YARDMAX YL2250 22 in. 170cc Gas Walk Behind String Trimmer Mower, Orange Review

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

★★★★ 4.3/5 (76 reviews)
$409.65
Brand: YARDMAX
YARDMAX YL2250 22 in. 170cc Gas Walk Behind String Trimmer Mower, Orange
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Overview

The YARDMAX YL2250 is a unique hybrid in the lawn care world—a gas-powered walk-behind mower that uses a string trimmer head instead of a traditional steel blade. Designed for homeowners with overgrown, uneven, or hard-to-reach lawns, this 22-inch, 170cc machine aims to replace both your trimmer and your mower in one pass. It’s best for those who prioritize versatility over a pristine, manicured cut.

Who Should Buy This

1. Owners of rough, weedy, or uneven terrain
If your lawn is more “field” than turf—think ditches, slopes, rocky patches, or tall grass—this mower excels where a standard blade would dull or get clogged.

2. Homeowners who hate dragging out a trimmer after mowing
The YL2250 trims as it mows, so you can edge along fences, around trees, and against walls without a second machine. It’s a time-saver for those who want one-and-done lawn care.

3. Budget-conscious buyers who want gas power without the blade hassle
At $409, it’s cheaper than many gas walk-behinds, and you avoid blade sharpening or replacement costs. The string head is cheap to reload and forgiving on hidden obstacles.

4. Small-to-medium lot owners (Œ acre or less)
The 22-inch cutting width is efficient for tight spaces, but the string design means slower passes on larger lawns. Great for manageable yards, not for sprawling estates.

Key Features Breakdown

170cc YARDMAX Engine
This is a reliable, easy-start OHV engine with a recoil start. It’s not the strongest in its class, but it provides enough torque to spin the trimmer head through thick growth. It runs on regular unleaded gas and is relatively fuel-efficient for a small engine.

22-Inch Cutting Width
Wider than most string trimmers, but narrower than a typical 30-inch gas mower. This is a sweet spot—it covers enough ground to be practical, yet fits through gates and around obstacles. Expect to make more passes than with a blade mower, but far fewer than with a handheld trimmer.

String Trimmer Cutting Head
The star feature. It uses two .095-inch commercial-grade trimmer lines that spin at high speed to cut grass and weeds. Unlike a blade, it won’t throw rocks or damage trees, and it can handle wet, tall grass without bogging down. The head is bump-feed, so you tap it on the ground to advance more line.

Adjustable Cutting Height (1.5 to 3.5 inches)
A single-lever height adjustment gives you five positions. The range is limited compared to blade mowers, but it covers the needs of most rough-cut lawns. Keep it higher for thick grass to avoid scalping.

Foldable Handle for Storage
The handle collapses without tools, making it easy to store in a shed or garage corner. This is a practical touch for buyers with limited space.

Large 10-Inch Rear Wheels
These help roll over uneven ground and reduce the effort needed to push through tall grass. The front wheels are smaller (7 inches), which is fine for steering but can catch on deep ruts.

Pros

  • Cuts where blades can’t – Perfect for slopes, ditches, and areas with rocks, roots, or hidden debris. The string head absorbs impacts that would destroy a steel blade.
  • Trims and mows in one pass – No more going back with a string trimmer after you finish mowing. This saves significant time on complex yards.
  • Starts reliably – The engine fires up on the first or second pull, even after sitting for weeks. Owners report minimal fussing with chokes or priming.
  • Low maintenance – No blade to sharpen or replace. Just reload trimmer line every few uses (a $5 spool lasts a season for most). Oil changes are simple.
  • Safe around landscaping – The string won’t damage tree bark, fences, or garden edging. Ideal for homeowners who prioritize protecting their plants.
  • Affordable entry point – For under $410, you get a gas-powered machine that handles both mowing and trimming. Comparable blade mowers with similar features cost $100–200 more.

Cons

  • Not for a “golf course” finish – The string leaves a slightly ragged edge on grass, especially if you’re in a hurry. If you want that perfect striped lawn, this isn’t your mower.
  • Slower cutting speed – You need to walk at a moderate pace to let the string do its work. Rushing leads to uncut patches and wasted line. Plan for longer mowing sessions.
  • Line breaks frequently on tough weeds – Thick brambles or woody stems can snap the string, requiring a bump-feed or manual reload. It’s not a heavy-duty brush cutter.
  • Limited cutting height range – The 1.5 to 3.5-inch range is fine for most, but if you like to keep your grass tall (4+ inches) for drought tolerance, you’ll be stuck with a shorter cut.

Bottom Line

The YARDMAX YL2250 is a smart, niche solution for homeowners who are tired of battling a traditional mower on rough, uneven ground. It’s not a replacement for a high-end blade mower on a manicured lawn, but it’s a game-changer for those with rocky slopes, weedy patches, or lots of obstacles. If you value convenience and safety over a perfect cut, and you’re willing to trade speed for versatility, this is a solid buy at $409. For anyone who wants a showroom finish, stick with a blade mower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this mower on a normal, flat lawn?
A: Yes, but it will leave a less uniform cut than a blade mower. It’s best for lawns with mixed terrain or obstacles. On flat turf, you’ll notice the string’s uneven edge—acceptable for many, but not for perfectionists.

Q: How often do I need to replace the trimmer line?
A: It depends on grass thickness and debris. Most users reload the bump-feed head every 2–3 mowings. A spool of .095-inch line lasts about a full season for a ÂŒ-acre lot. Keep a spare spool handy for thick weeds.

Q: Does this mower have a mulching or bagging option?
A: No. The YL2250 is a “string-only” design—it cuts and drops the clippings where they fall. There’s no bag or mulch plug. If you need to collect grass, you’ll have to rake or use a different machine. This is a rough-cut tool, not a finishing mower.

How It Compares

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks 40V wins overall for most buyers due to its lower price, lighter weight, push-button start, and compatibility with a 75+ tool battery system—but the YARDMAX YL2250 is the better choice if you need raw gas-powered cutting power for tough, overgrown grass or larger yards.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature YARDMAX YL2250 Greenworks 40V
Price $409.65 $249.99
Power Source 170cc gas engine 40V lithium-ion battery (4.0Ah)
Cutting Width 22 inches 16 inches
Self-Propelled No (push mower) No (push mower)
Best Yard Size Up to 1/2 acre Up to 1/3 acre
Warranty 2-year limited 4-year limited

Where YARDMAX Wins

  1. Cutting Power for Tough Conditions – The 170cc gas engine delivers significantly more torque and sustained power than the 40V battery system. If you’re dealing with thick, wet grass, weeds, or uneven terrain, the YARDMAX will power through without bogging down. The 22-inch cutting deck also covers 37% more ground per pass than the Greenworks’ 16-inch deck, reducing mowing time on larger lawns.

  2. No Runtime Anxiety – Gas means unlimited run time as long as you have fuel. The Greenworks’ 4.0Ah battery provides roughly 30–45 minutes of runtime, which may not finish a 1/2-acre yard in one charge. With the YARDMAX, you can mow for hours without stopping to recharge, making it more reliable for larger or irregularly shaped lawns.

  3. String Trimmer Functionality – The YARDMAX is a string trimmer mower, meaning it can function as both a mower and a trimmer (likely with a convertible head or attachment). This dual-use capability saves you from buying a separate trimmer for edges, fences, and tight spots—a clear advantage for buyers wanting one machine for multiple tasks.

Where Greenworks Wins

  1. Much Lower Price – At $249.99, the Greenworks costs $159.66 less than the YARDMAX. For budget-conscious buyers, that’s a significant savings. The Greenworks also eliminates ongoing costs for gas, oil, spark plugs, and air filters—electric mowers have near-zero maintenance beyond blade sharpening.

  2. Lighter, Quieter, Easier to Use – The Greenworks is far lighter (likely under 40 lbs vs. the YARDMAX’s 50+ lbs with gas and oil), making it easier to push and maneuver. It also features push-button start—no pulling a recoil cord—and runs at a whisper-quiet 80 dB compared to a gas engine’s 90+ dB. This means no exhaust fumes, no vibration fatigue, and early-morning or late-evening mowing without disturbing neighbors.

  3. Battery Ecosystem & Reliability – The 40V battery works with 75+ Greenworks tools (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, etc.), so if you already own Greenworks tools, this mower shares batteries. With 11,946 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the Greenworks has proven reliability over thousands of users. The 4-year warranty is also double the YARDMAX’s 2-year coverage, offering better long-term protection.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (YARDMAX YL2250) if: You have a yard larger than 1/3 acre (especially 1/2 acre+), regularly deal with thick, wet, or overgrown grass, and don’t mind the heavier weight, noise, and maintenance of a gas engine. The 22-inch deck and unlimited runtime make it ideal for big, demanding lawns.

Buy Mower B (Greenworks 40V) if: You have a small to medium yard (up to 1/3 acre), value low maintenance and quiet operation, and want a lightweight, easy-start mower at a budget-friendly price. The battery ecosystem is a bonus if you already own or plan to buy other Greenworks 40V tools.

Buy Neither if: You need a self-propelled mower (both are push-only) or have a yard over 1/2 acre with steep slopes—consider a self-propelled gas model or a larger battery mower with a bigger deck.

Quick Verdict

The WORX WG743 wins for most buyers due to its lower price, quiet cordless operation, and proven reliability from over 7,000 reviews, but the YARDMAX YL2250 is the better choice for larger, rougher lawns requiring gas-powered cutting muscle.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature YARDMAX YL2250 WORX WG743
Price $409.65 $329.99
Power Source 170cc gas engine 20V cordless (2 batteries included)
Cutting Width 22 inches 17 inches
Self-Propelled No No
Best Yard Size Œ–œ acre Up to ÂŒ acre
Warranty 2-year limited 2-year limited

Where YARDMAX Wins

1. Wider cutting path saves time. The 22-inch deck is 29% wider than the WORX’s 17-inch, meaning you’ll make fewer passes on a medium-sized lawn. For a ÂŒ-acre yard, that can cut mowing time by roughly 20–30 minutes compared to a narrower deck.

2. More raw power for tough conditions. The 170cc gas engine delivers significantly higher torque than any cordless mower in this price range. It handles thick, wet grass, overgrown patches, and light brush without bogging down—something the WORX will struggle with.

3. Better for uneven or sloped terrain. Gas mowers maintain consistent power on hills, while cordless models can lose speed or stall when the battery runs low under load. The YARDMAX also has larger wheels (typically 8-inch rear) for better traction on bumpy ground.

Where WORX Wins

1. Much lower price and no ongoing fuel costs. At $329.99, the WORX is $80 cheaper upfront. It also eliminates spending $3–$5 per gallon on gas, oil changes, spark plugs, and carburetor maintenance. Over three years, total ownership cost is roughly $200–$300 less.

2. Quiet, instant-start operation. The WORX runs at about 70–75 decibels—quiet enough to mow early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. It starts instantly with a push button, no pull cord frustration. The YARDMAX is loud (90+ dB) and requires cold-start priming and pulling.

3. Compact, lightweight, and easy to store. At roughly 35 pounds, the WORX is about half the weight of the gas YARDMAX (60–65 lbs). It folds vertically for garage storage, taking up minimal floor space. That’s a huge advantage for small sheds or apartment balconies.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (YARDMAX YL2250) if: You have a ÂŒ-acre or larger lawn with thick grass, uneven terrain, or occasional weeds/brush. The extra width and gas power will save you time and frustration, and you’re comfortable with basic engine maintenance.

Buy Mower B (WORX WG743) if: You have a small, flat lawn under ÂŒ acre (e.g., suburban front yard or city backyard). You prioritize quiet operation, low maintenance, and easy storage. The two 20V batteries (typically 2.0 Ah each) will cover about 30–45 minutes of mowing—enough for most small yards.

Buy neither if: Your lawn is larger than œ acre or requires self-propulsion. Both mowers are push-only, and the WORX’s runtime won’t keep up with bigger spaces. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas model or a higher-capacity cordless mower with larger batteries.

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Last updated: June 2026