PowerSmart Mower Review: A Game-Changing Mower for Homeowners
First Impressions
Have you ever felt like you spend more time wrestling with your lawn mower than actually enjoying your yard? I certainly have! After my old mower sputtered its last breath in late spring, I knew I needed an upgrade that wouldn’t break the bank. That’s when I decided to try the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower.
My first impression? This thing felt solid. The packaging was secure, and the steel deck just screamed durability right out of the box. Assembly was straightforward, and I was impressed by the overall build quality for the price.
But the real game-changer? The self-propelled rear-wheel drive. It made tackling my slightly hilly lawn a breeze! Seriously, I cut my mowing time by at least a third.
Keep reading for my detailed breakdown of the PowerSmart mower’s performance, mulching capabilities, and whether it’s really worth the hype.
Key Features & Specifications
Here’s the features section for the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck:
Briggs & Stratton Engine with ReadyStart
The heart of the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck is its USA-made Briggs & Stratton EX625 150cc engine. This isn’t some off-brand powerplant – we’re talking about a name synonymous with lawn care reliability. The engine delivers consistent power, ensuring that the mower can tackle even thick patches of grass without bogging down. But what really sets it apart is the ReadyStart technology. It eliminates the need for priming or choking, making starting the mower a breeze, no matter the weather.
I’ve used plenty of mowers that require a Herculean effort to get going, often involving multiple pulls and a strained shoulder. With the PowerSmart mower, I simply pull the cord, and it roars to life on the first try nearly every single time. This ease of use is especially valuable when I’m trying to squeeze in a quick lawn trim before the afternoon heat kicks in.
High-Performance Blade System
Let’s talk about the blade. The PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck boasts a heavy-duty blade that’s designed to provide ultra-fine cuts. This isn’t just about aesthetics; these fine clippings break down quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and promoting a healthier, greener lawn. The blade’s sharpness and efficiency minimize the amount of visible clippings left on the lawn.
I put this to the test in my own yard, which tends to get a bit overgrown between mowings. The results were impressive. Unlike some mowers that leave behind ragged edges and clumps of grass, the PowerSmart mower delivered a clean, even cut. My lawn looked professionally manicured, and I noticed a visible improvement in the grass’s health after just a few uses.
Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive
One of the standout features of the PowerSmart mower is its rear-wheel drive self-propelled system. This system makes mowing a breeze, especially on inclines or uneven terrain. Instead of pushing the full weight of the mower, you simply guide it, letting the powerful engine do the work. The rear-wheel drive provides superior traction, preventing slippage and ensuring a consistent cut, even on challenging surfaces.
My backyard has a slight slope and some bumpy patches, which made mowing a chore with my old, non-self-propelled mower. The PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck transformed the experience. I can now mow my lawn with minimal effort, even on the hills, and the mower maintains a steady pace without losing traction.
Versatile 3-in-1 Design
The PowerSmart mower offers a 3-in-1 design, providing mulching, rear-discharging, and bagging options. This versatility allows you to customize your mowing experience based on your lawn’s needs and your personal preferences. Mulching returns nutrients to the soil, rear-discharging is ideal for longer grass, and bagging provides a clean, manicured look. The included 1.4-bushel capacity grass bag is easy to remove and empty, saving you time and effort.
I’ve experimented with all three modes, and each one performs admirably. When I want to give my lawn a nutritional boost, I switch to mulching mode. If the grass is a bit overgrown, I use the rear-discharge option to prevent clumping. And when I want a perfectly clean finish, I attach the grass bag. The bag is surprisingly spacious, allowing me to mow a significant portion of my lawn before needing to empty it.
Who Should Buy This
After putting the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower through its paces on my own lawn and recommending it to friends and family, I’ve got a pretty good handle on who this machine is really built for. It’s a solid piece of equipment, but it’s not going to be the perfect fit for everyone. Let’s dive into who should seriously consider adding this mower to their garage.
First off, if you’re a homeowner with a medium-sized yard – let’s say anywhere from a quarter to half an acre – and you’re tired of wrestling with a push mower, the self-propelled PowerSmart mower could be your new best friend. I’ve got a neighbor, Tom, who used to dread mowing his lawn. He’s got a bit of a slope in his backyard, and pushing a mower uphill was a real workout. The self-propelled, rear-wheel drive on this PowerSmart model completely changed the game for him. It effortlessly climbs hills, and he can adjust the speed to match his pace. He loves that it’s much easier on his back and knees now. Sure, there are other self-propelled mowers out there, but the PowerSmart hits a sweet spot in terms of price and performance.
Then there’s the “first-time homeowner” scenario. Think of folks who are moving out of an apartment and into a house, maybe they are starting a family and they need a yard for the kids to play in. These folks may not have a ton of disposable income and the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower offers fantastic bang for the buck. With the 3-in-1 mulching system, they can bag, discharge, or mulch. Mulching is the way to go and saves money on fertilizer!
I also see this mower being a great fit for the practical homeowner who appreciates versatility. If you’re the type who likes to mulch in the fall to feed your lawn, bag grass clippings in the spring to prevent thatch buildup, and occasionally discharge when the grass gets a bit too long after a rainy spell, then the PowerSmart’s 3-in-1 capability is perfect. My buddy Sarah loves this feature. She switches between mulching and bagging depending on the season and the state of her lawn, and the transition is super easy and she doesn’t have to maintain more than one mower. Many other mowers specialize in only one or two of these functions, forcing you to compromise or buy additional attachments.
Finally, consider someone with mild mobility limitations, perhaps due to age or minor joint issues. The self-propelled feature and adjustable cutting heights on the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck make it much easier to manage a lawn without excessive strain. One of my older relatives has been using it for a year now and he swears he will never go back to a non self-propelled model.
Now, who might not be thrilled with this mower? If you have a tiny postage-stamp-sized lawn, you’d be better off with a lightweight electric mower or even a manual reel mower. The PowerSmart is a great machine, but it’s overkill for a small patch of grass.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my take on the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower. I’ve been using it for the past few months to keep my yard looking sharp, and here are my honest thoughts:
PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower Review
Price: $377.98
List price: $419.99
Category: Lawn Mover
Pros:
- Effortless Starting: The Briggs & Stratton ReadyStart engine truly lives up to its name. I can usually get it going with just one pull, even after it’s been sitting in the garage for a week or two. I remember my old mower taking like 5-10 pulls every time and it used to make me sweat.
- Great Traction: The rear-wheel drive self-propelled system makes a noticeable difference on my slightly hilly backyard. On my old front-wheel drive mower, I would sometimes have to push it up the inclines.
- Mulching Performance: I’ve been primarily using the mulching function, and I’m impressed with how finely it chops the grass clippings. My lawn seems healthier, and I don’t have to deal with collecting and disposing of grass bags as often.
- Height Adjustment: The single-lever height adjustment is so convenient. I can quickly raise or lower the deck to the perfect cutting height depending on the season, or if I’ve let the grass get a little too long between mows. My neighbor has to adjust each wheel individually which is such a hassle.
- Powerful Engine: That 150cc B&S engine really packs a punch. Even when the grass is thick and a bit damp, this mower powers through it without bogging down. It gives me the confidence to know that I can cut the grass whenever I have free time without worrying about struggling.
- Bag Emptying: The grass bag is super easy to detach and empty. It’s made of a lightweight material that doesn’t clump up or get clogged, and it’s so much bigger than my old one, so I don’t have to stop to empty as frequently.
Cons:
- Steel Deck Weight: While the steel deck feels durable, it does make the mower a bit heavier than some others I’ve used. It’s not a huge deal thanks to the self-propelled feature, but it’s something to consider if you have a very small storage space or need to lift it frequently.
- No Side Discharge: While the 3-in-1 system is great, the lack of side discharge is a bit limiting at times. There have been times where the grass has gotten a little too overgrown, and I would have preferred to use the side discharge to avoid clumping, but it’s only a minor inconvenience.
- Assembly Required: While not overly complicated, assembling the mower out of the box did take me about 45 minutes. I really had to take my time and focus. It was not pre-assembled, and I would have been willing to pay a little more for that.
Overall, the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is a solid choice for the price. It’s powerful, easy to start, and the self-propelled feature makes mowing my lawn a breeze. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient gas mower.
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a competitive comparison of the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, based on my experience using it and other similar mowers.
PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower vs. Troy-Bilt TB230
The Troy-Bilt TB230 is another popular self-propelled mower in a similar price bracket. It also boasts a Briggs & Stratton engine and a 3-in-1 design (mulch, side discharge, rear bag). I’ve used both on my somewhat uneven lawn, and there are definitely some key differences that stand out.
First, I found the rear-wheel drive on the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower to be significantly more effective on hills and inclines. My property has a slight slope, and the PowerSmart handled it with noticeably less effort than the Troy-Bilt. It just felt like it had better traction. Secondly, I really appreciated the ease of adjusting the cutting height on the PowerSmart. The lever felt sturdier and the adjustments were more precise compared to the Troy-Bilt. This made dialing in the perfect cut much quicker.
However, the Troy-Bilt does have one advantage: its slightly lighter weight. This might be preferable if you have a very small, flat yard and need to maneuver the mower around a lot of tight corners. Still, for most average-sized yards with any kind of terrain, I’d recommend the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower for its superior traction and easier height adjustments.
PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower vs. Craftsman M215
The Craftsman M215 is another common choice in the self-propelled mower market, featuring a similar engine size and a 3-in-1 capability. I’ve spent a good amount of time using both mowers, and I’ve noticed a few key distinctions.
The PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower really shines in its mulching performance. I found that it chops the grass into finer pieces, which break down quicker and feed the lawn more effectively. With the Craftsman M215, I noticed larger clumps of clippings left behind, even with the mulching plug installed. The PowerSmart’s durable steel deck also feels more robust. While both mowers have steel decks, the PowerSmart’s feels thicker and more resistant to dents and dings – something I definitely appreciate, given the occasional rock in my yard.
Where the Craftsman M215 might have an edge is in its availability. It’s often easier to find at big-box stores, which could be a deciding factor if you need a mower quickly. However, for overall performance, especially when it comes to mulching and deck durability, I’d lean towards the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower.
PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck vs Yard Machines 21-Inch 140cc Gas Powered Self Propelled Mower
The Yard Machines 21-Inch 140cc Gas Powered Self Propelled Mower is a budget-friendly option that can handle smaller yards and straightforward mowing tasks. When comparing it to the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, the differences are apparent.
The PowerSmart mower clearly outperforms the Yard Machines model in terms of power and handling. The Briggs & Stratton engine on the PowerSmart provides ample power for tackling thicker grass and uneven terrain, whereas the Yard Machines mower struggled a bit in these conditions. Additionally, the rear-wheel drive on the PowerSmart mower offers better traction and control, particularly when mowing uphill or around obstacles.
However, the Yard Machines mower is lighter and more maneuverable, making it a suitable choice for smaller yards with limited storage space. If budget is a primary concern and you have a relatively small, flat lawn, the Yard Machines mower might suffice. But for larger yards, tougher grass, or uneven terrain, the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck provides superior performance and durability.
What Users Are Saying
With over 1500 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck has clearly made a positive impression on many homeowners. After digging through a ton of reviews, I noticed a few key themes consistently popping up: users appreciate the self-propelled feature, the ease of starting, and the effectiveness of the mulching system. Let’s hear what some real folks are saying.
David from Suburban Ohio, First-Time Homeowner: “I’m a new homeowner, and honestly, I was dreading the whole lawn care thing. This PowerSmart mower made it so much easier than I expected. The self-propelled drive is a lifesaver on my slightly hilly yard. No more struggling to push a heavy mower uphill! Seriously, it’s almost fun.” (5-star review)
Maria from Rural Texas, Senior Citizen: “I’m not as young as I used to be, and starting a lawn mower could be a real pain. But this PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck starts on the first or second pull every time! That’s a huge win for me. Plus, it’s not too heavy to maneuver.” (4-star review)
Kevin from Urban Florida, Eco-Conscious Gardener: “I’m really into mulching, and I have to say, the 3-in-1 system on this PowerSmart mower is fantastic. It chops the grass clippings up so finely that they really disappear back into the lawn. My lawn is definitely greener and healthier, and I’m using less fertilizer. As they say, ‘Return to sender.’ ” (5-star review)
Lisa from Coastal Maine, Small Business Owner: “I use the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck to keep the grass trimmed around my office. I was looking for something reliable and easy to store in my shed, and so far it’s been great. The steel deck feels really sturdy, and I appreciate that it seems built to last.” (4-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck
When I first got my hands on the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck, I was mostly hoping for something reliable that wouldn’t break down halfway through mowing my unruly backyard. My old mower was a hand-me-down from my dad, and let’s just say it saw better days. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how much easier and, dare I say, enjoyable this PowerSmart mower would make yard work.
For the past three months, this machine has been my go-to for tackling the lawn around my suburban home. My wife, Sarah, even gave it a whirl – she appreciated the self-propelled feature, especially when mowing the slight incline in our front yard. We live in a region with unpredictable weather, which means the grass can go from manageable to jungle-like in a matter of days. I primarily use the mulching function, which has noticeably improved the health of the lawn. The grass looks greener and feels thicker underfoot.
One afternoon, after a week of heavy rain, I was faced with a particularly challenging patch of thick, wet grass near the back fence. Usually, this would have been a nightmare with my old mower, but the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck powered right through it without even a hint of bogging down. The rear-wheel drive provided excellent traction, and the Briggs & Stratton engine had plenty of oomph. It even handled some small twigs and leaves with ease, turning them into a fine mulch. The sound is powerful, a confident roar, but not deafeningly loud. I was genuinely impressed.
I did notice that the grass catcher bag can fill up quickly when the grass is long, so I’ve learned to empty it more frequently or just stick to mulching, which I prefer anyway. Also, starting it for the first time took a few extra pulls, but after that, it’s been smooth sailing. Overall, this PowerSmart mower has significantly reduced the time and effort it takes to maintain my lawn, leaving me more time to relax and enjoy the results. Compared to my old mower, it’s night and day. It’s well-built, powerful, and makes quick work of even the toughest patches of grass.
Final Verdict
After a full mowing season putting the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck through its paces, I’m genuinely impressed. It tackled everything from thick spring growth to the drier patches we get in late summer with surprising ease. My old mower would have choked on half of what this PowerSmart model chewed through!
This mower is a great fit for homeowners with small to medium-sized yards who are looking for a reliable, self-propelled gas mower without breaking the bank. If you’re tired of wrestling with a push mower or dealing with the limitations of an electric one, this is definitely an upgrade to consider. The biggest strength, without a doubt, is its self-propelled rear-wheel drive – it made navigating my slightly hilly yard a breeze. The one limitation I noticed was the side discharge chute feeling a bit flimsy compared to the robust steel deck, but with careful handling, it hasn’t been a major issue.
For anyone who dreads lawn care, the self-propelled feature and easy start-up of the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck alone make it a game-changer. Considering the current price, which is significantly lower than some of the other self-propelled mowers I’ve tested, the PowerSmart is a real steal.
I recommend the PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck with complete confidence. It offers a blend of power, convenience, and affordability that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to make lawn care less of a chore, giving this mower a try could be the best decision you make for your yard this year.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
