How to Use a Gas Edger

Clear up the area you want to edge before operating the machine. Remove any children's equipment, stones or rocks and plant debris from the site that could damage the edger or injure you if sent flying up during operation.

Water the grass and edges of the lawn lightly with a garden hose to moisten the soil at the base of the grass. Turn the hose off after 15 to 20 minutes or when the soil is evenly moist.

Inspect the oil and gas level in the edger, and add these if necessary to the designated mark.

Insert a shovel into the corner of the sidewalk you want to edge to provide a starting point. Hold the edger upright and position its guide blade near the cleared point before turning on the engine. The engine should be running before you turn the blades on.

Pull the throttle to start blade rotation. Allow the blades to attain maximum speed for a couple of seconds before you lower the cutting blade of the edger into the cleared spot.

Grasp the handle firmly and push the unit forward so it begins clearing the area as you walk behind it. Rest the guide wheel on the driveway so the edger cuts the grass in a straight line. Retract the guide blade when you reach the end of the walkway, and repeat the process to edge all areas in your yard. If the edger hits an unexpected stone or rock, retract the blade, remove the obstruction and continue edging.

Turn the power off when you finish edging the lawn. Clear up loose grass and vegetation from the edged areas and discard them. Clean the blades of the edger and oil it if necessary before storing it in a safe place.