Help me choose a new edger, please

JDookie · 07-07-05, 07:23

Hi guys, I'm looking around for a new edger and can't decide what to get. I know I want a B&S engine, but there are so many manufacturers out there that use B&S's that it's hard to choose just one.

So far I've looked at Sears, they have a nice 4hp B&S model regularly $300 on sale for $250.

Lowe's has a McLane 3.5hp B&S for $315

Between the two, I'm leaning toward the Craftsman simply for the warranty from Sears, but there's still others out there that I haven't looked at yet like Toro, Troy Bilt, and MTD Yard Machine.

Is there a big difference between a model that uses at two tipped blade vs. the three tipped blades?

If anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

themightytimmah · 07-07-05, 09:29

I used to work landscaping, and we used a Stihl stick edger. Having run one for more than a couple of hours, I've gotta say that you're making a good choice on the walkbehind edger. As a homeowner, the 4hp B&S on the Craftsman should treat you quite well. My old boss had a thing against B&S (he called them Briggs and Strap-on

), but they're fine engines for non-rental use. They won't hold up to an abusive owner like Hondas will, but if you're OCDish enough on Autopia you'll be fine.

I always liked Toros, but they aren't particularly cheap. All the Craftsman equipment that I've used/seen has been a solid performer (chain saw, pressure washer, mower, gas hedge trimmers), so I'd reccomend the Sears model. Avoid Lowe's, IMHO, they aren't very good at supporting the equipment they sell (I know a guy who bought a Husqvarna from them, it was badly tuned, and they didn't service it. He had to take it to a servicing dealership, and they charged him through the nose because he bought it from a competitor).

Also check the little outside lot at Sears, they have some amazing deals on returns. I got a 400 dollar lawnmower for 165 bucks, someone misset the high-speed screw on it, and it didn't rev at all. 5 minutes with a screwdriver later, and I saved myself a good 235.

JDookie · 07-08-05, 03:48

Thanks for your input.

I agree with good service from Sears which is why I was leaning toward them. I just bought a Husqvarna lawn mower a couple weeks ago from Sears, and it was normally $459.00 on sale for $389.00, brand new.

I checked the returns and they are selling for $200 (edger), so for only $50 more I can get a brand new one instead of a used one.

I think I'm going buy the Sears untit today while it's on sale. Thanks again for your input. BTW, my parents have a 15 year old McLane edger with a 2hp B&S, and it still runs great. I don't think the thing has ever been maintenanced either. You can't beat those little engines. You're right, Honda is the best but they know it. The prices are insane for a homeowner. Anyway, thanks again.

percynjpn · 07-08-05, 07:48

Wow, for me this all very new. Are you guys telling me that Honda is now a big player in the landscaping field? My old man used to landscape part time (he was a full-time fire fighter), and back then (my brother and I helped from about 11 years old) , mid 70's - early 80's, B&S was the KING, with Tecumsah (spelling?) probably being in a close second (for motors). B&S motors used to last forever; has that all changed now?

JDookie · 07-08-05, 11:33

According to Consumer Reports, Honda is the #1 choice for lawn mowers. They make one engine (5.5hp) that pretty much every manufacturer has a model that uses it, in addition to the Honda brand mower. They are supposed to be quieter, more efficient, cleaner, and longer lasting than all other brand engines, but you will certainly pay for it.

AFAIK, B&S is still regarded as the best all around small engine you can buy. I'm sure the Hondas might be a little better in certain aspects, but they are higher priced and only come in a 5.5hp configuration. You can get anywhere from a 5hp to 6.75hp B&S.

Now, the Tecumseh engine is a different story. From what the salesmen from Sears, Lowe's, and Home Depot told me, all of the lower end mowers use this engine and it isn't as durable as either the B&S or the Honda.

Granted, for private home use, I'm sure all of these engines will serve you just fine, but I'm still going for the workhorse of the group, the B&S. It's been proven over and over and over.

BTW, I bought the 4hp B&S Sears Craftsman edger today. I just couldn't beat the price, and it looks like a great edger. It's still in the box, and will remain there until after we find out what hurricane Dennis is going to do.

percynjpn · 07-18-05, 05:29

Looking forward to your review!