PowerSmart DB8621P 21″ Gas Walk-Behind Push Lawn Mower Review
The compact PowerSmart gas-powered push lawn mower is ideal for smaller-sized yards in the range of ¼- to ½-acre . And at 68 pounds, it’s not all that heavy to move forward–think of it as the perfect type of exercise. The PowerSmart is powered by a 159cc engine and operates nicely in tight spaces. Mowers can mulch, bag, or use the side-discharge option depending on what may be best at different points of the season. The easy-to-operate PowerSmart mower boasts a durable steel deck that slices a 21-inch radius, and the machine has height adjustments that range from 1.18 to 3 inches.
The PowerSmart lawn mower comes with a side discharge chute, a grass catcher, an upper and lower handle, a know, a washer, screws, flange bolts, a cable clip, and a spark plug wrench. The mower comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Key Features
- Easy-pull starting
- 3-in-1 bag, side discharge, and mulching options
- 18-gallon large-rear mounted clippings container with easy release
- 5-position grass height adjustment
- 21-inch steel mowing deck
Performance
This tough little red-and-black machine starts on the first tug and has a powerful 4-cycle OHV engine. With its light weight, the PowerSmart can zip around the yard with small- and medium-sized yards with ease. You probably wouldn’t want to tackle larger-sized yards with thick grass with this mower, given its power output, though that’s not to say this is a weakling mower by any means. It assembles easily, starts on a dime, and provides a clean cut. Some have said they wish the bagging container was more robust, and I get that. Still, 18 gallons filled with clippings, within a container that’s super-simple to release, makes for pretty easy grass cleanup in my book.
Also, remember when you were a kid and it took three or four pulls to get your clunky old mower started? You won’t run into that issue with the easy-starting PowerSmart. With its easy-pull starting mechanism, things like primer buttons and choker adjustments are a thing of the past.
Ease of Use
After 10 minutes or so of easy assembly (attaching the lower and upper handle, inserting the recoil starter handle cable into the hook on the upper handle, and fueling), the PowerSmart is ready to go. Attaching and detaching the grass catcher is simple, as is adding the side discharge chute if desired. The cutting height is adjusted easily with a single lever. The engine throttle on the mower has been preset to provide optimum bagging and mulching performance for many years to come.
Cut Quality & Options
The 5-position height adjustment feature gives you the option to keep your yard and possibly interspersed weeds at varied lengths. Eight-inch wheels in back make the PowerSmart a breeze to push. Using the side discharge option is great, too–throw the grass to the side of the mower and add important nutrients to your lawn for a thick and healthy look. With its slender specs of 18 x 33 x 23, the PowerSmart glides around bushes, sidles up to sandboxes and fences, and chops away around bulky bushes with no problem. Whether you’ve got tight areas or pesky obstacles in the yard, PowerSmart powers through.
Maintenance
Regularly check the blade to make sure it is securely attached, in good condition, balanced, and sharp. Only use a sharp blade that is in good condition. This will prevent the grass blades from becoming frayed and the lawn from turning yellow. In the event that the blade strikes an object, immediately turn off the mower and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop. Then inspect the condition of the blade and the blade mount. Replace any parts that are damaged.
Clean the underside of the deck after use to prevent build up of grass clippings and debris. Never place any type of storage cover or tarp on the mower while it is hot. Keeping the tank full reduces the amount of air and vapor and reduces deterioration of the fuel. Cutting height adjustments should only be performed after the engine and blades have come to a complete stop. Be sure to add oil and gasoline before starting the engine.
Excessive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. In that case, the mower should promptly be inspected and repaired. Changing of engine-governed speed will void the engine warranty. All adjustments should be checked at least once each season. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure they are tight. When performing maintenance on the machine, always stop the engine, allow it to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire.
If the mower is being stored for short periods of time (30 to 60 days), add stabilized fuel to the gas tank until it is full. Run the engine for two to three minutes, allowing the stabilized fuel mixture to circulate through the carburetor.
When storing the mower for extended periods:
- Start the engine and run it until the tank and fuel line are completely empty
- Change the oil
- Remove the spark plug and follow directions in manual on maintenance
- Clean mower to protect paint
- Store in a well-ventilated location
Safety Features
The sturdily built PowerSmart comes equipped with an engine start/stop lever that prevents unintentional starting and ensures safe operation. Releasing this lever will quickly halt the blade. It’s recommended to become familiar with the start/stop lever before mowing to ensure the lever and actuator cables are working properly. When the engine start/stop lever is released, the engine should stop within a few seconds. If this doesn’t happen, contact a customer service representative.
Special Features
The deep construction of the dome deck, in conjunction with a sharp and sturdy blade, both make the mulching option highly desirable when using the PowerSmart. Other nice options include a 21-inch mowing deck, an easy pull-cord start system, five lever-adjusted grass heights, an 18-gallon rear bag catcher, and 8-inch wheels in back for easy maneuverability.
Cost Effectiveness
As a 3-in-1 mower that is easy to push, adjust, and empty (if you bag), the PowerSmart offers great value for its price, though some would argue that the price is on the high side compared to other options on the market. I, for one, feel PowerSmart offers premier value, given its advantages. The easy-pull start functions means you’ll save on maintenance down the road. As long as you care for this machine each season (see the maintenance tips above), it should give you your money’s worth.
What’s more, I always view 3-in-1 mowers as paying for themselves in different ways. For instance, side discharge is like free fertilizer; bagging saves time and energy on raking and paying for leaves to be hauled away; and mulching, like side discharge is refined fertilizer for the season. Depending on the weather and time of year, all three of these options are highly viable for all types of yards–so take advantage of them!
