The Best Edgers of 2012
There are several good options on the market this year, with each offering its own pros and cons. How powerful an edger you’ll need will depend on the both the size of your yard and your budget, as well as the variety of tasks for which you plan to use it. But remember, bigger and more expensive isn’t always better when it comes to landscaping tools. Edgers that run on fuel sources other than gasoline may be a smarter choice for you. Here are four excellent edgers for your consideration; have a look and see which one is “in line” with your landscaping needs.
Black & Decker
One of the most popular choices in edgers for 2012 is the EdgeHog from Black & Decker. Because this edger is electric, you won’t have to worry about messing with gasoline or 2-stroke oil, and the built-in cord retention means you won’t lose power every time the cord gets hung up on a branch. The 12-amp motor is powerful enough to tackle a variety of jobs, from basic edging to digging trenches for outlining flower beds or installing low-voltage landscape lighting. It’s easy to assemble and easy to adjust the blade depth or convert from an edger to a trencher, and with a quick-change assist handle, it’s easy for righties or lefties to use.
Stihl
If you’ve got some tough jobs to tackle or a significant amount of ground to cover and access to an electrical outlet isn’t always possible, you may prefer to opt for a gas-powered edger and go cord-free. The FC 56 C-E from Stihl features a powerful engine that’s both fuel-efficient and low-emission, and the semi-automatic choke and Stihl’s revolutionary Easy2Start system mean it’s not only easy on the environment, it’s easy on your arms as well. The depth wheel adjusts in a snap so you can finish your garden chores quickly and get back to relaxing!
Power Trim
If you’ve got a whole lot of edging to do and don’t have the upper body of a weightlifter necessary for getting the job done with a handheld edger, you’ll want to have a look at the professional-grade push edgers from Power Trim. These babies don’t come cheap (the least expensive model is around $500.00) but the investment in your back and shoulder health is worth the money. Besides, it’ll likely be a one-time purchase as these durable edgers are designed for the heavy duty wear and tear of commercial use.
GreenWorks
If your edging chores are more on the minor side, have a look at the battery-powered 40v trimmer/edger from GreenWorks. Over an hour of run time from this lithium ion battery is more than enough for a smaller yard, and you’ll have the benefit of being both gas can and cord-free! Easy to convert from an edger to a trimmer, this versatile tool features smart design details and loads of cushioning so it’s both eco and human-friendly as well.
