131cc Gas Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive, 18 Inch Cutting Width, 50L Grass Bag, 3-in-1 Mulching/Side Discharge/Rear-Bagging, Lightweight Push-Button Start Mower for Thick Slopes Red Review

Overview

The Rear-Wheel 131cc Gas Lawn Mower is an ultra-budget-friendly self-propelled mower aimed at homeowners with small, sloped, or uneven lawns who need rear-wheel drive for traction but don’t want to spend over $500. At $132.97, it’s one of the cheapest gas self-propelled mowers on the market, but its rock-bottom price comes with significant trade-offs in reliability and build quality. This mower is best for thrifty buyers who are handy with small engines and willing to gamble on a low-cost machine for a season or two.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with steep or sloped lawns – The rear-wheel drive and 18-inch cutting width make it easier to maneuver on inclines without losing traction, ideal for yards where push mowers struggle.
• Budget-first buyers under $150 – If you absolutely cannot spend more than $150 and need a gas self-propelled mower, this is one of the few options available.
• DIY mechanics comfortable with tinkering – Given the 2.6-star average rating, expect potential issues like hard starting or carburetor problems. If you’re willing to clean the carb or adjust the throttle cable yourself, you can save money.
• Small lots under 1/4 acre – The 18-inch deck and 50L bag are fine for tiny lawns, but larger yards will mean frequent emptying and longer mowing times.

Key Features Breakdown

131cc Gas Engine – A standard displacement for budget mowers, providing enough power for thick grass on small lawns. However, engine quality varies widely at this price point; some units may struggle with tall, damp grass or stall on dense patches.

Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive – Rear-wheel drive is a genuine advantage on slopes, as it pushes the mower uphill rather than pulling it. This model uses a simple single-speed system (no variable speed control), so you’re locked into one pace.

18-Inch Cutting Width – Narrower than the typical 21-inch deck, this makes the mower more agile in tight spaces and around flower beds, but it also means more passes to cover the same area. Expect 30–40% more mowing time versus a standard deck.

50L Grass Bag – A decent-sized bag for an 18-inch mower, but the bag attachment can be finicky. Some users report the bag doesn’t seal well, leading to clippings blowing out the sides.

3-in-1 Mulching / Side Discharge / Rear-Bagging – Standard versatility, but the mulching performance is mediocre at best. The fixed blade and shallow deck design don’t chop clippings finely, so you’ll likely rely on bagging or side discharge for a clean cut.

Push-Button Start – A rare convenience at this price. Instead of yanking a rope, you press a button to start—great for anyone with arm or shoulder issues. However, the battery-powered starter adds a point of failure: if the battery dies or the starter motor fails, you’re stuck.

Lightweight Design – At roughly 60–65 lbs, this mower is easy to push (when the self-propel works) and lift into a truck bed or shed. The trade-off is a less durable frame and thinner steel deck that may dent or rust faster.

Pros

1. Unbeatable price for a self-propelled gas mower – You won’t find a new rear-wheel-drive mower cheaper than this anywhere.
2. Push-button start is genuinely convenient – No pull-start frustration, especially for older users or those with limited grip strength.
3. Rear-wheel drive helps on slopes – Better traction than front-wheel drive on hills, making it a practical choice for uneven terrain.
4. Lightweight and easy to maneuver – The 18-inch deck and low weight make it simple to turn in tight corners and navigate around obstacles.
5. 3-in-1 versatility – You can bag, mulch, or side discharge depending on grass conditions and preferences.
6. Compact footprint for storage – Takes up less space in a garage or shed than a 21-inch mower.

Cons

1. Very poor reliability based on owner feedback – With a 2.6-star average, many buyers report the mower dying within one season, hard starting, or the self-propel failing quickly.
2. Cheap build quality – The deck is thin steel that can bend or rust, the plastic wheels feel flimsy, and the handlebars wobble during use.
3. Single-speed self-propel is too fast or too slow – No variable speed control means you’re stuck with one pace, which often feels either too fast for tight turns or too slow for flat straights.
4. Mediocre cut quality – The blade and deck design leave uneven clippings, especially in thick grass. You’ll need to overlap passes significantly to avoid streaks.

Bottom Line

The Rear-Wheel 131cc Mower is a textbook example of “you get what you pay for.” At $132.97, it’s the cheapest self-propelled gas mower you can buy, and the push-button start and rear-wheel drive are genuinely useful features for sloped, small lawns. However, the 2.6-star rating and widespread complaints about durability, poor cut quality, and finicky starting make it a high-risk purchase. I’d only recommend this to budget-conscious buyers who are comfortable with basic engine repairs and expect to replace it within 1–2 years. For everyone else, spending $250–$350 on a Honda, Toro, or Craftsman will save you headaches and deliver a cleaner cut season after season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the push-button start require a battery, and how long does it last?
A: Yes, it uses a small rechargeable battery for the electric starter. On a full charge, it should last for 10–15 starts. The battery charges while the engine runs, but if you store the mower for months without use, the battery may drain and need a manual recharge via the included charger.

Q: Can I use this mower on thick, tall grass?
A: It can handle moderately thick grass, but the 131cc engine and narrow blade struggle with very tall or wet grass. You may need to raise the cutting height and take multiple passes to avoid stalling. For overgrown lawns, consider a mower with at least 140cc or a wider deck.

Q: Is the self-propel speed adjustable?
A: No. This model has a single fixed speed. You engage the self-propel with a lever, and it moves at one pace—about 3 mph. This can feel too fast for detailed trimming or too slow for open stretches. There is no speed control dial.