PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 144cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine, Push Walk-Behind, 3-in-1 Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge, Steel Deck, 6 Height Adjustment Review

Overview

The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly walk-behind push mower designed for homeowners with small to medium-sized lawns—think under a quarter acre. Powered by a 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine and featuring a rugged steel deck, it delivers reliable cutting performance without the high price tag of premium brands. It’s best suited for those who want gas power without breaking the bank, and who value simplicity over fancy features like self-propulsion or electric start.

Who Should Buy This

1. Small-lot homeowners (1/4 acre or less) – If your yard is compact and flat, this mower’s 18-inch cutting width and push design are a good fit. You’ll finish quickly without the extra weight of a self-propelled model.

2. Budget-conscious buyers – At $239.99, it’s one of the most affordable gas mowers on the market. If you need gas power but can’t justify spending $400+, this is your sweet spot.

3. DIYers who don’t mind a pull start – The EasyCut uses a traditional recoil starter. If you’re comfortable with a few pulls to get going (and don’t need electric start or a battery), you’ll save money here.

4. Homeowners who want 3-in-1 versatility – If you like options—mulching, bagging, or side discharging—this mower gives you all three without needing extra attachments.

Key Features Breakdown

144cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine – This is a single-cylinder overhead valve engine. It’s not a Honda or Briggs & Stratton, but it’s plenty for a 18-inch deck. It fires up reliably after a few primes, and the OHV design helps with fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Expect about 0.5 horsepower per cc, so you’re looking at roughly 4-5 HP—enough for typical grass, but it will struggle in thick, wet, or overgrown patches.

18-Inch Steel Deck – The 18-inch cutting width is narrow by gas mower standards (most are 20-22 inches). That means more passes on larger lawns, but it’s a trade-off for lighter weight (around 55 lbs) and easier storage. The steel deck is durable and resists dents from rocks or roots, but it can rust if left out in the rain.

6-Position Height Adjustment – You get six cutting heights, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches. The adjustment is done via a single lever on each wheel—simple and tool-free. It’s not as quick as a single-lever system, but it’s effective for changing heights between seasons.

3-in-1 Functionality – The mower includes a mulching plug, a rear bag, and a side discharge chute. Switching between modes takes about 30 seconds. The bag is a 1.6-bushel fabric collector—smaller than typical 2-bushel bags, so you’ll empty it more often on dense grass.

Push Walk-Behind Design – No self-propulsion here. You push it yourself. For flat, small lawns, that’s fine. For hills or larger yards, it’s a workout. The handles are foam-padded and fold down for storage, which is a nice touch for garage space.

Pros

• Exceptional value – At $239.99, it’s one of the cheapest gas mowers with a steel deck and 3-in-1 capability. You get a lot of mower for the money.
• Lightweight and maneuverable – At about 55 lbs, it’s easy to push, lift into a truck bed, or maneuver around flower beds and tight corners.
• Reliable starting (with proper technique) – Once you learn the prime sequence (3-4 primes on cold start), it usually fires on the first or second pull. No battery to worry about.
• Easy storage – The handles fold flat without tools, so it stands upright in a corner or hangs on a wall hook. Great for small sheds.
• Decent cut quality – The 18-inch blade is sharp out of the box and gives a clean cut on dry grass. Mulching performance is solid for a budget mower.
• Simple maintenance – The engine has a standard air filter and spark plug, and the oil drain is accessible. No complex parts to fuss with.

Cons

• Small cutting width – 18 inches means more passes. On a 5,000 sq. ft. lawn, expect 20-30 minutes of mowing. A 21-inch mower would shave off 5-10 minutes.
• Small bag capacity – The 1.6-bushel bag fills up fast, especially with lush grass. You’ll be emptying it every 10-15 minutes on thick lawns.
• No self-propulsion – This is a pure push mower. If you have even a mild slope, you’ll feel it. Not ideal for hilly properties.
• Engine can bog down in tall grass – The 144cc engine is adequate for regular mowing, but if you let grass get over 6 inches, it will struggle and may stall. You’ll need to cut high first, then lower.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a solid entry-level choice for homeowners with small, flat lawns who want gas power on a tight budget. It’s not a heavy-duty machine—it won’t handle thick, wet grass or large yards with ease—but for its price, it delivers reliable starting, decent cut quality, and genuine 3-in-1 versatility. If your lawn is under 1/4 acre and you don’t mind a few more passes and bag empties, this mower offers excellent value. For larger lawns, hills, or those who want self-propulsion, spend more on a bigger model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower require oil and gas to be mixed?
A: No. It’s a 4-stroke engine, so you use straight unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) and separate SAE 30 oil in the crankcase. No mixing required. The oil is not included, so pick up a quart before first use.

Q: How do I adjust the cutting height?
A: Each wheel has a single lever. Pull the lever outward, slide it to one of six notches, and release. You adjust all four wheels individually—it’s not as fast as a single-lever system, but it works fine. For even cuts, set all wheels to the same height.

Q: Can I use this mower on thick St. Augustine or Bermuda grass?
A: Yes, but with caution. The 144cc engine has enough power for typical St. Augustine or Bermuda if you mow regularly (every 5-7 days). If you let it get tall,