Choosing the right lawn mower setup can completely change your weekend routine. I have spent years testing outdoor power equipment, and I have found that how a mower gets rid of grass clippings is just as important as engine size. In this comparison, we will look at two popular PowerSmart gas models to help you understand how side-discharge and rear-discharge systems handle real-world yards.
rear discharge mower vs side discharge: At a Glance
| Side-Discharge Lawn Mower | Rear-Discharge Lawn Mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Discharge Direction | Expels clippings out the side of the mower deck. | Expels clippings out the back of the mower deck. |
| Clipping Distribution | Throws grass in a wide path, sometimes onto walkways or beds. | Deposits grass directly behind the mower path for neater results. |
| Maneuverability | Wider profile due to side chute, harder to trim near obstacles. | Narrower, symmetrical profile allowing close trimming on both sides. |
| Handling Tall Grass | Excellent; rapidly expels heavy clippings without clogging the deck. | Moderate; heavy, wet grass can sometimes accumulate under the rear deck. |
| Bagging Compatibility | Requires a side-mounted bag, which can unbalanced the mower. | Ideally suited for direct-flow rear bagging attachments. |
| Safety | Higher risk of throwing stones and debris sideways. | Lower risk of thrown debris, which is directed downward and backward. |
| Best Suited For | Large open lawns, rough fields, and infrequently cut grass. | Complex lawns with tight borders, flower beds, and walkways. |
Complete Comparison: Side-Discharge Lawn Mower vs Rear-Discharge Lawn Mower
| PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, | PowerSmart 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Budget / Compact Push | Mid-Range / Heavy Duty Self-Propelled |
| Engine Power & Type | 144cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine with auto choke & primer | 170cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine with auto choke & recoil starter |
| Drive System | Manual Walk-Behind (Push) | Self-Propelled Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Cutting Width & Deck | 18-Inch Steel Deck | 22-Inch Steel Deck |
| Discharge & Grass Management | Side Discharge only | 3-in-1 Modes (Mulch, Rear Discharge, 60L Bagging) |
| Height Adjustment | 5-Position manual adjustment (1.5″ to 3.9″) | 6-Level rear wheel height adjustment |
| Maneuverability & Wheels | Lightweight, 8″ rear and 7″ front wheels for tight spaces | RWD traction, heavier build optimized for slopes and uneven ground |
| Best For | Small yards, tight corners, and quick, low-maintenance push mowing | Medium to large yards, hilly terrain, and versatile grass clipping collection |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Runner-up (Best Budget/Small Yard Option) | Winner (Best Overall Power, Versatility & Ease of Use) |
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower
The PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch is a lightweight, no-nonsense machine designed for quick cuts in smaller spaces. I immediately noticed how easy it is to push this machine around tight flower beds and garden borders. The heart of this mower is its 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine, which fires up quickly thanks to an automatic choke and a simple primer bulb. This model relies on a dedicated side discharge system, blowing the cut grass out of the right side of the deck so you can power through tall, thick patches without clogging. The 18-inch steel deck feels surprisingly tough for a budget-friendly unit. Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward with a 5-position height adjustment lever that lets you set your cut between 1.5 and 3.9 inches.
- Easy Start Engine: The 144cc 4-stroke engine starts reliably with an auto choke system and primer.
- Side Discharge: Expels grass clippings to the side, preventing deck clogging in heavy grass.
- 18-Inch Steel Deck: Offers a durable housing that stands up to stray rocks and roots.
- 5-Position Height Adjustment: Simple levers change the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches.
- Easy Maneuverability: Features 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels for light weight and quick turning.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and easy to push around obstacles.
- Simple engine starting routine with no choke adjustment needed.
- Steel deck offers better durability than plastic alternatives in this price range.
- Does not clog easily when cutting tall or wet grass.
Cons
- Small 18-inch cutting width means more passes on larger lawns.
- Leaves visible grass clippings on top of the lawn.
- Manual push design can feel tiring on slopes.
Best for:
Homeowners with small, flat yards who want a simple, lightweight machine that starts reliably and requires very little maintenance.
Expert Opinion: This is a fantastic entry-level machine for tight suburban yards. The lack of a drive system actually makes it easier to manhandle around delicate landscaping features.
PowerSmart 22-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
If you have a larger yard or hills to climb, the PowerSmart 22-Inch Self-Propelled mower is built to handle the extra workload. This machine features a muscular 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine that delivers plenty of torque to spin the blade and drive the wheels at the same time. Walking behind this mower feels effortless because of the self-propelled RWD system, which digs in and pulls the machine up slopes without slipping. The massive 22-inch cutting deck shaves significant time off your chore list. You get a versatile 3-in-1 mowing mode setup that lets you switch between rear discharge, bagging with a 60L grass catcher, or mulching the clippings back into the turf. A single lever controls the adjustable cutting height, offering six different positions to match your grass type.
- Powerful Engine: The 170cc gas engine starts quickly with an auto choke and provides great cutting power.
- Self-Propelled RWD System: Rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction on hills and uneven turf.
- 22-Inch Cutting Deck: Large steel deck cuts a wider path to finish the lawn faster.
- 3-in-1 Mowing Modes: Supports rear bagging, mulching, and rear discharge for total debris control.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: Single-point height adjustment with six positions to choose from.
Pros
- Rear-wheel drive does most of the heavy pushing for you.
- Wide cutting path reduces the overall time spent mowing.
- Large grass bag holds a lot of clippings before needing to be emptied.
- Powerful engine handles thick, overgrown grass without bogging down.
Cons
- Heavy overall weight makes it harder to lift or transport.
- Takes up more storage space in the garage or shed.
- Rear discharge chute can sometimes spray dust toward the operator when the bag is off.
Best for:
Medium to large properties with slopes, tough weeds, or homeowners who prefer to bag their clippings for a spotless finish.
Expert Opinion: The rear-wheel drive on this model makes it a lifesaver for hilly terrain. Having the option to bag, mulch, or discharge gives you total control over your lawn care routine.
Rear Discharge Mower vs Side Discharge: Key Differences That Matter
Understanding the mechanics of a rear discharge mower vs side discharge will help you choose the right machine for your property style.
Performance Comparison
A side-discharge mower excels when you are dealing with neglected, tall grass. The side chute allows the blade to throw clippings out immediately, keeping the underside of the deck clear of wet debris. A rear-discharge mower, especially when using the bagging option, has to lift the clippings up and backward into a collection bag. This works beautifully for a clean, manicured look, but wet or excessively tall grass can block the rear tunnel and stall the engine. If you mulch with the rear-discharge model, the deck keeps the grass underneath longer to chop it into tiny pieces.
Price and Value Analysis
Simple side-discharge mowers are almost always more affordable. They have fewer moving parts, no drive belts, and do not include expensive collection bags. The 18-inch PowerSmart model is an budget-friendly tool that focuses on pure cutting. The 22-inch rear-discharge model costs more because you are paying for the self-propelled transmission, the larger 170cc engine, and the versatile 3-in-1 bagging system.
Build Quality Comparison
Both PowerSmart models feature strong steel decks, which is a major plus. The smaller 18-inch deck is stiffer and less prone to flexing because of its compact footprint. The 22-inch deck is built with heavier gauge steel to support the weight of the self-propelled drive system and the rear bagging attachment. The wheels on the self-propelled unit are sturdier, which is necessary to handle the power being sent to the rear axle.
User Experience Differences
Operating these two mowers feels completely different. Pushing the lightweight 18-inch side-discharge mower feels like pushing a shopping cart. It is highly agile, but you will feel the workout in your calves after half an hour. The 22-inch RWD mower feels like a small tractor. You simply guide it along the path while the rear wheels do the climbing, but turning around at the end of a row requires you to release the drive bail and pivot a much heavier machine.
Which Should You Choose?
Your lawn size and landscaping layout should dictate your choice.
Choose the 18-inch side-discharge mower if you have a flat yard under a quarter-acre with lots of flower beds, trees, and tight corners. This budget-friendly option is easy to store and simple to maintain. It is perfect for homeowners who do not mind leaving clippings on the lawn and want a lightweight machine that is easy to steer.
Choose the 22-inch self-propelled rear-discharge mower if you have a larger yard, rolling hills, or thick turf that requires extra power. This machine is ideal if you want a pristine lawn with no visible clippings, as the rear bagger collects everything. The self-propelled drive system will save your back and legs on hot summer days.
Both machines offer excellent cutting performance. The final decision comes down to whether you prefer a simple, highly maneuverable push mower or a powerful, self-propelled machine that can bag your grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: In the debate of rear discharge mower vs side discharge, which one is better for wet grass?
A: Side-discharge mowers are superior for wet grass. They expel the clippings immediately, whereas rear-discharge mowers tend to clog the rear chute or bag opening when the grass is heavy and damp.
Q: Can I use a rear-discharge mower without the collection bag attached?
A: Yes, most rear-discharge mowers come with a spring-loaded guard that safely deflects clippings downward onto the ground when the bag is removed, or they include a mulch plug to keep the clippings under the deck.
Q: Is a self-propelled drive system necessary for a flat yard?
A: It is not necessary but it does make the job much easier. If you have a small flat yard, a lightweight push mower is often easier to maneuver around tight corners than a heavier self-propelled model.
Q: When looking at rear discharge mower vs side discharge, which style is safer around children and pets?
A: Rear-discharge mowers are generally safer because any debris hit by the blade is thrown backward into a bag or deflected straight down onto the ground. Side-discharge mowers can occasionally throw small stones or sticks several feet to the side.
Q: Do I need to sharpen the blades on these mowers often?
A: You should sharpen your mower blade at least once a year, usually at the start of the spring season. Sharp blades cut the grass cleanly, whereas dull blades tear the grass, leaving brown tips.
Q: How do I store a gas mower for the winter?
A: You should either run the engine until the fuel tank is completely empty or add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fresh gas. Clean the underside of the deck to prevent rust, and store the mower in a dry place.
As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases