Lawn edger test 2020: the best models in comparison

Types of lawn trimmers

A rough distinction is made between hand-operated and motor-operated lawn edgers. These two main groups can each be divided into several subspecies.

also read

• Manual lawn edger test 2020: the best models in comparison
• Electric lawn edge trimmer test 2020: the best models in comparison
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Hand-operated lawn edge trimmers at a glance:

• Rollable lawn edge trimmer
• Lawn edger
• Hand grass shears without battery and handle
• Hand grass shears without battery, but with a handle
• Hand grass shears with battery

Motorized lawn edge trimmers at a glance:

• Electric lawn edger
• petrol-powered lawn edger
• Lawn edging trimmer

In the following we will introduce you to the eight types of edge trimmers in more detail.

Rollable lawn edge trimmer in the test

our recommendation

WOLF-Garten 71AAA037650 Lawn edge cutter Multi-Star RB-M NEW2018 ", red 40x15x16 cm

42.99 EUR To the product

The rollable lawn edge trimmer is one of the products with the simplest handling at an affordable price. It consists of two parts: a long handle and a “basket” with a serrated knife. This basket is attached so that it can be easily rolled along the edge of the lawn. So while you push the mechanical device in front of you, it cuts off the annoying tufts of grass.

The disadvantage is that with such a model you normally have no way of setting a certain cutting height. This means that you can only cut away all of the blades of grass and you have to be highly concentrated to achieve an even result.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Very simple application
• Back-friendly
• Noise Free
• Environmentally friendly
• No maintenance effort
• Easy cleaning
• Inexpensive

disadvantage

• No specific cutting height adjustable
• High concentration required

Lawn edging cutter in the test

our recommendation

Gardena combisystem lawn edger: Practical lawn edger with corrosion-protected steel blade, garden accessories for cutting lawn edges, suitable for all cs handles (3149-20)

17.99 EUR To the product

With a quick look at the lawn edging cutter, you might think that it is a spade. In fact, the device looks very similar. It consists of a sturdy handle with a firm grip and a sharp semicircle. The latter is used to cut off the lawn edge.

Similar to the rollable lawn edge trimmer, the engraver is inexpensive, but when working with the device there is always the risk of cutting off not only the lawn edge but also the roots of flowers and other plants. It is therefore important to act cautiously and carefully so as not to cause any damage to the roots that could lead to the death of the plants.

Also keep in mind that absolute precision is generally required with a spike in order not to cut the lawn edge crookedly and crookedly so that the lawn looks worse than before. And: Parting off requires a lot of muscle power. You have to let your entire body weight act on the engraver - and that is exhausting!

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The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Noise Free
• Environmentally friendly
• No maintenance effort
• Easy cleaning
• Inexpensive

disadvantage

• Exhausting
• Precise work required (for a harmonious cut)
• Root damage possible

Hand grass shears without battery and handle in the test

our recommendation

WOLF-Garten - Rotatable hand grass shears, promotion

10.95 EUR To the product

The classic hand grass shears without battery and handle is something for tradition-conscious hobby gardeners who are not too good for any gardening activity. Such scissors usually come with a blade that can be rotated in any direction. This rotatability ensures that both right-handed and left-handed people can work with the device without restriction.

Although “good” should be put into perspective here. With hand grass shears, you literally have to get on your knees or stoop to cut. Both are not particularly easy on the back, on the contrary. It is better to only opt for manual grass shears if you rarely have to cut lawn edges in your garden. And: cut while kneeling, not standing and bent over, otherwise you will most likely not get any harmony in your cut.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Traditionally
• Small and handy
• Noise Free
• Environmentally friendly
• No maintenance effort
• Easy cleaning
• Inexpensive

disadvantage

• Back straining
• Precise work required (for a harmonious cut)

Hand grass shears without a battery, but with a handle in the test

our recommendation

Gardena Comfort Grass Shears, long-handled: Grass shears with handle, back-friendly, 180 ° rotatable blade, non-stick coated, comfort handle (12100-20)

30.99 EUR To the product

In addition to traditional grass shears, there are also innovative solutions with a handle. A 70 to 90 centimeter long handle is simply attached to the scissors so that you can cut the tufts of grass at the edge of the lawn in an upright position. This, of course, benefits your back. However, it limits your sense of precision somewhat if you are not directly at the scissors, but rather directing them from above.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Back-friendly
• Small and handy
• Noise Free
• Environmentally friendly
• No maintenance effort
• Easy cleaning
• Inexpensive

disadvantage

• Precise work required (for a harmonious cut)
• Limited feeling of precision due to distance from the scissors

Hand grass shears with battery in the test

our recommendation

Bosch Home and Garden 0600833102 Grass Shear Set, 3.6 W, 3.6 V, black, green

63.95 EUR To the product

The battery-operated lawn trimmer basically works like a normal hedge trimmer. (€ 135.56 at Amazon *) It has a comfort handle and sharp cutting blades that quickly vibrate against or over each other. You can shorten the grass to the desired length by moving the hand grass shears with battery slowly.

Cordless lawn shears are usually “only” equipped with a 3.6 volt battery. This keeps the driving force and maximum operating time within limits. When fully charged, the battery lasts an average of 30 to 45 minutes. Charging on the charger takes about three to five hours. Due to the reduced power, the cutting speed is also relatively slow - and therefore your patience is required.

We recommend battery-operated lawn shears for areas with smaller lawns. Furthermore, the lawnmower should bring you within eight millimeters of the edge if possible. Otherwise you will have to hand the lawn trimmer twice.

It is advantageous that hand grass shears with a battery are often supplied with various cutting knife attachments so that they can be used flexibly. This means that you can generally use cordless lawn shears to trim small hedges and shrubs.

In addition, a battery-operated cutting device gives you full freedom of movement - without the cable clutter, which is the case with power-operated versions. With a cordless hand grass shear you can get anywhere without any problems - and you cannot trip over, at least not over an annoying cable.

Tips

Conveniently, there are battery-operated hand grass shears, some with a telescopic handle - for those who prefer to cut upright, even if it is sometimes at the expense of precision.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Small and handy
• No tangled cables
• Full freedom of movement
• Multifunctional use
• Also available with a telescopic handle
• Low maintenance
• Low noise

disadvantage

• Usually short battery operation
• Low speed and low power (compared to motorized devices)
• Slow cutting speed
• Often small cutting width

Electric lawn edge trimmer in the test

our recommendation

Güde, lawn edger, GRKS 1400, alternating current, black-blue, cutting blade: approx. 190 mm / 2 Z height adjustment: -25 / -31 / -38 mm, rotatable blades, 3 wheels, motor speed: approx. 4,700 min-1

72.69 EUR To the product

This powered lawn edger with guide rail looks a bit like a small lawnmower. Its advantages are obvious: thanks to the power supply from the socket, it is durable, so that you don't necessarily have to rush to cut (which can be the case with battery models).

But: The power cable can quickly become a trip hazard if you are unable to concentrate. In addition, an easily accessible power connection must first be available for an electric lawn edge trimmer (or possibly even several, depending on which / how many edges want to be processed). A power-operated cutter is therefore recommended more for smaller or medium-sized areas.

The advantage is that you can usually adjust the cutting width and height individually - using the corresponding adjustability functions (with steps or infinitely variable). Cutting the grass itself is easy as you only push the device along the edge. The rest of the work is done by the sharp knives of the lawn edge trimmer. However, the tailor can get quite noisy and take up a lot of space in the shed.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Persistent
• Powerful
• Adjustable cutting width and height
• Comfortable to use

disadvantage

• Cables as a trip hazard
• Accessible socket (s) required
• Consumes a lot of electricity
• Noisy
• Bulky (storage)

Petrol-powered lawn edger in the test

our recommendation

COSTWAY grass trimmer petrol 25cc, brush cutter with handles 800W / 43cm cutting width / 7500 rpm / 500ml oil tank / single thread 6m / Φ2mm (petrol: oil － 40: 1) with mixing bottle

95.99 EUR To the product

The gasoline-powered lawn edger is usually the device of choice for gardeners with a larger lawn. This is primarily due to the long range. You don't need any connections for the edge cutter, it works independently of cables. In addition, depending on the tank volume, it lasts for several hours before replenishment is necessary.

In terms of performance, the petrol lawn edger knows how to convince, at least if it is a high-quality device. It leads to an accurate cut with a uniform cutting height that you can define yourself using steps.

As with electric models, working is extremely pleasant. All you have to do is push the cutter along the edge with its wheels. But: Here, too, the intense volume of sometimes more than 100 decibels is a disadvantage. In addition, a gasoline cutter often takes up a lot of storage space in the shed.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Long range thanks to the combustion engine
• High efficiency (high speed)
• Accurate cut with a uniform cutting height
• Ergonomic working

disadvantage

• Very loud
• Bulky (storage)
• Environmentally harmful

Lawn edge trimmer in the test

our recommendation

Black + Decker cordless grass trimmer (Powercommand EasyFeed, 18V 4.0Ah, incl. Battery and charger, 30 cm cutting width, for larger areas) STC1840EPC

120.36 EUR To the product

Lawn edging trimmers only differ from classic lawn edging trimmers in terms of the other cutting element. While the latter work with knife blades, trimmers have a thread and a thread spool made of plastic. They are available with batteries, electricity and petrol, so that you have a free choice in terms of drive technology.

If you want to cut larger lawns with irregular edges in your garden, buying a lawn edge trimmer is a sensible decision. The device can be used flexibly. Depending on the performance, you can even use it to remove thicker weeds or smaller shrubs from the lawn edge.

Just like normal electric and gasoline lawn trimmers, you simply guide the trimmer along the lawn edge. Ideally, the device will have a guide wheel. This will make it easier for you to trim the edge evenly. Unfortunately, the noise exposure of grass trimmers is often as high as that of other motorized edgers.

Note: The thread wears out relatively quickly, so you will soon have to buy a replacement and hoop it. Accordingly, the grass trimmer (€ 26.75 at Amazon *) requires more maintenance than other devices. This also explains why it usually costs less than an electric or gasoline edge cutter with knife blades.

The advantages and disadvantages at a glance

advantages

• Very powerful
• Easy to use
• Ideal for irregular lawn edges
• Comparatively inexpensive

disadvantage

• Relatively maintenance-intensive (thread spool)
• Often very loud (motorized)
• High power consumption (electric trimmer)
• Environmentally harmful (petrol trimmer)

Tip: In addition to lawn edging cutters, which are only intended for this application, there are also multifunctional devices on the market that combine, for example, a lawnmower and an edge cutter. Practical, but expensive!

Further purchase criteria

our recommendation

Güde, lawn edger, GRKS 1400, alternating current, black-blue, cutting blade: approx. 190 mm / 2 Z height adjustment: -25 / -31 / -38 mm, rotatable blades, 3 wheels, motor speed: approx. 4,700 min-1

72.69 EUR To the product

In order to determine the right lawn edge trimmer for your needs, you should think about a few criteria and include them when testing and comparing different models. The most important points are:

• Drive type
• Cutting system
• power
• Cutting width
• Cutting height
• volume
• ergonomics
• Maintenance effort
• quality
• Furnishing

The next paragraphs provide you with details and decision-making aids on the purchase criteria.

Drive type

The type of drive is the most important criterion. This is the point you should address first. Ultimately, it depends on the size of your garden which variant is best. For a small lawn area, hand grass shears with or without a battery are sufficient. Alternatively, an electric lawn edge trimmer or lawn trimmer can also be used in this case - provided that you have easily accessible sockets so that you can reach all lawn edges. Large green oases demand more power, which is why we recommend buying a lawn edger or lawn trimmer with a petrol engine.

Cutting system

As far as the cutting system is concerned, a distinction is made between devices with cutting knives (classic lawn edge trimmers) and models with thread spools (lawn trimmers). Both go hand in hand with very good cutting results. The filament spool requires more energy and is more susceptible to wear than the cutting knife, but it is also cheaper.

power

Performance characteristics are relevant if you have a tendency to purchase a motorized lawn trimmer. Pay attention to the speeds. If you want to use the device to cut not only medium-high grass, but also weeds and other thicker materials at the edge of the lawn, a high speed of around 9000 revolutions per minute is important. Otherwise, you can also get by with a lawn edge trimmer whose speed is (significantly) lower and which logically saves energy.

The criterion of performance also includes stamina. An electric lawn edger runs without limitation as long as you need it. It is ideal if you need more than 30 to 45 minutes to trim the edges. Otherwise, a battery-powered model is sufficient. For large lawns with edges hidden behind bushes or trees, a lawn edge trimmer with a petrol engine makes sense. With an appropriate device, you can move freely. The tank usually lasts for one to two hours.

Cutting width

our recommendation

BRAST lawn edger 1200Watt adjustable edge guide electric lawn trimmer electric grass cutter lawn mower

88.95 EUR To the product

Lawn edging cutters have different cutting widths. While the width of smaller cordless lawn shears is around eight to ten centimeters, it is often 20 to 30 centimeters for lawn edging cutters and lawn trimmers with electric or gasoline motors. To find out which cutting width is optimal for your requirements, simply measure briefly how close you can get to the edges of the lawn with your lawnmower.

Cutting height

Evenly high lawn edges are essential for a harmonious look, especially on paths and flower bed borders. With lawn edging cutters that you roll along the garden floor, you can conveniently set the cutting height or cutting depth either using predefined cutting levels or (less often) continuously. Grass trimmers without a guide wheel are less convenient in this regard - you have to rely on your sense of proportion and guide the device along the respective edge in a concentrated manner so that you can achieve a uniform straw length.

volume

Basically, the more power there is in the lawn edging cutter, the louder it is. Electric models often annoy you in operation with 100 decibels or more. It is of course advantageous if the volume is lower. Versions with a rechargeable battery and of course all hand-operated cutters offer this advantage.

ergonomics

our recommendation

Einhell Cordless Grass Trimmer GC-CT 18/24 Li - Solo Power X-Change (Li-Ion, adjustable telescopic handlebar and additional handle, Flowerguard, incl. 20 plastic blades, without battery and charger)

34.99 EUR To the product

So that you don't get it in your back when cutting lawn edging, you should buy a variant that is convincing in terms of ergonomics. Look for a model with an adjustable telescopic rod that you can adjust precisely to your height. In addition, it is important to have an ergonomically shaped handpiece that lies securely in the hand, is easy to operate and is gentle on the joints. Lawn edging cutters with a foldable bow handle are practically space-saving. Pure hand grass shears do not do well when it comes to ergonomics. With these devices you usually have to work kneeling and / or bent over, which puts a lot of strain on your back. In addition: the lighter the weight of your garden tool, the less arduous the work.

Maintenance effort

The thread of a trimmer wears out relatively quickly and must then be replaced. For a replacement thread, spend around ten to twenty euros. Before it becomes necessary to replace it, you will need to retighten the line spool frequently. However, this does not require resharpening. This measure occurs regularly with devices with cutting blades. Logically, lawn edging cutters with knives only cut the lawn edges reliably if the cutting edges are not blunt. The blades, which are robust in themselves, can also break off under particularly tough conditions.

quality

In order to buy a high-quality lawn edge trimmer, you should choose a model from a well-known brand if possible. It is also worth reading the reviews of other buyers.

Furnishing

our recommendation

Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18-260 (1 battery, 18 volt system, cutting circle diameter: 26 cm, adjustable handles, in a box)

129.00 EUR To the product

Lawn edging cutters are usually supplied with various accessories. Above all, various handles and attachments are usually part of the scope of delivery. Sometimes you even get models with a spare battery or a second spool. We recommend that you compare the equipment of the lawn edger you are interested in and, if in doubt, choose a version that is convincing. Very important: If the lawn edge trimmer has to be assembled by yourself before it is used for the first time, the required tools should be included.

Here is an overview of potential equipment elements for lawn edging cutters:

• Replacement battery (cordless lawn shears)
• second line spool (grass trimmer)
• Handles
• Replacement blades
• Protective attachment
• Risers (petrol trimmer)

What brands are there?

In view of the large number of manufacturers who now produce lawn edging cutters, you quickly lose track of which devices are actually high-quality and which are more negligible. Here are a few brands you can trust:

• WOLF garden
• Gardena
• Bosch
• Einhell
• Güde
• MTD
• Black + Decker
• Fiskars
• Makita
• Texas

our recommendation

Bosch battery grass shears Isio, battery, charger, grass shear knife, telescopic handle, box (3.6 V, 8 cm knife width)

76.31 EUR To the product

How do I care for a lawn edger?

Clean your edging shears after each use. If the lawn is slightly damp, a layer of lawn often forms on the underside of the device. This is best removed with a stiff brush. Alternatively, if you act carefully, you can use a spatula.

Screws and joints also need to be cleaned and oiled regularly. If you carry out these measures consistently, you can enjoy your device for longer.

Tips

In winter, store the battery of a battery-operated lawn edger in a frost-free place (no freezing temperatures). We also advise you to only charge the battery to around 80 or 85 percent at a time. This is how you extend its service life.

With a petrol lawn edger, it is imperative that you use the correct fuel. Most models require a gasoline mixture with a suitable 2-stroke engine oil - in a certain ratio. You will find detailed information in the instructions for use of the device.

Before using your lawn edge trimmer every time you should check that all connections are secure and that the protective devices are securely mounted.

What accessories are there?

our recommendation

LARNMERN safety shoes work shoes men, safety steel toe steel sole anti-perforation air-permeable shoes, gray L201, 44 EU

To the product

A lawn edger may need a number of accessories over time. Which one exactly always depends on the type of device. Some utensils are already included in the scope of delivery so that you do not have to buy them separately. You may already have others for other gardening work.

Here is an overview of practical accessories that will be required sooner or later:

• Privacy screen
• ear protection
• Gardening gloves
• Safety shoes
• Protective attachment
• Handle
• Risers (petrol trimmer)
• Cutting knife
• Replacement blades
• Thread (bobbin)
• Maintenance oil for cutting knives
• Spare battery
• Petrol can
• 2-stroke engine oil (petrol-powered lawn edger)

frequently asked Questions

What is a lawn edge trimmer?

A lawn edge trimmer is a practical garden tool with which you can cut lawn borders and edges on beds - i.e. those areas that are difficult or impossible to reach with your lawn mower. This measure ensures that your lawn and your entire green oasis have a beautiful, clean look. The spectrum of models ranges from small hand grass shears to large, lawnmower-like designs with a combustion engine, which you can push along the edge of the lawn while standing.

How does a lawn edge trimmer work?

With spade-like edge trimmers and mechanical lawn edge cutters (rollable, hand grass shears without battery), it is your own power that provides the drive. With the help of the respective cutting element, you can remove the troublesome tufts of grass.

If, on the other hand, it is a battery, electricity or gasoline-powered lawn edger or lawn trimmer, the specific drive causes the existing cutting element (knife or thread) to vibrate and / or rotate, so that you usually only have the task of keeping the device evenly on the lawn edge to lead along. The lawn edger takes care of the cutting.

How much does a lawn edge trimmer cost?

Depending on the type, range of functions, quality and manufacturer, lawn edging cutters normally cost between ten (hand grass shears) and 600 euros (gasoline-powered devices, multifunctional devices). A few professional edge cutters even cost four-digit amounts.

Which safety aspects have to be considered when cutting lawn edging?

Regardless of which lawn edger you use: it is essential to wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from tufts of grass and other greenery that may be flying around. In the case of motorized devices, you also need hearing protection to avoid damaging the sensitive hearing organ (and not to hear the ranting tirades of your neighbors ...). Gardening gloves and safety shoes are also recommended for motorized lawn edgers.

Basically, you should follow the instructions in the instruction manual for your device. It goes without saying that you always have to pull the power plug before cleaning and maintenance work on electrically operated cutters. Even if you notice that your lawn edger is not running smoothly, you should switch it off and, if necessary, unplug it. Never carry out repairs on your own, but have them carried out by a specialist.

How do I use the lawn edge trimmer correctly?

Always cut the lawn edges BEFORE you actually mow the lawn. The cut blades of grass land on the unmowed lawn. With the mower you suck up the cut at the same time. If you were to mow first and then cut the edges, you would have to mow again last to read the result of the edge cut. Pointless additional work that you can really save yourself.

Move the lawn edge trimmer evenly along the edge of the lawn for a consistent result.

Tips

If you use a device with adjustable cutting height, you should always use a higher level in the first step in order not to overload the cutter and to extend its service life. In the second step you then set your desired cutting height for the lawn border.