You’re standing in your driveway, sweat already beading on your forehead. The grass is knee-high in spots, and the hill at the back of the yard looks steeper than it did last month. Pushing a mower up that incline is a workout you didn’t sign up for. You need a machine that does the heavy lifting—literally.
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A self-propelled gas mower takes the grunt work out of mowing. The engine drives the wheels, so you just steer. The key is picking the right one for your yard. Engine size, drive system, cutting width, deck material—each factor changes how the mower handles. Get it right, and your Saturday morning chore turns into a quick, satisfying lap.
We looked at five of the best self-propelled gas mowers you can buy at Home Depot right now. From a budget-friendly option with seven cutting heights to a wide-deck machine with a washout port, there’s something here for every lawn. Below you’ll find honest breakdowns of each model—what works, what doesn’t, and who should buy it.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specs to help you narrow down your choice.
| Features | PowerSmart 21″ | YARDMAX 22″ | Ezasin 21″ | PowerSmart RWD | SENIX 22″ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 170cc OHV | 201cc OHV | 170cc OHV | 170cc OHV | 170cc OHV |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel, variable | FWD, CVT 6-speed | Rear-wheel, variable | Rear-wheel, variable | Rear-wheel, single-speed |
| Cutting width | 21″ | 22″ | 21″ | 21″ | 22″ |
| Deck material | Alloy steel | Steel | Stamped steel | Steel | Steel |
| Height positions | 6 (1.5″–3.9″) | Single-lever | 7 (1″–3″) | 6 (dual-lever) | 6 (1.25″–4″) |
PowerSmart 21″ Self-Propelled
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This mower is built for anyone with a sloped yard and a dislike of tugging on a pull cord. The 170cc OHV engine fires up in one or two pulls—no priming dance required. If you’ve ever spent ten minutes trying to start an old gas mower, you’ll appreciate that. The rear-wheel drive gives you real traction on hills. You guide the mower; it does the climbing.
The 21-inch alloy steel deck cuts through thick, overgrown grass in a single pass. You can switch between bagging, mulching, and side discharge without tools. That matters when parts of your lawn are lush and others are patchy. The handle folds flat, saving up to 70% of your garage floor space. That’s not a gimmick—if your shed is cramped, it’s a lifesaver.
One trade-off: the replacement blades are 20 inches, not 21. So when you need new blades, order the right size. Also, the drive speed is not infinitely variable like some pricier models; you get a fixed set of speeds. For most medium yards, it’s plenty. But if you walk very slowly or very fast, you might wish for more control.
- 170cc OHV engine with recoil start, no primer needed
- 21-inch alloy steel deck, 6 height positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches
- 3-in-1 system: bag, mulch, rear discharge
- Rear-wheel drive with 10-inch rear wheels for hill traction
- Folding handle for vertical storage
Best for: Homeowners with sloped, uneven ground who want a reliable starter and easy storage.
YARDMAX 22″ CVT Mower
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If you like to set your own pace—literally—this mower is a strong candidate. The YARDMAX uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six speed settings. Most mowers give you a fixed speed range; this one lets you dial in exactly how fast you want to walk. That’s a real advantage if you have a mix of open lawn and tight spots around flower beds.
The 201cc engine is the largest in this roundup. It’s paired with an automatic choke system—no priming, no fiddling. The rubber tires have an aggressive spiked tread that grips well on damp grass or loose soil. A deck cleanout port lets you spray water underneath without tipping the mower. If you hate scraping dried clippings off the underside, you’ll use this every time.
The main downside is the front-wheel drive. For flat and mostly flat yards, it’s fine. But on steep hills, front-wheel drive can lose traction because the front wheels lift under load. The high wheel design helps, but if your yard is a roller coaster, rear-wheel drive is a better bet. Also, CVT systems can feel a bit touchy at first—give it a mow or two to get used to the speed range.
- 201cc OHV engine with automatic choke
- 22-inch cutting width, steel deck
- CVT 6-speed selectable drive (forward only)
- Aggressive spiked rubber tires for traction
- Single-lever height adjustment, deck cleanout port
Best for: Homeowners with mostly flat yards who want precise speed control and easy starts.
Ezasin 21″ Self-Propelled
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This mower is the no-frills option that still gets the job done. Ezasin packs a 170cc OHV engine and a 21-inch stamped steel deck into a package that undercuts most competitors on price. It’s for the person who needs a self-propelled mower but doesn’t want to pay for extras they won’t use.
You get seven cutting height positions from 1 to 3 inches. That’s more adjustability than most, which is handy if you like to cut grass shorter in spring and leave it longer during a dry spell. The 1.9-bushel grass bag is decent-sized for a 21-inch deck. The three-in-one system lets you bag, mulch, or side discharge, though you’ll have to install the mulch plug manually—it’s not tool-free like some others.
The stamped steel deck is lighter than an alloy or fabricated steel deck. That means the mower is easier to maneuver, but it may not hold up as long if you bang into rocks or roots regularly. Also, the drive system is a single-speed; you can’t adjust how fast the mower pulls itself. If you have a very slow walking pace, it might feel too fast. For most people, it’s fine.
- 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, recoil start
- 21-inch stamped steel deck
- 7-position single-lever height adjustment (1″–3″)
- 3-in-1: rear bag, mulch, side discharge
- 1.9-bushel grass collection bag
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers with flat, medium-sized yards who don’t need variable speed.
PowerSmart RWD Mower
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Think of this as the reliable workhorse of the PowerSmart lineup. It has the same rear-wheel drive and 170cc engine as the first model, but skips some of the premium touches. The deck is standard steel, not alloy, and the height adjustment uses two levers instead of one. That’s a minor inconvenience—you have to adjust each side separately—but it still gives you six positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches.
The auto choke system means you pull and go. No priming, no flooding. The rear-wheel drive grips well on moderate slopes, and the 3-in-1 system lets you switch between bagging, mulching, and side discharge. The steel deck is durable enough for regular use on grass and light weeds. It’s a straightforward mower that does what it says without fuss.
The biggest trade-off is no folding handle for storage. You have to store it upright or take up floor space. Also, the dual-lever height adjustment is slower than a single lever. If you change cutting height often—say, between seasons—you might find it annoying. But if you set it once and leave it, it’s fine.
- 170cc OHV engine with auto choke and recoil start
- 21-inch steel deck, rear-wheel drive
- 6-position dual-lever height adjustment (1.5″–3.9″)
- 3-in-1: bag, mulch, side discharge
- No foldable handle, takes up more storage space
Best for: Shoppers who want a reliable rear-wheel drive mower at a lower price point and don’t need folding storage.
SENIX 22″ Gas Mower
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The SENIX is the wide-body of the group. With a 22-inch cutting deck, you cover more ground per pass than the 21-inch models. That saves time on larger lawns. The 19-gallon bagger is the biggest here—you’ll make fewer trips to the compost pile. And the washout port makes cleanup easy: hook up a hose, rinse the deck, done.
It also has the tallest rear wheels at 11 inches, which roll over bumps and ruts more smoothly than smaller wheels. The single-lever height adjustment gives you six positions from 1.25 to 4 inches—a good range for different grass types. The package includes engine oil, a mulch plug, and a discharge chute, so you’re ready to mow out of the box.
The downside is the single-speed drive. You can’t change how fast it pulls itself. If you prefer a slow, deliberate mow or need to navigate tight areas, you might find it too quick. Also, the engine is 170cc, which is adequate for a 22-inch deck but not overkill. In very thick, wet grass you might notice it strain a bit. The steel deck is sturdy but not alloy—fine for normal use, but watch for rust if you leave it out.
- 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, single-speed rear-wheel drive
- 22-inch steel deck, 11-inch rear wheels
- 6-position height adjustment (1.25″–4″)
- 19-gallon bagger, washout port
- Foldable handle for vertical storage
Best for: Owners of larger medium-sized yards who want a wider cut, big bag, and easy cleaning.
How We Chose These Products
We focused on self-propelled gas mowers available at Home Depot because that’s where most homeowners shop for lawn equipment. We started by listing every model in the popular middle tier—170cc to 200cc engines, 21- to 22-inch decks, prices that don’t require a second mortgage. Then we narrowed to five that represent different priorities.
We looked at engine reliability, drive system types, deck durability, and ease of use features like starting and storage. We read owner reviews across multiple seasons to catch common complaints—hard starting, poor traction, flimsy parts. We weighed that feedback against the specs to find models that deliver on their promises without hidden surprises. This isn’t a ranking of all-time bests; it’s a curated set for different yard situations.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
Start with your yard. Is it hilly? Go rear-wheel drive. Flat or gently rolling? Front-wheel drive like the YARDMAX works fine and costs less. Steep, long slopes? A variable-speed drive helps you adjust speed without slipping. Single-speed is fine if you walk at a consistent pace.
Cutting width matters more than you think. Jumping from 21 to 22 inches saves about 5% of your mowing time. That’s not huge, but if you have a half-acre, it adds up. Deck material affects longevity: alloy steel resists rust better than standard steel, but all decks will last years with proper care. Height adjustment range is crucial if you overseed in spring or let the grass grow long in summer. Seven positions give you more fine-tuning than six.
Don’t overlook storage. A folding handle can reclaim a big chunk of garage floor. A washout port makes cleaning easy—and a clean deck cuts better and lasts longer. Bag capacity might not matter if you always mulch, but if you bag clippings, a 19-gallon bag beats a 1.9-bushel one (roughly 15 gallons) by a noticeable margin.
Our Top Recommendation
If we had to pick one mower for the widest range of buyers, it’s the PowerSmart 21″ Gas Self-Propelled (the first one with the alloy deck and folding handle). It balances hill performance, quick starting, and compact storage better than any other model here. The rear-wheel drive handles slopes confidently, the 170cc engine starts easily all season, and the foldable design solves a real storage headache.
That said, your situation might steer you elsewhere. For flat yards where speed control matters, the YARDMAX 22″ CVT is a great choice—the variable transmission is genuinely useful. If you’re on a tight budget and have a flat lawn, the Ezasin 21″ gives you good value. And if you simply want the widest cut and biggest bag, the SENIX 22″ saves time on trips to the compost pile. Check current prices on Amazon to see which fits your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rear-wheel drive really better for hills?
Yes, in most cases. On a slope, the weight of the mower shifts backward, pressing the rear wheels into the ground for grip. Front-wheel drive mowers can lose traction because the front wheels lighten. For hills over about 15 degrees, rear-wheel drive is the safer choice.
Do I need a variable-speed self-propelled drive?
Only if you like to walk at an unusual pace. If you naturally match the mower’s single speed, you’ll be fine. Variable speed helps when you need to slow down for tight turns, obstacles, or thick grass, then speed up on open stretches. If you’re indecisive about pace, get variable.
Can I leave gas in the mower over winter?
Not if you want it to start next spring. Gasoline degrades in about 30 days. Add a fuel stabilizer before the last mow, or drain the tank and run the carburetor dry. Ethanol-free gas is better if you can find it.
How often should I change the oil in a new gas mower?
After the first 5 hours of use, change the oil to remove break-in particles. After that, once a season or every 25 hours, whichever comes first. Most mowers in this roundup use standard SAE 30 oil—check the manual for your specific model.