Sun Joe Vs. Greenworks Dethatcher: A Head-to-Head Showdown For Your Lawn

I’ve spent countless weekends wrestling with my lawn, trying to keep it lush and healthy. When it came to dethatching, I found myself torn between two popular electric dethatchers: the Sun Joe AJ801E and the Greenworks 27022.

In this article, I’ll share my hands-on experience comparing these tools, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which one suits your yard best. Whether you’re a lawn care newbie or a seasoned pro, my goal is to guide you through this choice with clear, real-world insights.

A Brief Comparison Table

Why Dethatching Matters For Your Lawn?

I’ll be honest—before I got into lawn care, I didn’t even know what thatch was. Turns out, it’s that layer of dead grass, roots, and debris that builds up between your soil and grass blades. If it gets too thick, it chokes your lawn, blocking water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

Dethatching is like giving your lawn a deep clean, and tools like the Sun Joe AJ801E and Greenworks 27022 make it way easier than raking by hand. I’ve used both, and they’re game-changers, but each has its own personality.

Sun Joe AJ801E: Power and Precision

The Sun Joe AJ801E feels like the heavyweight in this matchup.

Its 12-amp motor packs a punch, tearing through thick thatch like it’s nothing.

I tested it on my quarter-acre lawn in Florida, where humidity makes thatch a constant headache.

The motor didn’t flinch, even when I hit dense patches of dead grass.

It’s got a 13-inch cutting width, which is slightly narrower than the Greenworks, but I found it nimble enough to maneuver around my garden beds and fences.

One thing I love about the Sun Joe is its 5-position depth control.

You can adjust the tines from -10mm to +10mm, giving you fine-tuned control over how deep you want to dig.

This was a lifesaver when I was working on uneven ground—too deep, and you risk tearing up healthy grass; too shallow, and you miss the thatch. I played around with the settings and found the middle one worked best for my lawn’s mix of Bermuda and St. Augustine grass.

The Sun Joe also comes with a scarifier attachment, which is a big deal if you’re serious about lawn health. Scarifying cuts into the soil and grass roots, promoting thicker growth and better aeration.

I swapped out the dethatching cylinder for the scarifier on a small test patch, and the difference was noticeable—my grass looked greener and fuller a few weeks later. Plus, the 8-gallon collection bag is a nice touch, though I’ll warn you, it fills up fast. I ended up ditching it and raking the thatch into my mower’s bag, which worked better for my larger yard.

But it’s not all sunshine with the Sun Joe. The plastic build feels a bit flimsy, especially the depth adjustment handle. I had to pry it carefully to avoid snapping it. It’s also heavier at 27 pounds, which made my arms ache after an hour of pushing.

And while the 12-amp motor is powerful, it’s a corded model, so you’re tethered to an extension cord. I tripped over mine more than once, which was frustrating.

Pros of Sun Joe AJ801E

• Powerful 12-amp motor handles thick thatch with ease.
• 5-position depth control for precise adjustments.
• Includes scarifier attachment for enhanced lawn health.
• 8-gallon collection bag reduces cleanup time (for small lawns).
• AirBoost technology with 24 spring steel tines maximizes thatch pickup.

Cons of Sun Joe AJ801E

• Plastic components feel less durable, especially the depth adjustment handle.
• Collection bag is too small for larger lawns.
• Heavier (27 pounds), which can tire you out.
• Corded design limits mobility.
• Slightly pricier than Greenworks.

Greenworks 27022: Lightweight and Budget-Friendly

The Greenworks 27022 is the scrappy underdog that surprised me.

Its 10-amp motor is less powerful than the Sun Joe’s, but I didn’t notice a huge difference in performance on my lawn.

It tackled moderate thatch just fine, though it bogged down a bit in really dense areas.

The 14-inch cutting width is a hair wider than the Sun Joe’s, which meant fewer passes to cover my yard.

That extra inch saved me about 15 minutes on a 9,000-square-foot lawn.

At 25.9 pounds, the Greenworks is slightly lighter, and I could feel the difference when pushing it up a slight hill in my backyard. The padded grips and adjustable handles made it comfortable to use, even during longer sessions.

It’s got a simple push-to-start button, which I appreciated as a no-fuss feature. The 3-position depth adjustment isn’t as versatile as the Sun Joe’s, but it was enough for my needs. I stuck to the lowest setting for dethatching and used it to rough up the soil before overseeding, which worked like a charm.

The biggest downside?

No collection bag. You’re on your own for cleanup, which meant extra raking for me. I ended up mowing over the thatch to collect it, but it added time to the job. Also, the 10-amp motor struggled a bit on thicker thatch, and I had to go slower to avoid straining it.

The build quality is solid, but like the Sun Joe, it’s mostly plastic, so don’t expect it to survive a drop onto concrete.

Pros of Greenworks 27022

• Wider 14-inch cutting path covers more ground per pass.
• Lightweight at 25.9 pounds, easier to maneuver.
• Affordable price point, often $20-$40 less than Sun Joe.
• 4-year warranty, double the Sun Joe’s.
• Environmentally friendly with zero carbon emissions.

Cons of Greenworks 27022

• No collection bag, so cleanup is manual.
• 10-amp motor struggles with very thick thatch.
• Only 3 depth settings, less precise than Sun Joe.
• Corded design limits range.
• No scarifier attachment included.

Key Features of Sun Joe And Greenworks Dethatcher Compared

Let’s break down the nitty-gritty of how these two stack up in real-world use. I tested both dethatchers on my lawn over a few weekends, and here’s what stood out.

• Motor Power and Performance

The Sun Joe’s 12-amp motor gives it an edge in raw power.

I noticed it powered through tough, matted thatch without slowing down, especially in areas where my lawn hadn’t been dethatched in years.

The Greenworks’ 10-amp motor was solid for lighter jobs, but I had to take it slow in denser spots to avoid bogging it down.

If your lawn has heavy thatch buildup, the Sun Joe is the better bet. For average lawns with moderate thatch, the Greenworks holds its own.

• Cutting Width and Efficiency

The Greenworks’ 14-inch cutting width is a small but noticeable advantage. On my quarter-acre lawn, it shaved off a few minutes compared to the Sun Joe’s 13-inch path. That said, the Sun Joe’s AirBoost technology, with 24 spring steel tines, seemed to pull up more thatch per pass.

I collected a bigger pile with the Sun Joe, but the Greenworks covered ground faster. If speed is your priority, Greenworks wins; if you want maximum thatch removal, Sun Joe takes it.

• Depth Adjustment and Versatility

The Sun Joe’s 5-position depth control is a clear winner for precision. I could tweak the settings to avoid tearing up healthy grass while still getting deep enough to remove thatch. The Greenworks’ 3-position adjustment was simpler but less flexible.

I found myself wishing for an extra setting when working on uneven patches. The Sun Joe’s scarifier attachment also adds versatility, making it a 2-in-1 tool for dethatching and soil aeration. If you want a multi-tasker, Sun Joe is the way to go.

• Ease of Use and Maneuverability

Both machines are corded, so you’ll need a heavy-duty extension cord (100-150 feet worked for me). The Greenworks is lighter and easier to push, especially on slopes. Its padded grips and straightforward controls made it feel intuitive.

The Sun Joe, while heavier, has larger back wheels that helped with balance on flat ground. However, its plastic depth adjustment handle was stiff and annoying to adjust mid-job. For tight spaces or small yards, the Sun Joe’s narrower deck was easier to navigate.

• Cleanup and Maintenance

The Sun Joe’s 8-gallon bag is a mixed blessing. It’s great for small lawns, but on my larger yard, it filled up after a few passes, forcing me to stop and empty it constantly. I ended up removing it and raking the thatch later.

The Greenworks skips the bag entirely, so you’re raking or mowing up the thatch no matter what. Both machines are low-maintenance—no gas or oil to worry about—but the Greenworks’ 4-year warranty gives me more peace of mind than the Sun Joe’s 2-year coverage.

• Price and Value

Price-wise, the Greenworks is usually $20-$40 cheaper, making it the budget-friendly pick. I snagged mine for around $120 on sale, while the Sun Joe was closer to $150. The Sun Joe’s scarifier and bag justify the higher cost for some, but I didn’t find the bag useful for my yard size.

The Greenworks’ longer warranty and lower price make it a better value for casual users. If you’re a lawn enthusiast who wants the scarifier, the Sun Joe’s extra features might be worth the splurge.

My Experience With Sun Joe And Greenworks Dethatcher

To give you a clear picture, I put both dethatchers through their paces on my 9,000-square-foot lawn. I dethatched in early spring, right as my grass was waking up. Here’s how it went.

With the Sun Joe, I started with the dethatching cylinder and set it to a middle depth. The 12-amp motor ripped through the thatch, pulling up an alarming amount of dead grass. I switched to the scarifier for a small section, and it cut grooves that made overseeding a breeze later.

The bag filled up after about 50 feet, so I ditched it and mowed over the thatch to collect it. Total time: about 4 hours, including cleanup.

The Greenworks was faster thanks to its wider cutting path. I finished dethatching in about 3.5 hours, but I had to rake everything afterward, which added another 30 minutes. The 10-amp motor handled most areas well, but I had to go over a few thick patches twice.

The lighter weight made it less tiring to push, and the simple controls were a plus for my tired brain after a long day.

Both left my lawn looking rough at first, but within a couple of weeks, the grass was greener and thicker. The Sun Joe’s scarifier gave a slight edge in regrowth, but the Greenworks’ results were nearly as good for less money.

Which Dethatcher Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your lawn’s needs and your priorities. If you’ve got a small to medium lawn with thick thatch, the Sun Joe AJ801E is your best bet. Its powerful motor, scarifier attachment, and precise depth control make it ideal for tackling tough jobs and promoting long-term lawn health.

The collection bag is a bonus for tiny yards, but don’t rely on it for bigger spaces.

If you’re on a budget or have a medium-sized lawn with moderate thatch, the Greenworks 27022 is a solid pick. Its wider cutting path and lighter weight make it efficient and easy to use, and the 4-year warranty adds value. Just be prepared to rake up the thatch yourself.

For me, the Greenworks edged out slightly because of its affordability and speed, but I missed the Sun Joe’s scarifier when I wanted to aerate the soil. If I had a smaller yard, I’d lean toward the Sun Joe for its versatility.

Tips For Dethatching Like A Pro

After using both machines, I picked up a few tricks to make dethatching easier:

• Mow your lawn short (about half its normal height) before dethatching to avoid clogging the tines.
• Use a heavy-duty extension cord (at least 12-gauge) to prevent power loss.
• Dethatch in early spring or early fall when grass is actively growing.
• Overseed and topdress after dethatching to boost regrowth.
• Don’t dethatch every year—once every 4-5 years is enough for most lawns.

Also Read: Comparison of Sun Joe AJ805E And AJ801E Electric Lawn Dethatchers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Make Your Lawn The Envy of The Neighborhood

You’ve got two solid options with the Sun Joe AJ801E and Greenworks 27022, and I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world performance to help you choose. If you want power, precision, and a scarifier for a small to medium lawn, go with the Sun Joe.

If you’re after affordability, speed, and a longer warranty for a medium-sized yard, the Greenworks is your pick. Whichever you choose, dethatching will breathe new life into your lawn, and you’ll be the one with the greenest grass on the block.