Our take
The PowerSmart PSM2020 is a 20-inch gas mower with a 170 cc engine and documented rear-wheel-drive self-propulsion. Its manual lists eight height positions from 1.2 to 3.15 inches, a 2.3-bushel catcher, and rear bagging, mulching, and side discharge. The trade-off is an engine that needs gasoline, oil checks, and maintenance rather than a battery-and-charger setup. The manual lists a 76.8-pound weight and does not supply a comparable maximum runtime or area-per-tank guarantee. This is a documentation-based review, not a cutting test.
A buyer seeking a gas mower with self-propelled rear-wheel drive, three clipping modes, and a 2.3-bushel bag..
It is a poor fit if you need a cordless mower, want to avoid fuel and engine maintenance, require a published self-propelled speed or per-tank area claim, or need a lightweight machine for frequent lifting.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- The exact manual identifies a 170 cc engine and rear-wheel-drive self-propelled operation.
- Eight cutting-height positions span 1.2 to 3.15 inches, more positions than many models in this group.
- The 2.3-bushel catcher and documented bagging, mulching, and side-discharge modes provide several clipping setups.
What to weigh up
- The gasoline engine requires fuel, oil checks, and scheduled maintenance rather than a battery charge.
- At 76.8 pounds, the mower is a substantial lift; its manual does not document folding or vertical storage.
- The manual does not state a maximum self-propel speed, runtime, or area per tank for this exact model.
Specifications and exact model details
The key details
| Model covered | PSM2020 |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | 20 in cutting width; 170 cc four-stroke engine; rear-wheel drive |
| Drive and battery platform | Eight cutting-height positions from 1.2 to 3.15 in |
| Battery and charger configuration | 2.3-bushel grass catcher; rear bag, mulch, and side-discharge modes |
| Cutting and collection | Gasoline model with a 0.4 gal fuel tank; no battery or charger |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 16, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
Full review: how the features affect your choice
What the features mean for you
Rear-wheel drive with a 170 cc engine
PowerSmart’s PSM2020 manual describes a 170 cc four-stroke engine and rear-wheel-drive self-propulsion. That makes this a distinct choice from the push-only gas and electric mowers in the comparison. The document identifies a drive-control bar but does not publish a self-propel speed in miles per hour, so this review does not rank its pace or predict how it will feel on a particular slope. Its 20-inch cutting width is the maker’s stated width, not a tested measure of work rate or cut quality.
Eight height positions in a 1.2-to-3.15-inch range
The exact manual lists eight settings between 1.2 and 3.15 inches. A larger number of adjustment positions can give the operator more discrete choices within that range, but it does not establish that every intermediate height suits every lawn. The manufacturer recommends raising or lowering the deck only after the engine and blade have stopped, and it advises beginning high to reduce the chance of scalping. The range does not reach four inches, and the minimum remains above one inch in the questionnaire’s documented comparisons.
Three ways to handle clippings
PowerSmart documents a 2.3-bushel grass catcher and supplies instructions for rear bagging, mulching, and side discharge. The manual explains that the mulch plug and side-discharge chute are fitted in different configurations, and that the catcher is used for collection. That gives the buyer options without claiming one mode always produces a better result. The catcher is larger than the one-bushel bag documented for the compact Sun Joe, but volume alone cannot predict how often it will need emptying on a specific lawn.
Gas power brings a fuel and service routine
The manual lists a 0.4-gallon fuel tank and 16.9 fluid ounces of oil capacity. It instructs the owner to add oil and gasoline before starting the mower and to check oil level before use. The engine avoids the need for compatible batteries and a charger, but the trade is recurring fuel handling, engine checks, and maintenance. PowerSmart does not publish a comparable maximum runtime in minutes or an area-per-tank result for PSM2020, so neither the tank size nor the engine displacement is converted into a mowing-time estimate.
Confirm handling and seller configuration
PowerSmart lists the PSM2020 at 76.8 pounds and gives assembled dimensions of 63 by 21.3 by 41.3 inches. The manual does not document a folding-storage position, so the published dimensions should not be assumed to shrink for storage. Before purchase, match the seller’s exact PSM2020 model code and confirm its condition and included catcher, side-discharge chute, mulch plug, and engine accessories. The product source is an exact-model manual and manufacturer parts references; it does not prove that a current marketplace offer contains every component in the manual’s original carton.
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Before you buy
Is PSM2020 self-propelled?
Yes. PowerSmart’s exact-model manual identifies rear-wheel drive and a drive-control bar. It does not publish a maximum speed in mph.
What cutting modes are documented?
The manual describes rear bagging, mulching with the plug, and side discharge with its chute. Check the exact seller package for the relevant parts.
Does it have a battery kit or runtime rating?
No battery is used; this is a gasoline mower. The manual does not publish a comparable runtime or area-per-tank claim.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources and review basis
Sources & review basis
We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- PowerSmart PSM2020 instruction manual ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
- PowerSmart PSM2020 instruction manual ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
- PowerSmart 20-inch mower blade compatibility for PSM2020 ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
- PowerSmart 170 cc spark plug compatibility for PSM2020 ↗ — checked October 16, 2026.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.