Poulan's PO500N22SH gas-powered push mower has a lot going for it. First of all, its engine is made by Briggs & Stratton, one of the most reliable names in the business. Furthermore, the deck assembly is a stamped steel construction, so you know that this mower will take the inevitable bumps that come along with yard work without showing wear and tear. This steel deck measures 22 inches across, a wide swath that allows you to cut more grass with fewer passes, which is always an asset to those who mow on foot, especially when you consider current gasoline prices.

The PO500N22SH comes fully assembled right out of the box; you simply have to fold up the collapsible handles and adjust the grip to the right height. This feature works in reverse as well, so once you finish mowing, this machine folds nicely for easy storage.

This mower offers both side-discharge and a mulching operations. We also enjoy the PO500N22SH's advanced maneuverability, which is made possible by its large 12-inch rear wheels; thanks to this feature, homeowners with hilly yards should have no trouble pushing this mower on any incline.

Unfortunately, a few things about this machine do not quite satisfy us. For starters, the mower's alignment was a bit off out of the box and required some muscle to straighten out. Other purchasers have faced the similar problems with the axles, so be sure to check this out first before filling the gas tank if you do decide to purchase this model.

We are also somewhat disappointed in the performance of the relatively small engine. In thicker grass or on a wider plot of land, this mower does not perform as ably as some of its competitors, many of which are priced a bit more affordably. Lastly, this mower does not feature any kind of throttle control, so if you are used to being able to tweak your engine speed, this may not be the mower for you.

In all, the PO500N22SH does well for itself by offering a wide cutting path, but a small engine and a lack of throttle control limit our ability to recommend it whole-heartedly. If you can find this mower on sale, it will do a good job on a smaller-than-average-sized residential lawn; otherwise, you can most likely find a mower with more options for a lower price.


Pros: Wide cutting deck, can side-discharge or mulch clippings
Cons: More expensive than comparable mowers, no throttle control, small engine

Warranty
2 years, limited (residential)