PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 22 in. with 170cc OHV Engine, 2-in-1 Rear-Wheel Drive High Wheels, Red Review

Overview

The PowerSmart 22-inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower delivers solid cutting performance at a price that undercuts most big-name competitors. Designed for homeowners with medium-sized yards—think a quarter to half an acre—this rear-wheel-drive mower brings the convenience of self-propulsion and the simplicity of a 2-in-1 system without the premium price tag. It’s a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers who want gas power without the sticker shock of a Honda or Toro.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots – The 22-inch deck and 170cc engine strike a good balance for yards that are too big for a push mower but don’t require a garden tractor. You’ll finish in under an hour without feeling like you’re wrestling a beast.
• Buyers who want self-propulsion on a budget – If you’re tired of pushing a mower up a sloped yard but can’t justify spending $500+, this PowerSmart gives you rear-wheel drive and variable speed control for under $350.
• DIYers comfortable with basic maintenance – This mower isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it machine. It requires oil changes, air filter cleaning, and occasional carburetor attention. If you’re the type who changes your own car oil, you’ll be fine.
• First-time gas mower owners – The controls are straightforward, the assembly is simple (mostly attaching the handle and chute), and the price is low enough that a learning curve won’t hurt your wallet.

Key Features Breakdown

170cc OHV Engine – This is a Chinese-made engine (likely a copy of a Honda GXV design). It starts reliably with the primer bulb and choke, and it has enough torque to handle thick, damp grass. It’s not as refined as a Honda or Briggs & Stratton, but it’s adequate for weekly cuts. Expect to use the choke every time you start cold.

22-Inch Steel Deck – A 22-inch cutting width is the sweet spot for residential mowers—wide enough to cover ground quickly, narrow enough to maneuver around flower beds and trees. The steel deck is durable but heavy; at about 65 pounds, it’s not a mower you’ll want to lift into a truck bed often.

Rear-Wheel Drive Self-Propulsion – This is a real advantage on slopes and uneven terrain. Rear-wheel drive pushes the mower forward rather than pulling it, giving you better traction when climbing hills. The drive engages with a squeeze lever on the handle, and there’s a single-speed adjustment—no infinite variable speed like pricier models. You’ll find one comfortable pace, and that’s it.

2-in-1 System (Bag or Mulch) – You get a rear grass bag and a mulch plug. No side discharge option, which means if your grass gets tall and wet, you’ll need to bag it or make multiple passes. The bag holds about 1.5 bushels—enough for a small yard, but you’ll empty it frequently on a half-acre lot.

High Rear Wheels – The 10-inch rear wheels (with 7-inch fronts) roll over ruts and bumps better than standard 8-inch wheels. This helps maintain a consistent cut on uneven ground. The tires are hard plastic, not pneumatic, so you won’t get flat tires, but they also don’t absorb vibration.

Pros

1. Excellent value for self-propelled power – At $350, this is one of the cheapest self-propelled gas mowers with a 170cc engine. Comparable Honda or Toro models cost $150–$200 more.
2. Reliable starting (once you learn the drill) – With the primer bulb (3-5 pumps), choke, and a firm pull, the engine typically fires up within two pulls. It’s not instant-start like a Honda, but it’s consistent.
3. Rear-wheel drive handles slopes well – If your yard has a gentle incline, the RWD system maintains traction better than front-wheel-drive mowers, which tend to spin out.
4. Sturdy steel deck – The 22-inch stamped steel deck is thick enough to resist dents from rocks and roots. It won’t rust through quickly if you store it dry.
5. Simple, tool-free height adjustment – A single lever on the rear wheel adjusts cutting height across 6 positions (1.5 to 3.5 inches). No crawling under the deck to move each wheel.
6. Light enough for most users to maneuver – At 65 pounds, it’s manageable for pushing manually when you disengage the drive. You won’t need a workout just to turn it around.

Cons

1. No side discharge – This is a 2-in-1 mower only. If you prefer side discharge for tall grass or leaves, you’ll need to buy an aftermarket chute or stick to bagging/mulching. This limits versatility.
2. Single-speed self-propulsion – Unlike premium mowers that let you dial in your walking pace, this one has one fixed speed. You’ll either walk at that pace or fight the drive by squeezing the lever intermittently.
3. Plastic wheels with poor grip on wet grass – The hard plastic wheels slide on damp slopes. If you mow after rain, expect some wheel spin. Pneumatic tires would be better but add cost.
4. Engine can be finicky with stale fuel – The carburetor is sensitive to ethanol gas left sitting for weeks. Use fuel stabilizer or drain the tank between mows, or you’ll be cleaning the carb by season two.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart 22-inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a solid entry-level choice for homeowners who need self-propulsion on a budget. It cuts well, starts reliably with proper technique, and handles moderate slopes without breaking a sweat. The lack of side discharge and single-speed drive are real compromises, but at $350, you’re getting 80% of the performance of a $500 mower. I’d recommend it confidently for flat to gently sloped yards under half an acre where you’re willing to bag clippings. If you need side discharge, infinite speed control, or a premium engine, save up for a Honda HRX. Otherwise, this PowerSmart is a smart, wallet-friendly pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower come with oil and fuel, or do I need to buy them separately?
A: It does NOT come with oil or fuel. You’ll need to buy SAE 30 or 10W-30 engine oil (about 20 ounces) and fresh gasoline. The manual recommends 87 octane regular gas with no more than 10% ethanol. Don’t skip the oil—running it dry will destroy the engine.

Q: Can I use a side discharge chute with this mower?
A: No, the