VerdictAI
#7 in Best Gas Lawn Mowers

PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 170cc OHV Engine | Rear-Wheel Drive for Slopes | 3-in-1 Bag, Mulch & Discharge | 6…

PowerSmart · 3 more picks

Best for

Best for hills

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.0(119)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreFair
66/ 100

Based on 1 trusted source

Current price

$275.49

Check Price

Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read

PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 170cc OHV Engine | Rear-Wheel Drive for Slopes | 3-in-1 Bag, Mulch & Discharge | 6…

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, the PowerSmart 21-inch rear-wheel-drive is the slope-oriented pick, since reviewers consistently favor RWD over front-wheel drive on inclines for traction. The Home Depot listing touts the 170cc OHV engine and all-steel deck, and r/lawnmowers owners report it 'runs and cuts very well' and 'starts on the first pull 99 percent of the time,' with one noting the self-propel is 'really fast, almost too fast to keep up with.' The disagreement here is the most pronounced of any pick. A summarized Facebook group thread says 'most commenters strongly advise against Power Smart, citing poor quality and reliability issues,' and community members on r/lawnmowers describe PowerSmart units as cheap and low-end.

What reviewers liked

  • Rear-wheel drive reviewers prefer for traction on slopes
  • r/lawnmowers owners report near-100% first-pull starts
  • 170cc engine and steel deck at a budget price

Where it falls short

  • A Facebook group thread strongly advises against PowerSmart on reliability
  • Self-propel described as too fast to keep up with
  • Modest review volume and no independent testing in our data

More from PowerSmart

See all PowerSmart picks →

Embed our score

Sell this product? Show off the rank.

Free badge for the brand, retailer, or anyone covering this product. Copy the snippet and paste it anywhere HTML works. Updates automatically when the ranking changes.

VerdictAI score badge for PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 170cc OHV…

Includes a credit link back to this page. No tracking; no JavaScript.

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, the PowerSmart 21-inch rear-wheel-drive is the slope-oriented pick, since reviewers consistently favor RWD over front-wheel drive on inclines for traction. The Home Depot listing touts the 170cc OHV engine and all-steel deck, and r/lawnmowers owners report it 'runs and cuts very well' and 'starts on the first pull 99 percent of the time,' with one noting the self-propel is 'really fast, almost too fast to keep up with.'

The disagreement here is the most pronounced of any pick. A summarized Facebook group thread says 'most commenters strongly advise against Power Smart, citing poor quality and reliability issues,' and community members on r/lawnmowers describe PowerSmart units as cheap and low-end. There's no independent lab data, and the rating base is modest at 4.0 across roughly 119 ratings. For a budget RWD mower aimed at sloped yards the upside is real, but the reliability concerns are equally well documented—so buyers should weigh both honestly.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Powered By A Reliable Ohv Engine
Equipped with a powerful 170cc OHV 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.
6-Position Height Adjustment
Quickly adjust the cutting height from 1.5"" to 3.9"" with a single lever to match grass length, season, or preferred lawn look.
Self-Propelled With Large Rear Wheels
Rear-wheel drive and 10"" large rear wheels offer excellent traction and maneuverability on slopes or uneven terrain.

What customers say

2 verified voices
It runs surprisingly well. Has plenty of power, for now. It's light which was great because it's been raining and this was the driest day so far.
Supportingvia r/lawnmowers
Power Smart 21" self propelled model through Walmart. Price was reduced to right around $200. It runs and cuts very well. Easy to start if ...
Supportingvia r/lawnmowers

Trust tier reflects our editorial assessment of the source, not the individual quote. Hover for the rationale. See how we tier sources →

Video review

0 views

PowerSmart 21” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review” · 140cc B&S ...

If the consensus convinced you

Check current price on Amazon

Pricing and availability change frequently. Tap through to confirm before buying.