PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 3-in-1 Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights Review

★★★★ 4.3/5 (517 reviews)
$359.99
Brand: PowerSmart
PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine, 3-in-1 Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge, 6 Cutting Heights
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Overview

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly workhorse designed for homeowners who want the power of gas without the premium price tag. Powered by a 170cc OHV engine and featuring a reliable front-wheel-drive self-propulsion system, this mower is best suited for flat to moderately sloped lawns up to about 1/3 acre. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize value and are comfortable with a no-frills machine that gets the job done.

Who Should Buy This

  • The first-time gas mower owner on a budget: If you’re transitioning from a corded electric or manual reel mower and want gas power without spending over $500, this is a smart entry point. It’s simple to operate and maintain.

  • Homeowners with flat, small-to-medium lawns (1/4 to 1/3 acre): The 22-inch deck and 170cc engine are a perfect match for these yard sizes. You’ll finish quickly without feeling underpowered.

  • DIYers who don’t mind basic assembly and maintenance: This mower comes mostly assembled, but you’ll need to attach the handle and install the battery for the electric start. If you’re handy with a wrench and oil change, this is a great value.

  • Buyers who want a 3-in-1 mower without paying for premium features: If you need mulching, bagging, and side discharge but don’t care about fancy speed controls or high-end brand names, PowerSmart delivers the essentials.

Key Features Breakdown

170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine: This engine is built for torque and fuel efficiency. It starts reliably (especially with the electric start option) and handles thick grass without bogging down. It’s not a Honda or Briggs & Stratton, but for the price, it punches above its weight. Expect easy cold starts and decent fuel economy.

22-Inch Steel Deck: A 22-inch deck is the sweet spot for maneuverability and cutting speed. It’s narrow enough to fit through standard gates but wide enough to cover a 1/4-acre lawn in about 30 minutes. The steel construction is durable, though it will rust if left out in the rain without cleaning.

Front-Wheel Drive Self-Propelled: This system pulls the mower forward, which works well on flat ground but struggles on steep inclines (rear-wheel drive would be better for hills). The single-speed drive is simple—just squeeze the bar and go—but lacks variable speed control, so you’ll adapt to the mower’s pace.

6 Cutting Heights (1.25" to 3.75"): The lever-adjust height system is easy to use and offers enough range for most warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia) and cool-season types (Fescue, Kentucky Blue). The lowest setting is aggressive for scalping, while the highest is good for tall grass.

3-in-1 Cutting System (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge): The mulching plug and side discharge chute are included, but you’ll need to buy a separate grass catcher bag if you want to bag. The mulching performance is decent for dry grass, but wet or thick clippings may clump.

Electric Start (with battery included): This is a standout feature at this price point. No pull-cord frustration—just press a button and go. The battery charges via a standard wall outlet and lasts for several starts. Keep it indoors during winter to extend battery life.

Foldable Handle for Storage: The handle folds down without tools, making it easy to store in a garage corner or shed. It’s a nice convenience feature that many budget mowers lack.

Pros

  1. Excellent value for the price – At $360, you get electric start, self-propulsion, and a 170cc engine. Comparable mowers from big brands cost $100–$200 more.
  2. Electric start is a game-changer – No pulling cords, especially for anyone with shoulder issues or arthritis. The battery holds a charge well.
  3. Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At around 65 pounds, this mower is easy to push when the self-propulsion isn’t engaged. It’s one of the lighter gas self-propelled models.
  4. Decent cut quality on flat lawns – The blade is sharp from the factory, and the deck design gives a clean, even cut on level terrain. Mulching is effective in dry conditions.
  5. Simple maintenance – The air filter, spark plug, and oil drain are all easy to access. No complex carburetor adjustments needed.
  6. Foldable handle for compact storage – Takes up minimal space compared to fixed-handle mowers.

Cons

  1. Front-wheel drive struggles on hills – If your lawn has any significant slope, the front wheels will lose traction and the mower may drift. Rear-wheel drive is far better for inclines.
  2. Single-speed self-propulsion – There’s no variable speed control, so you’re stuck at one pace. It’s a bit fast for some and slow for others. You’ll get used to it, but it’s not ideal.
  3. Bag not included – You have to buy the grass catcher separately (about $40–$50). For a mower marketed as 3-in-1, this is a notable omission.
  4. Build quality feels budget – The plastic wheels and thin steel deck won’t survive years of abuse like a Honda or Toro. Expect 3–5 seasons with proper care, not a decade.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a fantastic value for homeowners with flat, small-to-medium lawns who want electric-start convenience and gas power without breaking the bank. It’s not built for steep hills or heavy-duty commercial use, and you’ll need to buy the bag separately, but for its price point, it delivers reliable starting, decent cut quality, and easy storage. If you’re on a budget and your yard is mostly flat, this mower will serve you well for several seasons. For hilly terrain or a need for premium durability, spend more on a rear-wheel-drive model from a top-tier brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mower come fully assembled, or will I need tools?
It comes mostly assembled in the box. You’ll need to attach the upper handle (two bolts, no tools required) and install the battery for the electric start. A basic socket set is helpful for tightening the handle bolts, but it’s a 15-minute job.

Can I use this mower on a sloped lawn?
It works on gentle slopes (under 10 degrees), but the front-wheel drive loses traction on steeper hills. For anything beyond a mild incline, you’ll need to push manually or look for a rear-wheel-drive mower. Avoid using it on very steep banks.

**How do I maintain the battery for the electric start?

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks 40V wins for most homeowners due to its lower price, push-button ease, and massive user satisfaction, but the PowerSmart is the better choice for larger, uneven, or gas-preferred yards.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature PowerSmart A Greenworks B
Price $359.99 $249.99
Power Source Gas (170cc OHV engine) 40V lithium-ion battery (4.0Ah)
Cutting Width 22 inches 16 inches
Self-Propelled Yes No (push mower)
Best Yard Size Up to ½ acre Up to ⅓ acre
Warranty 2-year limited 4-year tool, 2-year battery

Where PowerSmart Wins

  1. Self-propelled drive – The PowerSmart’s self-propelled system is a major advantage on slopes, thick grass, or larger yards. You guide the mower rather than push it, reducing fatigue significantly. The Greenworks requires full manual effort, which becomes tiring on anything beyond a flat ¼ acre.

  2. Wider cutting deck – At 22 inches, the PowerSmart cuts a 37.5% wider swath than the Greenworks’ 16-inch deck. This means fewer passes and up to 30% faster mowing on open lawns. For a ½-acre yard, the time savings can be 15–20 minutes per mow.

  3. Gas engine power – The 170cc OHV engine provides consistent torque for dense, wet, or tall grass without power fade. Unlike battery mowers that slow as the charge drops, the PowerSmart maintains full blade speed until you run out of gas. It also handles bagging thick clippings better, with the 3-in-1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge) offering more flexibility than the Greenworks’ basic mulching/bagging setup.

Where Greenworks Wins

  1. Much lower price – At $249.99, the Greenworks is $110 cheaper than the PowerSmart. For budget-conscious buyers, that’s a significant savings—enough to buy an additional battery or trimmer. The value is reinforced by 11,946 reviews (versus 517), indicating broad reliability.

  2. Instant push-button start – No pull cords, no gas mixing, no oil changes. The Greenworks starts with a single button press. This is a huge convenience for casual users, especially those who dislike the maintenance and effort of gas engines. The PowerSmart requires priming, choking, and pulling—a routine that can frustrate in humid or cold weather.

  3. Lightweight and quiet – At roughly 35 lbs (versus ~65 lbs for the PowerSmart), the Greenworks is much easier to lift, maneuver around flower beds, and store. It also operates at about 75 dB versus gas mowers’ 90+ dB, making it neighbor-friendly and usable early mornings or evenings. Plus, it shares batteries with Greenworks’ 40V system (75+ tools), so if you already own their trimmer or blower, you’re buying into an ecosystem.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (PowerSmart) if:

  • Your yard is larger than â…“ acre, has slopes, or you prefer gas power’s unlimited runtime and consistent torque for tough grass.
  • You want self-propulsion to reduce pushing effort, especially on hills or if you have physical limitations.
  • You value a wider cutting deck for faster mowing and don’t mind the extra maintenance (oil changes, fuel storage, pull-start).

Buy Mower B (Greenworks) if:

  • Your yard is â…“ acre or less, relatively flat, and you want a low-maintenance, instant-start solution with zero emissions.
  • You’re on a tight budget or already own Greenworks 40V tools—the shared battery system saves money and clutter.
  • You prioritize lightweight handling, quiet operation, and ease of storage (folds flat) over raw cutting power.

Consider both if:

  • You have a medium yard (¼–⅓ acre) with moderate slopes: the Greenworks may struggle on hills, while the PowerSmart may feel overkill. In this case, test the Greenworks first—you can always return it, but the gas mower’s self-propulsion may win out for comfort.

Quick Verdict

The PowerSmart wins for performance and larger yards, but the WORX wins for budget-friendly convenience and small-space maneuverability.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature PowerSmart A WORX B
Price $359.99 $229.47
Power Source Gas (170cc 4-cycle OHV) Cordless electric (2x 20V batteries)
Cutting Width 22 inches 14 inches
Self-Propelled Yes No (push only)
Best Yard Size Medium to large (0.25–0.5 acre) Small (under 0.25 acre)
Warranty 2 years (typical for PowerSmart) 2 years (typical for WORX)

Where PowerSmart Wins

1. Superior cutting power and coverage
The 170cc gas engine delivers consistent torque through thick, damp, or tall grass that would bog down a cordless electric mower. With a 22-inch cutting deck, PowerSmart cuts 57% wider per pass than the WORX 14-inch deck—meaning fewer passes and less time mowing a standard lawn.

2. Self-propelled drive system
For yards on slopes, hills, or over 0.25 acre, the self-propelled feature eliminates pushing fatigue. The WORX requires full manual effort, which becomes tiring quickly on larger or uneven terrain.

3. 3-in-1 versatility
PowerSmart offers mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge options. This gives you flexibility: mulch for fertilizer, bag for clean pickup, or side discharge for tall grass. The WORX is 2-in-1 (mulch or bag) and lacks side discharge for heavy clippings.

Where WORX Wins

1. Much lower upfront cost
At $229.47, the WORX is $130 cheaper than the PowerSmart. For budget-conscious buyers or those with small lawns, this price difference can be the deciding factor—especially when you factor in no future gas or oil expenses.

2. Lightweight, quiet, and zero maintenance
The WORX weighs roughly 30–35 lbs compared to the PowerSmart’s 60+ lbs. It’s easy to lift, carry, and store. It runs on batteries, so no gas mixing, oil changes, spark plug replacements, or pull-start frustration. Noise levels are far lower—neighbor-friendly for early mornings.

3. Compact design for small yards and tight spaces
With a 14-inch cutting width, the WORX fits through narrow gates, around garden beds, and into tight corners better than the 22-inch PowerSmart. It also folds for vertical storage. For yards under 0.15 acre, the smaller deck is actually an advantage for maneuverability.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (PowerSmart) if…
You have a medium-to-large yard (0.25–0.5 acre), need to cover ground quickly, and want self-propelled ease on slopes or uneven terrain. The gas engine’s raw power and 22-inch deck will save you time, and the 3-in-1 system gives you year-round versatility.

Buy Mower B (WORX) if…
You have a small, flat yard (under 0.25 acre), want the lowest possible cost, and prefer hassle-free electric operation. The WORX is ideal for townhouse lawns, tiny suburban lots, or anyone who hates engine maintenance and wants to mow in quiet comfort.

Neither is perfect if…
Your yard is over 0.5 acre—then you’d want a wider-deck gas mower or a zero-turn. Also, if you need a bagger that catches leaves well, the PowerSmart’s bag is decent but not premium; the WORX’s small bag fills fast on anything but short grass.

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Last updated: June 2026