PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S
The cheapest way into a rear wheel drive 3-in-1 gas mower, for sloped lawns on a tight budget. Expect less dealer support than a Toro.
Amazon $339.99$339.99
The PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S is the better lawn mower overall, rated 3.8 to 3.4. The PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S leads on cutting modes, value and power. The PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S costs $79.01 less ($339.99 vs $419).
SKIL PWR CORE 40 20 in Self-Propelled
#11 in Self-propelledFull review
A low cost self propelled 20 in mower with a long warranty, for lawns up to about a third of an acre.
Amazon $419$419
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S for cutting modes (3 ways to cut: bag, mulch, side discharge vs 2 ways to cut: bag, mulch), value ($16.19 per inch of deck ($339.99, 21 in deck) vs $20.95 per inch of deck ($419 with batteries and charger, 20 in deck)) and power (170 cc engine vs 240 Wh of battery included).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every self-propelled lawn mower; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S | SKIL PWR CORE 40 20 in Self-Propelled |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $16.19 per inch of deck ($339.99, 21 in deck) | 81 $20.95 per inch of deck ($419 with batteries and charger, 20 in deck) |
| Deck 20% | 12 21 in deck | 0 20 in deck |
| Power 15% | 62 170 cc engine | 26 240 Wh of battery included |
| Cutting modes 15% | 100 3 ways to cut: bag, mulch, side discharge | 50 2 ways to cut: bag, mulch |
| Warranty 20% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 100 5-year warranty |
Specifications
| PowerSmart 21 in 170cc RWD DB8621S | SKIL PWR CORE 40 20 in Self-Propelled | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Deck width | 21 in | 20 in |
| Deck | Steel | - |
| Cutting height | 1.5 to 3.9 in, 6 positions | 1.5 to 4 in, 7 positions |
| Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Bag capacity | - | 1.7 bushels |
| Mulch | Yes | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes | No |
| Power | ||
| Power | Gas | Battery |
| Engine or battery | 170 cc | 40 V, 6 Ah of battery |
| Battery energy | - | 240 Wh |
| Battery included | - | Yes |
| Runtime | - | 50 min |
| Brushless motor | - | Yes |
| Electric start | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Folds upright | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 59 lb | - |
| Warranty | - | 5 years |
| Battery warranty | - | 2 years |