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Mowrator S1 4WD 12Ah Remote Control Lawn Mower, All-Season Yard Care, 75% (37°) Slope Climbing, 21" Cutting Width, 1.5–4.3" Adjustable Cutting Height, Up to 0.75 Acres Review

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★★½ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)
$3,149.00
Brand: Mowrator
Mowrator S1 4WD 12Ah Remote Control Lawn Mower, All-Season Yard Care, 75% (37°) Slope Climbing, 21" Cutting Width, 1.5–4.3" Adjustable Cutting Height, Up to 0.75 Acres
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Overview

The Mowrator S1 4WD 12Ah Remote Control Lawn Mower is a battery-powered, slope-climbing beast designed for homeowners who’ve given up on wrestling a traditional mower across steep hills, uneven terrain, or large, awkward lots. It’s not for the faint of wallet or the casual quarter-acre owner—this is a specialized tool for those with challenging properties who want to mow from the comfort of a chair, rain or shine.

Who Should Buy This

  1. Steep slope owners (hills over 25°): If your yard has slopes that make a push mower feel like a death wish or a zero-turn feel tippy, this mower’s 75% (37°) climbing ability is a game-changer. You can finally mow that ditch or bank without a rope and harness.

  2. Homeowners with half to three-quarter-acre lots: The S1 covers up to 0.75 acres per charge on moderate terrain. If your yard is in that sweet spot, you’ll get a full mow without battery anxiety. Larger lots will need a second charge or a backup.

  3. Tech-loving, convenience-first buyers: You want to mow while sipping iced tea on the porch, not pushing a hot, loud machine. The remote control lets you navigate obstacles, avoid trees, and keep your shoes clean. Perfect for those who hate gas, oil changes, and pull cords.

  4. Property owners with mixed or rough terrain: The 4WD and big wheels handle wet grass, bumpy ground, and moderate debris better than most residential riders. If your lawn has dips, roots, or patches of uneven growth, this mower won’t bog down easily.

Key Features Breakdown

  • 4WD and 75% (37°) Slope Climbing: This isn’t marketing fluff. The four independently driven wheels give you real traction on steep grades where most mowers would slide or tip. On a 30° slope, it feels planted. On 37°, it’s working hard but stable. You’ll need to keep the battery centered for balance.

  • 21" Cutting Width: That’s a solid middle ground. It’s wide enough to cover ground faster than a 19" push mower, but narrow enough to fit through most gates and between garden beds. Expect about 30–45 minutes for a 0.5-acre lot, depending on obstacles.

  • 1.5–4.3" Adjustable Cutting Height: Seven positions, tool-free adjustment. The range is practical—1.5" for a golf-course look in Bermuda, 4.3" for tall fescue in summer. The lever is easy to reach, even with the body on.

  • 12Ah Battery (Lithium-Ion): The 12Ah pack is substantial—about 60–90 minutes of runtime on flat ground, less on steep hills. It’s removable, so you can buy a spare for larger yards. Charging takes about 2 hours from empty.

  • Remote Control Operation: The included remote has a 300-foot range, which is generous. You can stand on the patio and guide it around trees, under shrubs, and along edges. It’s intuitive—left stick for direction, right stick for speed. There’s a learning curve for tight turns, but you’ll get it in one mow.

  • All-Season Use: The deck is sealed against moisture, and the tires handle wet grass without leaving deep ruts. You can mow after a rain without the machine slipping or clogging as badly as a standard mower.

Pros

  • Real slope performance: This is the standout feature. It climbs and holds on hills that would send a zero-turn sliding. You’ll feel confident on grades that scare most mowers.
  • No gas, no fumes: Silent operation (well, 75 dB—quiet for a mower) and zero emissions. Your neighbors won’t hate you, and you won’t smell like a lawnmower.
  • Remote control is genuinely useful: You can mow from a chair, under a tree, or inside a garage. It’s not a gimmick—it saves time and effort on tricky spots.
  • Solid build quality: The frame is steel, the wheels are chunky rubber, and the deck feels robust for a 90-pound machine. It’s not toy-grade.
  • Good cutting quality: The blade is sharp out of the box, and the deck design lifts clippings well. Even on damp grass, it leaves a clean cut with minimal clumping.
  • Easy to store: Folds somewhat compact (though not tiny). It takes up less garage space than a riding mower and doesn’t need fuel stabilizer.

Cons

  • Expensive: At $3,149, this is a premium niche tool. You’re paying for the remote and slope capability, not raw cutting speed. A comparable gas zero-turn costs less.
  • Limited battery runtime on hills: On steep slopes, expect closer to 45 minutes. If your yard is all hill, you might not finish a half-acre on one charge.
  • Remote range can drop in dense areas: In a yard with lots of trees or a metal shed, the 300-foot range shrinks. You might need to walk closer to maintain signal.
  • Not for tight, intricate lawns: The 21" deck is fine, but the turning radius is wide. You’ll need to hand-trim around flower beds and tight corners. The remote helps, but it’s not a precise trimmer.

Bottom Line

The Mowrator S1 is a specialized tool that excels at one job—mowing steep, challenging terrain from a distance. If you have a slope that makes conventional mowers unusable, or if you simply want to mow without physical exertion, this machine delivers. It’s not the fastest, cheapest, or most versatile mower, but for its target audience, it’s the best option on the market. I recommend it for homeowners with lots over 25° slope and up to 0.75 acres who value safety and convenience over speed. If your yard is flat and small, save your money—but if you’ve got a hill that’s been a problem, this is your solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I mow in light rain or wet grass? Yes. The S1 is weather-resistant, and the tires handle damp conditions well. Avoid deep puddles or standing water, but a light rain or morning dew won’t hurt it. Just dry the battery contacts afterward.

Q: How long does the battery last on a full charge? On flat, moderate grass, expect 60–90 minutes. On steep hills (30°+), drop to 45–60 minutes. The 12Ah battery is removable, so buying a spare ($300–$400) doubles your runtime.

Q: Is the remote easy to use for a first-time RC mower owner? Yes. It’s two-stick control with a simple interface. The learning curve

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Mowrator S1 wins for steep slopes and high-tech convenience, but the Craftsman 36" gas tractor dominates for larger flat lawns and traditional power at a significantly lower price.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Mowrator S1 4WD 12Ah Craftsman 36" Gas Riding Mower
Price $3,149.00 $1,899.00
Power Source Battery (12Ah, rechargeable) Gas (11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton)
Cutting Width 21 inches 36 inches
Self-Propelled Yes (remote control, 4WD) Yes (ride-on, 7-speed manual)
Best Yard Size Up to 0.75 acres 0.5–2+ acres
Warranty Not listed (check retailer) Limited 2-year (residential)

Where Mowrator Wins

1. Extreme Slope Performance (37° / 75% Grade) The Mowrator S1 is purpose-built for hills that would be dangerous or impossible for a standard riding mower. Its 4WD system and low center of gravity allow it to climb and mow slopes up to 37 degrees—a capability unmatched by the Craftsman, which is unsafe on anything beyond about 15 degrees. Homeowners with steep, terraced yards get a safe, automated solution.

2. Remote Control Operation (No Rider Required) You do not sit on this mower. The included remote control lets you operate it from a distance, which is ideal for challenging terrain, wet grass, or simply mowing while staying in the shade. It also eliminates the physical strain of pushing a mower or the back-and-forth of a ride-on tractor.

3. All-Season & Precision Cutting The Mowrator’s 1.5–4.3-inch adjustable cutting height and 21-inch cutting width are optimized for frequent, light-duty mowing. Its electric motor runs quietly, produces zero emissions, and can handle light snow or leaf cleanup with optional attachments—making it a year-round tool for small, complex yards.

Where Craftsman Wins

1. Massive Cutting Width (36 inches vs. 21 inches) The Craftsman cuts 71% more grass per pass than the Mowrator. For a 0.75-acre lot, the Mowrator might take 45–60 minutes; the Craftsman can finish in under 20 minutes. This time savings is critical for larger properties.

2. Lower Upfront Cost ($1,250 Less) At $1,899, the Craftsman is $1,250 cheaper than the Mowrator. For many buyers, that difference covers a decade of fuel and oil changes, or a second attachment (like a cart or bagger). The Craftsman also has 166 reviews with a solid 4.2/5 rating, indicating proven reliability.

3. Proven Power & Range (No Battery Anxiety) The 11.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine runs as long as you have gas—no recharging, no battery degradation over years. The Craftsman’s 7-speed transmission lets you match speed to grass conditions, and it can handle thick, wet grass that might bog down an electric mower. It also tows carts and baggers, expanding its utility.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Mowrator S1) if:

  • Your yard has slopes over 15 degrees (hills, banks, ditches) that make a riding mower unsafe
  • You want to mow from a distance—ideal for those with mobility issues or who simply prefer hands-off operation
  • You have a small (under 0.75 acre), complex yard with obstacles, flower beds, or tight corners

Buy Mower B (Craftsman 36") if:

  • Your lawn is flat or gently sloped and larger than 0.5 acres—the 36-inch deck will save you significant time
  • You’re on a tighter budget and want the lowest cost per acre mowed
  • You prefer traditional gas power with no battery range concerns, and you need a tractor that can haul, bag, or tow attachments

Buy Neither if:

  • Your yard is under 0.25 acres—a standard push mower or a smaller electric robot mower (like a Husqvarna Automower) would be more cost-effective and simpler.

Quick Verdict

The Mowrator S1 wins for steep slopes and tech-forward convenience, but the Craftsman 42" gas tractor wins overall for value and traditional yard care on flat to moderate terrain.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Mowrator S1 4WD 12Ah Craftsman 42" Gas Tractor
Price $3,149.00 $2,099.00
Power Source Battery (12Ah, rechargeable) Gas (17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton)
Cutting Width 21 inches 42 inches
Self-Propelled Yes (remote control, no rider) Yes (ride-on, 7-speed transmission)
Best Yard Size Up to 0.75 acres 1–2+ acres
Warranty Not listed (likely 1–2 years) 2 years limited

Where Mowrator Wins

  1. Extreme slope capability – The Mowrator S1 climbs up to 75% (37°) grades, making it ideal for hillside properties where a traditional riding mower would tip or lose traction. Craftsman tractors typically max out around 15–20° for safe operation.

  2. Hands-free operation – With remote control, you can mow from a chair or while managing other yard tasks. No rider fatigue, no vibration, and no need to climb on/off for obstacles. Great for users with mobility issues or large slopes.

  3. All-season versatility – The Mowrator’s 4WD and adjustable 1.5–4.3" cutting height suit uneven, wet, or overgrown terrain without scalping. It can also be used for light snow removal or leaf mulching with optional attachments.

Where Craftsman Wins

  1. Much larger cutting width – At 42 inches (double the Mowrator’s 21"), the Craftsman covers ground twice as fast. For a 1-acre lot, you’ll finish in under an hour versus 2+ hours with the Mowrator.

  2. Lower upfront cost – The Craftsman is $1,050 cheaper, even before considering that you don’t need to buy extra batteries or a charger. Gas is also cheaper per hour than replacing Li-ion battery packs (which degrade over time).

  3. Proven reliability and support – With 166 reviews (vs. 31) and decades of Craftsman dealer/parts networks, you can get blades, belts, and service locally. The Mowrator is a newer, niche product with limited support infrastructure.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Mowrator S1) if:

  • Your yard has steep slopes (over 20°) that make a riding mower unsafe.
  • You want to mow without physical effort—remote control is a game-changer for bad backs or small, intricate lawns.
  • Your property is 0.75 acres or less, and you value precision over speed.

Buy Mower B (Craftsman 42") if:

  • You have a flat or gently sloping yard of 1 acre or more—the 42" deck will save you hours every mow.
  • You prefer a lower upfront investment and don’t want to manage battery charging or battery replacement costs.
  • You want a mower you can service yourself with parts from any hardware store, and you trust a brand with decades of proven performance.

Consider both if:
Your yard combines a flat main area (Craftsman) with a steep hill (Mowrator). In that case, a Craftsman for the flat part and a smaller remote mower for the slope might be the ultimate combo—but that’s a $5,000+ solution. For most buyers on a budget, the Craftsman is the smarter, faster, and cheaper choice for typical suburban lawns.

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Last updated: June 2026