YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860) Review

Name: YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)
Brand: YARDMAX
Price: 359.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026

★★★★ 4.1/5 (292 reviews)

$359.99

Brand: YARDMAX

YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)

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Overview

The YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower (YG2860) is a budget-friendly, feature-packed mower aimed squarely at homeowners with medium to large lawns—think half an acre or more—who want the convenience of a self-propelled system without breaking the bank. It’s designed for those who value versatility (mulching, bagging, or side-discharging) and need a machine that can handle uneven terrain with its high rear wheels and continuously variable transmission.

Who Should Buy This

Homeowners with 1/2 to 1 acre lawns: The 201cc engine and 22-inch cutting deck strike a sweet spot for medium-to-large properties. It’s not a commercial beast, but it’ll chew through a weekend mow without gasping for air.
Buyers who hate wrestling with throttle levers: The Select PACE CVT system lets you dial in your walking speed with a simple twist grip—no clunky gear shifts. If you’re tired of stopping to adjust speed on slopes or thick grass, this is your mower.
Homeowners with bumpy or sloped yards: The high rear wheels (10-inch) give better traction and clearance over dips and bumps than standard 8-inch rear wheels. Combined with front-wheel drive, it’s decent for gentle slopes, though not hills.
Budget-conscious shoppers who want 3-in-1 flexibility: At $359.99, this mower undercuts many rivals while offering mulching, bagging, and side-discharge. If you want to skip raking and bag leaves in fall, this does it all.

Key Features Breakdown

201cc YARDMAX Engine: This is a reliable, OHV (overhead valve) engine that’s easy to start and sips fuel. It’s not a Honda or Briggs & Stratton powerhouse, but it’s more than adequate for regular mowing. The recoil start is smooth, and the engine runs cleanly.
22-inch Cutting Deck: A 22-inch deck is the Goldilocks size for most suburban lawns—it’s wide enough to cut quickly but nimble enough for tighter spaces. The stamped steel deck is durable but not heavy-duty; expect it to last 5-7 years with care.
Select PACE 6-Speed CVT: This is the standout feature. Unlike stepped gear drives, CVT gives you infinite speed variation from 0 to about 3.5 mph. The twist-grip control is intuitive—just roll it forward to go faster. It’s especially useful when you hit a thick patch: slow down without stopping.
High Wheel Design: The 10-inch rear wheels (vs. 7-inch front) provide better rollover clearance and reduce scalping on uneven ground. They also make pushing easier if the self-propel ever falters, though FWD means the front wheels pull you along.
3-in-1 Capability: Mulch, bag, or side-discharge. The mulching plug is included, and the bagger holds a decent 2.5 bushels. Switching modes takes under a minute with no tools.
FWD Self-Propel: Front-wheel drive is ideal for flat to gently sloping lawns. It pulls the mower forward, which feels natural for most users. On steep hills, FWD can lose traction—but for average yards, it’s fine.

Pros

Smooth, infinite speed control: The CVT system is a joy to use. You can creep through thick grass or stride across open stretches without fumbling with levers.
Easy to start: The engine fires up on the first or second pull, even after sitting for weeks. No primer bulb fussing.
Great for uneven terrain: The high rear wheels and decent deck clearance (3 inches at highest) handle bumps, roots, and mild dips without scalping.
Versatile 3-in-1 design: Switching from mulching to bagging is tool-free and quick. The side-discharge chute is effective for tall grass.
Value for money: At $360, you get features (CVT, high wheels, 3-in-1) that cost $100+ more on competitors like Toro or Honda.
Light enough for one person to maneuver: At about 75 pounds, it’s not a featherweight, but it’s manageable for loading into a truck or pushing manually if needed.

Cons

Front-wheel drive struggles on steep hills: If your yard has a serious incline (over 15 degrees), the FWD system will spin out. You’ll have to push manually or go for a rear-wheel-drive mower.
Bag capacity is mediocre: The 2.5-bushel bag fills quickly on thick grass, especially in bagging mode. You’ll stop to empty it often on a large lawn.
Deck build quality is basic: The stamped steel deck is fine for typical use, but it’s not as thick as on premium mowers. It’s prone to rust if you leave grass clippings caked on.
No electric start: Some users in this price range expect a push-button start. The recoil pull is easy, but if you have wrist issues, look elsewhere.

Bottom Line

The YARDMAX YG2860 is a smart buy for homeowners who want self-propelled convenience and 3-in-1 versatility without paying a premium. The CVT system is genuinely better than stepped drives, and the high wheels make it a capable performer on lumpy ground. It’s not for steep hills or heavy commercial use, and the bag could be bigger, but for $360, it’s a reliable workhorse for medium lawns. I’d recommend it over similarly priced Craftsman or Troy-Bilt models for its smooth speed control and easy starting. Just keep the deck clean and don’t expect it to last a decade—it’s a solid 5-7 year mower for the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this mower on a steep hill?
A: Not ideally. The front-wheel drive loses traction on slopes over 15 degrees. For gentle grades, it’s fine—just walk slowly. For steep hills, consider a rear-wheel-drive model like the Toro Super Recycler.

Q: How do I switch from mulching to bagging?
A: It’s tool-free. Lift the rear flap, remove the mulching plug (it snaps in place), and attach the bagger. The side-discharge chute slides on similarly. Takes about 30 seconds once you’ve done it once.

Q: Is the CVT system reliable?
A: Yes, for a budget mower. The CVT is a simple belt-driven system with a spring-loaded pulley. It’s less prone to failure than gear drives, but avoid forcing the

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks 40V wins overall for most buyers due to its lower price, near-silent operation, and zero maintenance—unless you need to tackle large, hilly yards where the YARDMAX’s self-propelled drive and gas power are essential.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	YARDMAX YG2860	Greenworks 40V
Price	$359.99	$249.99
Power Source	Gas (201cc engine)	Battery (40V, 4.0Ah)
Cutting Width	22 inches	16 inches
Self-Propelled	Yes (6-speed CVT, front-wheel drive)	No (push mower)
Best Yard Size	Up to ½ acre	Up to ⅓ acre
Warranty	2-year limited	4-year limited (battery 2 years)

Where YARDMAX Wins

Self-Propelled Drive for Hills and Large Lawns
The YARDMAX features a 6-speed CVT transmission with front-wheel drive, letting you dial in the perfect pace without pushing. On slopes or yards over ¼ acre, this saves significant effort—especially compared to the Greenworks, which is a pure push mower.
Wider Cutting Deck (22 inches)
A 22-inch deck covers 37% more grass per pass than the Greenworks’ 16-inch deck. For a ½-acre yard, this means fewer laps and faster mowing time—potentially cutting mow time by 10–15 minutes per session.
3-in-1 Versatility with Gas Power
The YARDMAX offers bagging, mulching, and side-discharge options, plus a 201cc engine that handles thick, wet, or overgrown grass without bogging down. Gas power also means no runtime limits—refill and keep going for hours.

Where Greenworks Wins

Lower Price and Near-Zero Maintenance
At $249.99, the Greenworks costs $110 less upfront. It requires no oil changes, spark plugs, or gas mixing—just charge the battery and mow. Over 5 years, you’ll save $100–$200 on fuel and maintenance compared to the YARDMAX.
Lighter, Quieter, and Easier to Store
The Greenworks weighs roughly 35–40 lbs (vs. ~75 lbs for the YARDMAX), making it easy to lift into a shed or carry over obstacles. It runs at about 70 dB—quiet enough for early morning mowing without disturbing neighbors—while gas mowers hit 90+ dB.
Battery System Compatibility (75+ Tools)
The 40V battery works with Greenworks trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and more. If you already own Greenworks tools, this mower is a seamless addition. The included 4.0Ah battery provides about 45 minutes of runtime—enough for a ⅓-acre yard on a single charge.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (YARDMAX) if:
You have a hilly, uneven yard larger than ¼ acre and want to avoid pushing. The self-propelled drive and wide deck will cut mow time in half for a ½-acre lawn, and the gas engine won’t quit mid-mow. Ideal for homeowners who don’t mind routine maintenance and need raw power for thick grass.

Buy Mower B (Greenworks) if:
You have a flat yard under ⅓ acre and prioritize low effort, low cost, and quiet operation. The push mower is fine for small, level lawns, and the battery system saves you from gas, oil, and noise complaints. Best for eco-conscious buyers or those with storage constraints.

Neither is perfect if:
You have a medium yard (⅓–½ acre) with moderate slopes. The YARDMAX may be overkill in power and weight, while the Greenworks lacks self-propulsion. In that case, consider a mid-range self-propelled electric model (e.g., 60V or 80V) for a balance of power and convenience.

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the YARDMAX YG2860 vs. the WORX WG743.

Quick Verdict

The WORX wins for convenience and quiet operation in small yards, but the YARDMAX wins for raw power, cutting width, and self-propelled ease on larger, uneven terrain.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	YARDMAX YG2860 (Mower A)	WORX WG743 (Mower B)
Price	$359.99	$329.99
Power Source	Gas (201cc engine)	Cordless Electric (20V, 2 batteries)
Cutting Width	22 inches	17 inches
Self-Propelled	Yes (6-speed CVT, FWD)	No (Push mower only)
Best Yard Size	Medium to Large (1/4 – 1/2 acre)	Small (under 1/4 acre)
Warranty	2-year limited	2-year limited (batteries: 1 year)

Where YARDMAX Wins

Superior Cutting Width & Speed: With a 22-inch steel deck and a 201cc gas engine, the YARDMAX cuts a significantly wider path than the WORX’s 17-inch deck. This means fewer passes and faster mowing. The 6-speed CVT self-propelled system lets you match your walking pace without pushing, making it far less tiring on medium to large lawns.
Better for Rough or Sloped Terrain: The gas engine provides consistent torque even in thick, wet grass or on hills. The high rear wheels (typically 10-inch or larger on this model) roll over bumps and ruts much better than the WORX’s smaller wheels. If your yard has slopes or uneven ground, the YARDMAX will not bog down or struggle.
3-in-1 Versatility: The YARDMAX offers bagging, mulching, and side-discharge. The WORX is a 2-in-1 (bag/mulch only). If you need to handle heavy leaf loads or want the option to discharge clippings to the side (common with thick, wet grass), the YARDMAX gives you that flexibility.

Where WORX Wins

Zero Maintenance & Instant Start: The WORX is cordless electric. No gas, no oil changes, no spark plugs, no winterizing. You push a button and pull a lever to start. The YARDMAX requires annual engine maintenance, fuel stabilization, and the physical effort of pull-starting (which can be difficult on a 201cc engine).
Quiet, Lightweight, and Easy to Store: At roughly 40 lbs (vs. ~75+ lbs for the gas YARDMAX), the WORX is light enough to carry over a gate or hang on a wall hook. It is also significantly quieter—you can mow early in the morning without disturbing neighbors. The compact foldable design is ideal for small sheds or garages.
Superior Customer Confidence & Proven Reliability: The WORX has 7,073 reviews with a 4.1-star average, indicating a massive user base and consistent reliability. The YARDMAX has only 292 reviews, suggesting a much smaller and less proven track record. The WORX also includes two 20V batteries, so you can swap when one runs out—no gas can needed.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (YARDMAX) if:
You have a medium-to-large lawn (1/4 to 1/2 acre) with slopes, thick grass, or uneven ground. You want to finish mowing quickly and don’t mind the maintenance of a gas engine. The self-propelled drive and 22-inch deck will save you significant time and effort.

Buy Mower B (WORX) if:
You have a small, flat lawn (under 1/4 acre) and prioritize convenience, quiet operation, and zero maintenance. You want a mower that is easy to lift, store, and start instantly. The WORX is also ideal if you have neighbors close by or prefer not to handle gasoline.

Buy Neither if:
You need to mow a large yard with heavy, wet grass and want the quiet convenience of electric without range anxiety. In that case, look for a corded electric mower (unlimited runtime) or a higher-end 80V battery mower with a 21-inch deck (like the EGO or Greenworks).