I have about 500+ ft of mulched beds to edge. Even with now established beds, the shovel method takes me FOREVER. Anyone have any tips and tricks to share? Keep in mind that I like my beds to have crisp golf course type edges so I'm picky.

Any machines you recommend?

This Echo BRD 280 looks like one helluva an idea.

Click here for more information

I don't own this unit, but I have nothing but praise for two Echo pieces that I do own.

I saw that too. The only issue with it that I can see is it doesn't make a deep enough edge. I need a 7 inch edge to fill mulch up to it and still have a 'lip'.

7" depth is a tiller. Maybe look into a Mantis then?

I've been using the Mantis Edger attachment to dig the trench for my bed boarders. I found taking off the wheel allows for a deeper cut. I would then use a small shovel to ensure it was deep enough. (I use the 40 foot black plastic that comes rolled up like a fire hose, bought at HD or Lowes) I am impatient and did not wind up with straight lines, as it did bounce around when hitting rocks or tree roots (both I have a lot of)

You may want to see what a rental equipment store has available and make a day out of it.

But 500ft sounds like it will be many days of work

stack316 wrote:But 500ft sounds like it will be many days of work

Trust me, it is. When I did the original beds, I rented the Husqvarna machine from Taylor Rental. It helped removed the sod, etc and really sped things up. However, I still had to go back and shape the beds with a shovel to get them super crisp. It should be easier this time since they're defined but now they just need a refeshening.

I'm really looking to buy a machine as this will be a perpetual task. I have to re-edge the beds once per year and touch up areas every now and then (dogs, wife walking in gardens, etc) so having it at the ready is pretty much a must-have. I need to find an Echo dealer to demo the edger as the next move up will get pricy quick unless I find a used bed edger somewhere.

That Echo bed redefiner looks great. I would definitely get one if it were <$300. Looks like a modified edger after all. But at $650?!?!? Looks like they are targetting the professional end user. Some comments on Lawnsite are very positive.

I bought this low cost alternative for those with stick edgers. I just haven't had the time to try it out yet.

Trenchblade

If you use your line trimmer turned sideways and do it once a week you'll keep them in check. I probably have about 500-600 sq. ft. of edges and belgian block to trim. Great workout for your arms. Make sure you have a straight pole trimmer.

jglongisland wrote: Make sure you have a straight pole trimmer.

It's on the christmas list and I already picked it out. Christmas may even come REALLY early this year too

I have a 12 year old curved Craftsmen trimmer that just won't die. Won't ever get a curved again. But get this, it's on the ORIGINAL spark plug and have never had to touch the carb either. Still starts on one pull. I run AMSOIL in all my power equipment and I swear it's been the reason I get good longevity with all my lawn toys.

lawnandgarden wrote:

jglongisland wrote: Make sure you have a straight pole trimmer.

It's on the christmas list and I already picked it out. Christmas may even come REALLY early this year too

I have a 12 year old curved Craftsmen trimmer that just won't die. Won't ever get a curved again. But get this, it's on the ORIGINAL spark plug and have never had to touch the carb either. Still starts on one pull. I run AMSOIL in all my power equipment and I swear it's been the reason I get good longevity with all my lawn toys.

What is AMSOIL?

jglongisland wrote:What is AMSOIL?

Simply, high quality oil and greases. You can check out the company here. Click here for more information The sucky part is you have to order online just make sure you google for coupons before ordering. I have no affiliations.

When you buy the "Volvo Penta" branded oil, it is actually AMSOIL if that tells you anything. It's expensive but not outragous for the amounts I use. When I change my oil every year in the boat, the oil is still fairly clean, same deal with my snowblower at the end of the season. I'm a believer and will guzzle their kool-aid. I use it in every piece of powered equipment I own. (lawn tractor, snow blower, lawn mower, generator, chainsaw, trimmer, edger, compressor, leaf/lawn vacuum, etc). I even use their grease products.

I don't use it in my car and truck as I don't change my oil in those but that's mostly a logistics thing (ie, having to jack things up).

I just changed the amsoil in my lawn mower. Only the second time in 7 years, and the last time was 6 years ago! Yup, the amsoil worked good, lol! Runs great! I went back with regular oil though. I guess Ill have to start doing it yearly now.

eriocaulon wrote:That Echo bed redefiner looks great. I would definitely get one if it were <$300. Looks like a modified edger after all. But at $650?!?!? Looks like they are targetting the professional end user. Some comments on Lawnsite are very positive.

I bought this low cost alternative for those with stick edgers. I just haven't had the time to try it out yet.

Trenchblade

That trenchblade looks awesome. I just ordered one to demo with my echo stick edger. Thanks

lawnandgarden wrote:

jglongisland wrote:What is AMSOIL?

Simply, high quality oil and greases. You can check out the company here. Click here for more information The sucky part is you have to order online just make sure you google for coupons before ordering. I have no affiliations.

Me neither.
When I was checking out their website I found a dealer locator that didn't work on my iPod touch, but I was able to find some local places that sell it by googling my zip code and amsoil.

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The Echo Bed Redefiner is one heck of a tool. I was first introduced to it last year while working at the golf course I live on. The Superintendent let me take it home when needed and do my beds. Very impressive and powerful.

It is something worth renting if you have a ton beds that need done. I wish it wasn't so expensive.