r/automower • u/dsc1237 • 2h ago
Husqvarna 420iQ or 435iQ for steep tall-fescue lawn?
Looking for some real-world experience with the 420iQ/435iQ.
I currently have a 450XH. My lawn gets to about a 30% slope, including some slopes right at the boundary where the grass meets English ivy. It either digs holes trying to get traction or slides across the boundary into the ivy and can't get back out.
I just cleared a bunch of brush where the ivy is and I'd like to replace the ivy with grass but the underlying hill reaches roughly 60% in places, including near the property line.
The 435iQ's slope capability looks ideal, but the 2.8" maximum cut height concerns me with tall fescue. The 420iQ goes to 4", but its slope/boundary limits look much less suitable.
Can either iQ model do one or two perimeter passes before starting systematic mowing? I'm wondering if that could create a buffer for turns and make the 420iQ workable near the steeper boundaries.
I'm also interested in wireless boundaries and systematic mowing/stripes, but reliability is the priority. I've run Husqvarna Automowers for years and basically want something I can set up and ignore. The Lymow One Plus has drawn my attention, especially with the ability to mulch leaves, but I'm reluctant to leave the reliability of Husqvarna.
Any 420iQ/435iQ owners dealing with similar slopes?