[Greg]

I've wanted a gas powered edger for a long time. I've got an "edger" attachment for my Toro brush-cutter, but it's not the same. I don't like having to try to keep the blade straight and just one little wheel rolling sometimes on the hard surface, sometimes on the grass. The 2 cycle engine is also noisy for a slow, try to be accurate cut, type of work. I also have some new edges to make in the backyard and possibly some "trenches".

My Ag dealer has the Pro-Trim line but they are almost $400. They look very similar to the McLane edger, which is $279 at HD. HD also carries the MTD brand but it is not the quality I want. Anytime I go to HD, I look to see what is on sale or special buys, but the lowest they've had on the McLane's is $249. Well, today I had to go to HD for some caulking, so beforehand I stopped off in the garden section. Lo and Behold they had 2 McLane edgers on sale, one "reconditioned" and one "slow moving". Both were marked at $199, but I asked the associate if they could do better. "Sure, I'll give it to you for $150" so I took the "slow mover" unit. She filled out a "markdown" slip of paper, regular price $279....new price...$150...markdown $129, and I headed for the register. The girl at the register punched in the $279, then the $150 and the $129 was calculated automatically, but the register wouldn't accept it. Another guy got involved and said they needed some help. Another lady came over, made a call and said they needed a manager. A "manager" came over and said they needed a blue tag instead of a green one, but called the associate to confirm the discount. By that time the line behind me had grown long, the lady right behind me was in a wheelchair and the natives were getting restless...! The manager
finally said "just mark this price on the green tag and I'll do the paperwork later" and wrote $129 over the $199. The girl fumbled with the register and finally the manager took over...entered the regular price of $279...new price $129... put in his code and the transaction went through. I signed my slip and, with my new edger (and some caulk) hauled A$$ out of the store!

At home I filled the unit with oil, gas and after 4 - 5 pulls the little 3.5hp B&S fired right up.

<img src=http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=3db95d16-4880-7ed2-371a-4e90254a18b7&size=>

So..I got the trimmer I wanted for $129! (The original associate told me their cost was over $200).

Not a bad day of shopping. Can't wait to try it out. Anyone else have a McLane or similar trimmer/edger?

Greg

 

[jodyand]

man you made out like a bandit good going. I know what you mean i try the stick edger didn't like it. I got my edger out of the trash about two years ago the exhaust valve was stuck and the governor spring was broke. Its old but runs and works great i think it was made about 1972.
Jody

 

[MowHoward2210]

Greg, I am not familiar with that edger, but I think you got a great deal. Had a similar experience at a Wal-Mart on a power washer several years ago. Those associates will deal with you if they really want to get it off their floor.

 

[Greg]

Tnx, Jody.

It didn't have a manual with it (got lost somewhere) so I went to McLane's website and downloaded it. It has 2 wheels in the front with a spacer clip between. For trimming or "curb walking" you just remove the spacer, slide the wheels together to one side, replace the spacer and you're ready to go.

I can't believe the manager screwed up and put the original markdown amount as the sale price. I paid less for the unit ($129) than the discount...($150) by him doing that! LOL

Now I just have to get the caulking job done, and a few other "Honey Do's" before the bank statement comes and I think I'll be..safe!

Greg

 

[memmurphy]

You were definitely at the right place at the right time. It looks like a well built edger. Heck, that's much better than electric for just a few dollars more. Good job! :thumbsup:

Mark