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    Sun Joe AJ801E Review

    THE BOTTOM LINE
    The Sun Joe AJ801E is an incredible tool that offers decent performance for most domestic gardens. The dual function of a scarifying and dethatching makes it an incredible tool for garden lovers who want to do more with their lawn.
    PROS
    Well-priced
    Easy to maneuver
    Works well
    CONS
    Small collection bag
    4.3
    RATING

    Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier w/Removeable 8-Gallon Collection Bag, 5-Position Height Adjustment, Airboost Technology Increases Lawn Health, 13 inch, Green
    Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier w/Removeable 8-Gallon Collection Bag, 5-Position Height Adjustment, Airboost Technology...
    $159.99
    Amazon.com
    Amazon price updated: January 21, 2026 4:23 pm

    If you’re in the market for an electric dethatcher and scarifier for the home lawn, then the Sun Joe AJ801E is the best you can get for little money. While not as versatile as the battery-powered Greenworks 2-in-1 dethatcher, it still rips up moss and works its way through thatch with no problem.

    Like the Greenworks, it has five height settings which are set easily by a lever. As always, it’s recommended to start on the higher settings and lower the trim as you go to avoid ruining your lawn. Again, maneuvering it is easy and pretty straightforward, as it weighs only 27 pounds.

    Well, for a cheap scarifier, it’s pretty good!

    Sun Joe AJ801E Key Features

    • Path width: 13 inches
    • Power: 12 amp
    • Power Type: Electric
    • Item Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 12.5 inches
    • Material: Steel
    • Item Weight: 27 Pounds

    Light and Powerful

    The Sun Joe AJ801E comes in a nice package, and assembling it is straightforward. You just need a few minutes to put it together, then afterward you just need to tighten a few screws, four knobs, and bolts. Once you sort the cable and extension cord, everything is ready to go. The machine is self-propelled, meaning it dies all the work, all you have to do is walk it.

    It comes with a safety button for user protection alongside an instant start feature that turns on the machine with a simple press of the button. For an economy machine, I think this is one of the best features to be included here.

    Sun Joe AJ801E front

    For starters, the Sun Joe AJ801E looks small and appears a little flimsy, especially when unboxing it. However, that might not be the case after using it. Like any lawn care machine, it does a nice job removing debris in one or two passes, without breaking down.

    The machine is very lightweight as it is made of plastic, but it’s heavy grade plastic so you don’t have to worry about it cracking. It comes with foldable handles that allow for compact storage, in addition to the small design, meaning you don’t need a lot of storage space.

    Efficient and Easy to Use

    Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier with 8-Gal Bag, 12.6-Inch...
    • High-Powered Performance: Equipped with a 12-amp motor, this versatile dethatcher and...
    • Customizable Depth Control: Adjust the 5-position height settings to tailor dethatching...
    • Enhanced Aeration for Lush Growth: The scarifier function cuts into grass roots, improving...

    Dethatching involves removing unwanted materials from your lawn to allow for nutrients, water, and other stimulants to penetrate the soil.  As such, with a small dual-function detacher and scarifier you can maintain your lawn effortlessly. It comes with two blades, one for dethatching and one for scarifying, you can pair it later with a GreenWorks 25022 lawn mower to achieve the perfect level.

    As a 2-in-1 lawn care machine, the Sun Joe AJ801E stands out as great overall value as compared to standalone scarifiers or dethatchers. All you need to do is replace the dethatcher blade with that of the scarifier cartridge by removing the two bolts and scarifying as the new function, making reseeding a targeted area easier and fasters.

    Sun Joe AJ801E tools

    That said, the machine comes with a collection bag, but it’s too small for my liking. It can collect minimal thatch and debris, meaning that if you have a slightly big lawn, you’ll need to empty the bag one pass.

    Another drawback must be cord management. It constantly gets in your way, which is a little annoying to deal with. However, that comes down to the user and not the manufacturer. To avoid that, simply start closer to the cord outlet and work your way outwards to avoid the electrical cord around you.

    Otherwise, with the functions and benefits it offers, the Sun Joe AJ801E is of immense value for your lawn care needs. It will save you lots of money and effort, especially if you’ve been renting a gas-powered machine or paying landscapers for supplemental treatment.

    Verdict

    Overall, the Sun Joe AJ801E is an incredible tool that offers decent performance for most domestic gardens. Due to how light it is, it makes it easy to maneuver and store. With the adjustable levels for the scarifier and dethatching function plus the added safety features, the Sun Joe AJ801E is an excellent choice for garden lovers who want to do more with their lawn.

    Last update on 2026-01-21 at 16:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

    Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier w/Removeable 8-Gallon Collection Bag, 5-Position Height Adjustment, Airboost Technology Increases Lawn Health, 13 inch, Green
    Sun Joe AJ801E 12-Amp 13-Inch Electric Dethatcher and Scarifier w/Removeable 8-Gallon Collection Bag, 5-Position Height Adjustment, Airboost Technology...
    $159.99
    Amazon.com
    Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier, DT13B00
    Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier, DT13B00
    $144.86
    Amazon.com
    Amazon price updated: January 21, 2026 4:23 pm

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    In some of our articles and especially in our reviews, you will find affiliate links.For more information, you can read our full disclaimer.

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