Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher Scarifier vs Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower: Spec Comparison
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The sun joe 15 inch corded dethatcher scarifier vs 20 inch push reel mower comparison highlights two distinct lawn care tools. Both are Sun Joe products designed for lawn maintenance, but they serve different purposes. One is a powered dethatcher for thatch removal, while the other is a manual reel mower for cutting grass. You need to decide if your priority is aerating the soil or trimming the turf. The specs show clear differences in power source, cutting width, and drive type that will guide your choice.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier | Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 13 Amp corded | Manual reel |
| Cutting Width | 15 in | 20 in |
| Drive Type | Not listed | Push |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 30 pounds |
| Height Adjustment | 5 positions | 9 positions, up to 2.44 in |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier if
- You need to remove thatch and aerate the soil for healthier grass growth.
- You prefer a powered tool that does the work for you with a 13-amp motor.
- You want a lighter machine that is easier to maneuver on smaller lawns.
Choose Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher if
- You want an eco-friendly, gas-free way to cut your grass manually.
- You need a wider cutting path to cover more ground with each pass.
- You prefer precise control over grass height with nine adjustment positions.
Verdict: Choose the dethatcher if your main goal is lawn revitalization through thatch removal and aeration. Pick the push reel mower if you want a quiet, manual solution for trimming grass with a wider cut. Your choice depends entirely on whether you need to repair your lawn or simply maintain its length.
Key Spec Differences Compared
Power Source
The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier uses a 13-amp corded motor. This electric power source delivers consistent performance for removing tough thatch and aerating the lawn. You must stay near an outlet, as the cord limits your range. In contrast, the Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower relies on a manual reel mechanism. It requires no electricity or gas, relying entirely on your physical effort to push it forward. This makes it completely eco-friendly and independent of power outlets. You choose between powered convenience and manual, emission-free operation based on your lawn size and access to electricity.
Cutting Width
Cutting width determines how much ground you cover in a single pass. The dethatcher features a 15-inch working width. This narrower path is typical for dethatchers, allowing for more precise maneuvering around obstacles and tight spots in the yard. The push reel mower offers a 20-inch cutting path. This wider swath covers more grass per pass, which can speed up the mowing process on open lawns. The five-inch difference is significant for larger areas. You should consider the width of your open spaces versus the number of obstacles when deciding which width suits your maintenance routine better.
Drive Type
Drive type affects how you move the machine across your lawn. The dethatcher is a powered unit with four durable, easy-glide wheels. The 13-amp motor drives the scarifier blades, while the wheels help you navigate the terrain with reduced fatigue. It is not self-propelled in the traditional sense but is designed for smooth movement. The push reel mower has a manual drive type. You must push it to engage the five hardened steel blades. It features a dual-wheel design for enhanced accuracy and maneuverability. The choice depends on whether you prefer the effort of pushing a reel mower or the guided movement of a powered dethatcher.
Adjustability
Adjustability allows you to customize the tool for your specific lawn needs. The dethatcher includes a 5-position depth control. This lets you tailor the dethatching and scarifying depth to your lawn’s unique condition, ensuring precise results for thatch removal. The push reel mower offers a 9-position height adjustment lever. You can tailor your grass height up to 2.44 inches, providing finer control over the final look of your manicured lawn. The mower offers more adjustment positions for grass height, while the dethatcher offers depth control for soil interaction. Both provide customizable settings to meet your specific maintenance goals.
Debris Collection
Both tools include collection bags to keep your yard neat, but they handle different materials. The dethatcher has a spacious, removable collection bag designed to collect thatch, debris, and dead grass. This ensures a cleaner lawn after the intensive dethatching process. The push reel mower includes an 8.5-gallon grass catcher. This handy feature simplifies clean-up by collecting fresh grass clippings as you mow. While both keep your yard tidy, the dethatcher bag handles heavier, organic debris, whereas the mower bag handles lighter clippings. The capacity and purpose of each bag align with their respective functions.
Which mower fits your lawn needs
You need to remove thick thatch layers
This 13-amp corded dethatcher is built for tough jobs. It effectively removes thatch and aerates soil to promote healthier grass growth. The 5-position depth control lets you adjust the scarifier blades precisely. The 15-inch width covers moderate areas efficiently. You get a large collection bag to dispose of debris, keeping your yard clean during maintenance.
You want a quiet, eco-friendly mow
This manual push reel mower uses no gas or electricity. It relies on your effort to push, making it quiet and environmentally friendly. The 20-inch cutting path is wider than the dethatcher, covering more ground per pass. You get a clean cut from five steel blades. The 8.5-gallon catcher collects clippings, so you do not need to rake afterward.
You prefer adjustable cutting heights
The push reel mower offers nine height positions, allowing adjustments up to 2.44 inches. This gives you fine control over your lawn's appearance. The dethatcher only has five depth settings for thatch removal, not grass length. If you want to tailor grass height for a manicured look, this manual mower provides the necessary range and precision for your specific lawn care goals.
You need lighter weight for storage
The dethatcher weighs 27.1 pounds, which is lighter than the 30-pound reel mower. Its compact dimensions make it easier to store in smaller spaces. The reel mower is larger and heavier due to its manual reel mechanism and grass catcher. If you have limited garage space or need to move the tool frequently, the lighter dethatcher is the more practical choice for your storage needs.
The products compared
Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier
Best for: Thatch removal and lawn aeration
- Power Source
- 13-Amp Corded
- Cutting Width
- 15-Inch
- Application
- Yard, Lawn
- Dimensions
- 24.4 × 19.3 × 12.2 inches
- Weight
- 27.1 pounds
View on Amazon: Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier Affiliate link
This Sun Joe AJ805E is a 13-amp corded dethatcher with a 15-inch cutting width. It features a 5-position depth control and a large collection bag. The unit weighs 27.1 pounds and includes four easy-glide wheels. It suits lawns needing thatch removal and aeration. You need a power outlet nearby due to the corded design. It is not a mower.
Pros
- 13-amp motor for effective thatch removal
- 5-position adjustable depth control
- Large removable collection bag
- Four easy-glide wheels
Cons
- Corded power limits mobility
- 15-inch width is narrower than mowers
- 27.1 pounds requires pushing effort
Good fit if
- You need to remove tough thatch
- You have a power outlet near the lawn
- You want a 5-position depth control
Skip if
- You want to mow grass
- You need a cordless tool
- You prefer a wider cutting path
Verdict: Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher is a dedicated tool for lawn aeration and thatch removal. It fits users who need precise depth control and have access to power outlets.
Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Best for: eco-friendly lawn maintenance with clip collection
- Power Source
- Manual reel
- Cutting Width
- 20 in
- Drive Type
- Push
- Cutting Height
- 9 positions, up to 2.44 in
- Mowing Function
- Bag (grass catcher included)
- Application
- Lawn
View on Amazon: Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher Affiliate link
This Sun Joe manual reel mower uses a 20-inch cutting path and five steel blades to trim grass without gas or electricity. You adjust the height across nine positions, reaching up to 2.44 inches, to match your lawn care needs. The 30-pound push design includes an 8.5-gallon grass catcher for collecting clippings. It suits those who prefer a quiet, eco-friendly mowing experience over motorized power.
Pros
- 20-inch wide cutting path with five durable steel blades
- Nine-position height adjustment lever up to 2.44 inches
- Includes an 8.5-gallon grass catcher for clean-up
- Lightweight 30-pound push design for easy maneuverability
Cons
- Requires manual pushing effort with no motor assistance
- Heavier build at 30 pounds compared to lighter reel options
- Limited to a single 20-inch size variant for this model
Good fit if
- You want a gas-free, quiet mowing solution
- You need to collect clippings with the included bag
- You prefer precise height control across nine settings
Skip if
- You need motorized self-propulsion for steep terrain
- You prefer a smaller 14-inch or 16-inch cutting width
- You want to avoid the physical effort of pushing
Verdict: Sun Joe 20-Inch Manual Push Reel Mower fits homeowners who prioritize eco-friendly maintenance and clip collection over motorized convenience. It is ideal for flat lawns where manual pushing remains manageable.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier | Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 13-Amp Corded | Manual reel |
| Cutting Width | 15-Inch | 20 in |
| Drive Type | not stated | Push |
| Cutting Height | not stated | 9 positions, up to 2.44 in |
| Mowing Function | not stated | Bag (grass catcher included) |
| Application | Yard, Lawn | Lawn |
| Dimensions | 24.4 × 19.3 × 12.2 inches | 48 × 26.6 × 50.4 inches |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 30 pounds |
| Size | Corded; 15.0-Inch | 20 in |
| Color | GREEN | Green |
| Model | AJ805E | MJ502M |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Sun Joe 15-inch dethatcher to mow my grass?
No. This tool is designed specifically for removing thatch and aerating soil. It features 15-inch cutting width scarifier blades that pull up debris. It does not cut grass blades. You must use a separate mower for trimming your lawn before or after dethatching.
Is the Sun Joe 20-inch push reel mower suitable for uneven terrain?
It works best on flat lawns. Manual pushing becomes difficult on slopes or uneven ground. The 30-pound weight helps maintain momentum, but the lack of a motor means you provide all the power. Steep or rough terrain may make operation too strenuous for some users.
How wide is the cutting path for each tool?
The dethatcher covers a 15-inch width. The push reel mower offers a wider 20-inch cutting path. The wider mower deck allows you to cover more ground per pass. This difference affects how quickly you can complete lawn maintenance tasks compared to the narrower dethatcher.
Do I need an extension cord for the dethatcher?
Yes. The Sun Joe 15-inch dethatcher is a corded electric model. You must connect it to a power outlet. The cord limits your range of motion. Ensure you have a heavy-duty extension cord long enough to reach all areas of your lawn without unplugging.
Does the push reel mower collect grass clippings?
Yes. This model includes a grass catcher for bagging clippings. It allows you to maintain a tidy lawn without leaving debris behind. The manual reel cuts cleanly, and the catcher collects the trimmings. This feature supports eco-friendly maintenance by keeping your lawn neat.
Which tool is lighter to move around the yard?
The dethatcher is lighter at 27.1 pounds. The push reel mower weighs 30 pounds. The dethatcher also has a more compact footprint with dimensions of 24.4 inches in length. The mower is larger, measuring 48 inches in length. The dethatcher is easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Can I adjust the cutting height on both machines?
The dethatcher offers five-position depth control for precise thatch removal. You can adjust how deep the blades penetrate the soil. The push reel mower data does not specify adjustable height settings. You may need to adjust your pushing speed or effort to manage cut length on the reel mower.