How do you edge?

[kaufmaninc]

Let's say you don't have a stick edger only a string trimmer. How do you put an edge on a side walk? Do you turn it sideways and make a smooth cut verticle? Do you lay it on it's side and cut the edge at a , say 90 d angle? Just wondering. I still use my Ryobi String with articulating boomer. I love it for this reason. Anybody have any pic's to post on this?

[GreenMachine102]

I just use my cheap homelite trimlite short line trimmer, and hold it to the side, works great!

[mowdini]

If we dare call ourselves professionals and I believe we do then edging the lawn with a line trimmer is NOT the way to do it. I don't care who does it with a line trimmer it NEVER looks as good as when it's done with either a stick edger or a wheeled edger. And I repeat NEVER. A line trimmer does not get as deep as a bladed edger. It simply just looks more professional.

[LLS-turfman]

mowdini is right, that's our finish work like a good trim carpenter. That's what seperates us from the homeowner nice stripes and trim.

[GLAN]

McLane

[The Lawn Boy Pro]

Originally posted by GLAN
McLane Me got one of those! I like the 3 wheelers better. Yes, its harder to get around curbs but I like them because the jobs i have for the most part are loooooong driveways and sidewalks, so I personaly believe I can make straighter lines with it. Not to mention I use it to edge flower beds to that dont have edging around them.

[Old 5 LawnCare]

I am getting pleanty deep with the Line Trimmer.

The Edger has been hanging in the shop since the end of March.

A lot of my customers prefer I use the string trimmer, they dont want that DEEP and WIDE gaping hole along there driveway.

It all pays the same, so I'll do what makes them happiest.

[Clay]

Recently started using an Edgit... Best thing since sliced bread :-)

[proenterprises]

it is true that a real edger will look 5x better than the trimmer line...but hey....work with what you got.

when we just use weedos to edge, instead of taking the head and putting it on its side, i let it run against the egde, which trims all hanging grass of and makes the edge straight and neat....

this is okay for a blue collar residential account but for a commercial or high end account, i would invest in an edger.



****
Maybe you want to look into an echo spilt boom trimmer *260 which you can chagbe between a trimmer, edger or sweeper


good luck

[mower_babe]

you really like it, Clay...I have heard both bad and good reviews. Hmmm.

[yardmonkey]

Right, a good trimmer cuts plenty deep and can make a nice straight edge. This may look much better than having a trench cut around the lawn. Plus its one less tool to carry, one less tool to get out and haul around. Quick and easy to do all the trimming and edging with the trimmer. Plus it is very versatile - easy to edge around corners or messed up sections of curbs. I haven't analyzed the many threads that have apeared here on this subject, but I think tons of professionals edge with trimmers and tons of professionals edge with edgers. Also lots of pros will say they use an edger one time at the beginning of the season and then use a trimmer.

[yardmonkey]

Oh, and to address the question - shoot yeah, just turn it sideways and make a vertical cut. (Probably everyone is using a straight-shaft trimmer).

[lawnman_scott]

I use a stih stick edger to edge driveways and sidewalks. I use a trimmer to do flowerbeds because a edger will ever do as good a job on them,at least not with st augustine grass. But I believe the question was how to edge with a trimmer. hold it at a 90 degree angle and walk backwards with it.

[Clay]

Originally posted by mower_babe
you really like it, Clay...I have heard both bad and good reviews. Hmmm.

As advertised, it takes some getting used to... but if you use it for a few weeks I don't think you will ever do without...

Anyone need my echo split boom edger attachment??? It just sits on the trailer... lol...

After using the edgit for a while you find a few handier uses for it besides making nice deep, straight edges as fast as you can walk... It uses less line, acts as a better guard, lets you hold the trimmer in a more ergonomic position while edging, lets you get under shrubs easier, cuts a wider swath, always shows right where you are cutting, and acts like a training wheel.... I don't know if I can even line trim properly without it anymore... :-)

The only drawback is that it adds a little weight to the head, but that is an ok tradeoff because while edging your wrists are held straight in a good ergomic position which gives your arms a little rest... plus, you edge with the trimmer head slightly behind you throwing debris to the rear.... Can you tell I like it??? lol

For the little it costs how can someone not give it a try??? After all, it only took me 20 years :-)

Good Luck, Clay

[logan]

Hey lawn boy pro. I have 2 questions. How do you become a senior member in less than a year? And how does your hover mower work and why do you have it? I guess thats 3 questions. I'm not trying to start anything, just curious.

[edgit]

Originally posted by mowdini
If we dare call ourselves professionals and I believe we do then edging the lawn with a line trimmer is NOT the way to do it. I don't care who does it with a line trimmer it NEVER looks as good as when it's done with either a stick edger or a wheeled edger. And I repeat NEVER. A line trimmer does not get as deep as a bladed edger. It simply just looks more professional.

You could not be more wrong. I can not only produce better looking edges, faster with a trimmer (with an Edgit on it) than you can with your blade edger, I can do the trimming while I'm at it. Bottom line, that's more money in the bank. My edges last longer than yours do between mowings because they're wider (yet easily re-edged each mowing), I don't do damage to pavement or sprinkler heads and my edges are clean and crisp. Imagine if you will, leaving your mower blades as dull as edger blades are all the time. They would bludgeon and chew the blades of grass, turning the grass tips brown. This is what you get at the edge of a lawn every time you use a blade edger. Yea, they're useful for first time edgings but nobody makes a living doing first time edgings, you make a living maintaining edges. Combining the edging and trimming into one integrated process is much more productive. Read about this system, "Following the Edge" at edgit.com. Why do it the hard way?

[Green Pastures]

Early spring I edge with a stick edger then maintain with a string trimmer.

As necessary (usually once every 4th visit) I'll re-cut with the stick edger during the growing season.

Again in the fall I'll edge with the stick edger to leave a good cut finished edge all winter.

[T.E.]

I have always used a line trimmer up until this year. There is no comparison to me,between an edger, and a trimmer. I have gotten accounts just because I use an edger. One other thing I can go three times as fast with an edger as with a trimmer,but thats just me. Bottom line?what ever makes the paying customer happy! :)

[NNJLandman]

Yes you can use a string trimmer sideways and go along but I have a John Deere Multi Tool. Converts to an edger string trimer...etc.

[steve225]

I've been cutting 22-23yrs. used a Little wonder pro than tanaka.

I bought an Edgit 3yrs ago , hated it at first after a couple months you get use to it . Now I won't trim without it .
I even bought a different weedeater because it wouldn't fit my t-260 anymore . Echo piece of *^**_ . Just bought a t-230 because the Edgit will fit it and love it. T-270 is to heavy.
If you have an edge already you can edge faster with an Edgit than an edger. I wouldn't have believed it but try it and you will see.
Best thing since sliced bread!!
Any problems post em and we will help you with the Edgit .
They're GREAT!!
Steve Snider

[Scag48]

I have a Stihl FS 85RT split boom with the edger attachment. I maintain the edge with the trimmer weekly, but if I get a new account that hasn't been edged before, I pull out the edger for the first couple of weeks to get the edge set.

[Runner]

The only thing that I've found to be for sure with edging with a string trimmer, is that it's a good way to put an eye out - no matter HOW you hold it. Just way too much flying debris and not as precise of a cut. Just too slow. I will clean up an existing edge once in a while with a trimmer if there are just a few blades here and there sticking out, but for the most part, the edger is what really means business.

[Rustic Goat]

Can edging be done with a trimmer? Yes, if you don't get technical. IMO, steel blade edging is far superior in quality, speed, and ease on the operator.
I know some want to argue the point, if you want to use a trimmer, go for it, but I'll never be convinced otherwise, been there, done that, won't do it again.
Most customers (of mine) want the look of blade edging and have likewise gotten accounts because that's what I use.
Don't have the luxury down here of edging and dressing up the edging every other time or monthly, it's edge weekly to keep that sharp crisp look. Growth too rapid. Besides, edging with a blade is so fast, can't justify time with trimmer.
Really piquing my interest in that Edgit contraption again, might have to try it.

[GroundKprs]

The edgit makes too wide a groove.

So can anyone do things like these pics with a string trimmer?

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=267566

http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=267568 http://www.lawnsite.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=267567

[Groundscare]

Just purchased a Little Wonder Pro it saves a lot of time & hard work. I just wish the blades would last longer & that they were easier to take off after being used.

How does everyone like the edgit. I got some information on them just never pursued it. I use all Echo SRM 2400 & the new 230.

I have an echo split boom & it is not worth the power to blow it up. The shaft just spins & slips all the time.

Anyone ever had this problem with their split boom?

[steve225]

I used an edger for 19 yrs. Edgit for past 3yrs. I always edge every time I cut. I can't see a diffferance between an Edgit and a edger . They look the same to me nice straight lines and the gap isn't to wide .
The edgit saves so much time . When you are doing the curbs you can get all the poles , plugs and trees as you go . The new guys can start out and edge like a pro because they are ----- proof .
Some people need to give a piece of equipment an honest try and than comment on it . Try one for a month or two on a T-230
and see if you ever go back to an edger.

Steve

[dobehap]

Well I did buy an edgit.
Got used to it the first day. Very cool attachment.

First week I have used it, it did everything with it, trimming and edging.

Well the first thing I have noticed is that I was running out of string waaay to fast. So maybe it doesnt save too much time. Second thing I could not edge with it as fast. (Well I could, but for good results I could not)

The greatest thing about this edgit and the ONLY reason I keep it on, is because its an awesome debris shield.
The ability to have the string a little longer is also a perk.

But when it comes to edging, I grab my stick edger and I RUN with it, yes run, something I could not do with an edgit.
Plus, I take the rolling wheel off my edger, so I can hold it at a slight angle to make the edge wider.
IMO I make better edges with the blade then a string.
I'm keeping my edgit, but I'm also keeping a stick edger right next to it. They both have their own purpose.

[mowdini]

Scott--GREAT IDEA!!! I hate to admit it but I never thought about edging the way you described. You still get the same results but save time in the process. I am going to implement immediately. THANKS!!!

[wilbur]

I'm a homeowner who purchased the Edgit after reading about it here last year. I love it! I trim and edge my yard in one pass. I have an edger as well, but this is much faster.

For those of us that can't afford professional landscapers, but do like to get that look, thank you for sharing your views/ideas and allowing us non-pros to read them. It really helps. Thanks!

[Red Dwarf]

Originally posted by mowdini
If we dare call ourselves professionals and I believe we do then edging the lawn with a line trimmer is NOT the way to do it. I don't care who does it with a line trimmer it NEVER looks as good ....

Amen

Not to mention the edger doesn't throw debris up in your face

[Gr grass n Hi tides]

Stick edger for overgrown areas & string trimmer to cut vertically when not overgrown. You can get a pretty darn good, sharp line using a string trimmer.