EQUIPMENT FOCUS
to pa
By Ryan Whisner
LIVING ON THE EDGE L
andscaping that features clean edges is a sign of quality work and attention to detail. For the homeowner, a string trimmer flipped on its side may produce a good enough edge for their standards, but for the landscape contractor, a dedicated edger is the best solution for a clean line. “While it varies by property owner, our feeling is that most people prefer a clean, crisp edge to their sidewalks, driveways, and patios,” says Jerry Morgan, product manager, ECHO Incorporated. “With sidewalks, grass will grow and often ‘creep’ over the edge of the sidewalk, which makes the width of that sidewalk smaller over time. Edging keeps the sidewalk’s usable surface at the width it was intended for.” A lot of consumers just choose to use their trimmer line to edge. You get somewhat of the same effect, but it is not as crisp and clean as an edger. Lawn mowers make the grass look good and the edgers are the reason
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the property’s edges look crisp. In the simplest terms, an edger is a manual or motorized (stick or walkbehind) tool that is used to create a defined boundary or edge between grass and pavement or pavement/non-grass. They are commonly used for locations where grass meets a sidewalk, curb, or driveway, although they can be used at any consistent boundary point. As with many of the handheld outdoor power equipment tools, there is a difference between a commercial and homeowner model. “Commercial-grade trimmers are aimed at the professional, with features & benefits that meet their needs,” Morgan says. Durability, build and power enough to get the job done are key characteristics professionals consider. Shaft shape (curved or straight) on the handheld models is more an ergonomic preference. “On commercial products, you’ll notice visual differences as well
MARCH 2021
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ECHO
as differences while in use,” says Husqvarna product manager Jack Easterly. “Although they get less runtime than a string trimmer in most regions, some properties do require long hours of edging, and the
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