Power edgers give yards that polished, manicured look. These tools create a clean, deep notch where the grass verges against a sidewalk, curb, garden path, driveway, or patio. The effect is that of a clear and visually appealing border. A dedicated power edger is an important piece of any well-rounded landscaping tool collection.
If you have ever wondered why your neighbor’s lawn looks so much better than yours, it’s probably because your neighbor owns a good power edger. Neat and defined edges add a touch of professionalism to your garden. They raise the overall appearance and provide a clear distinction between the lawn and other elements of the landscaping.
Grass, of course, has a natural tendency to spread, and without proper edging, it can encroach upon your flower beds. Power edgers create a barrier that prevents grass from invading those areas in your garden where you don’t want grass to grow.
Choosing the Right Edger for Your Lawn and Garden
Contents
- 1 Choosing the Right Edger for Your Lawn and Garden
- 1.1 1. WORX WG896 Power Edger
- 1.2 2. Greenworks 40V Brushless Power Edger
- 1.3 3. EGO 56V Power Head with Edger Attachment
- 1.4 4. Black & Decker 2-in-1 String Trimmer and Edger
- 1.5 5. Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It with Edger Attachment
- 1.6 6. CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Lawn Edger Tool
- 1.7 7. Greenworks 27032 Corded Electric Lawn Power Edger
- 1.8 How to Maintain and Care for Your Power Edger
Homeowners and gardeners have varying preferences and comfort levels when it comes to selecting power edgers. Individual physical capabilities and comfort with different edger designs influence the decision-making process.
When buying online, you may not have the opportunity to physically handle the edger before purchase. This lack of hands-on experience can make it challenging to gauge its comfort, maneuverability, and overall suitability for your needs.
Some may prefer the simplicity of manual edgers, but most opt for the convenience of electric or cordless models. Below are seven of the best power edgers in the market right now.
1. WORX WG896 Power Edger
If you need a power edger for a small to medium-sized yard, we recommend that you take a look at the WORX WG896. This edger draws power from an electrical outlet, which means the area you’ll be able to cover with it is limited by the length of your extension cord. But an electric cord lock keeps it from disconnecting – a problem with some corded yard tools.
This WORX electric edger is equipped with a lightweight, 12-amp motor to cut through the tough overgrowth, leaving crisp, clean edges along sidewalks, curbs, and garden paths. You can adjust the 7.5-inch blade to one of three different cutting positions.
The power edger has a maximum cutting depth of 1.5 inches and features a convenient cutting line indicator, so you know where the blade is as you cut into an edge. Regular edgers do the job, sure, but this 2-in-1 edger and trencher gets deeper, with a 7.5” serrated blade spinning at 4700 RPM, for deeper, more defined lines along your lawn.
Maneuverable and Comfortable
Unlike a gas-powered edger with a heavy engine, the corded WORX WG896 power edger weighs just under 14 pounds. With two wheels at the back and a guide wheel in front, it is easy to handle and maneuver, allowing you to make precise, controlled cuts.
You can also adjust the shaft length, so you can fine-tune it to your height. The secondary handle swivels, too, so you should have no problem adjusting the edger to a comfortable position.
This WORX power edger has a three-year warranty that protects you against manufacturer defects due to material or workmanship. Be warned, though, the warranty does not protect you from intentional or accidental damage caused by misuse, alterations, and so on.
Our final verdict? We think the WORX WG896 is the best power edger around for small and medium-sized gardens. This edger is easy to handle, thanks to its lightweight design and three guide wheels. It also makes wonderfully neat and even cuts and requires little in the way of maintenance and storage.
2. Greenworks 40V Brushless Power Edger
If you’re looking for a power edger that combines power, portability, and versatility, then the Greenworks 40V Brushless Power Edger is your best bet. Established in 2007, Greenworks has become a prominent player in the market for electric-powered outdoor tools and equipment. The company provides efficient alternatives to traditional gas-powered machinery.
The company’s battery-powered 40V series is an excellent example. Our test kit came with a 4.0Ah USB battery and a charger which you can use on other Greenworks tools. The edger also comes with a power head which you can use with more than 60 different attachments.
Equipped with a precision-crafted blade, the power edger will slice through dense grass, unruly weeds, and overgrown edges with accuracy and finesse. The advanced brushless motor ensures a consistent and steady power output, optimizing performance.
Increased Torque, Quieter Operation
This Greenworks power edger’s 8-inch blade, combined with the curb wheel, guarantees almost perfect edging every time for a professional-looking result. It also features a dual-line feed system for extended cutting time and a bump feed head for easy line advancement.
The brushless motor provides increased torque, quieter operation, and longer life, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.
The edger weighs a little less than 12 pounds, which makes it quite maneuverable. Fully charged, the edger will run for about an hour before it needs a recharge. You can adjust cutting depth with the tool-less depth adjustment feature, which permits added control over the edging process.
Designed with user comfort in mind, the ultra-lightweight construction and superior ergonomics reduce fatigue, making it easy to handle during extended use.
The Greenworks 40V 8″ Brushless Edger is virtually maintenance-free, too. Because it does not require gas or oil, you do not have to worry about emissions, either.
Our only gripe here is that the blade seems to wear out faster than most, which is why we suggest you buy an extra blade or two if you decide on getting this kit. Changing the blade is easy and fast, anyway.
“I’ve owned all brands and types of edgers, but this is the one to own,” says one review on Amazon. “This Greenworks 40-volt battery-powered edger is so much better than 2-stroke and 4-stroke edgers I’ve owned …” Need we say more?
3. EGO 56V Power Head with Edger Attachment
Of all the power edgers we have included on this list, the EGO 56V Power Head with Edger Attachment is hands down the most versatile. EGO’s engineers designed the system with the motor to the rear of the tool to let you change the attachments. That means you get eight tools in one. Currently, the price for additional attachments ranges from $120 to $180 each.
The EGO Multi-Head attachment system is all about power and flexibility. Moving the motor near the battery allows for greater efficiency. That’s because the system does not need to send the battery power down a wiring harness to the head.
Since the tool uses a spinning shaft, it also permits the use of a variety of attachments. These include a trimmer, a pole saw, a rubber broom, a bristle brush, a cultivator for your garden, a hedge trimmer, an extension pole – and, of course, an edger.
Lightweight and Easy to Use!
Coupling the 8-inch edger with the EGO multi-head attachment system, you get a tool that easily slices through grass, vines, and weeds. This power tool edges up to 3 inches in depth. You set the depth by adjusting the guide wheel along the depth-adjusting guide bar.
You won’t need any tools for this. You simply loosen the green knob and move the wheel up or down along the rail. A debris flap keeps dirt and clippings down while edging. The edger attachment also comes with a removable guide plate for driveways and sidewalks.
The 8-inch edger blade wears down over time, but you can replace it using the included multi-function wrench. You can use any right-sized wrench, though. You do need to pin the shaft to keep it from spinning.
You can also replace the guide wheel. The company recommends you check and lubricate the transmission gears in the case every 50 hours of operation or so. Unless you’re a commercial user, we say once a season should suffice.
This excellent power tool weighs only 5 pounds, too. The brushless motor has a high and low “gear.” You can set this by the top-mounted button on the EGO 56V Power Head. Aside from that control, the variable trigger does the rest.
Our verdict? The EGO 56V Power Head with Edger Attachment is one of the best edgers on the market today. It is so easy to use it is almost foolproof. The price and the 5-year warranty make this system even more appealing!
4. Black & Decker 2-in-1 String Trimmer and Edger
The Black & Decker 2-in-1 String Trimmer and Edger serves not only as an edger but also as a trench digger. With a solid 12-amp electric engine, this tool produces no emissions and is useful for installing outdoor fencing, lighting, or when planting bushes and trees. The edger can be set to one of three possible cutting depths. The deepest is 3.75 inches.
This trimmer-edger includes a built-in cord retention system that keeps the extension cord in place to prevent accidents. The edger weighs around 12.4 pounds. It features an edging guide to help you make clean cuts around hard surfaces like walkways and driveways.
The trimmer function on this tool utilizes a high-quality nylon line that easily cuts through grass, weeds, and light foliage. The string trimming function performs well on regular grass and weeds, leaving a neat and tidy appearance. However, it may struggle with thicker, overgrown vegetation, which is not uncommon for electric trimmers with limited power.
For the edging function, you simply rotate the trimmer head and lock it in place to achieve clean, defined edges along sidewalks and flowerbeds.
Solid Performance for a Reasonable Price
We liked the way this Black & Decker power edger tracked around tight landscape curves and straight lines along paved edges. It cut through foliage and tough surface roots for a clean edge but did seem a bit undersized for digging into clay for bed edge renovation.
The right- or left-handed assist grip permits maximum flexibility. When you need to clean it, you simply open the door on the guard.
We say the overall build quality of the trimmer and edger is satisfactory. The tool features a sturdy construction that will withstand regular use. The plastic components, however, may feel slightly less durable compared to some higher-end models that utilize more robust materials. So, it is important to handle the tool with care to ensure longevity.
“I looked around for an edger online and found this model to be one of the best listed,” says one five-star review on Amazon. “I was still a little bit hesitant to buy it but did it anyway when I saw the price. Definitely a very good unit.”
5. Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It with Edger Attachment
If you’re looking for a power edger that is also an all-purpose lawn tool, we also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It with Edger Attachment. Though it can’t cut tall and very thick weeds with as much as ease as others on this list, this power edger has the juice to slice through dense grass and the run time to handle a large property.
Like the EGO 56V Power Head, the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It comes attachment-ready. You can remove the trimmer head and replace it with any number of other yard tools, like a pole saw, a brush cutter, or a mini cultivator, each of which is sold separately.
The Ryobi attachments typically sell for about the same as the Ego attachments. But, again, the Ryobi power edger isn’t as effective on thick weeds and grasses. It’s also heavier and much louder.
Flexibility for Future Needs
Unboxing and initial assembly of this Ryobi power edger was a quick and easy process. That said, we recommend that you review the manual before anything else. The only tool needed for proper assembly is a flat screwdriver. The manual is short and clear and includes diagrams and helpful tips on the operation and maintenance of your new tool. Be sure you read it.
While reading and before assembly, we suggest that you charge the battery. Our test unit came with only one bar of power left. Once the battery was fully charged, we took this power edger to a particularly difficult section of our backyard lawn for testing.
The RYOBI 40V Expand-It Edger cut right into the overgrown grass and weeds at the edges of our garden path. This was not an easy task, and it took us a while to clear everything. The power edger performed much better on two-week-old overgrown grass, through which the 8-inch double-edged steel blade cut like a hot knife through butter.
To get more mileage from the dual serrated edging blade, you can reverse it when dull to make use of a fresh cutting edge. The power edger attachment can be used with Ryobi, Toro, Weed Eater, Troy Bilt, Murray, Poulan Pro Trimmers, and other universal brand-fit power heads and trimmers.
This tool also offers features of a large guide wheel for stability and control. You can adjust the height for convenience and comfort, too. The Ryobi uses a hand-crank reel mechanism, which makes line loading easier. But it’s not as good as the push-button systems.
If you’re looking to buy a new trimmer, power edger, or even a brush cutter or cultivator, the Ryobi Expand-It system might just be the all-purpose tool for you. The option to add additional attachments at a very reasonable price allows flexibility for future needs and saves some space in the toolshed, as well.
6. CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Lawn Edger Tool
The CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Power Edger Lawn Tool is an efficient piece of equipment designed to provide precise edging results for a well-manicured lawn. Crafted with the expertise of the renowned CRAFTSMAN brand, this cordless edger offers convenience, versatility, and high-performance capabilities.
The Craftsman CMCED400D1 features a robust build with high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting reliability. Its ergonomic design incorporates a comfortable grip handle, allowing for accurate control and reduced user fatigue during extended periods of use.
Our test unit came with a battery and a charger and weighed around 8 lbs. The tool’s compact and lightweight design enhances maneuverability, which helps when you navigate around edges and corners.
Clean and Precise Cuts
Equipped with a 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery, the CMCED400D1 delivers ample power to tackle most edging tasks. The battery will run about 6 to 8 hours on a single charge, which should be enough time for you to edge a medium-sized lawn and driveway.
The Craftsman CMCED400D1 excels in providing clean and precise cuts. The 7.5-inch blade slices easily through grass, creating distinct and professional-looking edges. The blade features a robust construction, ensuring durability and longevity.
The integrated edge trimmer guide takes the guesswork out of lining the blade to the edge being cut so you can trim with precision. You can use the 4-position height adjustment lever to set the cut depth of this power edger to the desired height.
This tool extends the line every time you pull the trigger, so you don’t have to adjust the head as you move along. It has a small 10-inch cutting swatch and supports a .065″ trim line.
One other special feature we liked about this power edger is that Craftsman integrated a VERSATRACK hook into it. That means it is compatible with Craftsman’s VERSATRACK system. You can hang the edger on the system with the rest of your Craftsman tools when you’re done for the day.
We loved this power edger’s performance – and we aren’t alone. “This edger works as good as I need it to,” says one 5-star review on Amazon. “I have a 40-foot concrete driveway and probably that much more length of sidewalk and this edger did the job.”
7. Greenworks 27032 Corded Electric Lawn Power Edger
The Greenworks 27032 Corded Electric Lawn Power Edger is best suited for small yards. This power edger uses a powerful motor to quickly cut through the tough overgrowth. You can adjust the spring-assisted front wheel to the depth at which the edger cuts into the lawn.
The 12-amp motor on this electric power edger is powerful enough to cut through week-old overgrowth and weeds without much issue. The motor drives a 7.5-inch double-edged blade that you can adjust to different cutting positions to get the height you desire.
However, we did notice that this edger falters when dealing with particularly dense patches of weeds and vines. To extend the life of the blade, you can edge the same area two or three times, gradually lowering the blade with each pass. You can cut up to 1.5 inches deep with this edger.
Comfortable Handling and Great Around Curbs
The shaft of this Greenworks power edger is extendable, so you can adjust it to your height. The tool comes with a secondary handle. You can adjust this to make the edger both comfortable and easy to handle. Because it has two small wheels in the back and one up front, you can guide this tool forward instead of holding it upright like a trimmer.
The wheels are small enough so that they will fit on most curbs, which makes it easy to edge along sidewalks, pathways, and driveways.
Starting the tool is easy and simple. Simply connect the power cord and press the start button. You don’t have to deal with a pull cord to get it running. Because the edger weighs just over 13 lbs., it’s easy to handle and control. This tool also comes with a cord lock that prevents the extension cord from disconnecting every few steps.
Now, some reviewers have noted that the quality of the build on this edger isn’t the best. Some have also mentioned that, while the edger is excellent for sidewalks, it does poorly for tackling flower beds, especially if they are a little overgrown.
We did note that this power edger is substantially less powerful than other models we reviewed. Nonetheless, we think that the Greenworks 27032 Corded Power Edger offers good value for the price it commands. For that – and for all the other features it has going for it, we think this tool deserves a place on our list.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Power Edger
A power edger is a vital tool for creating immaculate lawn edges. They impart a touch of sophistication to your garden. To ensure consistent and precise results, regular maintenance and proper care of your power edger are paramount. By adhering to a few fundamental maintenance habits, you can maximize the performance and longevity of your power tool.
Before any maintenance procedures, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s manual. The guide should provide you with critical insights into the specific maintenance requirements for your edger model. Sticking to these guidelines will prevent unintended damage and safeguard warranty coverage.
Cleaning your power edger after each use is a simple, common-sense practice, too. Remove any accumulated grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the cutting mechanism, blade guard, and motor housing. You can use a soft brush or cloth for this purpose.
Keeping your edger clean not only ensures consistent performance but also minimizes the risk of premature wear and tear.
The cutting blade is the heart of your edger, dictating the precision of the edges it creates. Regularly inspect the blade for signs of damage or dullness. If you notice any imperfections or reduced cutting efficiency, promptly replace the blade following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Sharpening the blade regularly using a suitable file or sharpening tool is also essential to maintain its cutting prowess.
Lubrication plays a vital role in ensuring smooth operation and minimizing friction within the edger’s internal components. Refer to the manual to identify the specific lubrication points and recommended lubricants.
Regularly check the lubricant levels and replace them as needed to prevent excessive wear and potential damage.
For edgers equipped with belts and cables, regular inspection is crucial. Look for signs of fraying, tension issues, or excessive wear. Replace any worn or damaged belts and cables promptly to maintain optimal functionality and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
When your edger is not in use, store it in a clean and dry environment, preferably indoors. Protect it from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight, as these conditions can deteriorate its components over time. Secure the power cord or battery, if applicable, in a neat and organized manner to prevent tangling or damage.
Consider scheduling regular servicing by a qualified technician or by following the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. Professional servicing allows for a comprehensive inspection, adjustment, and fine-tuning of your power edger, ensuring peak performance.
