Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower or Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel? Which Sun Joe Model to Buy
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This sun joe 20 inch push reel mower vs 15 inch 24v cordless reel comparison helps you pick the right tool. Both models are push-style reel mowers that include a grass catcher for clean clippings. They share a similar weight class and manual height adjustment. The main difference lies in their power source. One relies on your physical effort, while the other uses a 24-volt battery motor. You need to decide which drive method fits your lawn care routine.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher | Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Manual push | 24V cordless battery |
| Cutting Width | 20 inches | 15 inches |
| Motor | Not listed | 360-watt |
| Cutting Height Positions | 9 positions | 4 positions |
| Grass Catcher Capacity | 8.5 gallons | 11.9 gallons |
| Weight | 30 pounds | 31.8 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher if
- You want a wider 20-inch cutting path to cover more ground per pass.
- You prefer a fully manual system with no battery charges required.
- You need more fine-tuned height adjustments with nine available positions.
Choose Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower if
- You want motor assistance to help push the mower through thicker grass.
- You need a larger 11.9-gallon bag to reduce emptying frequency.
- You already own compatible 24V batteries for the tool-only unit.
Verdict: The manual 20-inch model suits those who want maximum cutting width and height flexibility without worrying about battery power. The 15-inch cordless version is better if you prefer electric assistance and a larger grass bag. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize width and manual control or motor power and collection capacity.
Sun Joe Mower Specs Compared
Cutting Width
The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher offers a 20-inch cutting path. This wider deck covers more ground per pass than the Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower, which features a 15-inch cutting width. If you have a larger lawn and want to reduce the number of passes required, the 20-inch model provides better efficiency. The narrower 15-inch mower may be easier to maneuver in tight spaces or around obstacles, but it requires more time to cover the same area. You should choose based on your lawn size and the need for speed versus maneuverability.
Power Source
These mowers use completely different power sources. The Sun Joe 20-Inch model is a manual push reel mower. It relies entirely on your physical effort to push the mower and turn the blades. There is no battery or motor involved. The Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower uses a 24-volt cordless battery system with a 360-watt motor. This motor drives the blades, reducing the physical effort needed to cut grass. However, you must own or purchase a compatible 24V battery and charger separately. The cordless option offers powered assistance, while the manual option requires no electricity.
Cutting Height
Adjustment options differ between the two models. The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher provides nine positions for cutting height adjustment, allowing you to set the height up to 2.44 inches. This gives you fine control over your lawn's appearance. The Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower offers only four manual positions: 0.6 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.5 inches, and 2.0 inches. While the 20-inch model allows for a higher maximum cut, the 15-inch model covers a similar range. You should check your preferred grass type and maintenance style to decide which adjustment range suits you better.
Grass Collection
Both mowers include a rear collection bag to catch clippings. The Sun Joe 20-Inch model comes with an 8.5-gallon grass catcher. The Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower includes a larger 11.9-gallon bag. The larger capacity on the cordless model means you may need to empty it less frequently during mowing sessions. This can be convenient for larger areas. However, the 20-inch mower covers more width, so it might produce more clippings per minute. You should consider how often you are willing to stop and empty the bag versus the width of your cuts.
Weight and Size
The physical dimensions and weight vary slightly. The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher weighs 30 pounds and measures 26.6 inches in width, 50.4 inches in height, and 48 inches in length. The Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower weighs 31.8 pounds. Its dimensions are smaller, measuring 18 inches in width, 15 inches in height, and 22 inches in length. The cordless model is more compact for storage but slightly heavier. The manual model is lighter but bulkier. You should measure your storage space and consider which size is easier to handle and store in your garage or shed.
Choose your Sun Joe mower now
Large lawn owners wanting wider cuts
You need the 20-inch cutting path to cover more ground per pass. The manual reel design requires no battery charging. You get nine height settings up to 2.44 inches for precise control. The 8.5-gallon catcher keeps your yard tidy. This model is ideal if you prefer a wider deck and do not mind pushing.
Users wanting electric power assistance
You should choose this model for its 360-watt motor. The 24V cordless system helps lift grass for a cleaner cut. You get a larger 11.9-gallon bag for collection. The five-blade RAZOREEL system provides precision. This is the better choice if you want motor assistance and a bigger bag, despite the narrower 15-inch deck.
Gardeners needing flexible height settings
You will appreciate the nine cutting height positions. The maximum height reaches 2.44 inches, offering more flexibility than the four positions on the cordless model. You can tailor your lawn look with greater precision. The manual push mechanism works well for smaller, manageable lawns where wide cuts are not the only priority.
The products compared
Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher
Best for: Eco-friendly mowing with a wide 20-inch cut
- 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 model is a manual push reel mower with a 20-inch cutting path. It uses five hardened steel blades for a clean cut. You can adjust the height to 2.44 inches across nine positions. The unit includes an 8.5-gallon grass catcher to collect clippings. It weighs 30 pounds and features a dual-wheel design for easier maneuvering. This mower suits users who prefer eco-friendly, gas-free lawn care without the need for charging.
Pros
- 20-inch wide cutting path with five steel blades
- 9-position height adjustment up to 2.44 inches
- Includes 8.5-gallon grass catcher for clean-up
- Lightweight 30-pound build for easy handling
Cons
- Requires physical pushing with no motor assistance
- Heavier than the 15-inch cordless alternative
- Limited to manual operation without battery power
Good fit if
- You want a gas-free, eco-friendly mowing solution
- You need a wide 20-inch cutting path
- You prefer collecting clippings in a bag
Skip if
- You need self-propelled or electric power
- You want to avoid pushing the mower
- You prefer a lighter, more compact unit
Verdict: Sun Joe 20-Inch Manual Reel Mower fits users who want a wide, manual cutting path with bagging capability and do not mind the physical effort of pushing.
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 uses a 24-volt system with a 360-watt motor to drive its 15-inch cutting deck. It features a 5-blade RAZOREEL system and offers four manual height settings ranging from 0.6 to 2.0 inches. The unit includes an 11.9-gallon rear collection bag to capture clippings. It weighs 31.8 pounds and requires a separate battery and charger purchase.
Pros
- 360-watt motor for consistent cutting power
- 15-inch 5-blade RAZOREEL cutting system
- Four-position manual height adjustment
- 11.9-gallon grass collection bag included
- Lightweight design under 32 pounds
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included
- 15-inch cutting width is narrower than the 20-inch manual alternative
- Manual height adjustment requires stopping to change settings
Good fit if
- You want a battery-powered option for small lawns
- You prefer bagging clippings for a clean yard
- You want a lightweight mower for easy storage
Skip if
- You need a wider cutting deck for large areas
- You do not own a compatible 24-volt battery
- You prefer electric drive over push operation
Verdict: Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower suits owners of small lawns who already have 24-volt batteries and want a lightweight, bagging reel mower. It is a practical step up from manual push models for those who do not want to buy a separate battery.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower with Grass Catcher | Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Manual reel | Cordless battery |
| Cutting Width | 20 in | 15 in |
| Voltage | not stated | 24V |
| Drive Type | Push | Push |
| Cutting Height | 9 positions, up to 2.44 in | 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 in, 4 positions |
| Mowing Function | Bag (grass catcher included) | Bag |
| Application | Lawn | not stated |
| Included Battery | not stated | Tool Only |
| Dimensions | 48 × 26.6 × 50.4 inches | 22 × 18 × 15 inches |
| Weight | 30 pounds | 31.8 pounds |
| Size | 20 in | 15-Inch Cordless, Tool Only |
| Color | Green | Tool Only (Battery + Charger Not Included) |
| Model | MJ502M | 24V-CRLM15-CT |
Frequently asked questions
Which Sun Joe mower is better for large lawns?
The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower is the better choice for larger areas. Its 20-inch cutting width covers significantly more ground per pass than the 15-inch model. This wider deck reduces the number of passes needed to complete the job, saving time despite the manual effort required.
Does the 24V model come with a battery?
No, the Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower is sold as a tool-only unit. The specifications list the included battery as tool only, meaning you must purchase the battery and charger separately. It is designed for users who already own compatible 24-volt batteries from the same brand.
How heavy is each reel mower?
The manual 20-inch model weighs 30 pounds, while the cordless 15-inch version weighs 31.8 pounds. Both are relatively lightweight for their class, making them easy to maneuver. The slight weight difference in the cordless model accounts for its motor and internal components compared to the purely manual design.
Can both models bag clippings?
Yes, both mowers support bagging. The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower includes a grass catcher for collecting clippings. The Sun Joe 15-Inch 24V Cordless Reel Mower also features a grass catcher. This allows you to maintain a tidy lawn by removing cut grass instead of leaving it on the surface.
Is the cordless mower quieter than the manual one?
The cordless model operates using an electric motor, which is generally quieter than gas engines. However, the manual 20-inch model produces no motor noise at all, relying entirely on your physical pushing power. Both are significantly quieter than gas-powered alternatives, making them suitable for noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
What are the dimensions of the 20-inch mower?
The Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower measures 26.6 inches in width, 50.4 inches in height, and 48 inches in length. These dimensions allow it to fit in most standard garages. The larger footprint accommodates its wider cutting deck and grass catcher system compared to the more compact 15-inch model.
Do I need to charge the manual mower?
No, the Sun Joe 20-Inch Push Reel Mower requires no charging. It is powered entirely by manual effort, meaning you push it to engage the reels. This eliminates the need for batteries or electricity, making it a zero-emission option that is always ready to use without waiting for a charge.