Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review

The Southland SWLE0799 easy-starting gas edger comes with a triangular blade and a lever near the handle that offers five depth options.

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review
(Image: © Southland)

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Adjustable to five depth positions

  • +

    Easy-start fuel delivery system

Cons

  • -

    Heavy

  • -

    No push-button start

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The Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger performs well as a regular walk-behind tool for edging your lawn, and provides extra benefits too. Like many of the models in our guide to the best lawn edgers, and indeed like some of those in our guide to the best gas lawn mowers, this machine is easy to start. 

It comes with a triangular nine-inch blade and a lever near the handle that offers five cutting depth options. Simply choose just the right depth to cut for your project, whether it's a lawn, curb or garden edging.

The Southland SWLE0799 has a 79cc OHV engine, with a manual recoil easy start. The three triangular blades can be adjusted to reach a cutting maximum of 2.5 inches, and the blade can be adjusted to 15 degrees left or right for beveled edging. It has an RRP of $299.95 but can often be found for less.

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review: Design

Adjusting the cutting depth of the Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger also adjusts its reach, allowing for bevel cutting further from the walkway. When you cut at a deeper level, the machine operates as a trencher. The angle of the blade is adjustable to -15 degrees, 0 degrees or 15 degrees, so you can give your yard a custom look with different cut angles.

Curb edging with this edger is simple and efficient. Its front and back adjustable wheels adapt to the curb and area you want to edge. Once the wheels are in position to line up the cutting edge, lowering the wheels makes the machine level. A support rod adds stability. This provides an easy and safe way to trim along the curb.

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review: an image showing the top of the lawn edger

(Image credit: Southland)

The Southland SWLE0799 is also easy to assemble and is designed to run quietly compared to other edgers. It is heavier than others though, so if you need a lightweight lawn edger, take a look at our Ego Power+ MEO800 Cordless Electric Edger review or the stick-style Black & Decker LE750 instead.

This gas edger has a four-cycle engine, so you don't have to mix oil with gasoline for it to function properly. A bottle of engine oil is included with the purchase. Although this model does not have a push-button start, it comes with an easy-pull recoil start.

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review: Performance

The machine weighs 60lbs, which is considerably heavier (but not the heaviest, which was the Ariens 986103) than an electric edger, so it's not as maneuverable. However, this weight gives the edger stability, so it doesn't rattle around when you edge tough areas. It holds 1.7 liters of 88-octane regular unleaded gasoline, which is enough to get you through an entire project without refueling.

While this lawn edger cuts deeply, you have to start out garden edging with a shallow cut and progress downward to the deepest level by making repeated passes so as not to stress the machine. This edger has a two-year limited warranty, and it is simple to order replacement parts if necessary.

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review

(Image credit: Southland)

Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger review: User reviews

Southland's walk-behind gas lawn edger has generally positive reviews, scoring an average 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon alone. Favorable reviews stated that, 'edger went together in less than 20 minutes and very simple. Does outstanding job edging no issues.' 

Another mentioned how it is, 'Easy and quick to assemble. Gassed it up and it started on first pull. Cut through Bermuda hybrid and Georgia clay just fine. Not too loud either. Curb adjustment option worked perfectly as we have the sloped curbs vs the squared off curbs. Did 500 plus feet in 15 minutes... Only con is I wish the grip bar was thicker as it is pretty small diameter tubing and you have to squeeze it harder to maintain good control.'

Less favorable reviews said that, 'This is good on a straight cut but is difficult to use on curves. The manual curb wheel adjustment is clumsy,' and that, 'The only way to get a nice edge is to move backwards.'

Should you buy the Southland SWLE0799 Gas Lawn Edger?

The Southland SWLE0799 provides a lot of power and the convenience of not having to wrestle with a cord as you would with an electric edger. It also offers a variety of cutting depths and edging options that make it a versatile edger you can adjust to give your yard the best look.

If you want a more affordable edger, try the Greenworks 27032. For more gardening content, check out our guides to the best lawn mowers.