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Alert

Consumer Reports is warning consumers about a safety risk when using PowerSmart V8721P and V8721S lawn mowers in rear-discharge mode. At the time of testing, CR found that the mowers could potentially throw objects such as sticks or rocks behind the mower, either at the operator's legs or farther into the yard. While CR’s testers didn't experience an injury during testing, there was discharge from grass and debris onto testers’ feet and ankles.

PowerSmart told CR that it had developed a discharge chute to offer a better customer experience, prior to being notified of our findings. The chute is available for purchase on the company’s website (PowerSmart originally told CR that the part would be available at no cost, but now says the company did further testing, doesn't believe there is a hazard, and has not received any reports of incidents.) Customers can also call PowerSmart at (872) 314-0005 or send an email to support@amerisuninc.com with any concerns. 

Note that the current Overall Score in our ratings reflects that the mower should only be used in bagging or mulching modes. 
 

V8721S
This Power Smart 21-inch gas self-propelled mower has rear-wheel drive.
Description
This Power Smart 21-inch gas self-propelled mower has rear-wheel drive.

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CR's Expert Take

How did it perform in our owner surveys and expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model incorporates our expert lab test results, as well as ratings for that brand’s reliability and owner satisfaction from our annual product owner survey of members.
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Current Range of Tested Gas Walk-Behind Mowers
What goes into the Overall Score?

OWNER SURVEYS

Predicted Reliability
 /  5
Owner Satisfaction
 /  5
Side discharging
 /  5
Mulching
 /  5
Bagging
 /  5
Evenness
 /  5
Handling
 /  5
Noise at ear
 /  5
Noise at 25 ft.
 /  5

About

The Power Smart V8721S is part of the Lawn Mowers and Tractors test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Gas Walk-Behind Mower models like the V8721S are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Side discharging: A high score means clippings are dispersed evenly and far from the discharge chute. A top-scoring model prevents clumps, leaving your lawn looking clean and well-cut.

Mulching: A high score means the mower produces finer clippings and spreads them evenly across the lawn. A top-scoring model leaves little visible residue and helps maintain a neat, healthy yard.

Bagging: A high score means the mower's bag holds more grass clippings. A top-scoring model needs emptying less often and handles big jobs more easily.

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