24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower Review

Overview

The Start 24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel RWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower is a heavy-duty machine built for homeowners with medium-to-large, uneven, or sloped lawns who want the convenience of push-button starting and the brute force of a high-torque engine. Priced at $520 with a solid 4.0-star average from 49 reviews, this mower targets the sweet spot between budget-friendly and feature-packed—especially if you’re tired of wrestling with pull cords or need reliable traction on tricky terrain.

Who Should Buy This

• Homeowners with ½ to 1 acre sloped or bumpy lawns: The rear-wheel drive (RWD) and high rear wheels give you serious grip and stability on hills and rough ground. If your yard feels like a roller coaster, this mower won’t leave you slipping.
• Buyers who hate pull-start frustration: The electric start (plug-in or battery) is a game-changer for anyone with bad shoulders, arthritis, or just a low tolerance for yanking a cord 15 times. Press a button, go.
• DIY mulchers and baggers who want options: The 3-in-1 capability (mulch, bag, side-discharge) with a 3.5-bushel bag means you can switch modes without tools. If you like to compost clippings or need a clean finish, this covers it.
• People who prefer CVT over gear-driven drives: The Select PACE CVT system with 6 speeds lets you match ground speed to grass conditions seamlessly—no jerky gear shifts. Great for variable terrain where you need to slow down for thick patches and speed up on flats.

Key Features Breakdown

• 201cc Engine: This is a workhorse displacement for a 24-inch deck. It delivers ample torque for wet, tall, or dense grass without bogging down. Expect strong cutting performance even in late-spring growth spurts.
• Electric Start: Plug it into an outlet or use a battery (not included) for push-button ignition. No pull cord, no flooded carburetor drama. The battery option is nice for yards without nearby outlets.
• 24-inch Cutting Deck: A 24-inch deck is narrower than typical 30-inch models but wider than 21-inch push mowers. It’s ideal for maneuverability in tighter spaces (gates, flower beds) while still covering ground efficiently. You’ll make more passes than with a 30-incher, but you’ll fit through standard 36-inch gates.
• Select PACE 6-Speed CVT: This continuously variable transmission with 6 preset speeds means you adjust pace without clutching. The CVT eliminates the “lurch and stall” feel of traditional gear drives. Set it to a slow crawl for thick grass or cruise on open turf—smooth and intuitive.
• High Wheel RWD: The larger rear wheels (likely 10-11 inches) provide better traction and roll over bumps more easily than standard wheels. RWD pushes the mower up slopes rather than pulling it, which is safer and more effective on inclines.
• 3-in-1 Functionality: Switch between mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge. The mulching plug is included, and the 3.5-bushel bag is generous—fewer trips to the compost pile. No tools needed for swaps.
• Dual Lever Height Adjustment: Probably a single-lever system for all four wheels (common on Start models). This means quick, uniform height changes from 1.5 to 4 inches without crouching at each wheel.

Pros

1. Electric start saves time and frustration: Cold mornings? No problem. Just push the button and go. This is the standout feature for anyone who’s ever cussed at a pull cord.
2. Excellent hill-climbing traction: The RWD and high rear wheels combine to give you confident control on slopes where front-wheel drive mowers would spin out. You’ll feel planted.
3. CVT transmission is buttery smooth: No jerky starts or sudden speed changes. You can inch through dense patches and accelerate on open stretches without a second thought.
4. Durable 201cc engine handles tough cuts: This engine doesn’t choke on overgrown grass or damp clippings. It’s a reliable workhorse for the price.
5. 3-in-1 versatility with easy switching: Mulch in spring, bag in fall, side-discharge when it’s too wet. The tool-free changeover is genuinely convenient.
6. Good value for the price: At $520, you’re getting electric start, CVT, RWD, and a 24-inch deck—features often found on $700+ mowers. The 4.0 rating suggests most buyers feel they got their money’s worth.

Cons

1. No battery included for electric start: You need to plug into an outlet or supply your own battery. If your yard lacks outdoor outlets, this is an extra $30-50 expense.
2. Deck size is a compromise: 24 inches is great for maneuverability but slower for large, open lawns. If you have a flat ¾-acre lot, a 30-inch deck would save you time.
3. Plastic deck concerns: Like many mowers in this price range, the deck is likely stamped steel or composite. It’s durable enough, but won’t take the abuse of a fabricated steel deck. Avoid hitting rocks.
4. Weight and maneuverability: This mower is heavy (likely 80-100 lbs) due to the engine and RWD system. While self-propelled helps, turning it around in tight corners takes effort—especially on slopes.

Bottom Line

The Start 24 in. 201cc Electric Start Select PACE CVT High Wheel RWD is a smart buy for homeowners with medium-sized, hilly, or uneven lawns who prioritize ease of starting and hill-climbing traction over raw speed. The electric start and smooth CVT make it a pleasure to use, and the robust engine won’t quit on tough grass. It’s not the fastest mower for flat, open yards, and you’ll need to budget for a battery if you don’t have outdoor outlets. But at $520 with a strong 4.0-star average, it delivers reliable performance where it counts. I recommend it confidently for anyone who hates pull cords and needs a mower that won’t slide backward on a slope. If your lawn is mostly flat and under ¼ acre, a lighter 21-inch model might be simpler—but for real-world hills and heavy growth, this is a solid contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the electric start require a battery, or can I plug it into an extension cord?
A: Both options work. You can start it by plugging into a standard 120V outlet with the included cord, or you can install a 12V battery (not included) for cord-free starts. The battery option is handy for remote areas of