Good review. Thank you for pointing out the plastic pulleys. I'll check mine and see if it is designed the same as the SC 675Exi. I just bought the YF22 3N1SP 625 Exi from Amazon. It starts on the first pull and runs solid. I just wish the self propelled speed could be adjusted down to a more comfortable pace to accommodate my age and neck problem. I don't mind the fast walk on a flat surface but I'm not crazy about wrestling the bucking bronco pace on turns and slopes. I also am not thrilled with Merotec USA. You were correct in saying they are difficult to communicate with. My mower came with a damaged left front wheel / repair weld and dent on the front skirt.....(although it was listed as new). Merotec USA answered my calls and documented my complaint but have yet to respond to my emails. After my short experience with Merotec USA's odd policies about the mower being non returnable.....plus who is allowed to work on their mowers, I will definitely be more cautious about choosing one next time, especially since the exterior appears to be sturdy but the underside construction is plastic and what appears to be aluminum instead of steel.
This mower started great the day I bought it and a couple months later but now it will not start at all. I can get it running and keep it running by squirting starting fluid so it’s not getting fuel into the carburetor. Bought at Sam’s, junk
I bought one 3 yrs ago. I wanted a rwd push mower and it fit the bill. I found the same mower built by snapper as well just different name and color. Only problem I've had with it has been the carb and chute getting clogged in thick or wet grass. I don't use the chute and just prop mulch cover open and have no problems
I handle these at my job at fedex my yard is too big for one of them so we have a riding lawnmower but I wanted to see if this mower was good just for fun considering I handle a lot of them
My recent purchase of Yard force mower has resulted in the self propelled clutch connection failing. Merotech is the warranty handler of this brand and you need your receipt, SN and a picture to get the warranty services. In OK, there are current no vendors to do any work on these. Coffeyville, KS (1.5 hours away) can do it. Still waiting on opptunity to drive there to see. Maybe they need to make some calls and get more local vendors in major cities to support their warranty. The mower works great otherwise.
Thanks for sharing, I completely agree that the biggest issue with the mower is getting servicing done. If they could expand their network of repair centers and stock their parts at local stores it would greatly improve my opinion of the mower
Usually these self propelled mowers have a little trick. You have to let go the handle to disengage the self propeller mechanism and keep pushing the mower for a little (some 5 to 10 inches) and then you will be able to pull it backwards.
i have the husqvarna hu700 with the honda engine now about 10 yrs old. i use it as a push mower due to the crazy stupid steel to plastic drive system. went through a few sets of belts and wheels and then just gave up. it has always started on the first pull with a few exceptions. i too was PO'd at the thought of no drain plug for the oil. my technique is to turn off the fuel line and run it dry. turn the mower on its side holding a pan to catch the oil. i change the oil yearly. i can't imagine an engine that never needs an oil change! i am currently looking for a new 22" mower but considering whats on the market i think i will keep my old husky.
If I could ask for a little bit of help. I have spring that came off and they have not provided a diagram it is a black spring that connects to the deck and then somewhere to drive mechanism. You can see spring around the 1min 35 seconds mark or a few more seconds on your video
I bought this mower and not even a year has gone by and first it stopped self propelling and then the start cord won't pull. It's exactly as you feared, a rock must have cracked the plastic belt cover, then after another rock or 2 hit it, a huge piece of plastic broke off, then it filled full of grass, and eventually wouldn't pull itself -- a replacement cover was sold out and they(Merotec's supplier) told me they didn't think they were getting anymore! I thought I would just have to push it, then the pull cord stopped pulling, so time for another new mower. Merotec told me that it was covered by the warranty, but I have to drive it 25 miles in my small car to the closest repair center.
Wow, good information, it seems like they had to cut corners to price it as low as they did. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with other brands of mowers in this price range, and if the quality and warranty servicing is similar?
As of 10/21/21 my YF mower HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR 61 DAYS WAITING FOR A DRIVE CABLE. DON'T BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK. I ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT MOWER, HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. It's advertised as 22", that's the deck not the cut. The blade is only 21" , requires a-lot of overlapping & only available from the main distributor for about $35. I have owned one 13 months. Over the weekend, after mowing 3/4 of my lawn the drive cable broke under-the-deck end. Pushing this thing thru high Florida grass is a workout. I bought it at Sam's club (who apparently thinks it will last forever) but they know of no repair places locally. I called the manufacturer's customer service line & had to leave a message. They returned my call but before finding out about a local repair shop, I must receive a service authorization (ala return authorization) by providing all purchase info 1st. I'll update my adventure as to the outcome on this link.
I love your review. Very thorough, technical, and straight to the point. Although with the negative points, I would have thought you would give it a lower score. I guess that just means you need to make an update video! Lol.
I still haven’t had any issues with the mower, and it still starts on the first or second pull almost every time. But time will tell how reliable it is. If you have a large yard and planning on putting a lot of time and years on your mower, I’d probably go with the Honda.
My drive pulley broke and not sure where to find replacement. I placed an order by mistake and got the engine pulley. Any one had luck with finding drive pulley.
Hey I just got this mower but when I try to pull it to start it gets stuck any idea how to fix it?? Would really appreciate it if you can help me out thanks!
After many phone calls, I found that you have to order the replacement blades on line from Outdoor Power Direct. Beware though.... the blade they sold me didn’t fit but the Yardforce customer service insisted that it was the correct blade… They also would not stand behind the warranty and insisted that Sams Club sold me a remodeled lawnmower that was in a brand new sealed box!!
@@carolladner1727 Clark Howard has information about buying warranties. Most "cheap" products on the market today have "built-in-obsolescence". It is like the toy at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box. Do not ever expect anyone to honor a guarantee or warranty. If they do, then you were one of the lucky ones.
make sure to post a end of season review too. these are super junk mowers at sam's, have fixed 5 for customers so far, that had 40 mows each, sad no oil change plug have to dump old oil out the fill tube, stuck valves, wheel bearings are not sealed, bag has a stitched section inside that fills up with dirt an has to be cut to empty lol Make sure to use quality synthetic oil so it will last 5 years hopefully
Briggs & Stratton claim their motor never needs an oil change and thus, no plug. I am very skeptical about this claim. Oil eventually degrades and needs to be changed. I'll be doing what you said and dumping from the filler. It's far from ideal to do it that way. They could have put in a drain plug and made their claim but let me do a change anyway. I saw another review about most of the motor being plastic parts so I think they just assume the mower will fail before the oil is too degraded and useless.
I agree, mine has starting issues, took the carb off which is a push on carb with an o ring, could not get to the internal parts of the carb but was able to see inside after turning out hex plug, all plastic inside carb, shook carb a few time heard rattling, put everything back together, would not start, took a tool tapped the carb15 times, started, this time I was able to mow my entire yard without it stalling🤔
True. 163cc is closer to 4.5 horsepower but I understand how torque ratings verses horsepower could be confusing. They are both imaginary numbers derived from mathematical engineering formulas.
This mower is complete junk. I’m on season #2 and it starts, but will not continue to run. I run ethanol free gas, use SeaFoam, etc. and it has continued to give me starting and running issues over my first year of ownership. I’ll never buy a “cheapo” model from Sam’s Club.
I saw another video about the engine on this mower and it has a design flaw in the automatic choke and the lever that works the choke flap gets hung up on the bracket making it impossible to start cold. Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/9GSM0TnprNE/видео.html
JUNK mower. Do NOT buy. Parts are only available from one source in USA. NO support. Spend the extra money and buy a Toro Recycler...completely rebuildable, parts easily sourced. I work on Toros after they are years old and need a new belt due to age.
This thing is a piece of crap. Used it 1.5 months and it quit running, no spark, Called Yard Force and was told it was Briggs and Stratton's problem. Called Briggs and Stratton and was told to take it to their qualified center that is about 80 miles away and even then I may not get it back until midwinter. This is not acceptable. 2 year warranty what a joke. I will never buy this junk again.
I understand your frustration. This B&S engine has a notorious flaw that is easily fixed. The plastic choke touches a metal bracket and stays open. It will not start when it is stuck open. A metal finger nail file will shave the excess plastic off of the choke assembly without removing the carb' but you do have to remove the air filter housing to access it. (4 bolts 2 different sizes).
This is a terrible brand. If it breaks down, no repair shop will touch this brand. They don't recognize it and they don't have parts. Don't waste your money
Lemme tell ya something. STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING CALLED YARDMAX! Chinese junk! I bought a ‘22 around 5-15-23 and used it only about 5-6 times. It is made with extremely cheap components. The plastic knobs for closing and locking the handle broke off. The height adjustment broke off. The front wheel broke as I was using it and the axle came out off place. The plastic for the undercarriage cracked in two requiring its complete removal. That cover the belt and pulleys for the self propel assembly. Needles to say, that can no longer by used. Surprising no engine issues (yet) and it will cut serious grass-provided you have patching up skills. THIS POS IS CHEAP FOR A REASON AND YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR!
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Just bought it and will not start over 50 pulls i added oil gas and pull now its a pain and a ass
Good review. Thank you for pointing out the plastic pulleys. I'll check mine and see if it is designed the same as the SC 675Exi. I just bought the YF22 3N1SP 625 Exi from Amazon. It starts on the first pull and runs solid. I just wish the self propelled speed could be adjusted down to a more comfortable pace to accommodate my age and neck problem. I don't mind the fast walk on a flat surface but I'm not crazy about wrestling the bucking bronco pace on turns and slopes. I also am not thrilled with Merotec USA. You were correct in saying they are difficult to communicate with. My mower came with a damaged left front wheel / repair weld and dent on the front skirt.....(although it was listed as new). Merotec USA answered my calls and documented my complaint but have yet to respond to my emails. After my short experience with Merotec USA's odd policies about the mower being non returnable.....plus who is allowed to work on their mowers, I will definitely be more cautious about choosing one next time, especially since the exterior appears to be sturdy but the underside construction is plastic and what appears to be aluminum instead of steel.
You should make a new one for this. There now a Mow and Stow version (vertical storage compatible) it uses a different bolt set up for the top bar
This mower started great the day I bought it and a couple months later but now it will not start at all. I can get it running and keep it running by squirting starting fluid so it’s not getting fuel into the carburetor. Bought at Sam’s, junk
I bought one 3 yrs ago. I wanted a rwd push mower and it fit the bill. I found the same mower built by snapper as well just different name and color. Only problem I've had with it has been the carb and chute getting clogged in thick or wet grass. I don't use the chute and just prop mulch cover open and have no problems
I ordered a part for my lawnmower I would like to check what is the status on that
I handle these at my job at fedex my yard is too big for one of them so we have a riding lawnmower but I wanted to see if this mower was good just for fun considering I handle a lot of them
Good review! But did I see "Bud Light" beer cans?
My recent purchase of Yard force mower has resulted in the self propelled clutch connection failing. Merotech is the warranty handler of this brand and you need your receipt, SN and a picture to get the warranty services. In OK, there are current no vendors to do any work on these. Coffeyville, KS (1.5 hours away) can do it. Still waiting on opptunity to drive there to see. Maybe they need to make some calls and get more local vendors in major cities to support their warranty. The mower works great otherwise.
Thanks for sharing, I completely agree that the biggest issue with the mower is getting servicing done. If they could expand their network of repair centers and stock their parts at local stores it would greatly improve my opinion of the mower
Could you post a picture of where the black spring is connected to (seen at 1:46) as only one end is visible? Thanks!
Wondering why mine won’t pull backwards? Any thoughts? I have not mowed with it yet.
Are the wheels locked up when you pull it backwards?
Usually these self propelled mowers have a little trick. You have to let go the handle to disengage the self propeller mechanism and keep pushing the mower for a little (some 5 to 10 inches) and then you will be able to pull it backwards.
Thanks for this video. I just purchased one, and wish I had known about the plastic under the mower.
You are welcome!
i have the husqvarna hu700 with the honda engine now about 10 yrs old. i use it as a push mower due to the crazy stupid steel to plastic drive system. went through a few sets of belts and wheels and then just gave up. it has always started on the first pull with a few exceptions. i too was PO'd at the thought of no drain plug for the oil. my technique is to turn off the fuel line and run it dry. turn the mower on its side holding a pan to catch the oil. i change the oil yearly. i can't imagine an engine that never needs an oil change! i am currently looking for a new 22" mower but considering whats on the market i think i will keep my old husky.
Just bought same mower at Sam’s for 149.91 with a 3 year extended warranty for $15 can’t wait to use it
Is it on sale right now ?
They are going for $369 at Sams currently
as of 8/17/22 this mower was on sale at sam's for 199.91 (pick up price ) marked down from 369.98.
Wow, that’s a steal!
If I could ask for a little bit of help. I have spring that came off and they have not provided a diagram it is a black spring that connects to the deck and then somewhere to drive mechanism. You can see spring around the 1min 35 seconds mark or a few more seconds on your video
I bought this mower and not even a year has gone by and first it stopped self propelling and then the start cord won't pull. It's exactly as you feared, a rock must have cracked the plastic belt cover, then after another rock or 2 hit it, a huge piece of plastic broke off, then it filled full of grass, and eventually wouldn't pull itself -- a replacement cover was sold out and they(Merotec's supplier) told me they didn't think they were getting anymore! I thought I would just have to push it, then the pull cord stopped pulling, so time for another new mower. Merotec told me that it was covered by the warranty, but I have to drive it 25 miles in my small car to the closest repair center.
Wow, good information, it seems like they had to cut corners to price it as low as they did. I’m wondering if anyone has experience with other brands of mowers in this price range, and if the quality and warranty servicing is similar?
If you look under the plastic cover you will see the drive pulleys are plastic too. Seriously, who puts plastic pulleys under the deck of a mower?
Is there a primer/choke?
No, there isn’t. But the mower still starts on the first or second pull.
As of 10/21/21 my YF mower HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR 61 DAYS WAITING FOR A DRIVE CABLE. DON'T BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK. I ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT MOWER, HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. It's advertised as 22", that's the deck not the cut. The blade is only 21" , requires a-lot of overlapping & only available from the main distributor for about $35. I have owned one 13 months. Over the weekend, after mowing 3/4 of my lawn the drive cable broke under-the-deck end. Pushing this thing thru high Florida grass is a workout. I bought it at Sam's club (who apparently thinks it will last forever) but they know of no repair places locally. I called the manufacturer's customer service line & had to leave a message. They returned my call but before finding out about a local repair shop, I must receive a service authorization (ala return authorization) by providing all purchase info 1st. I'll update my adventure as to the outcome on this link.
best to turn mower on the other side to min oil making it to the carb. Carb should face upward
True, the mower seems to also flood the carb when turned downwards.
I love your review. Very thorough, technical, and straight to the point. Although with the negative points, I would have thought you would give it a lower score. I guess that just means you need to make an update video! Lol.
Where can I buy 2 lower handle bars
where does the product adapter go
Hi, which adapter are you referring to?
How is the mower working for you now? I just purchased one today and after reading the comments I may take it back
Mine is working with no problems, other then the leaky grass catcher flap. Still starts with one pull.
Don't blame you. mines been nothing but trouble. awful mower
I dont know if I should purchasing this one (Sams club $299) or the Honda at $479. What do you think?
I still haven’t had any issues with the mower, and it still starts on the first or second pull almost every time. But time will tell how reliable it is. If you have a large yard and planning on putting a lot of time and years on your mower, I’d probably go with the Honda.
Is there a way to slow down the speed of it?
No, it’s a single speed.
I have this mower and rear wheels barely turn when engaged. Any advice?
Loose belt?
My drive pulley broke and not sure where to find replacement. I placed an order by mistake and got the engine pulley. Any one had luck with finding drive pulley.
I’ve just bought mine 8 months ago, and couldn’t start now, what should I do?
Perhaps add fuel. 😅
Hey I just got this mower but when I try to pull it to start it gets stuck any idea how to fix it?? Would really appreciate it if you can help me out thanks!
Hey Chris, when you mean it gets stuck, do you mean the pull string gets stuck?
@@thriftytani46 yes
Are you holding both the top and bottom bars when you’re pulling the rope? When starting you only hold the top bar.
I just purchased this mower. It seems like a decent mower for the price.
Where can i buy an after market blade for the yardforce mower from sams club?
After many phone calls, I found that you have to order the replacement blades on line from Outdoor Power Direct. Beware though.... the blade they sold me didn’t fit but the Yardforce customer service insisted that it was the correct blade… They also would not stand behind the warranty and insisted that Sams Club sold me a remodeled lawnmower that was in a brand new sealed box!!
@@carolladner1727 Clark Howard has information about buying warranties. Most "cheap" products on the market today have "built-in-obsolescence". It is like the toy at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box. Do not ever expect anyone to honor a guarantee or warranty. If they do, then you were one of the lucky ones.
How's the side discharge?
It sucks. The side discharge attachment is poorly designed. It will not stay attached bc the design sucks
make sure to post a end of season review too. these are super junk mowers at sam's, have fixed 5 for customers so far, that had 40 mows each, sad no oil change plug have to dump old oil out the fill tube, stuck valves, wheel bearings are not sealed, bag has a stitched section inside that fills up with dirt an has to be cut to empty lol Make sure to use quality synthetic oil so it will last 5 years hopefully
Briggs & Stratton claim their motor never needs an oil change and thus, no plug. I am very skeptical about this claim. Oil eventually degrades and needs to be changed. I'll be doing what you said and dumping from the filler. It's far from ideal to do it that way. They could have put in a drain plug and made their claim but let me do a change anyway. I saw another review about most of the motor being plastic parts so I think they just assume the mower will fail before the oil is too degraded and useless.
I agree, mine has starting issues, took the carb off which is a push on carb with an o ring, could not get to the internal parts of the carb but was able to see inside after turning out hex plug, all plastic inside carb, shook carb a few time heard rattling, put everything back together, would not start, took a tool tapped the carb15 times, started, this time I was able to mow my entire yard without it stalling🤔
The engine is 163cc with 6.75 ft.lb of torque, not horsepower.
True. 163cc is closer to 4.5 horsepower but I understand how torque ratings verses horsepower could be confusing. They are both imaginary numbers derived from mathematical engineering formulas.
All push mowers use plastic gears it's cheap to do so they save money
I can’t get mine to stay on after putting fresh gas. It’ll run maybe 10!min real smooth and slowly die. Wtf?!🤷♂️. One year old
This mower is complete junk. I’m on season #2 and it starts, but will not continue to run. I run ethanol free gas, use SeaFoam, etc. and it has continued to give me starting and running issues over my first year of ownership. I’ll never buy a “cheapo” model from Sam’s Club.
I saw another video about the engine on this mower and it has a design flaw in the automatic choke and the lever that works the choke flap gets hung up on the bracket making it impossible to start cold. Here's the link: ruclips.net/video/9GSM0TnprNE/видео.html
JUNK mower. Do NOT buy. Parts are only available from one source in USA. NO support. Spend the extra money and buy a Toro Recycler...completely rebuildable, parts easily sourced. I work on Toros after they are years old and need a new belt due to age.
I was just about to purchase it from Sam’s Club with $80 sale bringing it to a total of $299.98 guess I’ll go for another Toro..” Thanks 😊
Similar experience. 1 yr after purchase, gear box failed, rear wheel bearings separated, and rear wheel plastic gear threads split. P.O.S. mower. Don't waste your money.
It goes too slow for me I’m taking it back
Yeah, it would be helpful if it had a variable speed control.
That mower drags me over the yard it’s so fast
Negative Ghost Rider. This is a five horsepower engine. 150cc =5 lil ponies.
This thing is a piece of crap. Used it 1.5 months and it quit running, no spark, Called Yard Force and was told it was Briggs and Stratton's problem. Called Briggs and Stratton and was told to take it to their qualified center that is about 80 miles away and even then I may not get it back until midwinter. This is not acceptable. 2 year warranty what a joke. I will never buy this junk again.
I understand your frustration. This B&S engine has a notorious flaw that is easily fixed. The plastic choke touches a metal bracket and stays open. It will not start when it is stuck open. A metal finger nail file will shave the excess plastic off of the choke assembly without removing the carb' but you do have to remove the air filter housing to access it. (4 bolts 2 different sizes).
Their warranty is absolute garbage and company doesn't regard the warranty
Don’t mow your fxkn gravel driveway and you’ll be fine..
This is a terrible brand. If it breaks down, no repair shop will touch this brand. They don't recognize it and they don't have parts. Don't waste your money
Check outdoor power supply. These mowers are fairly easy to self repair.
Lemme tell ya something. STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING CALLED YARDMAX! Chinese junk! I bought a ‘22 around 5-15-23 and used it only about 5-6 times. It is made with extremely cheap components. The plastic knobs for closing and locking the handle broke off. The height adjustment broke off. The front wheel broke as I was using it and the axle came out off place. The plastic for the undercarriage cracked in two requiring its complete removal. That cover the belt and pulleys for the self propel assembly. Needles to say, that can no longer by used. Surprising no engine issues (yet) and it will cut serious grass-provided you have patching up skills. THIS POS IS CHEAP FOR A REASON AND YOU WILL GET WHAT YOU PAID FOR!
Wow for all that breakage you must of abused that thing to Death ☠️💀
Never buy one of these. Awful mowers with awful engine.
Thats odd. I've had this specific model trouble free for 5 years.