesting potential quality or support issues.
- Cutting efficiency: The 36-inch deck cuts 71% wider than the Mowrator’s 21-inch blade. On a 0.75-acre lawn, the Craftsman will finish in roughly half the time—about 30–40 minutes versus 60–80 minutes for the Mowrator.
- Versatility and durability: The 7-speed transmission lets you match ground speed to grass conditions. The gas engine runs as long as you have fuel, with no recharging downtime. The Craftsman also handles towing (carts, spreaders) and bagging attachments, which the Mowrator cannot.
Which Should You Buy?
-
Buy Mower A (Mowrator S1) if your yard has slopes exceeding 20 degrees that make a riding mower unsafe, and you’re willing to accept limited reviews, potential reliability risks, and slower mowing for the convenience of remote operation. Ideal for steep, small-to-medium properties under 0.5 acre.
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Buy Mower B (Craftsman) if you have a flat to moderately sloped lawn of 0.5–2 acres and want a proven, efficient, and affordable solution. The wider deck, lower price, and strong user satisfaction make it the clear choice for most homeowners.
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Buy neither if your yard is under 0.25 acre and flat—a $400–600 push mower or cordless electric will be faster and cheaper. If your yard has extreme slopes over 30 degrees, consider a dedicated robotic mower like the Husqvarna Automower, which can handle up to 70% slopes.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026