Poulan Pro PR500N21SH 21″ Gas Push Lawn Mower Review
Sized at 20.75 x 25.25 x 40.25 inches, the Poulan Pro gas-powered push lawn mower comes nicely equipped with a reliable Briggs & Stratton 140cc 500E Series engine and 21-inch cutting deck. The reliable pull-starting function and ample power allow this mower to get the yard-cutting job done fast. Backed with a 21-inch cutting deck, the Poulan Pro is a 2-in-1 machine that allows you to sweep your grass to the side with side discharge or you can use the mulching option. And by the way, no tools are required to change mowing modes. The Poulan Pro has five quick-adjust height positions; easy-rolling, oversized rear wheels that clock in at 11 inches; and it’s just 63 pounds … super easy to maneuver. The mower comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Key Features
- 500E 140cc Briggs & Stratton primer engine
- 21-inch deck push mower
- 2-in-1 side discharge and mulch capability
- 4-Quick height adjusters with 5 positions
- 7-inch front and 12-inch rear wheels
Performance
The high-performance, powerful Briggs & Stratton engine is tough and reliable, as is the mower’s heavy-duty steel body, making it primed for a long life. The Poulan Pro is not self-propelled, but since it’s lightweight that’s not a huge deal. It’ll handle inclines with ease thanks to large rear wheels, and it does a masterful job on flat land and won’t scalp your grass thanks to the wheels and height-adjustment options. Even folks who live in the country and have to deal with tough, weedy “grass” will find the Poulan Pro a joy to use–it’ll cut right through all the messes in its way. In addition, this machine does a fantastic job mulching leaves and mows over thick, weedy spots with ease. It may look a tad on the small side, but make no mistake: It can take a beating and keep going.
Ease of Use
Pull it out of the box and in 10 minutes or so you’ll have the Poulan Pro assembled. Just fold out the handle, add the two included nuts and bolts to it, and then tighten. Fill the machine with gas and oil, prime it, and you’ll be good to go. The high rear wheels offer topnotch control and maneuverability, whether you’re steering around a mailbox, a pond, a sprinkler system, or maneuvering on more difficult terrain such as slopes or uneven yards. Got a bumpy yard? No matter. The lightweight Poulan Pro has high back wheels that levels the playing field … bumps don’t matter with this machine. One thing worth noting is that it’ll take a small funnel with a flexible spout to pour the oil in the engine. Some might say the location of the oil tank is a bit awkward, but it shouldn’t take long to get used to that.
Cut Quality & Options
The simple four-point cutting-height adjustment allows mowers to adjust the grass-cutting height on all four wheels, individually. Each wheel has a handle on its corner so that you can adjust the height up or down. Pretty cool. If you have a yard that’s uneven in spots, you can adjust the back wheels higher than the front ones to get improved traction in awkward spots. The high-speed blade and solid wheel traction mean obstacles in yards don’t stand a chance. In addition, mowers have the choice of side discharge or mulching, using the included deflector attachment that is very easy to take on or off.
Maintenance
If you’re storing the mower for an extended period, drain the oil while the engine is warm and then replace it with clean oil. Also be sure to drain the fuel after you’ve used the mower for the final time of the season. Start the mower up and let it run until the carburetor and fuel lines are empty. Prior to using it again the next season, fill it up with new fuel.
To give the machine a tune up and to replace the spark plug, remove the spark plug and pour an ounce of oil through the hole in the cylinder. Afterward, pull the starter handle slowly to distribute the oil and replace it with a new spark plug.
Keep the mower clean by scraping built-up grass from the underside of the deck. Clean the engine of debris and accumulation, but don’t spray it with a hose unless important parts such as the carburetor, muffler, air filter, and electrical system are covered.
Safety Features
The Poulan Pro comes carb compliant and has a safety shutoff bar that lifts upward rather than downward. Considering how powerful the engine is, it’s also relatively quiet, which means it won’t make you deaf. One could also argue that the mower’s lightweightedness and ease of maneuverability are safety functions for those who are 50 years of age or older!
Special Features
Everyone will love that the Poulan Pro comes mostly assembled and equipped with greasing oil and a detailed instruction handbook. It’s powered by a very powerful but surprisingly light engine that hauls a 21-inch cutting deck and large rear wheels for slick maneuverability. Its compactness is deceiving, as the Poulan Pro is also powerful and makes a lawn look as good as it can get. As mentioned, the mulching function on this baby rips through leaves and turns them to dust. Use it, and you won’t have to worry about spraying grass all along the side of your house or on the sidewalk. Of course, some people love the side discharge option. The choice is yours!
Cost Effectiveness
The Poulan Pro has five different grass-cutting heights, a good value considering that many mowers in this price range only offer two to four grass-cutting settings. All in all, Poulan is considered a quality, mid-priced brand in the industry, with a long history of producing yard and outdoor tools and equipment that stand the test of time. This 2-in-1 mower should be a good, long-term investment. Reliable, lightweight, and efficient, the Poulan Pro is an inexpensive option that makes sense.
