Lawn Care
Greenworks vs Sun Joe Dethatcher: 40V Cordless vs AJ805E Corded
Quick answer
Buy the Sun Joe AJ805E if you want the cheaper, corded machine and your lawn is within extension-cord reach: it comes with a collection bag and 5-position depth control. Buy the Greenworks 40V Dethatcher if you want to roam without a cord and already own Greenworks 40V batteries, since it ships as a bare tool.
Greenworks 40V 15 in. Dethatcher and Scarifier (Tool Only)
Under $250A cordless 15 in. 2-in-1 with swappable reels, sold as a bare tool.
Best for: thatch removal on small to mid lawns without a cord
Check price on AmazonSun Joe AJ805E 15 in Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier
Under $250A 13 amp corded 15 in. 2-in-1 with a collection bag.
Best for: yearly power raking on a budget
Check price on AmazonBoth machines have a 15 in. path and both swap between a dethatching reel and a scarifying reel. The decision is corded versus cordless. The Sun Joe AJ805E 15 in Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier (under $250) plugs into an outdoor extension cord. The Greenworks 40V 15 in. Dethatcher and Scarifier (Tool Only) (under $250) runs on a 40V battery you buy separately if you do not already own one.
Not sure you need to dethatch at all? Read dethatcher vs aerator first, and size the job with the lawn size calculator.
How do the Greenworks and Sun Joe dethatchers compare on specs?
Same width and same idea, different power source and price tier.
| Factor | Greenworks 40V | Sun Joe AJ805E |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | 40V battery (not included) | 13 amp corded |
| Path width | 15 in. | 15 in. |
| Reels | Swappable dethatching and scarifying reels | Scarifier reel with dethatching option |
| Depth control | Adjustable | 5 positions |
| Collection | Check the listing | Removable collection bag |
| Best for | Small to mid lawns without a cord | Yearly power raking on a budget |
| Budget | under $250 tool only | Under $250 |
Specs from the manufacturer listings and catalog. Confirm battery and cord requirements before you buy.
Which should you choose, Greenworks or Sun Joe?
Choose the Sun Joe AJ805E if:
- You want the lower price and do not need a battery.
- Your lawn is small enough to reach with a 100 ft outdoor-rated extension cord.
- You want a collection bag included.
Choose the Greenworks 40V Dethatcher if:
- You already own Greenworks 40V batteries and a charger.
- You do not want to manage a cord around trees and beds.
- You want swappable reels on a platform that also runs a trimmer, blower and other tools.
When and how often should you dethatch?
Dethatch cool-season lawns in early spring or early fall, and warm-season lawns in late spring to early summer, only when thatch is thicker than about half an inch. Most lawns do not need it every year. If compaction is the problem instead, an aerator is the right tool; see dethatcher vs aerator, then overseed afterward with the grass seed calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Greenworks or Sun Joe better for dethatching?
The Sun Joe AJ805E is the lower-cost corded option. The Greenworks 40V is cordless but is sold without a battery, so it only makes sense if you already own Greenworks 40V batteries.
Does the Greenworks dethatcher include a battery?
No. It is a tool-only listing, so you need a 40V battery and charger.
What is the difference between a dethatcher and a scarifier?
A dethatching reel pulls up surface thatch, while a scarifying reel cuts slits into the soil surface for seed contact. Both of these machines swap between the two.
How often should I dethatch?
Only when thatch is thicker than about half an inch, which for many lawns means every few years, not every year.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved.
