Sun Joe vs Greenworks Dethatcher: Which One Should You Roll Onto Your Lawn?
If you’ve got spongy turf, thin patches, or a layer of brown fuzz choking your grass roots, a dethatcher can be a game-changer. Two names pop up again and again: Sun Joe and Greenworks. I’ve used both on cool-season lawns in spring and fall, and while they’re similar in price and purpose, they feel different in the hands and leave a slightly different finish. Here’s my straight-from-the-yard comparison to help you pick the right dethatcher for your lawn and budget.
Quick Take: How They Differ at a Glance
- Sun Joe (AJ801E/AJ805E and 48V iON+ cordless) tends to offer more depth settings and often includes a scarifier cylinder for deeper renovation.
- Greenworks (popular 27022 corded and newer cordless options) offers a wider path on the corded model and a simpler, lighter feel that’s easy to push and store.
- Sun Joe’s motor on popular corded units is typically more powerful on paper; Greenworks’ corded dethatcher has a slightly wider working width.
- If you want aggressive renovation in one box, Sun Joe’s 2-in-1 dethatcher/scarifier bundle is hard to beat. If you want straightforward thatch removal with minimal fuss, Greenworks nails the basics.
Build, Power, and Working Width
Sun Joe: Muscle with Fine Control
Sun Joe’s best-known corded models (AJ801E at 12.6 inches and the wider AJ805E at 15 inches) pair a punchy motor with multiple depth settings. That extra motor oomph shows up when you push into thicker turf or slightly damp thatch — the machine resists bogging and it recovers quickly. On my rye/fescue mix, the Sun Joe pulled deeply without stalling, especially with the scarifier drum installed.
I also appreciate Sun Joe’s finer depth adjustment. It’s easier to sneak up on that “just right” height where you’re lifting dead material without gouging crowns. The included scarifier drum (in most “2-in-1” packages) is a big plus for overseeding prep.
Greenworks: Wider Path and Simple Function
Greenworks’ classic corded dethatcher (often seen as model 27022) sports a 14-inch working width and a straightforward 3-position depth control. It’s smooth and uncomplicated — you set the height, squeeze the bail, and it goes. In my tests, it cruised over 4,000 square feet with less hand fatigue and a “lighter on the lawn” feel.
It’s a touch less aggressive out of the box than Sun Joe’s scarifier option, but that’s not a knock — for routine thatch cleanups where you don’t want to tear things up too much, that gentler touch is a big win.
Tines, Drums, and What They Do to Your Grass
Spring Tines vs Scarifying Blades
Both brands use spring-steel tines on their dethatcher drums that comb out dead material. Sun Joe often packages a second cylinder with rigid blades (scarifier) to slice into the surface and encourage new growth. Greenworks focuses on the dethatching side with spring tines; on the popular corded model there isn’t typically a blade drum included.
Here’s how that plays out on your lawn:
- Spring tines (both brands): Great for annual thatch removal and pre-seeding cleanups. Less risk of turf damage when set properly.
- Scarifier blades (Sun Joe): Better for renovation and seedbed prep. They open the soil surface and thin thick stolons, but they can look rough for a week or two.
In my yard, the Sun Joe scarifier drum made overseeding fescue a breeze. On the flip side, the Greenworks dethatcher left the lawn camera-ready by the next day because it didn’t slice as aggressively.
Corded vs Cordless: Which Way to Go?
Both brands now have cordless dethatcher options that run on their respective battery platforms. Cordless dethatching is liberating — no cord tango, fewer stops, and easier maneuvering around trees and beds. But the trade-offs are run time and cost.
- Sun Joe cordless (48V iON+ 13–15-inch models): Good power, especially with two batteries. Run time is typically enough for small-to-medium lawns; larger areas may need a battery swap.
- Greenworks cordless (various 40V/48V/60V models depending on availability): Smooth operation and nice balance. If you already own Greenworks batteries, the value improves quickly.
If you have 2,000–5,000 square feet and already own compatible batteries, cordless can be totally worth it. For larger lawns or the best value per dollar, corded still wins.
Assembly, Handling, and Storage
Sun Joe: Slightly Heavier, Feature-Rich
Sun Joe’s handle folds quickly and the drum swap is straightforward. It feels a bit heavier than the Greenworks in hand (especially the 2-in-1 models), which helps it bite into matted thatch but can feel like more work on hills. The deck is durable plastic with metal where it counts. Cable routing is tidy once you clip it all in.
Greenworks: Lightweight and Effortless
The Greenworks corded dethatcher is extremely easy to assemble, and its lighter feel translates to less fatigue during long runs. The 14-inch path means fewer passes, and the wheels roll easily even on bumpy sections. For quick storage, the handle folds and the slim deck slides neatly along a garage wall.
Depth Adjustments and Scalping Risk
This is the make-or-break setting on either machine. Both can scalp if you go too deep too soon — especially on uneven lawns. Sun Joe’s finer depth increments give you a safer ramp-up, while Greenworks’ three settings keep you from overthinking it. My best results on both brands come from starting high and stepping down incrementally.
- Pro tip: Mow short first (around 2 inches for cool-season, slightly higher for warm-season), then dethatch.
- Aim to lift dead material, not green runners. If you see lots of green in the catcher, raise the height.
Performance on Different Lawn Types
- Cool-season lawns (fescue, rye, bluegrass): Both brands shine. Sun Joe’s scarifier drum is excellent before overseeding; Greenworks’ dethatcher is perfect for spring cleanup without tearing.
- Warm-season lawns (Bermuda, zoysia, St. Augustine): Dethatching can be more aggressive by nature. Sun Joe’s scarifier helps with renovation; for routine maintenance, keep either machine set high to avoid crown damage. Always dethatch during active growth windows.
- Lumpy or thatch-heavy yards: Sun Joe’s extra motor punch and finer settings help you tune the bite. For very thatchy lawns, plan on two lighter passes rather than one deep pass.
Noise, Vibration, and Comfort
Both brands are quieter than gas and live comfortably in the “power tool hum” category. Sun Joe felt a tad more energetic in the hands when running the scarifier drum — not unpleasant, just more feedback. Greenworks is smooth and easy on the wrists during long sessions.
Price and Warranty Considerations
Prices fluctuate with sales, but both sit in the affordable DIY range. Historically, Sun Joe’s 2-in-1 dethatcher/scarifier kits sometimes cost a little more than Greenworks’ straightforward dethatcher, but you’re getting that extra drum. Warranty terms vary by model and region; Sun Joe typically offers about two years, and Greenworks often lists longer coverage on many corded tools. As always, check the specific model’s warranty at purchase time.
Bagging and Clean-Up
Both brands may include small collection bags, but don’t expect them to keep up with a heavy thatch pull. I almost always skip the bag and rake or mow-vac afterward. For big jobs, a lawn sweeper behind a mower saves a ton of time.
What I Learned Using Both
On my 4,000-square-foot front lawn, I ran the Greenworks dethatcher in early spring at a conservative setting and had the lawn looking tidy immediately. In fall, I swapped to the Sun Joe with the scarifier drum, set it a notch deeper, and created the perfect seedbed for overseeding. Both left me happy — just for different reasons.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose Sun Joe if:
- You want a 2-in-1 tool with an included scarifier drum for deeper renovation and overseeding prep.
- You prefer finer depth adjustments for dialing in exactly how aggressive you’re being.
- Your lawn has stubborn thatch, or you plan to do renovation-level work once a year.
Choose Greenworks if:
- You want a simple, smooth, and effective dethatcher for routine seasonal cleanup.
- You value a slightly wider path on popular corded models for fewer passes.
- You prefer a lighter-feeling machine that’s easy to maneuver and store.
Tips for Better Results with Either Brand
- Time it right: Dethatch during active growth (spring for cool-season, late spring to midsummer for warm-season).
- Pre-mow: Cut the lawn shorter than usual to help tines reach the thatch layer.
- Start high: Begin at a shallow setting and work down gradually.
- Use a proper extension cord: For corded models, use a 12- or 14-gauge outdoor cord under 100 feet to avoid voltage drop.
- Clean up thoroughly: Rake, mow-vac, or sweep to remove debris — then water and feed lightly.
- Overseed after scarifying: If you run Sun Joe’s blade drum, take advantage and overseed right away for rapid thickening.
Final Verdict: Both Are Winners — Match the Tool to Your Task
Sun Joe vs Greenworks dethatcher isn’t a case of good vs bad — it’s about what kind of job you want to do. If you need renovation muscle and the flexibility of a scarifier drum, Sun Joe’s 2-in-1 models are fantastic. If you want a reliable, easy-to-handle dethatcher for seasonal cleanups that leaves the lawn looking neat the same day, Greenworks is a joy to use. Personally, I keep both in the shed: Greenworks for quick spring passes, Sun Joe for fall tune-ups and overseeding prep. Either way, your lawn will breathe easier — and so will you when you see that fresh green bounce back.
