PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 22-inch with 170cc OHV Engine 2-in-1 Rear Wheel Drive, High Wheels, 6-Position Height Adjustment, Red Review

Overview

The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly, rear-wheel-drive workhorse designed for homeowners with medium-sized, flat to gently sloping lawns. Priced at $349.99, it aims to deliver the convenience of self-propulsion and a reliable 170cc OHV engine without the premium price tag of big-box brands. It’s best suited for those who want gas-powered cutting power and maneuverability on a tighter budget.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with 1/4 to 1/2 acre lots – The 22-inch deck and self-propelled drive handle moderate-sized yards efficiently without breaking the bank.
• Buyers who want rear-wheel drive on a budget – RWD provides better traction on slopes and uneven terrain than front-wheel-drive mowers in the same price range.
• DIYers comfortable with basic maintenance – The OHV engine is simple to service (oil changes, spark plug swaps) but requires owner attention; not for those who want zero maintenance.
• Anyone upgrading from a push mower – If you’re tired of pushing a mower up inclines, the self-propelled feature is a game-changer at this price point.

Key Features Breakdown

170cc OHV Engine – Overhead valve design means cleaner combustion and better fuel efficiency than side-valve engines. It starts reliably and has enough torque to power through thick grass without bogging down. Expect about 1-2 seasons of heavy use before needing valve adjustments.

22-Inch Cutting Deck – A sweet spot for maneuverability and speed. It’s wide enough to reduce mowing time on a 1/4 acre but narrow enough to slip through gates and around flower beds. The steel deck is durable but not rust-proof—store it dry.

Self-Propelled Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) – This is the standout feature at this price. RWD pulls the mower forward, which feels more natural on slopes than front-wheel drive. The drive engages with a lever on the handle, but it’s not variable-speed—just on/off. You’ll need to adjust your walking pace manually.

6-Position Height Adjustment – Single-lever adjustment makes changing cut height quick (1.5 to 3.75 inches). The range is decent for cool-season grasses but won’t go high enough for tall fescue during drought. The lever feels a bit plasticky but works.

High Wheels – 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels roll over bumps and small ruts better than standard mower wheels. They reduce scalping on uneven ground but aren’t ball-bearing—expect some wobble over time.

2-in-1 Capability – Mulch or side-discharge. No bagging option included (sold separately). The mulch plug is effective for light clippings but struggles in damp, tall grass.

Pros

1. Exceptional value for self-propelled RWD – Most RWD gas mowers start around $450; this undercuts them significantly.
2. Strong engine performance – The 170cc OHV starts quickly (usually first or second pull) and handles thick St. Augustine or Bermuda without stalling.
3. Good traction on slopes – Rear-wheel drive gives you confident control on inclines up to 15 degrees without wheel spin.
4. Easy height adjustment – Single lever with six positions lets you switch from a 2-inch scalp to a 3.5-inch cut in seconds.
5. High wheels reduce scalping – The larger diameter wheels glide over bumps, leaving a more even cut than low-wheel models.
6. Lightweight for a self-propelled mower – At ~65 pounds, it’s easier to lift into a truck bed or push manually if the drive fails.

Cons

1. No variable-speed drive – The self-propelled is either on or off at a fixed pace. You’ll have to walk at the mower’s speed, which can feel too fast on tight turns.
2. Plastic components feel flimsy – The height adjustment lever, wheel hubs, and handle grips have a cheap, brittle feel. Expect cracks if you’re rough with it.
3. Bagging kit not included – If you need to collect clippings, that’s an extra $40-50 purchase, and the bagger is small (1.5 bushels).
4. Not for thick, wet grass – The mulch plug clogs easily when grass is damp, and the side-discharge chute can get jammed with heavy clippings. Dry mowing is best.

Bottom Line

The PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower is a solid choice for the budget-conscious homeowner who wants rear-wheel-drive traction without paying $450+. It’s not a premium machine—the plastics feel cheap, the drive is single-speed, and you’ll need to buy a bagger separately—but the engine is reliable, the cut is clean, and it handles slopes better than anything else at this price. I recommend it for flat to gently sloped lawns under 1/2 acre, especially if you’re willing to trade a few bells and whistles for significant savings. If you need variable speed, a bagger out of the box, or heavy-duty build, look at the Toro Recycler or Honda HRX—but expect to spend twice as much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mower come with oil and fuel?
No. You’ll need to purchase SAE 30 oil (included in some retailer bundles, but not standard) and fresh gasoline separately. The engine holds about 15 ounces of oil.

Can I use this on steep hills?
It handles gentle slopes (up to 15 degrees) well thanks to rear-wheel drive. On steeper hills, the wheels may lose traction, and the single-speed drive can feel unsafe. For steep terrain, consider a self-propelled mower with variable speed or a dual-blade system.

Is the deck height high enough for tall grass?
The maximum cut is 3.75 inches. That’s fine for most cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) but too low for warm-season varieties like St. Augustine or Zoysia during summer stress periods. If you regularly cut at 4 inches or higher, this mower won’t work for you.