Sun Joe 15-Inch Lawn Dethatcher Scarifier vs Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless (2026): Key Differences
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When evaluating the sun joe 15 inch lawn dethatcher scarifier vs 24v crlm15 ct 24 volt, you see two distinct tools from the same brand. Both feature a 15-inch working width and include collection bags. The main difference lies in their function and power source. One is a corded dethatcher for thatch removal, while the other is a cordless reel mower for grass cutting. You must choose based on whether your lawn needs aeration or mowing.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier | Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 13-amp corded | 24V cordless battery (tool only) |
| Primary Function | Dethatcher and scarifier | Reel mower |
| Motor Type | 13-amp electric motor | 360-watt electric motor |
| Height Adjustments | 5-position depth control | 4-position manual lever (0.6" to 2.0") |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 31.8 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier if
- You need to remove thatch and aerate your lawn rather than cut grass.
- You prefer a lighter tool that weighs 27.1 pounds.
- You have access to a standard electrical outlet and do not mind managing a cord.
Choose Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower if
- You are looking for a cordless push mower for regular grass cutting.
- You want to avoid cords and are willing to purchase a battery and charger separately.
- You prefer a 360-watt motor with a 5-blade RAZOREEL system for precise cutting.
Verdict: The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher is the right choice if your goal is lawn revitalization through scarification. The 24V-CRLM15-CT is the correct tool if you need a cordless solution for standard mowing tasks. Select the dethatcher for maintenance and the mower for cutting.
Key Differences Between Models
Power Source
The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher relies on a 13-amp corded motor, meaning it needs a constant connection to an electrical outlet. This provides unlimited runtime but restricts your movement to the length of your power cord. In contrast, the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT is a cordless tool powered by a 24-volt battery system. It offers complete freedom from cords, allowing you to mow anywhere without tripping hazards. However, you must manage battery charge levels. The corded model suits large yards with easy outlet access, while the cordless unit is better for smaller, obstacle-heavy lawns.
Cutting Width
Both machines share an identical 15-inch cutting or dethatching width. This standard width means you will make the same number of passes over your lawn regardless of which tool you choose. For the Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher, this width covers thatch and debris efficiently. For the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT, it provides a consistent cut for grass clippings. Since the working width is identical, neither model offers a speed advantage in terms of coverage area per pass. Your choice will depend on other factors like power source and specific lawn care needs rather than width.
Drive Type
The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT is explicitly designed as a push reel mower. You must provide all the forward momentum, which offers a lightweight, manual experience but requires physical effort. The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher also lacks an engine-driven self-propulsion system. It relies on four durable, easy-glide wheels to reduce fatigue, but you still push it. Since both units are manual push models, neither gives you an advantage in ease of movement. You will need to push both tools across your lawn, though the dethatcher’s wheels are specifically noted for smooth navigation.
Height Adjustment
The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT offers four manual height positions: 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 inches. This allows you to set a precise grass cutting height for your lawn. The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher features a five-position depth control, but this adjusts the tines' penetration into the soil for dethatching, not a grass cutting height. Because they serve different functions, their adjustment mechanisms are not directly comparable. The mower provides traditional mowing height settings, while the dethatcher provides soil penetration depth settings. You cannot directly compare these as both are for different tasks.
Collection Bag Capacity
The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT includes an 11.9-gallon rear collection bag for grass clippings. This large capacity helps you mow longer stretches before stopping to empty it. The Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher also comes with a spacious, removable collection bag for thatch and debris. While the exact gallon capacity is not listed for the dethatcher, it is described as large and easy to remove. The mower’s specific 11.9-gallon volume is a clear spec advantage for mowing efficiency. For dethatching, the bag size is sufficient but less precisely defined in the data.
Which Sun Joe Model Fits Your Yard
You need to remove thatch and aerate soil
This model uses a 13-amp corded motor specifically designed for dethatching and scarifying. It effectively removes tough thatch and revitalizes grass. The 5-position depth control allows you to tailor the treatment to your lawn's unique needs. You get a large collection bag to dispose of debris, ensuring a cleaner yard maintenance experience.
You want cordless freedom for standard mowing
This 24-volt IONMAX mower offers cordless operation for unrestricted movement. It features a 360-watt motor and a 5-blade RAZOREEL system for precise cutting. The 4-position manual height adjustment lets you set the cut between 0.6 and 2.0 inches. It includes a 11.9-gallon rear collection bag to keep clippings off your lawn.
You prefer lightweight equipment for easy handling
At 27.1 pounds, this corded dethatcher is lighter than the cordless mower option. It weighs less than the 31.8-pound Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT. The unit features four durable, easy-glide wheels for effortless navigation. This design reduces user fatigue and improves overall comfort while you maneuver across your lawn during maintenance tasks.
The products compared
Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier
Best for: powerful corded dethatching
- 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 dethatcher uses a 13-amp motor to remove thatch and aerate your lawn. It features a 15-inch cutting width and five depth settings for precise control. The unit includes a large collection bag for debris and four easy-glide wheels. It weighs 27.1 pounds and measures 24.4 inches long. You will need a power outlet nearby due to the corded design.
Pros
- 13-amp motor for effective thatch removal
- Five-position depth control for customization
- Large removable collection bag
- Four durable easy-glide wheels
Cons
- Corded power limits range
- Heavier build at 27.1 pounds
- Requires nearby electrical outlet
Good fit if
- You have access to outdoor power outlets
- You need powerful thatch removal
- You want adjustable depth settings
Skip if
- You prefer cordless operation
- You lack nearby electrical access
- You want a lighter unit
Verdict: Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher suits users who prioritize raw power and precise depth control over portability. It is ideal for lawns where you can manage the power cord and need thorough dethatching results.
Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower
Best for: Small lawns with existing 24V batteries
- Power Source
- Cordless battery
- Cutting Width
- 15 in
- Voltage
- 24V
- Drive Type
- Push
- Cutting Height
- 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 in, 4 positions
- Mowing Function
- Bag
View on Amazon: Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower Affiliate link
This Sun Joe model is a 24-volt push reel mower with a 15-inch cutting width. It uses a 360-watt motor and a 5-blade RAZOREEL system to lift and cut grass. You get four manual height settings from 0.6 to 2.0 inches. The unit includes an 11.9-gallon rear collection bag. It weighs 31.8 pounds and is sold as a tool-only unit.
Pros
- 15-inch cutting width with 5-blade RAZOREEL system
- 360-watt motor for precision cutting
- Four manual height positions: 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 inches
- Includes 11.9-gallon rear grass collection bag
Cons
- Sold as a tool-only unit without battery or charger
- Weighs 31.8 pounds, which is slightly over the 30-pound lightweight claim
- Manual height adjustment only
Good fit if
- You already own compatible 24-volt Sun Joe batteries and chargers
- You prefer a lightweight, manual-push mower for small lawns
- You want to collect clippings with the included rear bag
Skip if
- You do not have existing 24-volt cordless batteries
- You need automatic self-propulsion for hilly terrain
- You require electric height adjustment for quick changes
Verdict: Sun Joe 24V IONMAX 15-Inch Push Mower is a practical option for users who already have 24-volt batteries and need a lightweight mower with a collection bag. It suits small, flat lawns where manual pushing is manageable.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sun Joe 15-Inch Corded Dethatcher and Scarifier | Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 13-Amp Corded | Cordless battery |
| Cutting Width | 15-Inch | 15 in |
| Voltage | not stated | 24V |
| Drive Type | not stated | Push |
| Cutting Height | not stated | 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 in, 4 positions |
| Mowing Function | not stated | Bag |
| Application | Yard, Lawn | not stated |
| Included Battery | not stated | Tool Only |
| Dimensions | 24.4 × 19.3 × 12.2 inches | 22 × 18 × 15 inches |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 31.8 pounds |
| Size | Corded; 15.0-Inch | 15-Inch Cordless, Tool Only |
| Color | GREEN | Tool Only (Battery + Charger Not Included) |
| Model | AJ805E | 24V-CRLM15-CT |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT to dethatch my lawn?
No, you cannot. The 24V-CRLM15-CT is a reel mower designed for cutting grass, not removing thatch. It lacks the specialized tines required for dethatching. For that task, you need the corded dethatcher, which uses rotating blades to scarify the soil and pull up debris.
Does the dethatcher come with a battery?
No, the dethatcher does not use a battery. It is a corded tool that plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. This design provides continuous power without worrying about charge levels, but it limits your range to the length of your extension cord.
Is the 24V mower tool only?
Yes, the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT is sold as a tool-only unit. The listing indicates that the battery and charger are not included. You must already own compatible 24-volt IONMAX batteries to operate this mower. This makes it a good choice for existing Sun Joe users.
How heavy is the corded dethatcher compared to the mower?
The corded dethatcher weighs 27.1 pounds, while the 24V mower weighs 31.8 pounds. The mower is slightly heavier despite being a push model. The dethatcher is more compact in height at 12.2 inches compared to the mower's 15-inch height.
Do both machines have a 15-inch cutting width?
Yes, both tools feature a 15-inch working width. The dethatcher covers this area with its tines to remove thatch. The mower covers the same width with its reel blades to cut grass. This consistent width allows for uniform coverage across your lawn.
Which model is better for small, flat lawns?
The 24V-CRLM15-CT is better for small, flat lawns. It is lightweight and cordless, allowing easy maneuverability without a power cord. The dethatcher is heavier and requires a cord, making it less practical for simple mowing tasks in smaller spaces.
Can I use the mower for aerating my soil?
No, the mower is not designed for aeration. It is a reel mower intended for cutting grass. For aeration or dethatching, you should use the corded model. It features specific mechanisms to penetrate the soil and remove organic matter effectively.
What is the main difference in power source?
The dethatcher uses a corded power source, requiring a constant electrical connection. The mower uses a 24-volt cordless battery system. The corded model offers unlimited runtime, while the mower offers portability but requires charged batteries to operate.