There’s a unique kind of frustration that sets in on a hot Saturday morning when your old lawn mower sputters, coughs, and refuses to start. I’ve been there, yanking a pull-cord until my shoulder ached, only to be met with silence. That weekly task of maintaining a beautiful lawn—something that should bring a sense of pride—quickly becomes a dreaded, exhausting chore. You’re left wrestling with a heavy, underpowered machine that leaves uneven patches, struggles with the slightest incline, and makes you question why you bother. The alternative is letting the yard become an overgrown wilderness, an unkempt jungle that lowers your home’s curb appeal and becomes a haven for pests. A reliable, powerful, and easy-to-use mower isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental tool for reclaiming your weekend and your outdoor space.
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY: The robust steel deck covers a wide 21-inch path, reducing mowing time and making it perfect for medium to large yards.
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: BAGGING, MULCHING & REAR DISCHARGE: Switch easily between modes: collect clippings in the 1.4-bushel bag, mulch to nourish your lawn, or rear-discharge for quick and efficient mowing.
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 the health, appearance, and usability of your property. For homeowners with medium to large yards, these machines provide the power and cutting width necessary to tackle the job efficiently, without the significant investment and storage requirements of a riding mower. The main benefit is control. You guide the machine, navigate around flower beds, trees, and other obstacles with precision. A quality walk-behind mower delivers a clean, uniform cut that promotes healthier grass growth, reduces weeds, and creates a lush, inviting landscape for your family to enjoy. It transforms a sprawling, unmanageable patch of green into a polished, professional-looking lawn.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a yard that’s too large for a small electric or push reel mower but doesn’t quite justify a full-blown tractor. You likely have varied terrain, perhaps some gentle slopes, and grass that can get thick and tough during peak growing seasons. You value the raw power and long runtime that a gas engine provides. However, a powerful gas mower might not be suitable for those with very small, postage-stamp-sized yards where a manual reel or compact electric mower would suffice and be easier to store. Likewise, individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform basic engine maintenance, like checking oil and adding fuel, might be better served by a battery-powered alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Engine Power & Reliability: The engine is the heart of any gas mower. Look for reputable brands like Briggs & Stratton (B&S) or Honda, which are known for reliability, easy starting, and longevity. The engine’s displacement, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), gives a rough indication of its power—a 140cc to 160cc engine is typically sufficient for most residential needs.
- Drive System & Deck Size: A self-propelled system is a back-saver, especially on larger or sloped lawns. Rear-wheel drive (RWD), like that on the PowerSmart model, generally offers better traction and control on hills compared to front-wheel drive (FWD). 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.
- Materials & Durability: The mower deck houses the blade and takes the most abuse. A steel deck is heavy and durable, built to withstand bumps and scrapes. Pay close attention to the wheels, handle assembly, and adjustment levers, as these are common points of failure. While plastic components can reduce weight, they often compromise long-term durability.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a single-lever height adjustment, which changes all four wheels at once, are huge time-savers. Also, consider the 3-in-1 functionality: bagging for a clean look, mulching to return nutrients to the soil, and side/rear discharge for when the grass is too tall or wet to bag effectively. Regular maintenance will involve oil changes, air filter cleaning, and blade sharpening.
Keeping these factors in mind, the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower stands out in several areas, particularly with its respected engine and versatile features. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
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:
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to...
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE B&S ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 140cc B&S engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance, and long-term durability—ideal for tough mowing jobs.
- Powerful & Easy-Start Gas Engine: Get going quickly with the reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine on this gas lawn mower. Features a convenient primer button for simplified cold starts, delivering...
First Impressions: A Promising Engine Bolted to a Budget Frame
Unboxing the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower was a straightforward affair. The main unit comes mostly assembled in a large, sturdy box. The primary task is unfolding and securing the handle, attaching the control cables, and setting up the grass collection bag. Total assembly time was under 15 minutes, requiring no specialized tools. The first thing that caught our eye was the engine: a genuine 140cc Briggs & Stratton EX550. Seeing that familiar B&S logo immediately instilled a sense of confidence in the mower’s core powertrain. It’s a name synonymous with reliability in the world of small engines. However, as we handled the mower, we noticed a stark contrast. While the 21-inch deck feels solid and is made of durable steel, many of the peripheral components—the wheel adjustment lever, the rear discharge flap, and parts of the handle assembly—are made of plastic that feels noticeably less robust. This dichotomy between the high-quality engine and the budget-conscious chassis would become a central theme of our evaluation.
What We Like
- Powerful and reliable 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily and provides consistent power.
- Effective rear-wheel self-propel system with large 10-inch rear wheels for excellent traction.
- Versatile 3-in-1 system (bag, mulch, rear discharge) handles various lawn conditions well.
- Wide 21-inch steel deck makes quick work of medium-to-large sized lawns.
Drawbacks
- Significant concerns with build quality, particularly plastic components like levers and flaps that are prone to breaking.
- Widespread reports of poor quality control, leading to units arriving damaged or assembled incorrectly from the factory.
A Deep Dive into the PowerSmart Mower’s Real-World Performance
A lawn mower’s worth is proven not on a spec sheet, but on thick, damp grass on a humid afternoon. Over several weeks, we put the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower through its paces on a variety of terrains, from flat suburban lots to gently sloping yards with thick patches of clover and fescue. We tested its bagging, mulching, and discharge capabilities to see if its performance lives up to the promise of its powertrain.
The Heart of the Machine: Briggs & Stratton Engine Performance
Let’s start with the undisputed highlight: the 140cc Briggs & Stratton EX550 engine. In a market flooded with generic, off-brand power plants, the inclusion of a B&S engine at this price point is a major selling point. Our experience mirrored that of many satisfied users. Out of the box, after adding the requisite oil and fresh gasoline, the mower roared to life on the very first pull. This wasn’t a fluke; subsequent cold starts were just as effortless, typically requiring no more than one or two gentle pulls of the starter cord. This reliability is a massive quality-of-life improvement for anyone who has battled a finicky old mower.
Once running, the engine provides a steady, confident stream of power. We never felt it bog down or struggle, even when we deliberately pushed it through a section of overgrown, slightly damp grass that hadn’t been cut in two weeks. This is where the engine’s torque truly shines. It provides the necessary muscle to keep the 21-inch blade spinning at optimal speed, which is critical for a clean cut rather than tearing the grass blades. One user noted, “the engine is strong and it does what it’s supposed to do,” and our testing wholeheartedly confirms this sentiment. It’s powerful enough to handle typical residential lawns with ease, and its performance gives the impression that it will be a reliable workhorse for seasons to come. If the engine were the sole criterion for judgment, this mower would be an easy recommendation.
Cutting Performance and 3-in-1 Versatility
A great engine is useless without an effective cutting system, and here the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower performs admirably. The 21-inch steel deck provides a wide cutting path that significantly reduces mowing time compared to smaller 17- or 19-inch models. The single-lever height adjustment system is, in theory, a fantastic convenience. With six positions ranging from a low 1.5 inches to a tall 3.9 inches, it allows for quick adaptation to different grass types and conditions. We could switch from a standard maintenance cut to a higher setting for a first spring mow in a matter of seconds.
We tested all three disposal modes. The bagging function worked well, with the 1.4-bushel bag filling up efficiently and attaching/detaching easily. It created a very clean, manicured look. The mulching function was also impressive. When we set the deck to a medium height on a dry lawn, it finely chopped the clippings and distributed them evenly without leaving clumps or trails. This was supported by one user’s comment that “Its mulching well it handle some tall grass fairly well.” For the toughest jobs, the rear discharge option prevents the deck from getting clogged, though it does leave the clippings in its wake. The quality of the cut itself was consistently sharp and even across the lawn, leaving behind a professional-looking finish. This mower proves it can deliver on its primary function of cutting grass effectively.
Self-Propelled Drive and Maneuverability
The self-propelled feature is what separates an easy mowing session from a grueling workout, and PowerSmart’s rear-wheel-drive system is a great asset. Engaging the drive bar on the handle propels the mower forward at a comfortable, fixed pace that’s well-suited for a brisk walk. The real advantage of RWD became apparent on slopes and uneven ground. The large, 10-inch rear wheels dig in and provide excellent traction, pulling the mower up inclines without slipping or requiring us to push. This makes a world of difference in user fatigue over the course of mowing a large yard.
Maneuvering around obstacles like trees and garden beds was relatively intuitive. By releasing the self-propel bar, the mower rolls freely, allowing for easy pull-backs and tight turns. The large rear wheels also help in navigating bumpy sections of the lawn smoothly. However, this is also where some quality control issues can surface. We read a report from one user whose mower was assembled incorrectly and went backward initially, while another had the self-propel cable snap after just four weeks. While our test unit performed flawlessly in this regard, these reports suggest that a thorough inspection of the drive belt and cables upon arrival is a prudent step for any buyer.
Build Quality: The Elephant in the Room
This is where our review must take a critical turn. Despite the stellar engine and solid cutting performance, the overall build quality and quality control of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower are its Achilles’ heel. Our initial impression of flimsy plastic parts was unfortunately validated by a significant number of user experiences. The most common complaint by far relates to parts being broken right out of the box. We saw numerous accounts of the plastic height control lever being snapped off during shipping, rendering a key feature useless before the first use. “Height control lever broken off. No damage to the shipping box at all,” one user wrote, pointing directly to a pre-shipment quality issue.
Other users reported the rear plastic flap breaking on the first day, the rubber handle grips tearing prematurely, and even the handle and controls detaching from the frame after a single use. Phrases like “pretty cheaply made” and “made to the absolute lowest price possible” are recurring themes. While our specific test model arrived intact, the sheer volume of these complaints cannot be ignored. It points to a systemic problem in either material choice, manufacturing processes, or shipping protection. While the steel deck and Briggs & Stratton engine form a solid core, they are surrounded by a shell of components that simply don’t match their quality. It’s a critical trade-off that potential buyers must be aware of: you get a premium engine for a budget price, but the cost-cutting is evident everywhere else on the machine. For those willing to handle potential warranty claims or minor repairs, the value might be there, but for those seeking a hassle-free, durable machine from top to bottom, this is a major red flag. You can weigh the risks and see the current pricing for yourself.
What Other Users Are Saying
Sifting through feedback from other owners provides a clear, if polarized, picture of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower. The positive sentiment almost universally centers on the engine and cutting power. One user happily stated, “It started up the very first time we used it. It cuts my grass to a perfection. I highly recommend this lawnmower.” Another called it a “nice little mower” that’s in the “goldilocks zone,” praising its ability to mulch and handle tall grass.
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses squarely on build quality and durability. A deeply disappointed buyer reported, “I think it’s pretty cheaply made. The little flap on the back…broke off the first day 4 Weeks Later the self-propelled cable snapped.” This experience is echoed by many who received units with broken parts, such as the height adjustment lever or plastic wheel base, often before it was ever used. The most alarming reports involve catastrophic failures, with one user claiming the “oil tank exploded out of nowhere” after a few months of proper use. This spectrum of experiences highlights the gamble: you might get a perfectly functional, powerful mower for a great price, or you could face a frustrating series of broken parts and quality control failures.
How Does the PowerSmart Compare to the Alternatives?
The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower offers a compelling value proposition with its B&S engine, but it exists in a competitive market. Understanding its alternatives is key to making the right choice for your specific needs, especially if you’re considering moving away from gas power or have different priorities.
1. Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 5.0Ah
- 40V 21” LAWN MOWER - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40V self-propelled lawn mower provides up to 45 minutes of run-time with fully charged 5.0Ah battery (varies...
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR / DURABLE STEEL DECK - This electric mower features a durable 21" deck, and a highly efficient brushless motor that provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST - 7 position height adjustment provides the best cut in all environments. 3-in-1 design offers rear bag, side discharge, and mulching capabilities
The Greenworks 40V model is a direct competitor in size and function but swaps the gas engine for a battery-powered electric motor. This is the ideal choice for someone who wants the power and convenience of a 21-inch self-propelled mower but wants to eliminate the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gas engine. It’s significantly quieter and requires no oil changes or fuel runs. The trade-off is runtime; while the 5.0Ah battery is robust, it’s finite and may require a recharge to finish very large lawns. If you prioritize environmental friendliness, low noise, and minimal maintenance over the unlimited runtime of gas, the Greenworks is a superior choice.
2. LawnMaster CLMF4819A 19-inch Brushless Cordless Mower
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,400 RPM of power and no gas or oil to maintain
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Powered by a 2 X 24V MAX* 4.0Ah lithium-ion batteries for up to 40 minutes of runtime while bag collects 15-gallons of grass clippings
- iPOWER TECHNOLOGY DISPLAY: Save energy and gain efficiencies while mowing your lawn with this intelligent and automatic power management system. Display indicates the cutting mode and battery level.
The LawnMaster is another excellent cordless alternative, aimed at those with small to medium-sized yards. Its 19-inch deck is slightly smaller than the PowerSmart’s, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces but requiring a few more passes on open lawn. Its key advantage is the efficient brushless motor powered by two 24V batteries, offering a good balance of power and runtime. This mower is for the homeowner who finds the 21-inch PowerSmart to be a bit of overkill and wants a lighter, more compact, and easier-to-store machine without the hassle of gas and oil. It’s a modern, convenient solution for standard suburban lots.
3. Fiskars 18″ Manual Reel Mower
- ECO-FRIENDLY PUSH LAWNMOWER: Manual reel lawn mower with 18" cut width; No gas, oil, charging, or cords required; 60% easier to push than other reel mowers and ideal for regular lawn maintenance
- BEST-IN-CLASS CUTTING PERFORMANCE: InertiaDrive Reel boasts twice the cutting power of standard reel mowers, while the StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade...
- SUPERIOR ERGONOMICS: Reversible grass chute can direct clippings away from your feet, making it easier to mow tough patches while limiting messiness; One-touch handle height adjustment enhances your...
The Fiskars reel mower represents a completely different philosophy of lawn care. It’s a purely mechanical, eco-friendly option with no engine at all. This mower is perfect for the owner of a small, relatively flat yard who enjoys the physical aspect of lawn care and desires a quiet, emission-free operation. The cut quality from a sharp reel mower is exceptionally clean, like scissors trimming the grass. It’s not suitable for large properties, thick weeds, or uneven terrain. However, for those who want simplicity, reliability, and a bit of exercise, the Fiskars is an outstanding, low-cost alternative that completely sidesteps the durability concerns associated with budget gas mowers.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Heart in a Fragile Body
The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a machine of contradictions. On one hand, it delivers exceptional value with its powerful, reliable, and easy-starting Briggs & Stratton engine, a component typically found on more expensive mowers. Combined with an effective self-propel system and a versatile 3-in-1 cutting deck, its core performance is genuinely impressive. It starts easily, cuts cleanly, and powers through tough grass without hesitation.
On the other hand, this powerful core is let down by a chassis built with budget-grade materials. The widespread issues with broken plastic levers, flaps, and other components—often arriving damaged in the box—are impossible to overlook. It’s a significant gamble on quality control. We would recommend this mower to a specific type of user: someone who is mechanically inclined, comfortable with the possibility of making small repairs or dealing with a warranty claim, and who prioritizes engine performance over all else. If you get a “good one,” you’ve secured a fantastic deal. For anyone seeking a trouble-free, durable, out-of-the-box experience, the risk of frustration may be too high.
If you’ve decided the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is the right fit for your needs and budget, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API