Mansfield, without a win in their final six games of the season, rarely threatened a goal as the visitors struck three times in 16 minutes to set up their ninth away victory in preparation for next week's play-off semi-finals against Wycombe.
The Stags unveiled new chairman Peter Lee – who has just retired from the Football Foundation – in a surprise move before kick-off with current boss Keith Haslam stepping down to managing director.
Cheltenham boss John Ward sprung a couple of surprises, resting top striker Kayode Odejayi before next week's play-off semi-finals with Wycombe and giving youngster Andy Gallinagh a debut at full-back. Striker Steve Gillespie also returned after a six-week injury lay-off.
The only chances for the home side in a scrappy opening came when Richard Barker drove well wide from long range and strike partner Nathan Arnold failed to hit the target when well placed.
At the other end Grant McCann's shot was blocked and Ashley Vincent's drive easily saved by Jason White, the young keeper enjoying an extended run in the team at the end of the season.
On the half-hour the Robins squandered a clear chance to take the lead when Steve Guinan's 12-yard snap shot after a fine surge down the left by Vincent beat White, but just flew past the post.
However, White was beaten in the 34th minute after more good work by Vincent. This time Gillespie smartly wriggled clear of Alex John- Baptiste and his scuffed shot on the turn from eight yards just squirmed past White and trickled over the line.
Goal provider Vincent then turned goal-scorer on the stroke of half-time, racing clear on to Stephen Dawson's loose pass which just failed to reach John-Baptiste, and clinically beating White in a one-on-one situation.
The always-dangerous Vincent switched back to goal creator five minutes into the second half, crossing for McCann to unleash a 20-yard pile-driver which sealed victory.
When Rhys Day handled in the area at an 81st minute corner, David Bird converted the penalty to stretch Cheltenham's lead and substitute Odejayi completed the emphatic win with an 84th minute clinical finish.