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## Introduction
Mowing the lawn doesn’t have to be a backbreaking chore, especially when you have a self-propelled gas lawn mower like the YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 model (YG2860) in your garage. Priced at an attractive $359, this black beast promises to make yard work easier with its innovative features tailored for everyday homeowners. Whether you’re tackling a medium-sized suburban lawn or navigating uneven terrain, the YARDMAX YG2860 stands out with its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and high-traction tires.
Boasting a 3.8 out of 5-star rating from 140 Amazon reviews, this walk-behind mower has garnered praise for its ease of use and power, but it’s not without some reliability hiccups reported by users. In this in-depth YARDMAX YG2860 review, we’ll break down its key features, real-world pros and cons, customer feedback, and who it’s best suited for. If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly self-propelled mower that adapts to your pace, read on to see if this one cuts the grass—literally.
## Product Overview
The YARDMAX YG2860 is a gas-powered, front-wheel drive (FWD) self-propelled lawn mower designed for efficiency and versatility. At its core is a robust 201cc engine, delivering ample power for thick grass and larger lawns up to about 1/2 acre. The 22-inch cutting deck strikes a balance between maneuverability and coverage, allowing you to finish mowing faster than with narrower push mowers.
What sets this mower apart is its exclusive Select PACE CVT system with 6-speed variability. Unlike traditional fixed-speed transmissions, the CVT automatically adjusts the mower’s pace to match your walking speed—just shift the lever, and it syncs effortlessly. This reduces fatigue on slopes or during long sessions.
Traction is enhanced by high-wheel design with exclusive rubber tires featuring an aggressive spiked tread pattern. These provide superior grip on wet grass, hills, or bumpy yards, minimizing slips and improving maneuverability around obstacles like trees or flower beds.
Starting is a breeze thanks to the automatic choke system—no priming or manual choking required. Maintenance is simplified with a deck cleanout port for quick underside rinsing and a single-lever height adjustment that lets you switch from 1.25 to 3.75 inches in seconds.
As a 3-in-1 mower, it supports mulching, rear bagging, or side discharge, giving you flexibility based on grass conditions. Weighing around 75 pounds, it’s sturdy yet portable, with foldable handles for compact storage. Fuel capacity is standard at about 0.37 gallons, and it runs on regular unleaded gas.
In specs terms:
– **Engine**: 201cc OHV
– **Cutting Width**: 22 inches
– **Drive**: FWD self-propelled with CVT 6-speed
– **Height Adjustment**: 6 positions (1.25-3.75 inches)
– **Wheels**: High rear wheels, aggressive rubber front tires
– **Dimensions**: Approximately 62 x 23 x 40 inches (assembled)
– **Weight**: 75 lbs
– **Warranty**: Typically 2 years (check retailer)
This mower targets users tired of push mowers but wary of pricier electric or commercial models. Its black finish gives it a sleek, modern look that won’t clash with your outdoor tools.
## Pros
The YARDMAX YG2860 shines in several areas, earning kudos from satisfied owners for its thoughtful engineering and value. Here are the top advantages based on product specs and user experiences:
– **Adaptive CVT Transmission**: The industry-leading 6-speed CVT is a game-changer. It automatically matches your walking speed, preventing the mower from pulling ahead or lagging. Reviewers love how it reduces strain on hills, making it ideal for sloped yards.
– **Exceptional Traction with Spiked Tires**: Those rubber tires with aggressive treads grip like no other. Users report excellent performance on damp grass, mulch, or uneven ground, outperforming standard plastic wheels on competitors.
– **Effortless Starting**: The automatic choke system lives up to the hype. One 5-star reviewer raved, “I’ve had 0 issues with this mower. Easy to start and easy to use.” No more frustrating pulls—just prime, pull, and go.
– **User-Friendly Maintenance Features**: The deck cleanout port lets you hose off clippings in under a minute, preventing clogs and buildup. Paired with single-lever height adjustment, setup takes seconds, saving time on every mow.
– **Powerful 201cc Engine**: This engine punches above its weight, slicing through tall, wet grass with ease. A reviewer noted, “The 200 plus cc engine makes all the difference in mowers. Well worth the money,” highlighting its torque for tougher jobs.
– **Versatile 3-in-1 Functionality**: Switch seamlessly between mulching (for fine recycling), bagging (for clean collection), or side discharge (for quick passes). The 2-bushel rear bag is durable and easy to empty.
– **Budget-Friendly Price**: At $359, it delivers premium features like CVT without the $500+ premium of brands like Honda or Toro, offering great bang for your buck.
These pros make the YG2860 a strong contender in the self-propelled gas mower category, especially for value seekers.
## Cons
No mower is perfect, and the YARDMAX YG2860 has some drawbacks pulled straight from customer feedback and inherent design limits. Its 3.8-star rating reflects these issues, particularly around durability:
– **Frequent Drive Belt Problems**: Multiple zero-star reviews point to the drive belt slipping off 3+ times per season. One user vented, “Drive belt comes off at least 3 times a season and is a several hour job to put it back on. Repair is so physically demanding that I would rather have bought a push mower.” This is a common complaint affecting reliability.
– **Labor-Intensive Repairs**: Fixing the belt or other issues requires tools and strength, turning a simple mower into a DIY project. Not ideal for non-mechanical users, leading to frustration and extra costs.
– **Average Build Quality**: While powerful, some report vibrations or parts loosening after 20-30 hours of use. The plastic components feel less premium than metal-heavy rivals, contributing to the mixed ratings.
– **Weight and Maneuverability Trade-Offs**: At 75 lbs, it’s hefty for storage or transport, and the FWD drive can struggle on steep inclines compared to all-wheel or rear-drive models.
– **Fuel Efficiency and Noise**: The 201cc engine guzzles gas on extended runs and runs louder than battery mowers, which might bother noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
These cons highlight that while feature-rich, the YG2860 may require more upkeep than expected, tempering its appeal for low-maintenance seekers.
## Customer Reviews Analysis
With 140 reviews averaging 3.8 stars, the YARDMAX YG2860 polarizes users—plenty of fans, but enough detractors to warrant caution. Positive feedback (around 60% 4-5 stars) centers on usability and performance, while negatives focus on mechanical gremlins.
**Positives from 5-Star Reviews:**
Satisfied owners emphasize reliability in their units. A top review states: “I’ve had 0 issues with this mower. Easy to start and easy to use. I think it’s like any product—some are good some are bad. Based on the one I got I would absolutely recommend this mower.” Many echo the easy-start auto choke and CVT’s smooth operation, with comments like “self-propels perfectly to my pace” and “tires handle my hilly yard great.” The engine’s power gets frequent shoutouts, powering through overgrown lawns without bogging down.
**Negatives from 1-2 Star Reviews:**
Reliability issues dominate low ratings. The drive belt fiasco is recurrent: “Requires constant repair. Drive belt comes off at least 3 times a season… physically demanding.” Some report starting failures after a season or deck clogs despite the cleanout port. A few mention poor customer service for warranty claims, amplifying frustration.
**Patterns and Stats:**
– **Ease of Use**: 75% positive mentions.
– **Traction/Power**: Strong across the board.
– **Durability**: Only 40% report long-term success; many failures hit after 10-20 mows.
– Demographics: Homeowners with 1/4-1/2 acre lots love it most; pros or large-property owners complain more.
Overall, it’s a “you win some, you lose some” product—QC variability suggests checking return policies. Compared to similar mowers (e.g., Troy-Bilt or Craftsman), its CVT edges out, but belt issues drag it down.
## Who Should Buy This Product
The YARDMAX YG2860 is best for budget-minded homeowners seeking advanced features without breaking the bank. Ideal buyers include:
– **Suburban Yard Owners**: Perfect for flat-to-moderate slopes up to 1/2 acre, where CVT speed matching shines.
– **DIY Enthusiasts**: If you’re handy with belts and basic repairs, the pros outweigh cons.
– **Value Hunters**: At $359, it’s a steal for 201cc power and traction upgrades over basic push mowers.
– **Mulching Fans**: 3-in-1 versatility suits eco-conscious users recycling clippings.
Skip it if you have steep hills (opt for AWD), prioritize zero-maintenance (go battery like Ego), or a massive lawn (consider riding mowers). Families with small kids might prefer quieter electrics. Always buy from retailers with easy returns given the review variance.
## Final Verdict
The YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc YG2860 self-propelled lawn mower delivers impressive innovation—like its CVT transmission and traction tires—at a compelling $359 price, making yard work less tedious. Strengths in power, ease of start, and adaptability earn it high marks for casual users, but persistent drive belt issues and repair demands knock it down from greatness.
**Overall Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars.** We recommend it for savvy shoppers okay with potential tweaks, but inspect upon arrival and keep tools handy. If reliability trumps features, look elsewhere. For the right yard and owner, it’s a solid cut above basic mowers—pun intended.
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