Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States, author, politician and all-round polymath, was very keen on electricity, even selling his possessions to fund his research. This obsession is perhaps most famously captured in the story of his 1752 experiment to prove that lightning is an electrical phenomenon, achieved by attaching a metal key to a kite flown under stormy skies. In retrospect this might seems like slightly odd behaviour, and is certainly not something I would encourage. Nevertheless, we should be thankful to Franklin and his fellow pioneers of electrical research, as without them we would not have Efco’s 8091; a superbly quiet and clean running electric grass trimmer designed for trimming edges, borders and long grass on lawns in small to medium residential gardens.

Driven by a mains powered 850 watt electric motor, the 8091 is perfect for use in built-up areas where noisier petrol equipment would cause an unwelcome disturbance. Being mains powered, this impressive trimmer also produces zero emissions, and is much cheaper to run and easier to service than a petrol machine, thus ensuring great value for money and a more pleasant working experience. To help guarantee optimal performance, the motor also features copper windings which improve efficiency, while a thermal cut-out system works to prevent motor damage in case of overheating.

The 8091 also comes equipped with a reassuringly sturdy ‘Tap & Go’ dual nylon line trimmer head, ideal for precise work along lawn edges and borders as well as cutting grass in areas of lawn inaccessible to a conventional lawnmower. For added efficiency when taking on more demanding tasks, the semi-automatic ‘Tap & Go’ line feed system allows you to advance the cutting line quickly and effortlessly by simply tapping the trimmer head against the ground. Moreover, with a tough plastic debris guard included to deflect grass clippings, twigs, soil and anything else thrown up during operation, you can be confident of working in comfort and safety at all times.

The ergonomic design of the 8091, meanwhile, helps ensure superb convenience, with a curved steel shaft featuring a high-grip rubber clad loop handle and a self-lubricating liner to reduce vibrations, thus ensuring that you remain in complete control. The 8091 is also pleasingly well balanced, with the engine positioned at the rear to ensure unimpeded movement, and a low overall weight (only 3.5kg) meaning that this remarkable little trimmer is highly manoeuvrable even when working in tight corners of your garden. All of the above combines wonderfully to make Efco’s 8091 electric grass trimmer an ideal machine for maintaining a pristine finish in urban gardens.