Last updated on September 15th, 2021
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The Best Lawn Edgers and Buyer’s Guide
A lawn edger is a must-have if you want to manicure your garden and give it a perfect neat finish. Yet, it’s not easy to choose the best lawn edger out of the several options available on the market. Even so, we tend to think that the best edger is one that suits your lawn requirements, so your ultimate choice might not be ideal for other gardeners. If you have a large lawn, you will want a large, petrol operated machine with plenty of power and one that can last for years given the expense. On the other hand, if you have a small property, you will be better off with a lightweight, battery-operated model or even a simple manual model.
This is why we have spent hours researching and evaluating various lawn edgers that are on the market and we came up with 6 models that we believe are the best in particular applications. You can skip right to the lawn edger reviews section for details of our select lawn edgers. Still, our buyer’s guide is worthy of a glimpse, especially if you have never purchased a lawn edger before. It will basically enlighten you on how to choose the best edger, whether it is manual, petrol or electric.
Before we get started there are two types of lawn edgers, there are those designed to cut through the grass and form new neat edges and cut through the grass and soil, then there are those which are simply designed to cut the grass at the edge of the lawn and keep it neat and tidy every time you mow the lawn. Just bear this in mind as we include lawn edgers for both jobs.
Take a glimpse at the highlights of our ‘Best Pick’ below, the Masport Petrol Lawn Edger, which we think is the best choice for professionals or home gardeners looking for a petrol machine model rather than the manual backbreaking tools, especially if you have a large lawn.
If you want to cut new edges into your lawn or reshape old lawn borders manually with a good quality simple tool we recommend the Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife.
BEST PROFESSIONAL PICK
There are many petrol lawn edgers that you can buy, but only a few of them have a lightweight body like the Masport Petrol Lawn Edger, it weight around 29kg which really isn’t that heavy for a petrol lawn edger. The lightweight design paired with a powerful and more importantly reliable Briggs & Stratton 127cc engine creates the perfect settings for lawn maintenance.
You are sure to work comfortably and the machine provides neat results. It has cutting height adjustment settings so you can achieve the exact results you were looking for. Thanks to its solid construction, this machine would provide good value for money especially for professional use where it is more of an investment.
Our top 6 recommended Lawn Edge Cutters that we have included in our review.
- Masport Petrol Lawn Edger – BEST PICK
- Bulldog Premier 5680083210 Solid Forged Edging Knife – BEST MANUAL PICK
- PowerPlus Professional Petrol Grass Trimmer
- Spear & Jackson Neverbend Stainless Edging Knife
- Wolf Garten Multi-Change RBM Lawn Edge Trimmer
Our Buyer’s Guide
As we mentioned earlier, the best lawn edger is one that best suits your lawn requirements. There is no need to go for an extremely powerful model if that’s not what you need. Alternatively, settling for less when you know you will take several hours trimming your lawn doesn’t make sense either. You ought to pick the right product for the right lawn. Here are the things to consider when shopping for the best edger:
Choosing the best power source
The power factor brings about two options to choose from; electric, battery-powered or petrol and manual.
Electric lawn edgers
These are usually designed to be lightweight and easy to move around in tight spaces, which makes them a great choice for small-sized lawns that require occasional maintenance. They have the advantage of being eco-friendly because they operate without oil and nasty fumes. They are also very quiet in operation, making them perfect for suburban setups.
Another benefit of electric edgers is easy they are to start-up. The only thing you need to do is plug them into a plug socket and you are good to go. This, however, is a downside in itself as there must be a power outlet within the working area. Otherwise, you may need to find an extension cord to operate farther from a power outlet or go. Overall these are the most popular type for home use and are mainly used for maintaining lawn edgers every one to two weeks.
Cordless electric edgers
Battery-powered edgers are a great choice for medium-sized lawns. They also offer an environmentally friendly way of trimming your lawn as well as boasting excellent portability. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about cables getting on your way or running out of fuel. Any good model will use a Li-ion battery that offers good battery life and fast charging. They are also relatively quiet and will tend to have lower operational costs than electric or petrol-powered counterparts.
On the downside, the battery will need recharging at some point. As a matter of fact, battery life will depend on the size of your garden. We recommend purchasing an extra battery as a backup, especially if you have a large lawn. Also choosing a battery with a larger Ah rating will last longer.
Petrol powered lawn edgers
These are ideal for medium to large-sized lawns that require frequent maintenance. They are better for making new lawn edges or re-edging an overgrown lawn edge where a powerful model is needed to recut the edge of an overgrown lawn.
These models are the most powerful of lawn edgers and you will find them using a 2 stroke engine or 4 stroke engine but 2 strokes are the most common. The latter engine is heavier and the best choice of heavy-duty tasks but are usually used by professionals. They are also hassle-free when it comes to adding engine oil. 2 stroke engines, on the other hand, are lighter than their counterparts and will require a mix of fuel. Nonetheless, petrol-powered edgers run smoothly and will get the job done in no time.
BEST MANUAL PICK
Garden size
The size of your garden will determine the type of lawn edger for it. Not just that, some other parameters might come into play too. These include the shape of the lawn, the presence of driveways, pathways, flower beds or even veggie patches. If you have a small lawn, an electric single-wheel edger can get the job done quickly every week. Medium to large-sized lawns with many details on the ground will require a battery-powered or petrol powered multi-wheeled model.
Blade properties
Look for an adjustable blade that can allow you to make desirable cuts. Also, keep an eye out for a blade with different cutting depths. Most of the time you are not going to cut every part of your lawn to the same height so that’s why an adjustable blade is ideal. A 7 to 9-inch blade and a cutting depth of 2.5 inches are typically sufficient for most cutting tasks. In some cases, you might need an edger with a head that can pivot in order to make cuts at right angles.
Ease of use and comfort
You definitely need an edger that is easy to use and comfortable to work with. If you have a small property, you can get one electric, lightweight edger that is easy to start and use. Those with larger lawns will need walk-behind multi-wheel models but make sure the edger is easy to manoeuvre and control.
Weight
Edgers vary when it comes to height. The heavier models are usually so because of the size of their engines plus their body size. Larger models may be hard to push and can wear you out quickly. They may also be difficult to manoeuvre. Yet, they tend to be more powerful, durable and possess some advanced features than lightweight edgers.
Lawn edger accessories
Some edgers are quite versatile and combine one or two extra landscaping tools in one system. You can find a lawn edger with a lawnmower and line strimmer, or a basic edger with a weed eater and can also be used as a trencher. You can choose depending on your lawn needs but these combo tools are usually more expensive than basic edgers. But, they are perfect for those that don’t want to have multiple garden tools to store and maintain.
Having looked at that brief buying guide, allow us to introduce the six best lawn edgers that we found on the market which included what we consider to be the best of each type available.
The Top 6 Lawn Edger Reviews
1. Masport Petrol Lawn Edger
BEST PICK
Buy on Mowers-online.co.uk
The Masport Petrol Lawn Edger is a lightweight model that is designed to handle heavy-duty work and is perfect for professional gardeners. The lawn edger is powered by a powerful and reliable, 127cc Briggs & Stratton 550 engine. This engine powers the 24cm blade bar and it runs efficiently, minimising the guzzling of fuel and it is pretty solid to withstand regular wear and tear.
This lawn edger features 10 cutting height adjustment positions that are easily interchangeable. The height-adjustable feature allows the user to get an even cut across the lawn. The blade bar goes a maximum of 4cm above the ground and up to 6.5cm below ground.
To allow for space-saving storage, it also features foldable handles, which come in handy when space is limited or when transporting. The lawn edger weighs 29kgs and this is considered lightweight in comparison to some industrial-grade models. It is heavy enough to force the blade into the ground whilst still being light enough to manoeuvre and transport into the back of a van easily.
It comes with a 2-year domestic warranty and a 90-day commercial warranty so it would have been nice to see at least 12 months but unfortunately, you get just the 90 days. We feel that the 2 year warranty offered for domestic home use is more than fair though.
Pros
- Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 127cc engine, therefore, producing enough force for the blade to penetrate different types of soil.
- Comes with 10 cutting height adjustment settings.
- Possesses foldable handles for better storage options.
- A well-balanced machine on durable wheels.
- Covered by a commercial 90 day warranty and 2 year domestic warranty to assure the user of its quality.
Cons
- It can be quite loud but this is expected as it is a petrol model.
Our recommendation
Powered by a reliable Briggs & Stratton 127cc engine so it does have plenty of power and it possesses a sharp steel blade, the Masport Petrol Lawn Edger is certainly well worth considering.
The lawn edger was designed to befit both amateur and professional users because of its user-friendly features which is one of the reasons after much debate we decided it deserved to be our ‘Best Pick’.
It is easy to start and you will find that the storage of the machine is manageable thanks to the folding handles. In general, we would recommend this model for those with large lawns that need tending to or professional gardeners who need a workhorse that won’t let them down.
2. PowerPlus Professional Petrol Lawn Edger
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When you are looking for a high quality, strong edging device, the PowerPlus Professional Petrol Lawn Edger is found in most lawn edger reviews, and it’s easy to see why this model is so popular. It boasts of a 1HP – 2 Stroke engine which gives it plenty of power. The maximum speed of this petrol powered trimmer is 9000 rpm. The machine is made up of A4-80 stainless steel crew material that gives it rust-free features and increases the durability and lifetime of the machine.
It also comes with a mixing container that is used for the mixing of the petrol and oil mixture at a ratio of 40:1. The capacity of the petrol/oil tank is 0.5 litres giving you plenty of running time perfect for larger lawns. It has a cutting depth of 45mm which can be adjusted to + 22/10/4/19/ – 31mm with the front wheel. It has fully foldable handles that make it very compact for easy storage and transportation purposes which is perfect for professional gardeners. The weight of the tool is 11.8kg so it’s not too heavy but still much heavier than the electric alternatives.
Pros
- Perfect for forming new edges where you need the power to cut into the turf and soil to form brand new edges.
- It is powerful because it is petrol driven and gives you an efficient and clear trimming experience.
- It is easy to use especially as it has an inbuilt mixing container that makes it relatively simple in its operation.
- It has a good variable speed that ensures you are comfortable in your use of it depending on how fast you want to go.
- Its cutting depth is long, making it very efficient even in areas with longer edges and patches.
- Folds down to a compact size for easy storage and transport.
Cons
- The instructions are not usually in English as this is a German product, so it might it difficult to understand the handy features if you are a first time user. However, it is fairly easy to use and start and anyone who has used petrol garden tools below should have no problems using it .
- It is quite noisy because it is petrol driven.
Our recommendation
This is an expensive piece of equipment but one that is perfect for creating new lawn edges and one of the best models we have seen for this purpose. If you can afford it, it will not disappoint you. It will be worth your money, especially if you are a landscaper or professional gardener as the time it saves, will easily help it pay for itself.
The use of petrol makes it very powerful to use in medium to large-sized lawns as is the variable speed that lets you set your working tone. If the noise doesn’t bother you and you can match the price of this model, then the PowerPlus Professional Lawn Edger is a good choice for anyone looking to cut new lawn edges where they have been left to overgrow or encroach onto paths etc.
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3. Spear&Jackson Neverbend Stainless Steel Edging Knife
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In our pursuit to make the best manual lawn edger review, we came across the Spear & Jackson Neverbend Stainless Steel Edging Knife. We feel that this tool is a good, affordable alternative to the Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife (which we are reviewing next). It is a polished stainless steel blade and this steel construction prevents the formation of rust and works to ensure that there is no soil adhesion, making it easier to move through the soil. The hardwood shaft is weatherproof to ensure it lasts for many years. So whether you leave it outside by mistake come rain or sunshine, it should withstand the weather but it is still best to clean and store it away after every use. The super grip handle has a curve at the top that gives you an ideal angle when using it, this is a simple but great design.
For years now, Spear and Jackson have produced tools that are innovative and strong and this model is no different. It requires reasonable care and maintenance as do all tools, but should last if it is properly looked after. Its dimensions are 93 X 21.5 X 7.5cm and it weighs 912g so is fairly lightweight.
Pros
- The stainless steel blade is rust proof and prevents soil adhesion for easy use.
- Its hardwood shaft is weatherproof to increase its life span
- The blade is pretty sharp, and it stays sharp for longer thanks to the polished stainless steel design.
Cons
- Not as well made as the Bulldog alternative but still adequate for the gardeners, making it better for lighter use.
Our recommendation
The Spear & Jackson Neverbend Stainless Edging Knife is not necessarily one of their best tools but is a good choice for occasional use. We would not necessarily recommend it for anyone who wants to find a long term investment. If it is for short term use, then we would recommend it to you. It will do the work well and give you clean edges and an impeccable lawn.
If you want a very similar model which is more robust then we recommend the Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife as a better alternative.
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4. Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife
BEST MANUAL PICK
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The Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife is a very sturdy tool for lawns and borders and we think you won’t find a better alternative to this type of tool. The thick forged blade is very strong and thick ensuring it is very unlikely to break. The 5.5mm blade is created for heavy-duty work.
It works well on edges and even on roots or in areas with thick undergrowth vegetation. The T-shaped handle is made of Ash which is strong and durable and does not break easily. Being hard forged by the English being UK made, it measures 91.5 X 20.7 X 4.7cm in dimension and weighs only 1.5kg. It is easy to use since it is light and can be carried around easily. The handle is long and this ensures that there is no excessive muscle strain whilst in use.
The half-moon design makes it easier to use because it is easy to step on the blade to push it downwards and the flat side cuts through the soil and vegetation easily. It creates neat and clean edges that can help to stop the spillage in wet and muddy conditions. This ensures your lawn edges and pathways remain clean.
Pros
- It is sturdy and will last you a lifetime as the wood does not breaks easily, as is quite common with most edging knives.
- The blade is thick and sharp enough to penetrate into most types of vegetation making it efficient and a well thought of investment.
- It is light and easy to use and manoeuvre over the lawn edges and borders.
- The half-moon design makes it easy to drive into the ground to get to the stubborn clumps of grass.
Cons
- No problems to report.
Our recommendation
If you are in need of an edging knife that will last you for as long as you need, the Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife might just be what you need. The blade is not as sharp as most but with a little effort, it would be easy to use.
Those that want a lightweight tool for edging borders can find this one very useful and it is up there with the very best models and you can expect it to last for many years.
If you looking for this type of half-moon design then you probably will not find a better tool.
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5. Wolf Garten Multi-Change RBM Lawn Edge Trimmer
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If you are looking for one of the best manual lawn edgers for maintaining lawn edges, the Wolf Garten Multi-Change RBM Lawn Edge Trimmer might just be what you like. It has been advertised to give you the perfect edge. It is self-propelled but being light, a mere 1.6kg, it is easy to manoeuvre. It can be used on any shape of the lawn and any size of edge.
The serrated blades provide a clean cutting performance. However, it is advised that you clear your edge so that it would be easier to push the tool around. It helps to keep your back straight since it will be used with a long handle. This model however, does not come with a handle, and you will have to buy a handle separately. This can be useful because the multi-change handle accessory will give you the opportunity to use any type of handle with any tools that comes along with it.
There is a 10-year guarantee which is useful and very impressive. This German product is a lifetime investment. More often than not, these types of edge trimmers usually have issues with getting stuck. You can spray the machine with WD40 type lubricant to prevent jamming.
It is fast and cuts your trimming time considerably. The cutting blades have tension adjustment that usually helps with providing precise cutting. You however have to exert a little effort to push the trimmer along the edge. It works better with hard edges or a firm lawn. The tapered rubber wheels have a ribbed design that helps in providing traction to the trimmer. The cold-rolled steel is zinc coated that gives it anti-corrosion features.
Pros
- It is easy to manoeuvre around the edge thanks to its ribbed design on the wheels and the lightweight.
- It is useful for people who have back problems because you can keep your back straight as you use it.
- It fits with any multi-change handle making it easy to have other told you would like to use.
- Comes with a 10-year guarantee, which justifies its quality.
- The cutting blades feature tension adjustment for precise cutting of the grass.
Cons
- It gives shallow cuts and you have to move it back and forth several times on one patch so that you can have a relatively neat cutting.
- It does not come with a handle and this comes at an extra cost of an already expensive tool.
- Only really suitable for maintaining a lawn edge and not for overgrown edges.
Our recommendation
The Wolf Garten Multi-Change RBM Lawn Edge Trimmer does make work easier and it reduces the time used immensely for those looking to maintain lawn edges rather than try and recut edges that are overgrown. It is manually operated and this can be bothersome if you are not physically fit as it does take a fair bit of effort. The selling point here is the manoeuvrability of this tool owing to the ribbed design of the wheels.
Due to its better traction, we think the Wolf Garten lawn edger is best suited for hard edges such as along paths and driveways but it should work fine on fairly hard lawns.
For best result we recommend using an edging knife first if your lawn is overgrown and then use the Wolf Garten Lawn Edger every week or two to keep the edges tidy, this way it’s much easier and gives much better results.
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Final Conclusion
Every homeowner needs a lawn edger at some point if they are striving to achieve the perfect lawn. If you want to keep your pathway neatly trimmed after freshly mowing your lawn or you want to keep your side paths perfectly manicured, a lawn edger is the go-to tool.
The buying guide above has simplified things on choosing the best lawn edger for your home so we hope you will never be caught up in the confusion of which is which. As you have seen, each of the tools in our lawn edger reviews is gifted differently and that’s what you can expect from other models on the market. Choose a lawn edger that suits your needs and you will be happy with your investment.
Below is our stand out models:
BEST MANUAL PICK
We have seen the difference between the edging knife and edging trimmer for maintaining the edges. The Bulldog Premier Solid Forged Edging Knife might be exactly what you need for cutting new edges or recutting overgrown lawn edges where the lawn has grown over the path etc.
It is one of the most sturdily made tools out there. It has a thick strong blade that will give you the durability you need. The Ash T-shaped handle is weatherproof and will be preserved no matter the climatic conditions. You will indeed get the sharp, clean edge you deserve with this garden tool. This tool is truly made to last.
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Last update on 2024-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
