Review of the WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5 Inch Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher
Maintaining a neat and tidy lawn is a pivotal task for homeowners, and the WORX WG896 12 Amp Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher aims to facilitate this chore with ease and efficiency. With its robust features and thoughtful design, this electric tool is engineered to provide a professional finish to your yard. In this review, we will dissect its various aspects, including performance, durability, ease of use, and overall value, to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Performance
Power and Speed
The WORX WG896 boasts a powerful 12 Amp motor that drives a 7.5-inch blade at an impressive speed of 4700 revolutions per minute. This level of power allows users to achieve sharp, professional-looking edges along driveways, sidewalks, and flower beds. The edger’s ability to cut through dense turf with ease is frequently highlighted by users, making it a suitable choice for those who expect efficiency.
Depth Adjustments and Versatility
This tool features three depth adjustments, allowing users to cut at 1”, 1-1/4”, and 1-1/2” depths. This versatility is particularly beneficial for different landscaping tasks, from simple edging to trenching for drainage purposes. However, it is essential to note that while the edger is effective for moderate trenching, it may not suffice for deeper projects, especially if running conduit or similar installations.
Design and Build Quality
Construction and Weight
Weighing in at 14 pounds, the WORX WG896 is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for users of varying physical capabilities. The adjustable shaft and D-grip handle ensure comfort for users of different heights, allowing for extended use without discomfort. The build quality is solid, reflecting WORX’s commitment to durability and performance in their lawn and garden tools.
Assembly and Usability
Assembly of the edger is minimal and straightforward, requiring only a few pieces to be connected with included bolts and knobs. Most users appreciate how quickly they can get the tool ready for use, often taking just a few minutes. The built-in cutting line guide is a thoughtful addition, helping users maintain straight lines with ease.
Customer Satisfaction
User Experiences
Feedback from users largely leans towards positive. Many commend the Worx WG896 for its ease of use, powerful performance, and effective cutting capabilities. Users with larger yards or those who have let their lawns overgrow report that the edger performs exceptionally well, restoring order to their landscaping.
However, some users have pointed out that for extensive edging or deep trenching tasks, the electric model may fall short compared to gas-powered alternatives, particularly due to its corded nature and depth capacity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 12 Amp motor for efficient cutting
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Adjustable shaft for user comfort
- Minimal assembly required
- Built-in cutting line guide for accuracy
Cons:
- Limited trenching depth (up to 1.5 inches)
- Corded design may limit mobility
- Not ideal for heavy-duty projects
Overall Rating
After evaluating the various aspects of the WORX WG896 Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher, it earns an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. This score reflects its impressive performance in typical edging tasks, ease of use, and thoughtful design, while also considering its limitations for more extensive or deeper projects.
Ratings Breakdown
- Performance: 4.7/5
- Design and Build Quality: 4.2/5
- Ease of Use: 4.7/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Customer Satisfaction: 4.2/5
Conclusion
The WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5 Inch Electric Lawn Edger & Trencher is a commendable tool for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns effortlessly. With its electric power source, adjustable features, and user-friendly design, it stands out as an excellent choice for routine lawn care tasks. While it may have limitations for intensive edging or deep trenching, its overall value and performance make it a worthy investment for maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is the WORX WG896 suitable for commercial use?
While the WORX WG896 is designed for residential use, it can be effective for small commercial tasks. However, for heavy-duty or high-volume work, a gas-powered option may be more appropriate.
Q2: Can I use an extension cord with this edger?
Yes, you can use an extension cord with the WORX WG896. However, make sure to use a heavy-duty extension cord to maintain optimal power delivery.
Q3: How do I maintain the edger?
Regularly check the blade for sharpness and replace it as needed. Additionally, keep the edger clean and free from debris to ensure smooth operation.
Q4: What is the warranty on the WORX WG896?
WORX typically offers a three-year limited warranty on their products, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Always check the specific warranty terms when purchasing.
Q5: Can I adjust the depth while using the edger?
No, depth adjustments should be made before starting the tool. The lever allows you to set the desired depth prior to use, ensuring optimal cutting performance.
Ron –
As a disabled veteran, carrying a heavy edger isn’t practical for me, so the Worx electric edger has been a perfect solution. It took me a few hours to edge my property—not the edger’s fault, but mine for letting it get overgrown for so long, especially since my property is on a large corner lot. I had to run the edger a few times to reach the ground level. The edger is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and three 50-foot cords worked perfectly for my needs.
Craig Cain –
I appreciate that this tool is electric rather than battery-operated. It offers impressive power, is user-friendly, and effectively trims the driveway while also excelling at digging trenches. I often dig trenches alongside the sidewalk for rainwater runoff, and it handles the job well.
NC User –
This is my second tool from Worx (the first being the pole chainsaw), and I’m really impressed with both. These tools are durable and thoughtfully designed for home use. Making adjustments is a breeze and doesn’t need any extra tools. It’s clear that the designer knows what it’s like to trim grass, as this tool cuts through thick turf effortlessly. The price was also quite reasonable. I’m very satisfied with this purchase.
PastorRussell –
I couldn’t be happier with my Worx edger! I chose it because it’s electric, more affordable than other options, and I didn’t want to deal with a 2-stroke engine. The included guide is fantastic for keeping the blade away from the sidewalk, and the white marker on the housing gives me a good reference point for the blade’s position. After researching several comparable trimmers, I was convinced by the engine’s quality and the helpful guide, which ultimately led me to pick Worx.
I read through numerous reviews, ranging from 1 star to 5 stars, and analyzed all the specifications. While one competitor caught my eye, the negative reviews warned of engine issues, which made me cautious. I opted for Worx because it matched the amperage of the other models but had lower horsepower, which I felt would prevent potential engine strain. Although another model had a better warranty, I decided to upgrade my Amazon warranty to 4 years for an additional $750.
I have Tall Fescue grass in sandy loam soil in SE Wyoming, known for its drought resistance. The grass grows tall, is tough, and tends to clump, but the edger handled it well, even with the accumulated clippings. The first trimming took a long time and was quite a workout, but I was impressed with how the Worx performed. I tried to avoid overworking it; it took over 5 or 6 hours of effort. I used the blade almost down to the long hole marker, leaving just a couple of teeth intact. It did a great job without clogging or damaging the engine, and it didn’t wear me out!
I did need to tighten the blade after about 10 feet, but that was the only time. I had to run it on the wrong side in one area, with the wheels on the grass, but it worked much better when I could place the wheels on the pavement and use the guide. It would be nice to have the option to move the handle and guide to the other side for easier use. The cord holder didn’t work well with my 3-wire 12-gauge extension cord, but it was fine with my smaller 14-gauge cord.
The metal trimmer guide that helps keep the blade away from the sidewalk can also be lifted for trenching, which is a great feature. My lawn looks fantastic! I found replacement blades for the Worx at a great price—$28 for a 3-pack, and they were on sale for $22. I really feel like I scored with both the tool and the blades! Thank you, Worx!
B. Colonna –
This is a solid product. However, if you’re looking to do extensive edging or deep trenching for conduit installation, this may not be the right choice for you. Being electric means you’re limited by the length of your cord, and using longer extension cords will reduce the power output. The trenching capability goes to 1.5 inches, which is decent, but not sufficient for conduit placement.
That said, it excels as an edger. Assembly is minimal right out of the box: just connect the three shaft pieces after removing some edge tape, and fasten them with two metal bolts and plastic knobs, similar to modern lawn mowers. Then, attach the plastic handle with another bolt, and you’re ready to go.
For operation, you can adjust the group clearance by pulling a lever up for edging and lowering it for trenching. Depth settings are available at 1 inch, 1/4 inch, or 1.5 inches. Simply plug it in to start.
There’s a white line on top of the blade cover for easy blade visibility. Pull the trigger to activate the blade, and release it to stop. Just be mindful of your electric cord to avoid hitting it.
I edged approximately 50 feet on each side of my driveway and an additional 85 feet along the lawn, totaling over 350 feet. It easily cut through grass and dirt, though it occasionally struggled with tough grass mounds. Like any tool, when this happens, just back off and approach the area slowly again.
Approaching surfaces like blacktop, Belgian block, or stone may result in sparks, which is a useful indicator. Keep in mind that this is strictly an edger, so you’ll be left with cut grass and sod to clean up. In my case, I was overdue for edging and spent quite a bit of time scraping the debris off the pavement with a shovel. With more frequent maintenance, I expect this will be less of an issue, but that’s not a fault of the product itself.
The edger features two rear wheels and a smaller front wheel, allowing for maneuverability, though it doesn’t compare to a large gas-powered unit. You can tackle curb edges from either side, enabling you to get close to Belgian block curbs.
I also edged where my grass meets a mulched flower bed; it was more of a trim than actual edge removal. Overall, the Work edger performed as well, if not better, than my string trimmer, without the hassle of constantly rewrapping string. Plus, it created a definitive edge compared to the string trimmer, which merely slices into the grass without creating a trench.
Ron –
This lawn edger performed exceptionally well. As shown, the grass had grown significantly over the sidewalk and was quite thick. I recommend moving it back and forth a bit while using it. The edges hadn’t been trimmed in years, but this tool had more than enough power to tackle my entire yard. Living on a corner lot, I have a spacious yard, and this tool has definitely helped enhance its appearance. It’s well-constructed and should last for many years to come.