An in-depth, balanced review of the YARDMAX 22” 201cc Select PACE SP (YG2860) self propelled lawnmower for 2026. Honest insights on performance, build quality, and value for US homeowners considering a $350 to $450 gas mower.
Key Features at a Glance
The YARDMAX 22” 201cc Select PACE SP (YG2860) sits in that mid-range price bracket, typically between $350 and $450, where many US homeowners start looking for something more capable than entry-level push mowers but without stepping into premium commercial territory.
Cutting Deck & Speed
On paper, it offers quite a lot for the money. The 201cc OHV gas engine is paired with a 22-inch cutting deck, which is a practical size for small to medium yards. It uses a front wheel drive system and, more interestingly, a 6-speed CVT transmission, which is designed to adjust to your walking pace rather than locking you into a single fixed speed. I think that feature alone will attract buyers who have struggled with self-propelled systems that feel either too slow or too aggressive.
Automatic Choke
You also get 3-in-1 functionality, mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, along with a single-lever height adjustment offering seven cutting positions. The automatic choke system is intended to simplify starting, removing the need to manually prime or adjust a choke lever.
Mixed Feedback
That all sounds strong on paper. However, customer feedback suggests a more nuanced picture. While many owners praise its ease of starting and power, there are mixed opinions around traction, build quality, and performance on thicker grass or uneven terrain.
I would approach this mower as a potentially solid homeowner option, but not without weighing up where and how you plan to use it. In the next section, we’ll look closely at what buyers are saying when things go well.
Positive Reviews
Roughly 50 to 60 percent of buyers leave very strong feedback on the YARDMAX YG2860. The tone of these reviews is not just “it works”, many sound genuinely impressed, particularly by the engine power, ease of starting, and overall value for the money.
What stands out to me is that several customers went into the purchase cautiously, especially those unfamiliar with the brand, and came away pleasantly surprised. Let’s break down the main themes.
Strong Engine Performance, Noticeably More Power
One of the most consistent compliments centers on the 201cc engine. A reviewer put it simply “The 200 plus cc engine makes all the difference in mowers. Well worth the money.” Another described putting it to work immediately on tough terrain “Pushed it hard into a big overgrown front yard first use; no problem.”
One detailed account really highlights how the mower performs under strain. The buyer tested it in a roadside drainage ditch with two-foot-high weeds “The 201cc and 9.5lb of torque ripped through the weeds, never even hinting at a bog. My old mower would have died 20 times. Now that is impressive.”
That same reviewer compared it to previous machines, including a 160cc Honda and an older 6.75hp Craftsman “The Yardmax sounds like a Honda but much more powerful.” / “My old mower couldn’t hold a candle to this mower power wise.”
Those are strong comparisons, especially considering Honda’s reputation in the US market. From these accounts, I think it is fair to say that power is one of this mower’s strongest assets, particularly for homeowners upgrading from lower displacement engines.
Easy Starting, Consistently Reliable
Ease of starting is another repeated theme. Buyers frequently mention “Always starts on first or second pull.” / “Starts good (1st or 2nd pull).” / “Easy start and mowing.” / “Easy to start and easy to use.”
The automatic choke system appears to do what it is intended to do. For many homeowners, that simple reliability can make a real difference, especially after dealing with older carbureted mowers that can be temperamental.
One owner wrote “I've had 0 issues with this mower… I would absolutely recommend this mower.” That type of comment suggests consistency in their experience, not just a one-time good run.
CVT Variable Speed Feels Like a Real Upgrade
The Select PACE CVT transmission also receives praise, particularly from users who value being able to match the mower to their walking speed. One reviewer noted “Having a variable speed transmission is also a big improvement over a single speed. Just set it and you're good.”
Another commented “6th speed (high) is about right for me.” In tougher terrain, the slower speeds appear especially useful “On slow speed the mower was just about perfect for my walking speed.”
While some mention that the front wheels can spin under strain, they still felt assisted “The front wheels did spin but the mower was definitely assisting.” For many buyers, that adjustable pace seems to offer more control compared to fixed-speed systems.
Self-Propelled Makes Heavy Feel Manageable
At nearly 85 pounds, this is not a lightweight mower. However, several buyers point out that the self-propelled system offsets that weight. One review explains “It is fairly heavy but being self propelled takes most of that away except when turning or changing direction.”
Another added “When the FWD is disengaged, the mower is easy to push, no drag at all.” That flexibility appears important, especially for navigating tighter areas or repositioning the mower without power assist.
Efficient On Fuel
One particularly detailed review included a surprising observation about fuel consumption. After running the mower for around an hour initially and then leaving it unused for six weeks, the owner attempted to run it dry for winter storage “Thought I would run out of gas in 10 minutes… but gas was visible about an inch below the top of the tank.”
They continued mowing for 45 minutes and still had over half a tank remaining “Wow, this is a very efficient mower.” / “My old mower would have used 3 tanks of gas in comparison.”
That suggests fuel efficiency may be better than some older gas models, which could matter for buyers watching operating costs.
Build and Packaging Impressions
Several reviewers were impressed straight out of the box. One described it as “Professionally packaged with oil, funnel, spare air filter, grass catcher, chute and spark plug wrench.” Another simply said “Made very nice.” These comments suggest that initial presentation and included accessories add to the overall value perception.
Hose Deck Cleanout Feature Actually Works
The deck washout port could easily be a gimmick on some mowers, but one buyer admitted they expected it to disappoint “The hose attachment clean out feature I thought would be junk turned out to be very effective. A pleasant surprise when it actually did what it claimed.”
For homeowners who regularly deal with built-up clippings under the deck, that may be a practical benefit rather than a marketing extra.
Strong Overall Satisfaction
Many reviews are short but confident…
- “Don’t have a single complaint. Couldn’t be happier.”
- “Just what I wanted.”
- “Great value. Easy and fast setup.”
- “Great self-propelled mower. Easy start, great value for the money!”
- “Works as advertised.”
What stands out to me is that several buyers specifically mention value. At a $350 to $450 price range, they seem to feel they are getting strong engine performance and useful features without stepping into premium pricing. So far, the positive reviews suggest that for many US homeowners, especially those dealing with thicker grass or modest slopes, the YARDMAX YG2860 delivers solid power, reliable starting, and meaningful speed control.
In the next section, we’ll look at the mixed feedback, where traction, terrain, and build quality receive a more critical eye.
Mixed Reviews
Around 20 percent of reviews fall into the middle ground. These are not outright complaints, but they do raise practical concerns about traction, long-term durability, drive systems, and usability quirks.
What I notice here is that many of these buyers actually like the mower overall, but they’ve run into specific limitations that future buyers should understand.
Power is Strong, But Drive Type Matters
One reviewer who had experience with both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions explained “The 201CC has enough power to drive both cutting and RWD / FWD which has been a problem with other mowers.” That is encouraging, especially since some self-propelled mowers can feel underpowered once the drive engages.
However, they added an important note “We have found that FWD doesn't work as well on rough ground but he has a flat lawn so it should work OK.” That distinction is important. Front-wheel drive systems often perform best on flatter lawns. On uneven or rough ground, traction may suffer slightly compared to rear-wheel drive setups.
So while the engine appears capable, how it translates that power to the ground may depend on terrain.
Good Value, With Some Minor Wishes
One buyer summed it up in a very balanced way “Good mower for the price.” They appreciated the automatic choke “We both like that there's no priming bulb to have to push before trying to start the mower.” And also liked the adjustable front-wheel drive speed “Like the fact that we can adjust the speed.”
However, they did mention “After using this mower for a month, I wish there was more control over engine speed.” They also noted that during thicker grass “The motor seems to adjust the speed just fine.”
That suggests the engine compensates reasonably well, but the lack of manual RPM control might bother some users who prefer more fine-tuning.
Smooth Cuts, But Some Dust and Noise
One reviewer simply described the result as “Smooth cuts.” Another said “Runs nice, mows nice.” However, one user mentioned “Funciona muy bien, nada mas que levanta mucho polvo.” (translated: “Works very well, it just lifts a lot of dust.”) That could be a deck airflow issue in dry conditions. In dusty climates or during dry spells, that might be something to keep in mind.
Another buyer described “Very high noise.” Gas mowers are naturally louder than electric options, but some users appear more sensitive to this than others.
Self-Propelled System Takes Getting Used To
Several mixed reviews revolve around how the self-propelled system feels in real use. One said “Takes some getting used to, especially if you have never used a self propelled mower.” Another explained “Mower bucks when you engage self propelled… not a smooth transition at all.”
That “buck” on engagement could catch some users off guard, especially those expecting a smoother takeoff. One 75-year-old buyer felt the speed adjustment was not as flexible as expected “The speed adjustment isn't so adjustable… mine has one… fast… so fast barely keep up with it.”
That is worth noting. While the CVT system is marketed as having six speeds, real-world feel may vary depending on setup or expectations.
Height Adjustment and Design Quirks
One of the more detailed mixed reviews raised a mechanical issue “The biggest issue I have is the grass-cutting height adjustment.” They explained that the adjustment handle rubs against the rear wheel at higher settings “It rubs strong enough you can feel it when you try to back the mower up.”
They also pointed out “That adjustment is only on the rear wheels. The front wheels have no adjustment ability.” That could be frustrating for buyers expecting full independent wheel adjustments.
Another user added “You can’t back up with this mower.” While brief, that comment likely relates to how front-wheel drive systems behave when reversing, they can resist backward movement unless the drive disengages properly.
Durability Concerns, But Responsive Support
One review reported a breakdown after nine months “It lost drive while mowing. Had to finish up pushing it. BTW these do NOT push well.” Upon inspection “Apparently the front tension roller disintegrated.”
That sounds concerning at first. However, the follow-up experience was more positive “Called customer support… they are sending out replacement parts.” And later “They were easy to deal with… sent the parts out the next day… installing them took just a couple minutes and it works again.”
The reviewer did add “I believe they are well aware the roller assembly is problematic.” That is something potential buyers may want to keep in mind. It may not be widespread, but it has been reported.
Spark Plug and Quality Control Questions
One buyer noticed something unusual upon arrival “The spark plug was black with soot, indicating mower or engine had been run for more than just a test.” The mower did start on the second pull, but the observation raised questions about pre-shipment testing or possible prior use.
It may not affect performance, but it does speak to perceived quality control.
Overall Tone of Mixed Feedback
The mixed reviews generally say - The engine is strong / The mower cuts well / It offers solid value for the money. But they also highlight FWD traction limitations on rough ground / occasional self-propelled engagement quirks / minor build or adjustment design issues / some isolated durability concerns
What I take from this section is that the YARDMAX YG2860 appears capable and powerful, but not flawless. It seems to perform best on flat to moderately uneven lawns, where its CVT system and 201cc engine can work without being pushed beyond design limits.
In the next section, we’ll look at the more critical reviews, where expectations and real-world performance diverge more sharply.
Negative Reviews
Negative reviews, which account for roughly 20–25% of total feedback, reflect a clear pattern of frustration centered primarily around reliability and design flaws rather than cutting performance. While some reviewers acknowledge that the mower can cut grass effectively when functioning properly, most low ratings stem from recurring mechanical failures particularly involving the self-propelled system.
Self-Propelled Drive Mechanism
The most common and serious complaint involves the self-propelled drive mechanism failing prematurely. Multiple users report the drive stopping within a few uses or within the first season of ownership. Issues include broken pulleys, failed transmissions, disintegrating tension rollers, slipping or detached drive belts, and weak or sluggish propulsion.
In several cases, owners received replacement parts from the manufacturer, only to experience repeat failures months later. A recurring sentiment among 1-star reviewers is that once the drive system fails, the mower becomes extremely difficult to push, making it more labor-intensive than a traditional push mower. This has led some buyers to describe the product as unreliable or poorly engineered.
Height Adjustment Mechanism
Another widely repeated concern involves the height adjustment mechanism. Several reviewers describe a design flaw where the height adjustment lever rubs against the rear wheel, causing friction that slows the mower or even damages the wheel.
Some users report being unable to raise the deck without interference, while others mention that the rubbing caused rubber wear or prevented proper operation altogether. A few customers stated that the manufacturer is aware of the issue, suggesting it may be a known design limitation rather than isolated assembly defects. This issue appears frequently enough in negative feedback to be considered a significant structural weakness.
Difficult Conditions
Performance limitations on uneven terrain also appear consistently throughout the low ratings. Customers describe the mower struggling on hills, in wet conditions, or when cutting thick grass. Several mention stalling, poor traction, or the front wheels digging into soft ground.
While the mower may perform adequately on flat, dry lawns, those with rough or sloped yards tend to report dissatisfaction with both power delivery and drive consistency.
Build Quality
Build quality concerns are also present in the 1-star category. A handful of reviewers received units with broken components upon arrival, including cracked wheels, damaged bolts, bent handles, or poorly aligned parts.
Others experienced engine problems such as smoking, oil burning, or complete seizure within a few uses. Although these appear to represent more extreme cases rather than the majority experience, they significantly impact brand perception.
Customer Service
Customer service experiences are mixed within the negative reviews. Some customers report receiving replacement parts quickly and with minimal hassle. However, others express frustration over limited technical support escalation, lack of refunds when purchased through third parties, or feeling that they were repeatedly sent parts rather than offered a replacement unit.
In particular, buyers who experienced repeated drive system failures felt dissatisfied with the resolution process.
Summary
Overall, negative reviews do not typically criticize the mower’s ability to cut grass when fully operational. Instead, dissatisfaction centers on durability, engineering design choices, and long-term reliability—especially regarding the self-propelled system and deck height adjustment assembly.
The consistent repetition of these specific issues across multiple years of reviews suggests systemic design vulnerabilities rather than isolated defects.
If the positive reviews emphasize value and cutting power, and the mixed reviews balance performance with minor usability concerns, the negative reviews clearly highlight reliability risk. Buyers who rely heavily on self-propel functionality or who mow uneven terrain appear most likely to report dissatisfaction.
Pros for the YARDMAX 22” 201cc Select PACE SP Lawnmower
1, Powerful Engine – The 201cc OHV engine delivers strong cutting performance, even through thick grass and tall weeds, with multiple reviewers noting it “ripped through the weeds” easily.
2, Self-Propelled Convenience – Works well on flat, even lawns, helping reduce physical strain when mowing moderate terrain.
3, Easy Starting – The automatic choke system allows quick starts without priming or manual choking. Many reviewers report first or second pull starts consistently.
4, Variable Speed CVT Transmission – Allows adjustment of walking pace with 6-speed settings (though some report limited adjustability), which can improve mowing comfort.
5, Deck Cleanout Port – Many users found the hose attachment surprisingly effective for cleaning the mower’s underside.
6, Compact Storage – Foldable handle and relatively small footprint make it easier to store in garages or sheds.
7, Included Accessories – Comes with oil, air filter, spark plug wrench, and grass catcher, giving added value for the price.
8, Fuel Efficiency – Multiple users report the engine consumes less gas than older mowers, even during extended mowing sessions.
Cons for the YARDMAX 22” 201cc Select PACE SP Lawnmower
1, Reliability of Self-Propelled System – Numerous negative reviews note that the drive system fails after limited use, requiring repairs or replacement parts.
2, Height Adjustment Issues – Rear wheel lever can rub against the wheel when set high, limiting deck height and potentially damaging parts.
3, Uneven Terrain Performance – Struggles on slopes, wet ground, and uneven lawns; front-wheel drive models particularly affected.
4, Build Quality Concerns – Some buyers received units with broken or poorly aligned components, and long-term durability is inconsistent.
5, Noise and Vibration – Some reviewers found it louder and more physically taxing on rough terrain.
6, Limited Front-Wheel Adjustment – Front wheels cannot be adjusted for deck height, which can affect cutting quality on uneven lawns.
7, Customer Service Mixed – While some had easy parts replacement, others struggled with limited support and no full unit replacement through third-party purchases.
8, Variable Speed Limitations – Although marketed with 6 speeds, some users only experienced one fast setting that was difficult to keep up with.
Who it is For
- Homeowners with small to medium flat lawns who want a self-propelled mower that is easy to start and reasonably fuel-efficient.
- Users who value powerful cutting performance for moderately tall or thick grass, especially on relatively even terrain.
- Buyers looking for a budget-friendly gasoline mower with convenient features like deck cleanout port and included accessories.
Who it is Not For
- Anyone with uneven, sloped, or wet lawns, as traction and self-propulsion may struggle.
- Buyers who expect high durability or long-term reliability from the self-propelled system without occasional repairs.
- Users who need precise deck height control or adjustable front wheels, as the current design can limit cutting height and cause friction issues.
- Those who prefer premium customer support or full replacement options from third-party retailers.
Conclusion
The YARDMAX 22” 201cc Select PACE SP Lawnmower is a powerful, reasonably priced self-propelled mower that performs well under the right conditions. On flat, even lawns, the 201cc engine handles thick grass and tall weeds with ease, while the self-propelled system reduces physical strain.
Many users also appreciate the easy starting with automatic choke, the variable-speed CVT transmission, and the deck cleanout port, which all make mowing more convenient and less of a chore. For homeowners with small to medium lawns, this mower can feel like a significant upgrade over older push mowers or smaller gas-powered units.
Mowing Drawbacks
That said, the mower is not without its drawbacks. A notable portion of users report self-propulsion failures, especially on uneven or sloped terrain, and some have struggled with height adjustment issues and component wear.
Build quality can be inconsistent, with a few units arriving with defective parts or requiring early repairs. Front-wheel drive models, in particular, can struggle with traction on rough or wet lawns, and the variable-speed system does not always deliver the advertised six settings. Customer service experiences are mixed, and buyers purchasing through third-party sellers may have limited recourse for replacements.
Recommendations
In my experience and based on the collective reviews, I would recommend this mower cautiously for those who have relatively even lawns and are willing to accept some limitations in long-term durability. It is ideal for someone looking for a budget-friendly mower with strong cutting power and convenient features like a foldable handle and deck cleanout port.
However, for those with uneven terrain, wet conditions, or larger lawns, I would suggest exploring higher-end alternatives or models with more robust reliability and support.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars) based on optimum conditions only. Outside of these conditions, the mower may underperform, and potential buyers should weigh the pros and cons carefully before purchasing.
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