MMS remote control mowers cut slopes, brush, and ditch lines by remote, keeping the operator on stable ground.
A remote control mower is a tracked or wheeled cutter you drive from a safe distance with a handheld transmitter. Instead of riding or walking behind the machine on a 45 degree bank, you stand on flat ground and steer the deck up the slope. That single change removes the operator from the most dangerous part of slope mowing: the fall and rollover exposure.
Why Mow Slopes by Remote Control
Steep banks, pond edges, orchard rows, and roadside ditches are exactly where walk behind mowers struggle and where injuries happen. A remote control mower puts the cutting deck on the hazard while the operator stays on footing they trust. Because the engine is a gasoline unit, run it only in open air; a running engine produces carbon monoxide, an odorless gas that builds up in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. The CDC NIOSH construction safety topic covers the equipment and landscaping hazards behind slope work.
MS550B and MS550J at a Glance
| Model | Engine | Cutting width | Max slope | Cutting height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS550B | 4.9 HP Loncin gas | 550 mm (21 in) | Up to 35 degrees | 20 to 150 mm | Lighter model for moderate slopes |
| MS550J | 4.9 HP Loncin gas | 550 mm (21 in) | Up to 45 degrees | 20 to 150 mm | Tracked, heavier duty climber |
Cutting Width and Cutting Height
Both models share a 21 inch (550 mm) deck that handles grass, weeds, and brush in one pass. Cutting height adjusts from 20 to 150 mm, so you can drop it for a finished lawn or raise it for rough land clearing and brush. Our lawn mower size guide helps match deck width to the ground you actually mow.
Slope and Terrain Handling
The MS550J climbs slopes up to 45 degrees and the MS550B up to 35 degrees, with tracks that grip embankments and ditch lines a walk behind cannot safely cross. Remote travel and blade lift mean you set the path from the bottom and let the deck work the grade, instead of balancing a mower above you. For ground a remote mower cannot reach, a mini excavator or skid steer finishes the detail.
Remote Control Versus Walk Behind on Slopes
A walk behind mower puts the operator on the grade, which is the exact place rollovers and falls happen. A remote control mower keeps you on stable ground and still puts the deck on the bank. The trade off is cost and the need to manage remote range, but for steep banks and land clearing the safety gap is decisive.
| Approach | Operator position | Best use | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk behind mower | On the slope | Flat, open lawns | Falls and rollovers on banks |
| Remote control mower | On stable ground | Steep banks, ditches, brush | Signal loss, battery range |
Pair With a Mini Skid Steer or Dumper for Land Clearing
A remote mower is the start of a clearing pass, not the whole job. After you knock down brush and tall grass, a mini skid steer loader can grub roots and grade, and a mini dumper hauls the debris off site. Combined, they turn a neglected slope into usable ground without hand tools.
Safe Operation Checklist for Steep Slopes
Before each slope job, walk the line, mark obstacles, confirm the remote range, and keep bystanders clear of the fall path. Our steep slope mower checklist lays out the pre start checks for banks, ditches, and embankments so you avoid a costly mistake on the bank.
Maintenance and Fuel
Both mowers run a 4.9 HP Loncin vertical shaft four stroke gasoline engine with hand pull or electric start. Use the correct gasoline and keep the carburetor clean so the engine starts when you need it; our gasoline guide for mowers explains fuel choice and storage. After each use, clear cut material from the deck and check track tension before the next run.
Remote Control Lawn Mower FAQs
What is a remote control slope mower?
A remote control slope mower is a tracked or wheeled cutter driven by a handheld transmitter from a safe distance. The operator stands on stable ground while the deck mows banks, ditches, and embankments that would be dangerous to mow on foot or on a ride on machine.
How steep a slope can the MS550J mow?
The MS550J is rated for slopes up to 45 degrees, and the MS550B up to 35 degrees. Both figures assume firm footing, a centered load, and the travel direction the manual specifies, so scout the bank and reduce speed before the grade.
What size cutting deck do these mowers have?
Both the MS550B and MS550J use a 21 inch (550 mm) cutting deck with an adjustable height from 20 to 150 mm. That width clears brush and grass in one pass while staying narrow enough for orchard rows and ditch lines.
Can I use a remote mower on a regular lawn?
Yes. Raise the cutting height for a finished lawn or lower it for rough clearing and brush. The remote control and tracked drive also help on wet or uneven yards where a walk behind would bog down.
What engine does the remote control mower use?
Both models use a 4.9 HP Loncin vertical shaft four stroke gasoline engine with hand pull or electric start. It is a standard small engine, so fuel, oil, and carburetor care follow normal gasoline mower practice.