The 10 Best Lawn Edgers
Editor's Notes
July 22, 2020:
Removed the Black & Decker LE760FF, the Black & Decker LST420 and the Craftsman 4-Cycle because of availability issues. Added the McLane 101-5, the Husqvarna 324L, and the Black & Decker LE750.
While we've included many conventional lawn edgers, string trimmers like the Husqvarna 324L and the Oregon Cordless ST275 feature heavily in our preferences for several reasons. Perhaps most importantly, string trimmers are very commonly used to edge lawns and have the advantage over conventional edgers of being used for other tasks such as cutting grass over flat or uneven/sloped terrain and easily replaceable line instead of blades.
The Husqvarna beats out the Oregon and all other electric edgers because of its extremely reliable Honda motor. Budget gas-powered edgers tend to have all sorts of motor reliability issues which is why, understandably, so many have switched over to electric trimmers (along with avoiding the pull start). With that said, the Husqvarna suffers no such problems and is considerably more powerful than the electric motors in battery-powered trimmers. Speaking to the build quality of the Husqvarna, you'll notice a surprisingly smooth and easy pull with little worry that the cord will break away from the starting assembly.
Lawn edgers can send debris flying in any direction so make sure you wear some eye protection while using them and avoid removing the shield.
April 18, 2019:
Depending on the size of your lawn, there's a wide variety of solutions to keeping its edges straight and clean. If you don't have to take care of much space, the Black and Decker 3-in-1 is worth a look, as it can also eliminate your need for a bulky lawnmower. On the other hand, if you're okay with putting in a little more physical labor, the Truper Tru doesn't need batteries or fuel, though it isn't sufficient for big jobs. The GreenWorks, Worx WG896, and Black and Decker LE760FF are electrically powered, dedicated edgers, and their three-wheel designs off plenty of stability. The Craftsman is among the most powerful, thanks to its 4-cycle engine, and its wheels are larger and more consistently reliable than the smaller ones on most others. For professional landscapers or homeowners with large yards, it's probably the way to go. The Oregon, Black and Decker LST420, and Worx GT 3.0 are some of the best combo units around; simply flip them over to go from trimming to edging. And if you're confident about your freehand trimming skills, consider the Ego Power+, which doesn't have any stabilizer wheels, but is lightweight and very easy to use. It also shares its battery with a line of well-respected cordless tools, many of which outperform much of the competition.
Lawn Trimmers Versus Lawn Edgers: Is There Really A Difference?
Lawn trimmers are best suited for chopping weeds growing close to walls, trees, and other objects that prevent you from using a mower.
There are not many other lawn tools confused with each other as often as lawn edgers and lawn trimmers. Both of these tools are used to get at hard to reach areas of your lawn to help you achieve a neater lawn with a professionally manicured look. While the mechanics of lawn trimmers and edgers are basically the same, and they are both used to clean up what a mower misses, they have different applications.
Lawn trimmers have a rotating head that spins in a horizontal motion when used as intended. Most often they have some type of string or plastic cord as the cutting object, but there are also models with metal or plastic blades. Ones with strings and cords used for cutting are also commonly called string trimmers. Lawn trimmers are best suited for chopping weeds growing close to walls, trees, and other objects that prevent you from using a mower. They are also used for trimming grass and brush on slopes, in ditches, and any other area where it would be unfeasible to use a mower.
Lawn edgers on the other hand, have rotating heads that spin in a vertical motion. Edgers most often use metal or plastic blades for cutting, but there are models that use strings. The main use of an edger is to cut grass that hangs over driveways, plant beds, or any type of hard surface where growing grass would be unsightly. An edger will leave a tiny gap between the grass and the area you want grass free. They help you obtain that beautiful lawn that is normally only achieved when hiring a professional lawn care company.
Lawn trimmers, while not ideally suited for, can often be used for edging when held in a vertical orientation, but it would be nearly impossible to use an edger for lawn trimming.
Types Of Lawn Edgers
Lawn edgers can be manual, gas powered, or electrically powered. Manual options are only suitable for homeowners who have a small area that needs to be edged, otherwise you will find yourself spending considerably more time on edging than you have to.
Nearly all single wheel models require you to push them along, but they are significantly lighter and easier to maneuver than multi-wheel models.
Electrically powered models are an environmentally friendly approach to edging and are more than suitable for the average homeowner. They can be powered via a battery or by being continuously plugged in. Battery powered models tend to be less powerful than models which stay plugged in, and both types of electrical models are generally less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts. Electrical models are significantly quieter than gas-powered models though and require less maintenance.
After deciding on an electrically-powered or gas-powered edger, you'll notice that they come in single wheel models and multi-wheel models. They do make lawn edgers without wheels that require you to keep them elevated the whole time, but they should generally be avoided as it will be harder to get perfectly straight lines. Nearly all single wheel models require you to push them along, but they are significantly lighter and easier to maneuver than multi-wheel models.
Multi-wheel edgers will usually have either three or four wheels and, while heavier than single wheel models, they are more stable and many are self-propelled. With a multi-wheel model, there is less chance of straying off your line and you'll experience less user fatigue as you won't need to hold up one end of the edger the entire time. If trying to make tight circles or edging around a lot of unusually shaped garden beds, a multi-wheel model can be more of a hindrance than a help, as you'll have to tilt the entire unit onto either its back wheels or front wheels for repositioning.
Using A Lawn Edger Safely
Lawn edgers use spinning blades or cords rotating at exceptionally high speeds to cut through grass and weeds. This can make them very dangerous if used incorrectly or without taking the proper safety precautions. If the blade or cord comes into contact with anything other than grass and dirt, it can cause significant injury.
Your first step should be to clear all debris from the area to be cut, this includes sweeping away all small rocks and sticks.
Your first step should be to clear all debris from the area to be cut, this includes sweeping away all small rocks and sticks. If the blade or cord hits a small rock, it can send it hurtling through the air at great speeds. Most edgers have some kind of guard to prevent this, but it is still possible. Since it is easy to accidentally miss some small rocks when sweeping, you should never edge with children, pets, or any other people in close proximity.
Never ever turn your back on a running edger or walk away from it. If you walk away from one, it is possible for a curious animal or small child to walk up to the machine and accidentally hurt themselves. Many people often leave multi-wheeled models running and walk in front of them to open a gate, but this is a bad idea. It is possible that an edger could roll forward a few inches and catch your pants in the spinning mechanism.
In addition, you should always wear pants to protect your legs, closed-toed shoes to protect your feet, and safety glasses to protect your eyes.