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Walk-behind edgers are a fundamental tool for anyone concerned with the aesthetics of their lawns and gardens. They efficiently and precisely trim edges and create beautifully defined spaces. They are particularly useful for creating a professional look in gardens and landscaping. However, not all walk-behind edgers are created equal, and selecting the right model can have a significant impact on the quality of your finished work.
The best walk-behind edger should be powerful, easy to operate, and highly maneuverable. It should provide sharp and clean cuts, be comfortable to handle, and preferably, come with adaptable features. Unwise selection of a walk-behind edger can cause mishaps, damage landscapes, and even compromise the beauty of your lawn or garden.
When purchasing a walk-behind edger, careful attention should be paid to features such as engine type and power, blade depth adjustment, wheel size, and handle design. The best models often feature a powerful engine, easy-to-use depth control, efficient maneuverability, and comfortable, ergonomic handles, making address all fronts to cut and trim effectively.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best walk-behind edger for your needs. We have researched, tested, and compared various models to identify those that deliver superior performance, taking the guesswork out of choosing the ideal tool for your edging work. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to keep your lawn edges looking immaculate.
Best Walk-Behind Edgers
Selecting the best walk-behind edger is a critical component of achieving well-manicured and defined edges in your garden or landscape. The right edger should be powerful, highly maneuverable, and easy to operate. With numerous models available in the market, making the right selection can seem a daunting task. In this guide, based on our intimate research and testing, we’ve assembled a list of the best walk-behind edgers that will help simplify your decision-making process.
McLane 9 Inch Gas Powered Walk Behind Lawn Edger with 4 Rubber Wheels, 5.50 Gross Torque Engine and Spring Steel Blade, Powder Coat Finish, Red/Yellow
If you’re looking for a reliable lawn edger, the McLane 9 Inch Gas Powered Walk Behind Lawn Edger is a great option.
Pros
- The 5.50 gross torque engine provides ample power to cut through thick grass and weeds.
- The spring steel blade is durable and long-lasting.
- The 4 rubber wheels provide excellent traction and stability, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles.
Cons
- The engine can be a bit noisy during operation.
- The handlebar height may not be suitable for taller users.
- The fuel tank capacity is relatively small, requiring frequent refueling.
We’ve used this lawn edger for several weeks and have found it to be a great addition to our lawn care arsenal. The 5.50 gross torque engine provides plenty of power to cut through thick grass and weeds, making it easy to create clean, straight edges along our lawn borders. The spring steel blade is also very durable and has shown no signs of wear and tear, even after frequent use.
One of the standout features of this lawn edger is the 4 rubber wheels. They provide excellent traction and stability, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles and maintain a consistent cutting depth. The wheels also provide a comfortable ride, reducing fatigue during extended use.
While there are certainly some pros to this lawn edger, there are also a few cons to consider. The engine can be a bit noisy during operation, which may be a concern for those who live in noise-sensitive areas. Additionally, the handlebar height may not be suitable for taller users, which could lead to discomfort during use. Finally, the fuel tank capacity is relatively small, requiring frequent refueling during extended use.
Overall, we would recommend the McLane 9 Inch Gas Powered Walk Behind Lawn Edger to anyone in the market for a reliable, durable, and powerful lawn edger. While there are certainly some cons to consider, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it a great investment for any lawn care enthusiast.
Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger, 4.0Ah USB Battery and Charger Included
If you’re looking for a reliable and eco-friendly cordless lawn edger, the Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The brushless motor technology ensures a longer motor life, more efficient power use, and less noise during operation.
- The telescoping handle adjusts to your height for comfortable use, and the wheel at the front makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles.
- The dual-sided edging head allows for efficient edging, and the safety switch prevents accidental start-up.
Cons
- The battery life may not be sufficient for larger lawns, and it may take longer to charge compared to other batteries.
- The edger may not be suitable for hard soil or grass, and it may require more effort to push through.
- The price point may be higher compared to other cordless lawn edgers in the market.
We’ve used the Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The brushless motor technology ensures a longer motor life, which means we don’t have to worry about replacing the motor anytime soon. The telescoping handle adjusts to our height, which makes it easy to use without any strain on our back. The wheel at the front makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles, and the dual-sided edging head allows for efficient edging.
One downside we’ve noticed is that the battery life may not be sufficient for larger lawns. It may take longer to charge compared to other batteries, which can be inconvenient if we need to use it frequently. Additionally, the edger may not be suitable for hard soil or grass, and it may require more effort to push through.
Overall, we would recommend the Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger to anyone who’s looking for a reliable and eco-friendly cordless lawn edger. It’s easy to use, efficient, and durable, making it a great investment for anyone who wants to maintain a beautiful lawn.
EARTHQUAKE 41273 79cc 4-Cycle Walk-Behind Edger, Red/Black
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient gas-powered walk-behind lawn edger, the EARTHQUAKE 41273 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The 79cc 4-cycle full crank engine provides reliable startups and runs with minimal maintenance.
- The 9-1/2 inch steel blade offers superior cutting capacity for a cleaner finish.
- The heavy-duty steel construction with powder coating finish ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The 4-position height adjustment lever may not be suitable for uneven terrain.
- The 14-inch cutting width may not be sufficient for larger lawns.
- The weight of 59 lbs may be challenging for some users to maneuver.
The EARTHQUAKE 41273 is designed to provide precise cutting edges for your lawn. It’s equipped with a 79cc 4-cycle full crank engine that offers low vibration and low emissions, making it a reliable and eco-friendly option. The 9-1/2 inch steel blade is durable and offers superior cutting capacity, ensuring a cleaner finish.
The heavy-duty steel construction with powder coating finish ensures long-lasting performance, even with regular use. The 4-position height adjustment lever allows for easy adjustment of the cutting height, with a range of 1-1/4″ to 3-1/8″. However, this may not be suitable for uneven terrain, and users may need to adjust the height manually.
The 14-inch cutting width may not be sufficient for larger lawns, but it’s perfect for smaller yards. The weight of 59 lbs may be challenging for some users to maneuver, but the padded handlebar and large rear wheels make it easier to control.
Overall, the EARTHQUAKE 41273 is a great option for those looking for a powerful and efficient gas-powered walk-behind lawn edger. It’s durable, easy to use, and offers a cleaner finish for your lawn.
Dewalt 41AD27SE539 27cc Gas Straight Stick Edger with Attachment Capability
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient gas straight stick edger, the Dewalt 41AD27SE539 is a great option.
Pros
- The 27cc engine provides plenty of power to cut through tough grass and weeds, making it easy to create a clean and neat edge along your lawn or garden.
- The lightweight design of the edger, at just 24.3 pounds, makes it easy to maneuver and control, even for extended periods of use.
- The attachment capability of the Dewalt 41AD27SE539 means that you can easily switch between edging and other tasks, such as trimming or tilling, without the need for additional tools or equipment.
Cons
- The Dewalt 41AD27SE539 is a bit louder than some other gas straight stick edgers on the market, which may be a concern if you’re working in a noise-sensitive area or at night.
- The edger may require a bit of tuning or adjustment before it runs smoothly and efficiently, which can be a bit of a hassle for some users.
- The Dewalt 41AD27SE539 is a bit pricier than some other gas straight stick edgers on the market, which may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Dewalt 41AD27SE539 gas straight stick edger. Its powerful engine, lightweight design, and attachment capability make it a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and efficient edging tool. While it may be a bit louder than some other models and require a bit of tuning before it runs smoothly, we think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
If you’re in the market for a gas straight stick edger and are looking for a powerful, efficient, and versatile tool, the Dewalt 41AD27SE539 is definitely worth considering.
CRAFTSMAN Lawn Edger Tool, Corded, 12 Amp (CMEED400)
If you’re looking for a powerful lawn edger that can help you create a professional-looking lawn, the CRAFTSMAN Lawn Edger Tool, Corded, 12 Amp (CMEED400) might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The 12-amp motor provides high performance and allows for easy start-ups.
- The tool is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it ideal for edging along sidewalks and driveways.
- The 2-in-1 dual-action blades allow for efficient edging and grass collection.
Cons
- The tool is corded, which might limit your range of motion.
- The wheels are quite small, which might make it difficult to maneuver over rough terrain.
- The tool might not be suitable for larger lawns.
We’ve used the CRAFTSMAN Lawn Edger Tool, Corded, 12 Amp (CMEED400) to edge our lawn, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 12-amp motor provides enough power to cut through even the toughest grass, and the tool is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it ideal for edging along sidewalks and driveways.
The 2-in-1 dual-action blades are a great feature, as they allow for efficient edging and grass collection. The tool also has a high wheel design that allows for easy maneuvering over curbs and other obstacles.
However, the tool is corded, which might limit your range of motion. Additionally, the wheels are quite small, which might make it difficult to maneuver over rough terrain. Finally, the tool might not be suitable for larger lawns.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient lawn edger that is easy to use, the CRAFTSMAN Lawn Edger Tool, Corded, 12 Amp (CMEED400) is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best walk behind edger, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and we have found that the following features are essential for a quality product.
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a walk behind edger determines how much area it can cover in a single pass. A wider cutting width means that the edger can cover more ground in less time. However, a wider cutting width also means that the edger will be heavier and more difficult to maneuver. It is essential to find a balance between cutting width and maneuverability.
Cutting Depth
The cutting depth of a walk behind edger determines how deep it can cut into the grass or soil. A deeper cutting depth means that the edger can cut through thicker grass and weeds more effectively. However, a deeper cutting depth also means that the edger will be more challenging to control and may cause damage to the lawn if not used carefully.
Blade Material
The blade material of a walk behind edger determines its durability and longevity. Steel blades are the most common and durable, but they can also be heavy and difficult to maneuver. Titanium blades are lighter and more efficient, but they are also more expensive. It is essential to find a blade material that balances durability and weight.
Fuel Type
Walk behind edgers can be powered by gas, electric, or battery. Gas-powered edgers are the most powerful and can handle tougher jobs, but they are also louder and require more maintenance. Electric and battery-powered edgers are quieter and require less maintenance, but they may not have the power to handle tougher jobs.
Weight
The weight of a walk behind edger determines how easy it is to maneuver and control. A lighter edger is easier to control, but it may not have the power to handle tougher jobs. A heavier edger is more powerful, but it may be difficult to maneuver, especially for extended periods.
In summary, when choosing a walk behind edger, it is essential to consider the cutting width and depth, blade material, fuel type, and weight. By balancing these features, you can find a product that meets your needs and provides excellent results.
