PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 22-Inch with 140cc Briggs and Stratton E550 Engine 3-in-1 Rear-Wheel Drive Lawnmower with Bagging Review

Overview

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton E550 engine, is a budget-friendly rear-wheel drive machine aimed at homeowners with small to mid-sized, relatively flat lawns. It offers 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge, along with a self-propelled drive system that takes the strain out of pushing. This mower is best for buyers who want the reliability of a known engine brand without paying premium prices for a Honda or Toro deck.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/3 acre flat or gently sloping lawns. The 22-inch deck and self-propelled drive are a perfect match for this size range. You’ll finish in under an hour without breaking a sweat.
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a Briggs & Stratton engine. The E550 is a proven, easy-to-service powerplant. If you don’t want to spend $500+ but still want a name-brand engine, this is your sweet spot.
• First-time gas mower owners. The controls are straightforward, the 3-in-1 system is simple to switch, and the price is low enough that you won’t cry if you nick a rock. It’s a great entry-level self-propelled mower.
• Homeowners who hate mixing gas or storing cans. This is a standard gas mower, so if you want electric, look elsewhere. But if you prefer the range and power of gas without the premium of a Honda, this fits the bill.

Key Features Breakdown

140cc Briggs & Stratton E550 Engine
This is the heart of the mower. The E550 is a reliable, overhead-valve engine with 140cc of displacement. It’s not the most powerful in its class, but it’s more than adequate for typical grass cutting. Briggs & Stratton parts are widely available, and this engine is easy to start with the primer bulb and automatic choke. If you need to cut thick, wet, or tall grass regularly, you might want more torque, but for weekly cuts, it’s fine.

22-Inch Steel Deck
A 22-inch cutting width is the sweet spot for maneuverability and speed. It’s narrow enough to fit through standard garden gates and around flower beds, but wide enough to cover a 1/4 acre lawn in about 30 minutes. The steel deck is durable but can rust if you don’t clean it. PowerSmart uses a stamped steel deck, which is typical at this price point.

3-in-1 Capability (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
You get all three options without needing extra kits. The mulching plug is easy to insert, the side discharge chute snaps on, and the bagger attaches securely. Switching between modes takes about 30 seconds. The bagger holds 1.9 bushels (roughly 1.5 standard trash bags), so expect to empty it frequently on a thick lawn.

Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a plus for traction, especially when turning or going up slight inclines. The drive system uses a simple cable-actuated lever on the handlebar—squeeze to engage, release to stop. It’s not variable speed like a Honda, but it works. The drive speed is fixed, so you’ll walk at one pace. On flat ground, it’s fine; on hills, it can feel a bit sluggish.

Single-Lever Height Adjustment
There’s one lever that adjusts all four wheels simultaneously, offering 7 positions from about 1.5 to 3.5 inches. This is a time-saver compared to four separate levers. The range is adequate for most cool-season and warm-season grasses, but it doesn’t go low enough for a true golf-course cut.

Pros

1. Reliable Briggs & Stratton engine – Easy to start, easy to maintain, and parts are everywhere. You won’t be stranded.
2. Rear-wheel drive for better traction – RWD is rare at this price point and helps on slopes and when making tight turns.
3. Simple 3-in-1 system – No tools needed to switch between mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The mulching plug stays secure.
4. Single-lever height adjustment – One lever for all four wheels means quick, even changes. No bending over for each wheel.
5. Good value for the price – Under $400 for a self-propelled gas mower with a name-brand engine is a solid deal.
6. Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At around 65 pounds, it’s lighter than many Honda or Toro models, making it easier to push manually if needed.

Cons

1. Fixed-speed self-propel – You can’t adjust the drive speed. It’s either on or off, and the pace is set. On thick grass or hills, you may find yourself wishing for variable speed.
2. Small bagger capacity – The 1.9-bushel bag fills up quickly, especially if you’re bagging in spring or fall. Expect frequent stops to empty it.
3. Deck can rust over time – The steel deck is painted, but chips and scratches will happen. If you don’t clean and store it dry, rust will appear within a season or two.
4. Not for thick, tall, or wet grass – The E550 engine can bog down if you try to cut more than a few inches of growth. This is a weekly-cut machine, not a brush hog.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart 22-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a smart choice for the budget-minded homeowner with a flat, small-to-mid-sized lawn. It delivers reliable starting, decent cutting performance, and the convenience of rear-wheel drive at a price that undercuts most competitors. The fixed-speed self-propel and small bagger are real limitations, but if you’re okay with a steady walking pace and frequent bag emptying, this mower will serve you well for several seasons. I recommend it for first-time gas mower owners or anyone who wants a Briggs & Stratton engine without paying for a premium brand name. Just keep the deck clean and dry, and it’ll keep you out of the garage and back on the porch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this mower have a variable speed self-propel?
No. The self-propel system is a single, fixed speed. You squeeze the lever to engage drive, and the mower moves at one pace. It’s not adjustable like on higher-end models from Honda or Toro.

Q: Can I use this mower on a sloped lawn?
Yes, but with caution. The rear-wheel drive provides decent traction going uphill, but the fixed speed can feel too slow on steep slopes. For moderate slopes (less than 15 degrees), it works fine. For steeper hills, you might need to push manually