Yard Force YF120vRX Self-Propelled Torque-Sense Battery Electric Lawn Mower Review
Recognized as a market-leading product when it comes to lithium-ion-powered lawn mowers, the Yard Force YF120vRX has many features going for it. To start, it has a 22-inch steel 3-in-1 deck that’s capable of mulching, side discharge, and bagging. The push-button starting option can be done with one or two batteries in the mower, and with a quick-release handle that folds, you can store the YF120vRX vertically to save tons of storage space.
The 109-pound YF120vRX boasts a powerful brushless motor that has the torque and runtime comparable to a gas-powered machine. This eco-friendly mower can handle yards that are up to a half-acre thanks to its high-powered batteries, which don’t produce fumes or require any maintenance, except when you need to dispose of them properly when they’re eventually fully depleted and can’t charge. Conveniently, all of Yard Force’s products can run on this quick-charging, high-capacity 120-volt battery. The fast charger and two batteries are included with the mower.
Operators will also appreciate the self-propelled drive of the mower, which makes the job easier and produces a precise cut every time. All of this and a five-year warranty to boot make the YF120vRX an outstanding battery-powered option.
Key Features
- Torque-sense technology increases power when needed and can save energy of mower to extend runtimes
- 22-inch steel deck offers rear bagging, mulching, and side discharge, and has vortex tunnel design to reduce number of bag changes
- Self-propelled option has control lever to easily adjust speed
- Dual battery ports allow mowers to keep going if one battery is depleted or charge one battery while using the other to mow
- Single-lever height adjustment with seven positions
- Five-year warranty
- Runtime of up to 110 minutes on single charge
- 18.5-gallon grass hybrid grass bag with full indicator
- Wheels: 8 inches (front); 10 inches (rear)
- Specs: 41 x 25 x 21 inches
Performance
Everyone loves mowers that are self-propelled. This one can move at a speed of up to 2.5 miles per hour, and the speed is easily adjustable with a single handy lever. Given its power, long runtime, and 22-inch cutting path, this heavyweight mower is ideal for larger yards, even ones with slopes. Don’t be scared to use this Yard Force machine on long grass, or even grass that’s damp. It’ll cut tall, thick grass just fine. And if you have a large yard, the dual-battery system will switch from one battery to the next if the first one depletes. Or you can quickly charge one battery in the fan-cooled charger while another one is in use in the mower.
Designed to provide a clean, reliable cut on all grass types, the YF120vRX has torque-sense technology that adjusts to your terrain and can ultimately save energy. If you’ve got an average-sized yard, you probably won’t even use up one installed battery within this mower, meaning you can leave the other battery out of it if you want to use the next time.
Ease of Use
Using the self-propelled option makes using the YF120vRX a breeze, but there is a slight trick to it. When you’re finished with a pass, give the mower a slight push to unlock the wheels. The wheels will kick in again with no problem and you can continue on. Once you get used to this it becomes second nature.
The foldable handle is at a naturally good height, making this mower accessible to tall, medium, and short people. Additionally, the adjustable self-propelled option makes it a machine that can be used by anybody, even those who might be suffering from a bad back or other muscle pain. And whether you have bodily pain or not, the YF120vRX is super easy to start. No cord to pull here. Just push a button, pull in a few handles to engage the engine and self-propelled options, and you’re good to go.
Cut Quality & Options
Mowers have sure come a long way from a technology standpoint. This one has torque-sense technology, meaning that its built-in sensors can determine if extra power is needed for naturally thick grass, grass that’s wet, or leaves that are in your path. In cases such as these, the blade speed will increase and the quality of a clean, precise cut is in no way sacrificed. But let’s say the opposite is true and you’re making passes over grass that’s sparse or thin. In that case, the sensors order the torque to be scaled back, which saves on battery power and increases the mower’s runtime.
Overall, the YF120vRX offers powerful and reliable performance. It’s able to adapt to all grass types and conditions, and its 100-minute runtime on a single charge should satisfy homeowners whose yards are big. You can choose how fast you want to go with the self-propelled option (up to 2.5 miles per hour), you can easily adjust the cutting height (up to seven options), and you can bag, mulch, or use side discharge.
Maintenance
The included manual will list all needed maintenance, but be assured that there will be less of it compared to a gas-powered machine. Typical maintenance on every mower includes:
- Checking for debris on all parts of mower and cleaning as needed
- Checking the blade periodically for cleanliness and sharpness
- Making sure all nuts and bolts are tight and fully secured
- Checking the bag for holes and unwanted debris
- Storing the machine in a dry location
- Replacing damaged parts as needed
- Disposing of the batteries properly when they’re fully depleted
Safety Features
The YF120vRX requires operators to push the start button and then engage two handles prior to the engine and blades being fully engaged. It has a safety lock button and comes with a safety key that must be inserted for the mower to run. Also, its adjustable speeds allow operators to judge when a slower pace is needed, such as when obstacles or people might be blocking your path, or when hills and slopes are part of the terrain. See the manual for all safety instructions for the mower and batteries.
Special Features
Perhaps lost in the many great functions of the YF120vRX is the fact that it comes with a large 18.5-gallon hybrid grass bag that has a full indicator to reveal when grass needs to be changed. It also has large wheels for good grip on grass, a quick-charge charger, long runtimes, and a steel cutting deck that can adjust to an impressive seven positions. This is a powerful battery-operated mower that doesn’t have the mess, smell, or noise that’s associated with a gas-powered machine.
Among its many highlights, the YF120vRX is probably best defined by its self-propelled drive and torque-sensing technology that knows when to kick in the power of the blade or lessen it depending on the terrain.
Cost Effectiveness
This is a higher-end mower in its class, which is reflected in its many quality features. The quick-charging batteries will save you money on gas, and though the YF120vRX requires maintenance, it doesn’t require as much as a gas-powered mower. The mower’s torque-sense technology knows when to kick in the power when needed or scale back when additional power is unnecessary, increasing runtimes and saving on battery power. The high-capacity batteries with this mower allow for long run times with both inserted in the machine, and offer the option to charge one battery while mowing with the other one. So yes, you pay more for a mower like this, but its many great features and economical advantages make it one to certainly consider.
