PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower Review: A High-Power Mower with a Critical Flaw?

There’s a specific moment every homeowner dreads: the first pull of the lawn mower cord after a long winter, only to be met with a sputtering cough and then… silence. My old push mower had finally given up the ghost, leaving me with a rapidly growing suburban jungle and the daunting task of finding a replacement. The thought of another summer spent wrestling a heavy, underpowered machine up the slight incline of my backyard was exhausting. I needed power, efficiency, and something that wouldn’t break my back or my bank account. The search was on for a self-propelled gas mower that could handle a medium-sized yard with varied terrain, turning a dreaded chore into a satisfying task. This quest for a reliable, powerful, and affordable lawn care partner is what led me to the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn, which in turn boosts curb appeal and creates a usable outdoor space for family and friends. The main benefit is direct control over your lawn’s health and appearance. A good mower provides a clean, even cut that prevents grass disease, while features like mulching return vital nutrients to the soil. For many, it’s about reclaiming their weekend. A powerful, efficient mower can cut mowing time in half, freeing you up for other activities. It’s an investment in your property’s value and your own time.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a small to large-sized yard (typically 1/4 to a full acre) who prefers the raw power and unlimited runtime of a gas engine. They might have sloped or uneven terrain where a self-propelled system is a necessity, not a luxury. However, it might not be suitable for those with very small, postage-stamp-sized yards where a simple electric or reel mower would suffice, or for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform basic engine maintenance like oil changes and fuel top-ups. For those seeking a quieter, more environmentally friendly option with less maintenance, a high-end cordless electric mower might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Engine & Power Source: The engine is the heart of a gas mower. Look for reputable brands like Briggs & Stratton (B&S) or Honda, known for reliability and easy starts. The engine size, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), indicates its power. A 140cc to 190cc engine is typically sufficient for residential use. Consider if you want the raw power of gas or the quiet, low-maintenance convenience of a battery-powered electric model.
• Deck Size & Cutting Features: The cutting width (deck size) determines how many passes you’ll need to make. A 21-inch deck is a sweet spot for efficiency in medium-sized yards. Look for 3-in-1 capability—bagging, mulching, and side discharge—which offers versatility for different seasons and grass conditions. A steel deck is a sign of durability, built to withstand bumps and debris.
• Drive System: A self-propelled system is a game-changer for any yard with hills or for users who don’t want to physically push the mower’s full weight. Rear-wheel drive (RWD), like that found on the PowerSmart, generally offers better traction and control on slopes and uneven ground compared to front-wheel drive (FWD). Variable speed control is a premium feature that lets you walk at your own pace.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a single-lever height adjustment, which changes all four wheels at once, save time and hassle. Consider the handle’s ergonomics and whether it can be folded for compact storage. Gas mowers require routine maintenance, including checking the oil, cleaning the air filter, and winterizing the engine, so be prepared for that commitment.

Navigating these features is key to finding the machine that best fits your yard and your physical needs. While we’re about to take a deep dive into one specific model, understanding the broader landscape is essential.

While the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower

The mower arrived in a large, sturdy box. Upon opening it, the main components were the mower deck with the engine pre-mounted, the handle assembly in two pieces, the grass catcher bag, and a small box with the manual, oil, and miscellaneous hardware. Assembly was straightforward and took about 20 minutes, primarily involving attaching the handle and securing the control cables. My first impression of the build was mixed. The 21-inch steel deck felt solid and substantial, painted in a durable-looking black finish. The heart of the machine, the 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, was a welcome sight, inspiring confidence in its potential performance. However, I immediately noticed that many of the other components—the wheel covers, the height adjustment lever housing, and the rear discharge flap—were made of plastic. While this undoubtedly keeps the weight and cost down, it raised an immediate question about long-term durability, a concern echoed by several user reports of parts arriving broken or failing quickly. Despite this, once assembled, the mower felt balanced, and the large 10-inch rear wheels gave it an aggressive, ready-to-work stance. You can see its full feature set and user reviews online to get a better sense of its design.

Performance Deep Dive: Power, Precision, and Potential Problems

A mower’s true worth is only revealed out on the lawn, under the sun, chewing through thick grass. We put the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower through its paces on a variety of turf conditions, from a manicured front lawn to a patch of overgrown, weed-infested grass behind the shed. Our testing focused on the three areas that matter most: raw cutting power, user experience and maneuverability, and the all-important question of build quality and longevity.

The Heart of the Machine: B&S Engine and Cutting Performance

Let’s start with the undisputed highlight: the engine. The 140cc Briggs & Stratton EX550 engine is a fantastic powerplant for a mower in this price bracket. True to its reputation, it started on the second pull right out of the box after adding oil and gas. Subsequent starts were almost always on the first pull, a testament to its reliable design. This is a massive relief for anyone who has ever dislocated a shoulder trying to start a stubborn old mower. The power it delivers is impressive. We set the deck to a medium height and aimed it at a patch of thick, slightly damp fescue, and the mower didn’t bog down or hesitate. The blade spun with authority, leaving a clean, even cut in its wake. This aligns perfectly with positive user feedback, where one person noted, “the engine is strong and it does what it’s supposed to do.” We tested all three cutting functions. The 1.4-bushel bagger worked effectively, filling up without clogging the chute. The rear discharge handled longer grass without issue. But for us, the mulching function was the star. The blade and deck design created a fine mulch that disappeared into the lawn, a feature another happy user confirmed: “Its mulching well it handle some tall grass fairly well. The cut looks pretty good.” The power plant is the core reason to consider this machine; it’s a proven engine that delivers the performance needed for a pristine lawn, a feature that really sets it apart in its price class.

Taming the Terrain: Self-Propelled Drive and Maneuverability

Pushing nearly 70 pounds of steel and engine across a half-acre lot is no one’s idea of fun. This is where the self-propelled, rear-wheel-drive system on the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower becomes essential. Engaging the drive bar propels the mower forward at a comfortable, brisk walking pace. The rear-wheel-drive configuration is a significant advantage over front-wheel-drive models, especially on inclines. As we pushed the mower up a grassy slope, the weight shifted to the rear wheels, digging them in and providing excellent, slip-free traction. The large 10-inch rear wheels further enhance this, easily rolling over bumps, roots, and uneven patches that would stall a mower with smaller wheels. The single-lever height adjustment is another huge win for usability. With one simple motion, we could drop the deck to scalp a weedy patch or raise it high for a gentle first cut of the season, cycling through the six positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. This is a massive improvement over older mowers that require you to adjust each wheel individually. However, this is also where we encountered our first major concern, which mirrors numerous user complaints. The lever and its housing are plastic, and while ours worked, it felt flimsy. Many users have reported this exact lever being broken right out of the box, rendering a key feature useless from day one.

A Tale of Two Materials: The Steel Deck vs. Plastic Perils

This brings us to the most critical aspect of this review: build quality. The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a study in contrasts. The core components are solid—a powerful B&S engine and a rugged steel deck. These are the parts that do the hard work, and they seem up to the task. But surrounding this solid core is a constellation of plastic components that feel like a significant weak point. We share the sentiment of one user who stated it’s “made to the absolute lowest price possible.” During our testing, the rear plastic flap that drags along the ground felt thin, and we were careful not to abuse it after reading a review stating theirs “broke off the first day.” Similarly, the handle grips and control levers felt adequate but not robust. One user reported their self-propelled cable snapped after four weeks and the rubber on the handle was already ripping. This isn’t just a durability issue; it’s a quality control lottery. The sheer volume of feedback mentioning parts—wheels, height levers, handles—arriving broken or failing almost immediately is alarming. One user described a particularly harrowing experience where the “oil tank exploded out of nowhere,” while another found the self-propel belt was twisted on arrival, causing it to run backward and destroy a plastic guard. It seems that if you receive a well-assembled unit without shipping damage, you get a powerful mower for a great price. But the odds of receiving a “lemon” appear to be uncomfortably high, and for those who do, navigating warranty claims has proven difficult, as one frustrated customer noted, “everyone is trying to dodge the ball and warranty is not being honored.” This is a major gamble for any buyer to take, and it’s essential to check the latest price and availability with this significant caveat in mind.

What Other Users Are Saying

Diving into the pool of user feedback reveals a starkly divided experience with the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower. On one side, there are satisfied customers who got a working unit and praise its core function. One user states simply, “Does lawnmower is a great lawnmower. It started up the very first time we used it. It cuts my grass to a perfection.” Another found it hit the “goldilocks zone,” calling it the “right price nice little mower… not too big not too small it’s just right.” These reviews focus on the powerful engine and the quality of the cut, which we can confirm are definite strengths.

However, the negative feedback is overwhelming and points to a consistent pattern of poor quality control and fragile components. A large number of reviews lead with “The item came broken.” Specifics range from a “plastic base that hold the front wheel” being cracked to the “height control lever broken off” inside an undamaged box. Another user’s mower was “falling apart after I used it once,” with the “handle and controls detaching from frame.” The most severe complaints involve catastrophic engine failure and a frustrating customer service experience, painting a picture of a product with a high failure rate and little support. This feedback is critical because it highlights the risk involved in this purchase.

How Does the PowerSmart Mower Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand the value proposition of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, it’s crucial to see how it measures up against other popular options in the lawn care market, especially those with different power sources and design philosophies.

1. Greenworks 21″ Self-Propelled Mower Kit

The Greenworks kit represents the modern, eco-conscious alternative. It’s a complete cordless electric lawn care system, bundling a 21-inch self-propelled mower with a string trimmer and blower. The primary advantage here is convenience and ecosystem integration: no gas, no oil, no fumes, and batteries that are interchangeable between tools. It’s quieter and requires virtually no maintenance. However, you’re limited by battery runtime, and while powerful for an electric model, it may not match the raw, brute force of the PowerSmart’s B&S gas engine in very thick or wet grass. This is the choice for a homeowner who values convenience, low noise, and an all-in-one system over the unlimited runtime and torque of gas.

2. Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Scotts Reel Mower sits at the opposite end of the technological spectrum. It’s a purely mechanical, human-powered machine. Its benefits are undeniable: it’s silent, emission-free, incredibly low maintenance, and provides a unique scissor-like cut that is very healthy for grass blades. It’s also the most affordable option by a wide margin. The downside is obvious: it’s not self-propelled and requires significant physical effort. It’s completely unsuitable for large yards, hills, or tough, weedy grass. This is the perfect choice for someone with a small, flat, and well-maintained lawn who enjoys the exercise and simplicity of a traditional mower.

3. WORX 40V 17″ Cordless Lawn Mower 2 Batteries Included

The WORX mower is a compact cordless option designed specifically for smaller yards. Its 17-inch deck is less efficient than the PowerSmart’s 21-inch one, requiring more passes to cover the same area. However, it’s significantly lighter, quieter, and easier to store and maneuver in tight spaces. It’s a push mower, not self-propelled, making it best for flat terrain. Like the Greenworks, it offers the benefits of being gas-free. Someone might prefer the WORX mower if they have a small, simple lawn, limited storage space, and prioritize light weight and ease of handling over the power and wide cutting path of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower.

Final Verdict: A Powerful Performer Marred by a Quality Gamble

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a conditional recommendation. At its core, this machine has fantastic bones: a powerful, reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, an efficient 21-inch steel deck, and a traction-heavy rear-wheel-drive system. When you get a good one, it performs admirably, cutting through tough grass with ease and making short work of hilly yards. For its price point, the raw power and feature set are hard to beat.

However, the fantastic engine is bolted into a chassis plagued by an unacceptable level of quality control issues and fragile plastic components. The risk of receiving a damaged unit or having a critical part fail within the first few uses is significantly higher than it should be. This mower is best suited for a DIY-savvy homeowner on a strict budget who is willing to roll the dice. If you’re comfortable potentially making a small repair yourself or dealing with the hassle of a return, the underlying performance might be worth the risk. For those who need a mower that works perfectly out of the box with no questions asked, we recommend looking at more established brands, even if it means spending a bit more. If you feel the power and price are worth the gamble, you can find the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower here.