AMERISUN Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc OHV Engine with Forced Air Cooling, 21" Steel Deck, 3-in-1 Mulching/Bagging/Side Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights, 1.4-Bushel Grass Catcher, Self-Propelled Review

Name: AMERISUN Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc OHV Engine with Forced Air Cooling, 21" Steel Deck, 3-in-1 Mulching/Bagging/Side Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights, 1.4-Bushel Grass Catcher, Self-Propelled
Brand: AMERISUN
Price: 323.03 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★ 3.3/5 (44 reviews)

$323.03

Brand: AMERISUN

AMERISUN Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc OHV Engine with Forced Air Cooling, 21" Steel Deck, 3-in-1 Mulching/Bagging/Side Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights, 1.4-Bushel Grass Catcher, Self-Propelled

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Overview

The AMERISUN 170cc self-propelled gas mower is a budget-friendly option for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who want the power of gas without the premium price tag. It’s designed for practical, no-frills lawn care—think first-time gas mower buyers, DIYers on a tight budget, or anyone upgrading from a push reel or electric model. With a 21-inch steel deck and 3-in-1 capability, it aims to handle typical suburban lawns without breaking the bank.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots – The 170cc engine and 21-inch deck are well-matched for flat or gently sloping lawns of this size. You’ll finish in under an hour without feeling overmatched.
First-time gas mower buyers – If you’re moving from an electric or manual reel mower, this is an affordable entry point. The self-propelled drive reduces effort, and the controls are straightforward.
Budget-conscious shoppers – At just over $300, this mower undercuts most self-propelled gas competitors. If you need gas power but can’t justify $400+, this is a realistic option.
Homeowners who prioritize mulching – The 3-in-1 system includes a dedicated mulching plug, and the engine’s torque handles leaves and clippings well for nutrient recycling.

Key Features Breakdown

170cc OHV Engine with Forced Air Cooling – The overhead valve design improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions compared to older side-valve engines. Forced air cooling helps the engine run cooler during long mows, which extends life. Expect reliable starts if you follow the break-in procedure.
21-Inch Steel Deck – Steel is heavier than aluminum but more durable against rocks and stumps. The 21-inch width is a sweet spot for maneuverability in tight spots while still covering ground efficiently. It’s not the thickest gauge, so treat it gently.
3-in-1 Mulching/Bagging/Side Discharge – The mulching plug is included, which is rare at this price. Switching between modes requires no tools—just lift the deck and swap. The side discharge works well for tall, wet grass you don’t want to bag.
6 Cutting Heights – Adjustable via a single lever on each wheel (4 levers total). Range runs from about 1.5 to 3.5 inches. It’s a manual process (no single-lever adjust), but common for this price tier.
1.4-Bushel Grass Catcher – That’s roughly 1.5 cubic feet. It’s small—expect to empty it every 5-10 minutes on a typical lawn. The bag attaches with a simple hook system, and it’s canvas-like material that can get dusty.
Self-Propelled – Front-wheel drive with a single-speed cable engagement. It pulls you along on flat ground, but you’ll still need to push on slopes or thick grass. No variable speed control, so it’s either on or off.

Pros

Excellent value for a self-propelled gas mower – At $323, it’s one of the cheapest self-propelled options with a 170cc engine. Comparable models from big brands cost $100+ more.
Reliable OHV engine – Starts easily after the first few uses, and the forced air cooling prevents overheating during summer mows. Fuel-efficient for a small engine.
Decent mulching performance – The deck design and engine torque chop clippings finely. On dry grass, you can mulch without leaving clumps.
Simple, tool-free mode switching – Changing from mulching to bagging to side discharge takes seconds. No wrenches needed, which is a real time-saver.
Lightweight and maneuverable – At around 65 pounds, it’s easy to push (even when self-propelled is off) and lift into a shed or truck bed.
Steel deck holds up to normal use – It’s not heavy-duty, but for a suburban lawn without hidden obstacles, it’ll last several seasons with proper storage.

Cons

Build quality feels budget – The plastic wheels, thin steel, and low-cost fasteners are noticeable. The self-propelled cable can bind or need adjustment after a few uses.
Single-speed self-propelled is limited – No variable speed means you’re stuck at one pace. On thick grass, it may stall or you’ll have to push manually.
Small grass bag – 1.4 bushels means constant stops. On a 1/4-acre lawn with thick grass, you’ll empty it 4-6 times per mow. Upgrade to a larger bag if possible.
Height adjustment is tedious – Four separate levers (one per wheel) mean you’re bending down for each one. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s annoying if you change heights frequently.

Bottom Line

The AMERISUN 170cc self-propelled mower is a solid choice for budget-minded homeowners with flat, small-to-medium lawns who don’t mind a few compromises. It mulches well, starts reliably, and offers genuine self-propelled convenience at a price that undercuts most competitors. However, the cheap build, tiny grass bag, and single-speed drive mean it’s not for everyone—if you have a hilly yard, thick St. Augustine grass, or want a mower that feels premium, spend more. For the price, it’s a capable workhorse, not a luxury machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the engine last with regular maintenance? With oil changes every 25 hours, clean air filters, and fresh fuel, owners report 3-5 years of seasonal use (about 100-150 hours total). The OHV design helps, but the engine isn’t commercial-grade. Expect it to match the mower’s lifespan.

Can I use this on thick, wet grass? Yes, but with caveats. The self-propelled drive struggles on wet slopes, and the bag clogs quickly with damp clippings. Use side discharge for wet grass, or mulch in dry conditions only. The engine has enough torque for tall grass if you take light passes.

Is the self-propelled drive reliable? It’s adequate for flat lawns but not robust. The cable can stretch, and the front-wheel drive loses traction on hills. Some owners report the drive disengaging after a season. Keep the cable lubricated and expect to adjust it annually. For completely flat yards, it works fine.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the two products you listed. Please note: These are not competing products. The AMERISUN is a gas-powered lawn mower, while the Gorilla Carts product is a tow-behind dump cart. A direct comparison is therefore impossible in the traditional sense. This analysis will treat them as alternative uses of a similar budget.

Quick Verdict

If you need to actually cut grass, buy the AMERISUN; if you need to haul heavy loads (mulch, dirt, debris) behind a tractor, buy the Gorilla Cart.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	AMERISUN Gas Lawn Mower	Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart
Price	$323.03	$205.99
Primary Function	Cutting grass	Hauling materials
Power Source	170cc Gas Engine	Manual (tow behind vehicle)
Cutting Width	21 inches	N/A
Self-Propelled	Yes	No (it is towed)
Best Yard Size	¼ – ½ acre	N/A (depends on tractor size)
Warranty	Not listed (assume limited)	Not listed (assume limited)

Where AMERISUN Wins

Primary Function – Cutting Grass: The AMERISUN is a complete lawn mower. It has a 170cc engine, a 21-inch steel deck, and a self-propelled drive system. The Gorilla Cart cannot cut a single blade of grass. If you need a mower, the AMERISUN is the only choice here.
Self-Propelled Convenience: The AMERISUN is self-propelled, meaning it moves forward under its own power. This is a significant advantage on slopes or for larger yards, reducing user fatigue. The Gorilla Cart requires a separate towing vehicle (lawn tractor, ATV) to move.
3-in-1 Versatility for Grass: The AMERISUN offers mulching, bagging, and side discharge. This allows you to manage grass clippings based on your lawn’s needs (mulch for fertilizer, bag for clean-up). The Gorilla Cart has no grass management capability.

Where Gorilla Wins

Hauling Capacity: The Gorilla Cart has a massive 1,200 lb haul capacity and a 6-cubic-foot tub. It can carry multiple bags of soil, mulch, stone, or heavy garden waste. The AMERISUN’s 1.4-bushel grass catcher is tiny in comparison (roughly 1.7 cubic feet vs. 6 cubic feet).
Dump Function: The Gorilla Cart features a quick-release dumping mechanism. You can pull a lever to tilt the tub and empty heavy loads (dirt, rocks) without lifting. The AMERISUN’s bag must be manually lifted and emptied.
User Ratings & Reliability: The Gorilla Cart has a 4.7/5 rating from over 30,000 reviews, indicating a highly reliable, proven product. The AMERISUN has a 3.3/5 rating from only 44 reviews, suggesting potential quality or performance issues (common with budget gas mowers).

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (AMERISUN) if: You need a gas-powered lawn mower to cut your grass. You have a yard of ¼ to ½ acre and want the convenience of self-propulsion. You are willing to accept the risk of a lower-rated, less-reviewed product to save money on a mower with a 21-inch cutting deck and 3-in-1 capability.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Cart) if: You already own a riding lawn mower, garden tractor, or ATV, and your primary need is moving heavy materials (soil, mulch, stone, firewood, garden waste) around your property. You value the high user rating, durability, and the easy-dump feature. This is the better value if you don’t need a mower.
Buy Neither if: You need a lawn mower but want a reliable, well-reviewed model. The AMERISUN’s low rating is a red flag. In that case, look for a comparable self-propelled mower from brands like Honda, Toro, or Craftsman with 4.0+ star ratings. Conversely, if you need a mower and a cart, buy a reliable mower first and the cart later.

Quick Verdict

If you need to tackle a large, hilly lawn with heavy grass and don’t mind noise and maintenance, the AMERISUN wins on raw power; for the vast majority of homeowners with small to medium flat yards who want convenience, quiet operation, and proven reliability, the Greenworks 40V is the clear overall winner.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	AMERISUN Gas	Greenworks 40V Cordless
Price	$323.03	$249.99
Power Source	170cc Gas (OHV engine)	40V Lithium-Ion (4.0Ah battery)
Cutting Width	21 inches	16 inches
Self-Propelled	Yes	No (Push)
Best Yard Size	1/3 to 1/2 acre	Up to 1/3 acre
Warranty	Not specified (likely 1-2 years)	4 years (tool) / 2 years (battery)

Where AMERISUN Wins

1. Superior Cutting Power for Tough Conditions The 170cc OHV engine with forced air cooling delivers substantially more torque than any cordless mower. If your grass is thick, wet, or overgrown, the AMERISUN will power through without bogging down. The 21-inch steel deck also covers 31% more ground per pass than the 16-inch Greenworks.

2. Self-Propelled Drive for Hills and Large Lawns Self-propulsion is a game-changer on slopes or for anyone with a yard over 1/4 acre. The AMERISUN does the pushing for you, reducing fatigue significantly compared to the Greenworks, which requires you to push the entire 35+ lb unit manually.

3. Longer Runtime Without Recharging Gas mowers run as long as you have fuel. For yards approaching 1/2 acre, the AMERISUN will finish the job without needing a battery swap or recharge break. The Greenworks’ single 4.0Ah battery typically lasts 30-45 minutes on thick grass, which may not be enough for larger lawns.

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Proven Reliability and Customer Satisfaction With 11,946 reviews and a 4.2-star rating versus the AMERISUN’s 44 reviews at 3.3 stars, the Greenworks has been tested by thousands of real owners. The 3.3 rating suggests potential quality control or durability issues with the AMERISUN.

2. Instant Push-Button Start with Zero Maintenance No gas, no oil, no pull-cords, no carburetor cleaning, no stale fuel problems. The Greenworks starts instantly with a button press. Over the mower’s lifetime, you’ll save $50-100/year on fuel, oil, spark plugs, and tune-ups.

3. Quieter, Lighter, and More Maneuverable At roughly 35 lbs (with battery), the Greenworks is significantly lighter than the 55-65 lb AMERISUN. It’s quiet enough to mow early morning without disturbing neighbors, and the smaller 16-inch deck makes it easier to navigate tight flower beds, gates, and uneven terrain.

4. Better Value and Warranty At $249.99, the Greenworks costs $73 less than the AMERISUN. It also includes a 4-year tool warranty compared to the AMERISUN’s unspecified (likely shorter) coverage. The battery system is compatible with 75+ other Greenworks 40V tools, adding long-term value.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (AMERISUN) if:

Your lawn is over 1/3 acre, has significant slopes, or you regularly deal with thick, wet, or neglected grass that would stall a cordless mower.
You don’t mind the noise, fumes, and ongoing maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, fuel stabilizer) and want a single machine that can handle the toughest conditions without runtime anxiety.

Buy Mower B (Greenworks) if:

You have a small to medium flat yard (up to 1/3 acre) and value convenience above all else—instant start, no maintenance, and quiet operation.
You’re on a tighter budget, want proven reliability from thousands of reviews, and appreciate a 4-year warranty and the ability to use the same battery in leaf blowers, trimmers, and other tools.

Buy Neither if:

Your yard is exactly 1/3 acre with moderate slopes. In that case, consider a self-propelled cordless mower (like Greenworks’ own 21-inch self-propelled model for ~$400) that combines the best of both worlds: electric convenience with the pushing power you need.