Features
- 163cc commercial-grade engine with cast iron cylinder liner and automatic compression release
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD) for traction on uneven terrain
- Variable-speed self-drive with single-lever speed control
- 21 in. steel deck with 2-in-1 mulching and bagging capability
- Included mulch kit and 2.3 bushel rear grass bag
- Dual-lever cutting height adjustment (range: 1.25 in. to 3.75 in.)
- 8 in. front and 8 in. rear wheels
Specifications
| Model Number | 12A-O1C2039 |
| Sku | 146635 |
| Engine Displacement | 163 cc |
| Cutting Deck Width | 21 in. |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Self Propelled | Variable-speed self drive (single lever control) |
| Wheel Size | 8 in. front and 8 in. rear |
| Grass Bag Capacity | 2.3 bushel |
| Cutting Height Range | 1.25 in. to 3.75 in. (adjustable via two levers) |
| Deck Material | Steel |
| Weight | 95.0 lb |
| Country Of Origin | US |
| Manufacturer | MTD PRODUCTS INC |
| Package Dimensions (W×L×H) | 24.0 in. × 40.0 in. × 23.0 in. |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
| Safety/Compliance | California Proposition 65 warning: contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm. |
Walk-behind lawn mower with a 21-inch steel cutting deck and a 163cc commercial-grade gas engine. It uses rear-wheel drive and a variable-speed self-drive system with single-lever control. The mower supports both mulching and rear bagging and includes a mulch kit.
Project Ideas
Business
Micro-Lawn Care + Precision Striping
Offer a small-lot mowing service specializing in tight city lawns, townhomes, and duplexes, with premium striping included. The 21 in. deck fits narrow gates, RWD handles bumpy yards, and variable speed reduces fatigue for efficient routing and quick turnaround.
Event Turf Branding
Create temporary logo marks, initials, or patterns for weddings, open houses, school games, and festivals using a DIY striping roller and height contrasts. Package design consultations and practice runs, then bill per square footage and complexity for eye-catching, camera-ready turf art.
Leaf and Clipping Pickup + Compost Return
Use the rear bag to offer seasonal debris pickup and clipping recovery, then convert the material into compost offsite. Sell back bagged compost or compost tea to clients as a circular lawn-care upgrade, creating a recurring revenue stream from each visit.
Real Estate Curb Appeal Sprint
Provide 24–48 hour pre-listing lawn refreshes: mow, edge, stripe, and tidy walkways for realtors and homeowners. The mower’s clean cut and quick bagging capability make for dramatic before/after results that photograph well and justify a premium rush fee.
Subscription Mulch-Mow Program
Set weekly or biweekly visits focused on mulching to return nutrients and reduce fertilizer needs. Track cutting height with the dual-lever system seasonally (higher in heat, lower in spring/fall) and market the plan as a greener, lawn-health-first service with predictable monthly pricing.
Creative
Lawn Labyrinth Meditation Path
Use the dual-lever height adjustment to create contrasting paths (short) and borders (taller) for a walkable labyrinth. The 21 in. deck makes it easy to plot consistent-width turns, while RWD helps maintain traction on mild slopes. Rotate patterns seasonally to keep the lawn healthy and interesting.
DIY Striping Roller + Turf Art
Make a simple rear-mounted striping roller from a length of PVC filled with sand and attached to the mower’s rear frame to lay crisp stripes. Pair with the variable-speed self-drive for consistent passes, then create checkerboards, diamonds, or holiday motifs by alternating mowing directions and heights. Bag edges for sharp definition using the 2.3-bushel rear bag.
Backyard BioCycle Station
Switch between mulching and bagging to fuel a small compost system: mulch frequent clippings to feed the lawn, then bag the remainder for a hot compost pile or worm bin. Fine clippings from the 21 in. steel deck accelerate decomposition and can be brewed into nutrient-rich compost tea for garden beds.
Concentric Picnic Rings
Mow concentric circles of alternating heights to create defined picnic pods or game zones for outdoor movie nights and parties. The single-lever speed control keeps your stripes even while the RWD ensures smooth arcs on uneven grass. Add labeled stake markers to match each ring with activities or seating types.
Seed Mosaic Meadow
Bag a section to remove thatch, then mow low shapes into a taller grass area and overseed the low zones with native wildflowers. The contrast in height guides seed placement and suppresses competition, turning your yard into a living mosaic that supports pollinators.