Black & Decker Edge Hog 2-1/4 HP Electric Landscape Edger #LE750

We found the Edge Hog has plenty of power in its 2-1/4-horsepower motor for both edging and trenching, and it's easy to switch from one to the other by simply raising or lowering the edge guide. The edger weighs only 12 pounds, which allows for easy transportation and great maneuverability around curved paths, but makes it more difficult to maintain a straight line when you're tackling a lawn that hasn't been edged in a while. If you're digging out quite a bit of dirt along with the edge you're creating, it takes some effort to keep the unit stable.

Undoing a screw toward the front of the edger and raising or lowering its leading wheel easily adjusts the depth of the edge groove you're making along with your edge. The unit can also be adjusted to fit the height of the user more comfortably by changing the angle on the guide handle. The blade requires only a pull of the trigger to start instantly and, unlike many gas models, stops as soon as the trigger is released---an important safety feature.

Overall, the price, was attractive. The other option I considered was a gas edger. They are more priceyfrom Sears. Even more options are using a shovel or a hand edger wheel, or not doing any edging at all. The shovel is not such a bad option for someone who has plenty of time and muscle, but either does not want to buy an edger, or does not like technology.

The included instructions were sub-standard. They do not give any useful information, and include no photographs. I would call them "Don't jump into a pool with the edger running" instructions.

Despite the poor instructions, I found the device itself powerful, and easy to use. The drop-down guide was very helpful in following the sidewalk and curb of my suberban home. I found that the suggested setting of one inch was not good, as the turf itself was thicker than that, above the sidewalk, where it had overgrown for many years. Using one of the deeper settings was better, in that the guide was able to contact the edge of the sidewalk at this setting. One of the few suggestions in the instructions was to start the motor, then set it into the work. This made no sense, as was not practical. The best way to get started is to use a shovel to find the true edge of the sidewalk, and edge about six inches by hand. Then, using this area to get the guide started, follow along the edge of the sidewalk. After you have gone about one hundred feet, you get the hang of it. You want to keep pressure against the guide so that the unit sparks just a little on the first pass. Otherwise, it may wander off the line. Once you have made the first cut of the season, it is then much easier to edge.

After you have cut your line, you will need the shovel to clean up, as there will be effectively sod which you have cut. It may be three or six inches wide, and you could consider transplanting it to a bare spot. After you remove the "sod," you would normally use a blower or pushbroom to clean up what's left. Then, you could consider a pressure washing of the sidewalk, as there will be dirt under the sod on the concrete. Myself, I used a $5 sweeper nozzle, which was highly effective.

After finishing the job, I checked my work against my neighbor's, who had purchased a Sears gas edger the same day. I thought the B&D cut a closer line. I don't think the Sears has a guide at all. He said there wasn't one, and I didn't see one. He doesn't like dealing with a cord, and has gas blower and string trimmer, too. Myself, I find the B&D much less expensive, easier to start, smaller and lighter to store, and with less risk from the toxic, highly flammable fuel at my home. This experience was somewhat colored by the burn I got on my hand when I borrowed my neighbors gas roto-tiller and leaned my palm on the hot muffler.

The whole yard has a much better look. The place looked so neat after I edged it, that my neighbor came over and used his yard blower to clean up some grass I'd left on the sidewalk using my string trimmer, to help retain the look. That's how neat the finish is on the lawn. Yes, I've discovered that it is entirely possible to spend the entire weekend mowing the lawn.


Fastastic Edger   July 20, 2002
163 out of 168 found this review helpful

This edger is fantastic! I hadn't edged the property in about 6 years and this edger had no problem with the thick and heavy overgrowth. I was concerned an electric edger wouldn't have the power to handle it, but there was more than enough power. The unit is very quiet too. I had intended to do just the sidewalk, but after I was done I was looking for other areas to edge.

The first time I used it, it did take a while. Mind you I was removing alot of grass and dirt that needed to be scraped away and cleaned up. It goes slowly the first time, but don't be discouraged. What took 3-4 hours the first time, took 20 minutes the second time and even less the third. Once you get it under control it is very easy to maintain a clean edge with this tool. The cleanup the first time is really the worst part after than you can use a blower to clean up.

Since you really don't need to edge every time you mow, I didn't want to buy a gas edger. I tried edging with my string trimmer, but once it gets out of hand you really need an edger to do the job properly.

This edger is quiet, light and easy to clean. It is so easy to use and push that you do need to be careful to stay on your line. It is a little too easy to get off the line and this unit will just slice away at your lawn.

Once general piece of edging advice. When you are removing alot of material, it is much easier to edge a dry lawn than a wet one. Removing 3-4 inches of wet dirt is not easy, but this unit was up to the task. It was just alot easier and faster when it was dry.

Unless you are doing an entire golf course, this edger is more than adequate for any home. You will not be disappointed.


Great power, nice and quiet, well worth the price.   May 15, 2000
87 out of 88 found this review helpful

After fighting for several hours to edge my neglected sidewalks and driveway with a manual edger I finally gave in and bought the Edge Hog from B&D. What a pleasure it was! There was virtually no setup required and within minutes I was walking along cutting a perfect groove along my sidewalk, driveway, and even the curb. The only problem I did encounter was when I got into the thicker growth (2-3") and the Edge Hog would clog. But it was really my fault. After several days of rain the ground was still quite damp and I was eager to use my new toy instead of waiting for the ground to dry (going against the recommendations in the User's Manual). By clogging I mean it would no longer kick out the grass and dirt it was cutting into. The blade would still spin but I would get build-up in the protective shield around it. Cleaning it out was a piece of cake. For being electric it had plenty of power and I could move along quite quickly in the drier areas. Relatively quiet as well. Overall I am very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone. And judging from the curious looks by the neighbors, I'm sure I'll get the chance.


Easy to use and works well   March 24, 2000
51 out of 51 found this review helpful

This is the first edger I've ever owned, but it seems to work very well. There is a metal guide that makes it very easy to make a perfectly straight cut along your driveway or sidewalk. I think this feature makes it superior to using a string trimmer turned on its side (it's hard to make an exact and clean cut with a string trimmer). It's got plenty of power for my yard, and it edges about as fast as you can walk.


Avid Edger User   April 5, 2000
51 out of 54 found this review helpful

I just purchased the new Edge Hog from Black & Decker and could not believe the power it has. I love the fact you can use it for trenching too-I just installed some outdoor lighting with it and use it around my garden beds and also along my sidewalks and driveway! I am a fanatic when it comes to edging and this tool is up for the job. All of my neighbors are jealous of my perfectly manicured lawn....