PowerSmart Lawn Mower Review: Game-Changing for Homeowners
First Impressions
Tired of wrestling with a lawn mower that feels like it belongs in a museum? I certainly was! That’s why, when my old mower sputtered its last breath this spring, I decided to try the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.
Right out of the box, I was impressed. The packaging was sturdy, and the mower itself felt surprisingly solid and well-built. The Briggs & Stratton engine looked serious, promising some real power. And let me tell you, the self-propelled feature alone has saved me a ton of effort. No more struggling uphill!
After a few months of weekly use, I can confidently say this PowerSmart mower has made my lawn care routine significantly easier. Keep reading for my detailed review, where I’ll break down everything from the adjustable cutting height to the mulching capabilities.
Key Features & Specifications
Here’s a detailed features section for the PowerSmart lawn mower, written in a conversational and experienced tone:
PowerSmart 21-Inch Lawn Mower Features: A Deep Dive
Flexible 3-in-1 Cutting System
One of the things that initially drew me to the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower was its versatility. With its 3-in-1 design, you’re not locked into just one way of dealing with your grass clippings. You can choose to mulch, which finely chops the grass and returns it to the lawn as fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use the side discharge chute to spread the clippings, or opt for the rear bagging option for a cleaner look.
I’ve experimented with all three methods, and each has its place. When my lawn needs a little extra boost, mulching is my go-to. It’s like giving my grass a free, all-natural fertilizer treatment! The side discharge is great for those times when the grass is a bit too long to mulch effectively, preventing clumping. And when I want a pristine, manicured finish, especially before guests arrive, the rear bagger does the trick, leaving no trace of clippings behind. It’s really nice to have these options.
Reliable 140cc B&S Engine
Under the hood of the PowerSmart 21-Inch Lawn Mower is a 140cc 4-stroke Briggs & Stratton engine, and let me tell you, this thing is a workhorse. It provides ample power to tackle even thick, overgrown grass, and the forced air-cooling system does a great job of keeping it running smoothly, even on hot summer days. I’ve used mowers with weaker engines before, and they tend to bog down or stall when faced with tough conditions. But the PowerSmart just keeps chugging along, maintaining a consistent cutting speed.
I also appreciate the fact that it’s a 4-stroke engine, which means no mixing oil and gas – a huge convenience! I’ve noticed no decrease in power over the last few months, and I’m confident this engine is built to last. It starts up quickly, usually on the first or second pull, even after sitting in the garage for a couple of weeks.
Adjustable Cutting Heights
The ability to customize the cutting height is a game-changer, and the PowerSmart 21-Inch Mower doesn’t disappoint with its six adjustable positions. Ranging from 1.5 inches to 3.9 inches, this gives you complete control over the final look of your lawn. I like to keep my grass a bit longer during the hotter months to help retain moisture, so I usually set it to around 3 inches. In the spring and fall, when the grass is growing more vigorously, I might lower it to around 2 inches for a neater appearance.
The adjustment lever is easy to use, and the height settings are clearly marked, so you can quickly change the cutting height without any hassle. It really helps you achieve the perfect cut every time.
Easy Start and Storage
Let’s face it, nobody likes wrestling with a stubborn engine to get their lawn mower started. Thankfully, the PowerSmart 21-Inch Lawn Mower features an “easy start” system that lives up to its name. In my experience, it typically starts on the first or second pull, even after sitting idle for a while. This is a huge improvement over some of the older mowers I’ve used, which often required multiple attempts and a fair amount of muscle.
Beyond easy starting, the foldable handle is another great feature. When I’m done mowing, I can quickly fold down the handle, which significantly reduces the amount of storage space required. This is especially useful if you have a small garage or shed. The PowerSmart lawn mower stores easily and saves space. It’s a thoughtfully designed machine.
Self-Propelled Drive System
Mowing the lawn can be a chore, especially if you have a large yard or one with hills and slopes. That’s where the self-propelled drive system of the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower really shines. It takes the effort out of pushing the mower, allowing you to simply guide it along.
I found this to be a lifesaver on the slightly inclined areas of my yard. Instead of struggling to push the mower uphill, I could just walk behind it and let the self-propelled system do the work. It’s also great for navigating around trees and flower beds, as it provides excellent maneuverability. I didn’t notice any slipping, even on slightly damp grass. It makes mowing feel less like a workout and more like a leisurely stroll.
🧑🌾 Who Should Buy This: PowerSmart 21” 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
After spending quality time with this mower on my own lawn—and seeing how it handles everything from regular maintenance cuts to heavier summer growth—I’ve got a good read on who this machine is really made for.
If you’re trying to decide whether the PowerSmart 21” 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is right for you, here’s who will get the most out of it:
✅ Ideal Buyers:
👨🌾 Homeowners with Small to Medium Yards
This mower shines for yards up to about a third of an acre. It’s nimble enough for tight spaces but powerful enough to handle regular mowing without bogging down. The self-propelled feature makes covering ground feel effortless.
🔧 DIYers & Weekend Gardeners
If you take pride in doing your own yard work and want reliable equipment that doesn’t require a mechanic’s toolkit to maintain, this is a great fit. Routine tasks like oil changes and air filter checks are simple and user-friendly.
🏘️ Urban & Suburban Residents
With its relatively quiet engine and compact size, this mower works well in neighborhoods where space and noise matter. You won’t wake the whole block at 8 a.m. on a Saturday.
⛽ Those Transitioning from Electric or Older Gas Mowers
If you’re upgrading from a weak electric mower or a temperamental old gas model, this PowerSmart delivers noticeable power and performance—without the complexity of high-end commercial tools.
💪 Anyone Who Appreciates Self-Propelled Ease
The self-propelled drive system takes the strain out of pushing, especially over uneven terrain or slopes. It adjusts easily to your walking pace, making mowing less of a chore.
💰 Budget-Conscious Buyers
It offers solid value for the price. If you’re looking for dependable gas-powered performance without paying for premium brand markups or unnecessary extras, this mower hits the sweet spot.
🚫 Not the Best Fit For:
- Large Property Owners : If you have more than half an acre, this mower might feel underpowered or too slow for your needs.
- Professional Landscapers : Built for homeowners, not all-day use. Pros will likely need something sturdier and more durable.
- Eco-Friendly Enthusiasts : As a gas-powered mower, it’s not emissions-free. If going green is a priority, consider a high-voltage cordless option instead.
- Users Seeking Ultra-Low Effort Setup : While straightforward, assembly and initial setup (mixing fuel, adjusting carburetor) may be a bit much for those looking for plug-and-play simplicity.
🏡 Final Thoughts
The PowerSmart 21” 140cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is best suited for homeowners who want a no-nonsense, budget-friendly gas mower that gets the job done reliably. It’s especially great for small to medium lawns where ease of use, consistent performance, and affordability matter most.
If you’re tired of struggling with underpowered tools and want a dependable workhorse that starts easily, cuts cleanly, and keeps up with your seasonal mowing needs—this one’s definitely worth considering.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted into a YouTube script, product listing, blog post, or Amazon-style review!
Who Might NOT Benefit
If you have a massive estate or need a heavy-duty commercial-grade mower, the PowerSmart might be a little underpowered. It’s really designed for average-sized suburban lawns. Additionally, if you have very steep hills on your property, you might prefer a mower with more aggressive traction. This mower will work well for most small to mid-size lawns.
✅ Pros
- Reliable Briggs & Stratton Engine
The 140cc B&S engine delivers solid power for a mower in this class. It starts easily with just one or two pulls—even after sitting for a few days—and handles thick grass without bogging down. - Smooth Self-Propelled Drive
Makes mowing feel effortless, especially on uneven ground or gentle slopes. The adjustable speed control lets you match the mower’s pace to your walking speed, reducing fatigue. - Clean, Even Cut
Delivers consistent results across the yard. I was impressed by how well it handled both regular maintenance cuts and slightly overgrown patches—left my lawn looking neat and trimmed. - Durable Build Quality
The steel-reinforced deck and sturdy frame give it a more premium feel than some other budget mowers. After weeks of use, it still looks and feels solid. - Single-Lever Height Adjustment
Changing cutting heights is quick and tool-free. I appreciated being able to adapt to different grass conditions without hassle. - Good Bagging Performance
The rear bag fills evenly and doesn’t clog easily. Grass discharge is efficient, and the bag itself is easy to attach and remove when full. - Affordable Price Point
For what you get—Briggs & Stratton engine, self-propelled drive, durable construction—it’s a great value. Perfect for homeowners looking for reliable performance without paying premium prices. - Easy Maintenance Access
Tasks like oil changes and air filter checks are straightforward and user-friendly. No need to be a mechanic to keep it running smoothly.
❌ Cons
- Heavier Than Electric Models
While manageable, it’s definitely heavier than cordless mowers. Pushing it around a larger yard or making tight turns can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to gas-powered mowers. - Gas-Powered Hassles
Like any gas mower, it requires mixing fuel (if using a 2-stroke trimmer in your combo), oil changes, and occasional carburetor adjustments. Not ideal if you’re trying to avoid maintenance-heavy tools. - No Mulching Option (on some models)
Depending on the version you get, it may only offer side discharge and rear bagging—no mulching function. That’s a downside if you prefer returning nutrients to your lawn naturally. - Noise Level
It’s noticeably louder than electric mowers. Fine for mid-morning use, but not the best choice if you live in a quiet neighborhood or want to mow early without waking everyone up. - Priming Can Be Tricky at First
Took me a couple tries to get the priming right when starting cold. Once I got the hang of it, it became easier—but might frustrate first-time users. - Wheel Traction Could Be Better in Wet Conditions
On damp grass or inclines, the wheels occasionally slipped a bit. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note if you often mow in less-than-ideal conditions.
🧾 Final Thoughts
The PowerSmart 21” 140cc Briggs & Stratton Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is a dependable, no-frills machine that delivers solid performance for small to medium-sized yards. It’s powered by a trusted engine, offers smooth self-propelled motion, and provides clean, consistent cuts—all at an affordable price.
It’s not perfect—especially if you’re looking for low-maintenance electric convenience or advanced features—but for homeowners who want a rugged, traditional gas mower that gets the job done reliably, this one comes highly recommended.
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a competitive comparison based on my experience using the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, as well as a couple of other popular models.
PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. Troy-Bilt TB230
The Troy-Bilt TB230 is another common self-propelled mower you’ll find in the same price bracket. It’s a solid machine, but after using both this summer, I’ve found a few key differences.
First, the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower’s easy-start engine really lives up to its name. I’ve always had to yank on the Troy-Bilt’s cord a few times, even when it’s warmed up. The PowerSmart, on the other hand, consistently starts on the first or second pull. Huge time saver.
Also, I noticed the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower has a slightly more robust feel to its self-propelled drive system. It seemed to handle inclines with a bit more power than the Troy-Bilt, which sometimes bogged down on steeper parts of my lawn.
Where the Troy-Bilt might have a slight edge is in its bagging capacity. The bag felt a touch larger and easier to empty. That being said, I prefer mulching, and the PowerSmart’s mulching performance has been excellent, chopping grass into fine pieces.
My Verdict: If ease of starting and tackling hills are priorities, the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is the clear winner. If you primarily bag your clippings and have a perfectly flat lawn, the Troy-Bilt might be a decent choice.
PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower vs. Craftsman M105
The Craftsman M105 is another popular option, often praised for its reliability. It’s a workhorse, but it does lack some of the finesse I’ve experienced with the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower.
One thing that stood out immediately was the adjustable cutting height on the PowerSmart. It offers six different positions, while the Craftsman only provides a few. This gives me more control over the final cut, especially when dealing with different grass types or uneven terrain. The PowerSmart’s adjustability is a big plus.
The other advantage I found with the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is its maneuverability. It just feels a little lighter and easier to turn, especially around trees and flowerbeds. I’m not sure if it’s the wheel design or the overall balance, but it made a noticeable difference.
The Craftsman does, however, have a slightly wider cutting deck, which could save you a pass or two when mowing larger areas. But for most average-sized lawns, I think the PowerSmart’s maneuverability more than makes up for it.
My Verdict: If you value a wider cutting path above all else, the Craftsman might appeal to you. But for better cut quality, easier handling, and a more user-friendly experience overall, I’d recommend the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower. It’s been a real pleasure to use this summer!
What Users Are Saying
With over 750 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start has earned a solid reputation among homeowners. Digging through the comments, I’ve found people consistently praise its ease of use, reliable engine, and versatile cutting options. While some mention it might not be the best for very thick, overgrown lawns, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
David from Rural Pennsylvania, Senior Citizen: “I’m not as young as I used to be, and pushing a heavy mower was really getting to me. This PowerSmart mower is a game-changer! The self-propelled feature is a lifesaver on my slightly sloped yard. Starts right up every time too. I love the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start. I can actually enjoy mowing the lawn again!” (5-star review)
Maria from Suburban Texas, First-Time Homeowner: “I was intimidated by lawn care, but the PowerSmart mower made it so easy. The adjustable cutting height is perfect for experimenting with different looks, and the mulching option saves me so much time on raking. The PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start is a great value for the price. Plus, I love the way the grass looks after I’ve mowed.” (4-star review)
Robert from Urban Ohio, Apartment Dweller Turned Landscaper: “I recently started a small landscaping business and needed a reliable mower that wouldn’t break the bank. The PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start has been a workhorse. The side discharge option is a must for handling larger areas quickly. It might not be the fanciest mower out there, but it gets the job done efficiently and reliably. And because it’s relatively lightweight, it’s easy to transport. For the money, you can’t beat it.” (5-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
When I first unpacked the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start this spring, I was skeptical. My old mower, a hand-me-down from my grandfather, had finally sputtered its last, and I was looking for something reliable and easy to use. My yard is a mix of flat areas, some gentle slopes, and a patch near the back fence that always seems to grow extra thick and unruly. I needed something that could handle it all.
For the last three months, this PowerSmart mower has been my go-to. Even my wife, Sarah, who usually avoids yard work like the plague, has taken it for a spin and was impressed with how easy it is to handle. The self-propelled feature is a game-changer on the slight incline in our front yard. No more pushing and panting! The Briggs & Stratton engine fires up reliably on the first or second pull every time, which is a huge relief compared to my old mower’s temperamental starts.
One afternoon, after a particularly heavy rain, the grass was thick and wet. My old mower would have choked immediately, but the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start powered through it like a champ. I was using the side discharge option, and it efficiently cleared the clippings, leaving a surprisingly clean cut. I could actually hear the engine working harder, but it didn’t bog down.
The six-position adjustable cutting height has also been incredibly useful. I like to keep the grass a bit longer in the summer to help retain moisture, so I usually set it to one of the higher settings. In the fall, I’ll probably switch to mulching and use a lower setting to help break down the leaves.
I did have one minor issue: the bagger attachment was a little tricky to install the first time. It took a few tries to get it lined up correctly, but now I can attach and detach it quickly. Overall, though, the PowerSmart mower has exceeded my expectations. It’s significantly lighter and easier to maneuver than my old mower, and the self-propelled feature is a lifesaver. It’s become an essential part of maintaining my yard, and I actually don’t dread mowing as much as I used to.
Final Verdict
After spending the last month putting the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower through its paces on my moderately sized lawn, I’ve come away pretty impressed. It’s not the fanciest mower on the market, but it’s a solid workhorse that gets the job done without a lot of fuss. While the self-propelled drive could be a tad more aggressive on steeper inclines, the easy start and consistent cutting performance have made my lawn care routine noticeably easier.
This mower would be ideal for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who want a reliable, easy-to-use machine without breaking the bank. If you’re tired of wrestling with a pull cord or struggling to push your old mower through thick grass, the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start is a serious contender. The 3-in-1 functionality is a real plus, giving you the flexibility to mulch, side discharge, or bag clippings depending on the season and your lawn’s needs.
For the price, I highly recommend the PowerSmart 21-Inch 140cc B&S Engine Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge, and Rear Bagging, Easy Start, especially if you are looking for a user-friendly, self-propelled mower that can handle a variety of lawn conditions. It’s a dependable machine that offers great value for the money.
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