PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower with 144cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 2-in-1 with Mulch and Side-Discharge, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height (DV8621C) Review

Name: PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower with 144cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 2-in-1 with Mulch and Side-Discharge, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height (DV8621C)
Brand: PowerSmart
Price: 219.99 USD
Availability: InStock

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

★★★★½ 3.8/5 (14 reviews)

$219.99

Brand: PowerSmart

PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower with 144cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 2-in-1 with Mulch and Side-Discharge, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height (DV8621C)

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Overview

The PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower (DV8621C) is a budget-friendly, no-frills gas mower designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards—think a quarter-acre or less. It’s best suited for those who want the power of a gas engine without the premium price tag, and who are comfortable with a manual push mower (no self-propulsion) and basic maintenance like oil changes and spark plug checks.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners on a tight budget – At $219.99, this is one of the most affordable gas mowers on the market. If you need something that cuts grass reliably without breaking the bank, this is your entry point.
Small-lot owners (1/4 acre or less) – The 144cc engine and 21-inch deck are ideal for flat, manageable lawns. If you’re pushing it on a bigger yard, you’ll feel the workout.
DIYers who don’t mind basic maintenance – This mower requires oil changes, air filter cleaning, and fuel stabilization. If you’re the type who enjoys tinkering and saving money over electric alternatives, this fits.
Buyers wanting a lightweight gas mower – At roughly 50-55 pounds, it’s lighter than many competitors. If you need to lift it into a truck bed or store it in a tight shed, that matters.

Key Features Breakdown

144cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine – This is a small, air-cooled engine from PowerSmart’s in-house line. It starts reliably (after priming) and provides enough torque for typical grass up to 4-5 inches tall. It’s not a Honda or Briggs & Stratton, but it’s adequate for the price. No mixing oil and gas—just fill with regular unleaded.
21-Inch Steel Deck – A standard width for residential mowers. It’s stamped steel, not fabricated, so it’s durable enough for occasional bumps but not commercial-grade. The 21-inch cut means fewer passes than an 18-inch mower but slightly more than a 22-inch.
2-in-1 with Mulch and Side-Discharge – You can choose to mulch (fine clippings returned to lawn) or side-discharge (for taller grass). There’s no rear bagging option included, which is a notable omission. If you want to collect clippings, you’ll need to buy a separate bagger (not always available).
6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height – Range is roughly 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The lever is easy to reach and adjust without tools. This is good for seasonal changes or different grass types.
Manual Push (No Self-Propulsion) – This is a push mower. On flat ground, it’s fine. On hills or thick grass, you’ll work harder. The wheels are 8-inch front, 10-inch rear—smaller than some, which can make bumps feel rougher.
Single-Lever Height Adjustment – A single lever on the deck controls all four wheels simultaneously. It’s faster than adjusting each wheel individually, but the mechanism can feel a bit loose over time.

Pros

Price-to-performance ratio is excellent – For $220, you get a gas mower that starts and cuts. Comparable models from big brands cost $100-150 more.
Lightweight for a gas mower – At about 52 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and lift for storage. Great for older users or those with limited strength.
Simple, straightforward operation – No complex controls. Prime, pull, and go. The 144cc engine fires up within 1-2 pulls when cold, once you learn the choke.
Mulching performance is solid – In dry grass under 4 inches, the mulching leaves fine clippings that disappear into the lawn. No clumping.
Easy to store and transport – The handle folds down without tools, so it fits in a car trunk or small shed corner.
Fuel-efficient – The small engine sips gas. A full tank (about 0.5 gallons) can handle a 1/4-acre lawn with juice to spare.

Cons

No rear bagging option included – You can only mulch or side-discharge out of the box. If you want to collect clippings, you’re stuck buying an add-on that may be hard to find.
Engine can be finicky with cold starts – Some users report needing 3-5 pulls when the engine is cold, especially if the carburetor isn’t fully primed. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s not as reliable as a Honda.
Cut quality suffers in tall, wet grass – The 144cc engine bogs down easily in thick or damp conditions. You’ll need to take smaller passes or let the grass dry first.
Deck build quality is average – The stamped steel deck is prone to rust if you don’t clean it after use. Also, the height adjustment lever can feel flimsy after a season.
No washout port – Cleaning the underside requires tipping the mower (carefully) or using a scraper. It’s a minor hassle.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart DV8621C is a solid value for the money—a functional, lightweight gas mower that handles small, flat lawns without complaint. It’s not built for heavy duty, steep hills, or perfectionists who want bagging, but for $220, it cuts grass reliably and stores easily. If you need a cheap gas mower for a quarter-acre or less and you’re okay with basic maintenance, this is a smart buy. Skip it if you want self-propulsion, bagging, or a premium engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower come with a bag for collecting clippings?
A: No, the DV8621C includes only a mulching plug and a side-discharge chute. A rear bagger is sold separately, but availability varies. If bagging is essential, look at a model that includes it.

Q: How do I change the oil?
A: The engine has a drain plug on the bottom. Tip the mower (with the air filter side up) or use a siphon pump. Use SAE 30 weight oil; capacity is about 15 ounces. Change after the first 5 hours, then annually.

Q: Can this mower handle thick St. Augustine or Bermuda grass?
A: It can, but only if you keep the grass short (under 3 inches) and mow when dry. The 144cc engine lacks the torque of larger engines, so it will struggle in thick, wet conditions. Take narrow passes and raise the deck height.

How It Compares

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower (DV8621C) and the Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart.

Quick Verdict

The Gorilla Carts dump cart wins overall because it is a highly-rated, practical utility tool for moving heavy loads, whereas the PowerSmart mower is a budget gas mower with mixed early reviews and limited features.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	PowerSmart Mower (A)	Gorilla Carts Dump Cart (B)
Price	$219.99	$205.99
Power Source	144cc Gas Engine	Manual (Towable)
Cutting Width	21 inches	N/A (Hauls, doesn’t cut)
Self-Propelled?	No (Push)	No (Tow behind vehicle/lawn tractor)
Best Yard Size	¼ acre or less	Any size (requires a towing vehicle)
Warranty	Limited (check manufacturer)	Limited (check manufacturer)

Note: These are two completely different product categories. The comparison highlights their intended use.

Where PowerSmart Wins

Lawn Cutting Capability: The PowerSmart is a functional push mower. It uses a 144cc OHV engine to cut grass up to 21 inches wide, with 6 height adjustments (typically 1.25" to 3.75"). It is the only one here that actually mows.
Mulching & Side-Discharge: It offers a 2-in-1 system, allowing you to either mulch clippings for lawn nutrition or side-discharge for taller grass. This gives basic flexibility for lawn care.
No Towing Vehicle Needed: This mower operates entirely on its own. You don’t need a tractor, ATV, or UTV to use it. It is a standalone tool for small yards.

Where Gorilla Carts Wins

Massive Utility & Hauling Capacity: The Gorilla Carts model is a heavy-duty dump cart with a 1,200 lb. payload capacity and a 6 cubic foot tub. It can move soil, stone, firewood, or garden waste that would take dozens of trips with a small mower bag.
Unmatched Customer Satisfaction: With a 4.7/5 rating from over 30,488 reviews, this cart is a proven, beloved tool. The PowerSmart mower has a 3.8/5 rating from only 14 reviews, suggesting potential quality or performance issues.
Quick-Release Dumping & Pneumatic Tires: The cart features a lever-operated quick-release dump mechanism for easy unloading. Its pneumatic tires provide smooth rolling over rough terrain, unlike the fixed wheels on a budget push mower.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (PowerSmart) if: You need the cheapest possible gas-powered push mower for a very small, flat lawn (under ¼ acre). You are comfortable with a low-rated, basic mower that offers minimal features (no self-propulsion, no electric start) and accept the risk of a new product with few reviews. This is only for cutting grass.

Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts) if: You already own a lawn tractor, ATV, or riding mower and need a rugged, highly-rated workhorse to haul heavy loads (dirt, mulch, debris) around your property. This is for landscaping, gardening, and heavy-duty yard work. Its massive payload and proven reliability make it a far better value for most homeowners.

Buy Neither if: You want a reliable, feature-rich mower for a medium-to-large lawn. The PowerSmart is too basic and unproven. The Gorilla Cart does not mow. Instead, look for a self-propelled gas mower from Honda or Toro, or a tow-behind finish mower for a tractor.

Quick Verdict

The American Lawn Mower Company 1815-18 wins for most buyers due to its superior reliability, near-zero maintenance, and overwhelmingly positive user feedback at a lower price—but the PowerSmart is the better choice if you need to handle thick, overgrown grass or a large yard without electric cords.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	PowerSmart DV8621C	American Lawn Mower 1815-18
Price	$219.99	$141.98
Power Source	144cc gas engine	Manual (push reel)
Cutting Width	21 inches	18 inches
Self-Propelled	No	No
Best Yard Size	Up to 1/3 acre	Up to 1/4 acre
Warranty	2-year limited	2-year limited

Where PowerSmart Wins

1. Handles thick, tall, or wet grass. The 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine delivers enough torque to power through overgrown lawns, weeds, and damp conditions that would stall a reel mower. If you let your grass get tall between cuts, the PowerSmart won’t clog or require multiple passes.

2. Faster cutting on larger lawns. With a 21-inch cutting deck and a gas engine, you can cover more ground per minute than an 18-inch manual reel mower. For a yard approaching 1/3 acre, the PowerSmart cuts mowing time by roughly 30% compared to the American Lawn Mower.

3. Adjustable height and debris management. Six cutting height positions (likely 1–3.5 inches) let you adapt to different grass types and seasons. The 2-in-1 design (mulch or side-discharge) handles leaves and clippings without bagging—useful if you don’t want to rake.

Where American Lawn Mower Wins

1. Zero operating costs and maintenance. No gas, oil, spark plugs, air filters, or carburetor cleaning. The reel mower never needs fuel, and its blades only require occasional sharpening (every 2–3 seasons). Total lifetime cost is dramatically lower—likely under $50 in upkeep over 10 years.

2. Quieter, cleaner, and safer. At roughly 65 dB (like a conversation), the reel mower is whisper-quiet compared to a gas engine’s 90+ dB. No exhaust fumes, no spilled gas, and no risk of starting with a pull cord. Ideal for early morning or noise-sensitive neighborhoods.

3. Proven reliability with 22,498 reviews. The American Lawn Mower has a 4.3-star average from over 22,000 ratings—one of the highest-reviewed lawn tools on the market. Owners consistently praise its durability, ease of use, and consistent cut quality on well-maintained grass. The PowerSmart has only 14 reviews and a 3.8 average, suggesting lower build quality or limited user experience.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (PowerSmart) if: You have a 1/4- to 1/3-acre yard with thick, fast-growing grass, occasional weeds, or periods where you can’t mow weekly. The gas engine’s raw power and 21-inch width make it the only viable choice for tough conditions—just be prepared for fuel mixing, annual oil changes, and noise.

Buy Mower B (American Lawn Mower) if: You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) with typical fescue or Bermuda grass that you cut regularly. The reel mower excels for homeowners who want a lightweight, silent, eco-friendly tool that never needs a gas can. Its 22,000+ reviews confirm it’s a “set it and forget it” purchase.

Consider neither if: Your yard exceeds 1/3 acre or has steep slopes—look for a self-propelled gas mower. If you want electric convenience, a corded or battery mower (like a Greenworks or Ego) might better balance power and low maintenance than either of these options.