Still deciding between the Sun Joe AJ805E and AJ801E? I was in the same spot when I needed a dethatcher for my yard. After using both tools for a full season, I’ve learned what they can—and can’t—handle.
I tried them on thick thatch, light debris, and everything in between. In this quick guide, I’ll show you how they compare so you can pick the right one and skip the guesswork.
Table of Contents
Sun Joe AJ805E Review: My Honest Take After a Season of Use
If your lawn still looks tired—even after all the water and care you give it—it might be time to deal with thatch. That’s the layer of dead grass that builds up and stops new growth.
That’s where the Sun Joe AJ805E comes in. It’s a dethatcher and scarifier combo that I used all spring and summer. I’ve had the chance to really test it—and I’ve got a lot to say.
Whether you’re just getting into lawn care or you’ve been at it for years, this review should help you decide if it’s the right tool for you.
What I Like
Let’s start with what made me smile right away.
- Strong 15-Amp Motor: This thing packs power. It tore through thick thatch fast. It didn’t dig too deep or too light—it hit just the right spot.
- 13-Inch Wide Path: It covers more ground than the AJ801E I also tested. That means fewer passes and less time out in the sun.
- Easy Depth Control:You get five depth settings. I loved how quick it was to adjust with the side lever. This helped a lot when switching between dry and damp soil.
- Collection Bag Included: The bag isn’t huge, but it helps with light jobs. For thick thatch, I still had to rake. But for weekly or monthly upkeep, the bag saved time.
- AirBoost Tech: Sun Joe says it improves airflow—and I could feel it. It helped fluff the grass while lifting up the dead stuff.
What Could Be Better
No tool is perfect, and this one has a few quirks.
- Small Bag: If your lawn hasn’t been dethatched in years, the bag fills up fast. I had to stop and dump it every 2–3 minutes. Fine for upkeep—not great for deep cleaning.
- Cord Is a Hassle: This is a corded tool, so be ready to move the cord a lot. I used a 100-ft heavy-duty extension cord and still had to be careful not to run over it.
- Scarifier Is Strong: The scarifier blades dig deep. On the lowest setting, it can pull up live grass. I suggest testing in a small spot first.
My Backyard Experience
I first used the AJ805E in early spring. My yard looked flat, dry, and sad after winter. But after one pass, I saw soil again.
It pulled up thick layers of moss and dead grass I didn’t even know were there. The lawn looked bare at first—but in two weeks, green shoots started popping up.
Performance Overview
| Feature | Rating | Notes |
| Thatch Removal Power | 5/5 | Dug up deep thatch without scalping the grass. |
| Ease of Use | 4/5 | Lightweight but needs cord awareness. |
| Collection Bag Size | 3/5 | Handy for light use, too small for big jobs. |
| Build Quality | 4/5 | Mostly plastic but feels sturdy; no rattling or flexing during use. |
| Adjustment Mechanism | 5/5 | Super intuitive lever-style depth control. |
| Scarifier Performance | 4/5 | Great for root-level rejuvenation, but not beginner-friendly. |
Who Should Buy the AJ805E?
Get this dethatcher if:
- Your lawn is under 10,000 sq. ft.
- You want a plug-and-play tool—no gas, no fuss
- You like having both dethatcher and scarifier functions
- You’re on a tight budget but still want strong results
Skip it if you have a huge yard or want something more heavy-duty for pro-level work.
Final Thoughts
The Sun Joe AJ805E is like a helpful friend who just shows up and gets the job done. It’s strong, simple to use, and great for small to medium lawns.
The cord and small bag can be annoying—but for the price, I think it’s a smart pick. If you want to bring your lawn back to life without spending a ton, this tool is worth it.
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Sun Joe AJ801E Review: A Compact Powerhouse for Lawn Revival
If your lawn feels soft and bouncy underfoot—but not in a good way—you may have a thatch problem. Thatch is that dead layer of grass and junk that builds up and blocks water, air, and nutrients.
That’s what happened to me. I tried the Sun Joe AJ801E, and the results were quick and clear.
This model is a small electric dethatcher and scarifier. It’s built for DIY homeowners with smaller lawns. I used it early in the spring and again later in the season. Here’s what I found.
What I Like
For a compact machine, this thing pulls its weight.
12.6-Inch Cutting Width
The narrow path is great for tight spaces. I could work around flower beds and trees without damage.
- 12.5-Amp Motor: It’s not the biggest, but it still worked well on thick thatch. It was quieter than I expected, too.
- 5 Depth Settings: Switching depths was fast and easy. I used the shallow setting on dry areas and went deeper in mossy spots.
- Scarifier Tool: Swapping the blade was quick. I used the scarifier to loosen the soil before spreading seed. It made the lawn ready for new growth.
- Light and Easy to Move: It weighs less than 30 lbs. I carried it with one hand and stored it in my shed with no trouble. It also handled hills well.
What Could Be Better
This is a solid tool—but not perfect.
- Small Bag: The collection bag fills fast. I had to stop every few minutes on thick patches. It’s fine for upkeep, not great for deep jobs.
- Not for Big Lawns: If your yard is over 10,000 sq. ft., this isn’t the tool for you. It’ll take too long and feel underpowered.
- Mostly Plastic: The plastic body helps keep it light, but it’s not built for rough use. Mine held up fine, but I wouldn’t leave it out in bad weather.
My Backyard Experience
The first time I used the AJ801E, my grass was full of moss and dead stuff. After one pass, I was shocked by how much came out. The green grass underneath looked better right away.
A few weeks later, I used the scarifier and then reseeded. It gave the seeds a better chance to grow. Two months later, my lawn was thick and lush.
Best part? No gas, no oil. Just plug it in and go. Clean-up was quick—just hose off the base and store it.
Performance Overview
| Feature | Rating | Notes |
| Thatch Removal | 4.5/5 | Strong for its size—best for small to mid-sized lawns |
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | Lightweight, intuitive, and quiet |
| Collection Bag | 3/5 | Helps with light use—too small for dense thatch |
| Depth Control | 5/5 | Five easy settings that adjust in seconds |
| Build Quality | 4/5 | Mostly plastic but holds up if handled with care |
| Scarifier Tool | 4.5/5 | Ideal for prep before overseeding |
Who Should Buy the Sun Joe AJ801E?
This tool is for you if:
- Your lawn is under ¼ acre
- You want a simple, plug-in tool
- You need a dethatcher and scarifier in one
- You’re on a budget
Skip it if:
- You have a large yard
- You want a cordless or gas option
- You need to tackle thick thatch in one go
Final Thoughts
The Sun Joe AJ801E may be small, but it gets the job done. If you have a modest-sized lawn and want to skip the rake, this tool is a smart choice.
It’s quiet, easy to use, and stores without fuss. Yes, the bag fills fast and the cord takes some getting used to—but for the price, those are small trade-offs.
Still unsure between this and the AJ805E? Think about how much lawn you have and how tough the job will be. Both work well—the AJ801E just fits a smaller space and a lighter workload.
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Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E: Which Dethatcher Is Right for Your Lawn?
I’ve used both the Sun Joe AJ805E and AJ801E over one full season. As someone who’s done a lot of dethatching, I wanted to see how these two stack up.
They’re both solid electric tools—no gas, no oil, and easy on the wallet. But they serve slightly different needs. If you’re not sure which one to choose, this simple guide should help.
Cutting Width: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Cutting Width | Notes |
| AJ805E | 13 inches | Covers more space—great for big yards |
| AJ801E | 12.6 inches | Better for tight spots and small lawns |
The difference is small, but it matters. I finished quicker with the AJ805E. But the AJ801E handled corners and flower beds with ease.
Rating: AJ805E – 9/10 | AJ801E – 8/10
Cutting Height Adjustment: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Height Settings | Notes |
| AJ805E | 5 positions | Side lever—easy to use on all soil types |
| AJ801E | 5 positions | Same lever, works just as well |
Both models have five settings, and both are easy to adjust. I switched depths in seconds—no tools needed.
Rating: AJ805E – 10/10 | AJ801E – 10/10
Motor Power: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Motor | Notes |
| AJ805E | 15 Amp | More power for thick thatch |
| AJ801E | 12.5 Amp | Quieter, but slower on heavy spots |
The AJ805E handled deep layers without slowing down. The AJ801E was fine for light thatch but needed more passes on tougher areas.
Rating: AJ805E – 9.5/10 | AJ801E – 8/10
Maneuverability: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Weight | Notes |
| AJ805E | ~27 lbs | Heavier, but still easy to push |
| AJ801E | ~24.5 lbs | Very light—great for hills and storage |
The AJ801E wins here. I lifted it with one hand and had no trouble steering it around.
Rating: AJ805E – 8/10 | AJ801E – 9.5/10
Grass Disposal: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Collection Bag | Notes |
| AJ805E | Included | Small—fills fast on big jobs |
| AJ801E | Included | Same bag, same problem |
Both come with a small bag. It’s fine for touch-ups but not great for thick thatch. I ended up raking on both.
Rating: AJ805E – 6.5/10 | AJ801E – 6.5/10
Noise Level: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Noise | Notes |
| AJ805E | Medium | Louder with more vibration |
| AJ801E | Quiet | Runs smoother and softer |
Both are quieter than gas models, but the AJ801E was clearly the softer, smoother ride.
Rating: AJ805E – 7.5/10 | AJ801E – 9/10
Ease of Use: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Handling | Notes |
| AJ805E | Simple setup | Takes more space |
| AJ801E | Plug and go | Small and easy to store |
Both were easy to put together. The AJ801E is just easier to store and carry.
Rating: AJ805E – 8/10 | AJ801E – 9.5/10
Value for Money: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Product | Price | Notes |
| AJ805E | Mid-range | More power for your dollar |
| AJ801E | Budget-friendly | Great value for small lawns |
Both give you a good bang for your buck. Just pick based on your yard size and needs.
Rating: AJ805E – 9/10 | AJ801E – 9.5/10
Overall Scores: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
| Feature | AJ805E | AJ801E |
| Cutting Width | 9 | 8 |
| Height Adjustment | 10 | 10 |
| Motor Power | 9.5 | 8 |
| Maneuverability | 8 | 9.5 |
| Disposal Method | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Noise Level | 7.5 | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 9.5 |
| Value for Money | 9 | 9.5 |
| Total Score | 67/80 | 70/80 |
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the AJ805E if:
- Your yard is 7,000–10,000 sq. ft.
- You deal with thick thatch
- You want more power and wider coverage
Go with the AJ801E if:
- You have a smaller lawn
- You need something light and compact
- You want to save a few bucks without losing quality
Both tools will help revive your lawn and save your back from raking. The choice comes down to yard size, storage space, and how tough the job is.
FAQs: Sun Joe AJ805E vs AJ801E
What’s the main difference between the Sun Joe AJ805E and AJ801E?
The AJ805E has a wider path and more power, making it better for larger lawns. The AJ801E is smaller and easier to handle in tight areas.
Which dethatcher is better for small lawns?
The Sun Joe AJ801E is better for small yards. It’s lighter, more compact, and easy to move around flower beds and trees.
Does the Sun Joe AJ805E remove more thatch than the AJ801E?
Yes, the AJ805E has a stronger motor and wider blade path. It handles thick thatch faster, which is great for medium-sized lawns.
Are both models good for reseeding prep?
Yes, both come with a scarifier attachment. This helps loosen soil before seeding, giving new grass a better chance to grow.
Which dethatcher is easier to store and carry?
The AJ801E is easier to store and lift. It weighs less and fits better in small sheds or garages.
