A perfectly manicured lawn with crisp, clean edges along walkways, flowerbeds, and driveways can really take your yard to the next level. But achieving that precision lined look requires the right tools. That’s where lawn edgers come in.
Lawn edgers allow you to trim grass borders and create defined edges around your yard for a polished, professional look. But with so many types of edgers on the market, how do you choose?
In this ultimate guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of gas vs. electric lawn edgers, break down the key features to look for, overview the main edger types, recommend top brands, and provide tips to maintain your edger.
Let’s start edging!
Gas vs. Electric Lawn Edgers: Key Differences
Gas and electric lawn edgers each have their pros and cons. Consider which features are most important for your yard and needs.
Gas Powered Lawn Edgers
Gas powered edgers are ideal for larger yards since they have more power and continuous runtime. They don’t rely on batteries or cords.
Pros:
- More power to cut tougher turf and roots
- Longer continuous runtime for big yards
- Consistent power output
- Good for heavy duty edging
Cons:
- Heavier than electric
- Need to maintain the gas engine
- Noise and fumes
- Vibration can be tiring for extended use
Gas edgers like the Echo 21 in. 58-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Edger are a workhorse option perfect for frequent edging of larger properties.
Electric Lawn Edgers
Electric lawn edgers provide cordless convenience or unlimited runtime with a cord. They excel at precision edging of smaller yards.
There are two main types:
Cordless Electric
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Quiet operation
- No cord limitations
Cons:
- Limited runtime per charge
- Less power than gas
- Possible battery fade over time
Corded Electric
Pros:
- Unlimited runtime
- Consistent power
- Typically cheaper than cordless
Cons:
- Cord length limits range
- Cord hassle factor
- Less power than gas usually
Cordless electric edgers like the Ego Power+ Edger are great for frequent quick edging sessions around the yard. Corded electric edgers like the Greenworks 12-Inch Corded Edger are budget-friendly.
Manual Hand Edgers vs Power Edgers
You also have the choice between manual hand edgers and powered options when it comes to lawn edging.
Manual Edgers
Manual edgers require muscle power to operate the cutting blade. They include:
- Half moon edgers– These classic zig-zag action edgers have a curved blade.
- V-Blade push edgers– The V-shape blades shave grass for precision lines.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- No power source needed
Cons:
- Labor intensive to use
- Not ideal for large yards
- Can be hard on your body
Power Edgers
Power edgers use gas or electric motors to automate the edging. They include:
- Walk-behind edgers– Roll them along the lawn perimeter.
- Stand-on edgers– Ride and edge simultaneously.
- Oscillating blade edgers– Blades move back and forth.
Pros:
- Get uniform straight edges with less effort
- Makes quick work of edging
- Save time and physical exertion
Cons:
- Cost more than manual models
- Require maintenance
For most homeowners, a power edger is worth the investment for the time and effort they save.
Important Lawn Edger Features To Consider
All lawn edgers perform the same basic function, but the features and design can really impact performance. Here are some key factors to weigh when choosing an edger:
Blade Design
Edger blades come in two main designs:
Circular Blade
- Disk or spool shaped
- Spins rapidly like a trimmer head
- Less precision but very fast cutting
Fixed V-Shape Blade
- Straight edged and sharpened
- Shearing action for clean cuts
- Allows precise edge lines
Circular blades like on the Toro Edger Attachment quickly power through thick grass. V-shaped fixed blades found on edgers like the Husqvarna Gas Straight Shaft Edger allow meticulous edging control.
Edging Depth Adjustment
Look for multiple depth settings so you can:
- Adjust to pavement height changes
- Increase depth to edge overgrown areas
- Reduce depth for precision lines
Tool-less adjustment knobs simplify depth changes on the fly.
Wheels vs. Roller Guide
Wheels provide maneuverability and tracking along the edge. A roller guide glides more smoothly. Edgers like the Black & Decker Amp Corded Edger have two wheels for stability.
Attachments and Accessories
Added features can enhance edger functionality:
- Extendable shafts– Edge hard-to-reach spots
- Debris collection bags– Reduce clean up time
- Edge guides– Ensure straight uniform cuts
Brands like Toro offer useful attachments like a lawn striping kit. Look for accessories that fit your needs.
Types of Lawn Edgers
With a basic understanding of the key features, let’s overview the main lawn edger types and their pros and cons:
Walk-Behind Lawn Edgers
As the name suggests, you walk behind these edgers as the blade cuts the lawn edge. Most are gas-powered for maximum power.
Pros:
- Very effective for large yards
- Power through tough turf and roots
- Models with four wheels add stability
Cons:
- Heavier than other designs
- Can be unwieldy around trees and tight spots
The powerful Echo 21 in. 58-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Edger is a top gas walk-behind model.
Push Lawn Edgers
Push edgers are lightweight and maneuverable. Just a downward push engages the blade.
Pros:
- Very easy to control the cut
- Good for precision edging
- Compact size fits tight spaces
Cons:
- Cordless battery models have limited runtime
- May require more passes than walk-behind
Cordless designs like the Ego Power+ Edger are convenient portable push options.
Stand-On Lawn Edgers
These edgers allow you to ride while edging, saving effort. Gas engines provide the most power.
Pros:
- Save energy since you sit or stand while edging
- Large cutting swath gets the job done fast
- Smooth operation with stabilizer bars
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy and more difficult to maneuver
Commercial landscapers love riding stand-on edgers like the Hustler Excel X-One Stand-On Edger.
Top Electric and Gas Lawn Edger Brands
With so many models on the market, it helps to narrow it down to the top proven edger brands.
Husqvarna
Known for high-quality outdoor power tools, Husqvarna’s gas and electric edgers are built to last.
Top Models:
- Husqvarna 967055801 Gas Straight Shaft Edger – Robust 4-stroke engine
- Husqvarna LC221RH Electric Corded Edger – Lightweight but tough
Ego Power+
Ego specializes in cordless electric yard tools with long-lasting batteries. Their edgers have excellent power and runtime.
Top Models:
- Ego Power+ Edger – Featherweight with up to 50 minute runtime
- Ego Power+ Carbon Fiber Edger – Super sleek modern design
Greenworks
Greenworks offers a full lineup of battery and corded electric edgers at affordable prices.
Top Models:
- Greenworks 12″ Corded Edger – Budget-friendly unlimited runtime
- Greenworks Pro 60V Edger – Impressive power and precision
Echo
Known for professional-grade outdoor power equipment, Echo edgers are very rugged and reliable.
Top Models:
- Echo PAS-225 Gas Powered Edger – Commercial grade 21″ cut
- Echo PAS-2620 Gas Powered Edger – High torque and easy starts
Toro
In addition to mowers, Toro makes attachment-capable trimmer heads that convert to edgers.
Top Models:
- Toro Edger Attachment – Quickly attaches to Toro trimmers
- Toro 60V Max 15″ Cordless Edger – Max edging time per charge
Black & Decker
For affordable corded and battery powered options, Black & Decker edgers deliver performance on a budget.
Top Models:
- BLACK+DECKER 7.5-Amp Corded Edger – Amped up power for under $50
- BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Edger – Lightweight cordless edging
This covers some of the top edger brands to consider across gas-powered, corded electric, and battery powered cordless categories. Focus on brands known for quality construction and reliability.
Lawn Edger Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance keeps your lawn edger performing at its best season after season. Here are some key edger care tips:
Sharpen Blades Regularly
Sharp blades mean cleaner cuts. Sharpen fixed blades with a file or grinder. Replace circular blades when dull.
Clean Air Filters on Gas Models
Dirty air filters lead to poor engine performance. Clean foam filters regularly. Replace paper filters per manual.
Replace Trimmer Line
Fresh line feeds better through edger heads. Use diameter specified for your model.
Check Belts and Bolts
Inspect belts for wear and tighten any loose bolts/screws to prevent issues down the road.
Drain Gas and Store in Winter
Prevent gummed up carbs by emptying the gas tank and running the edger dry for winter storage.
Regular upkeep will extend the operating life of your edger and ensure it’s ready to neatly edge your lawn every season.
Conclusion
Having the right lawn edger makes maintaining crisp, clean lawn edges almost effortless. Gas and electric models both have advantages depending on your yard and needs.
Look for key features like adjustable edging depth, solid wheels or roller bars, and useful attachments. Walk-behind, push, and stand-on designs each bring something different to the table.
Stick with proven brands like Husqvarna, Ego, Greenworks, Echo, Toro, and Black & Decker to get the most value for your money. And don’t forget to perform regular maintenance like sharpening blades and draining gas in winter for long-lasting performance.
Your lawn edger is one of the most important tools for creating that quintessential crisp, manicured lawn edge. So choose the right edger for your yard and enjoy the precision results it delivers. Your lawn will look its best ever with clean lines along flower beds, walkways and drives.
Now it’s time to pick out your weapon of grass destruction and get edging!
