As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.

Selecting the right outdoor equipment requires balancing cutting mechanics, available power sources, and lawn footprint. When managing turf around residential properties, home workshops, or studio yard areas, lawn care equipment must handle distinct tasks efficiently without demanding excessive storage space. Homeowners and property managers often face the decision between traditional rotary mowing for standard grass heights, precision reel cutting for low-profile turf, and specialized dethatching equipment designed to revitalize compacted or moss-choked soil. Each mechanism serves a particular phase of turf health, meaning that choosing the correct machine depends directly on your grass species, terrain, and desired maintenance schedule.

The Sun Joe turf care collection is organized around two primary operational goals: routine grass trimming and restorative lawn cultivation. Within the cutting category, the catalog provides both rotary push mowers powered by a combined 48-volt system and scissor-action reel mowers operating on the 24-volt IONMAX platform, available as complete starter kits or bare tools. For restorative care, the lineup offers corded electric and battery-powered scarifiers and dethatchers engineered to remove dead thatch layers and slice root networks. Understanding how these platforms handle power delivery, deck width, and cutting height ensures you can establish a practical workflow tailored to your yard setup.

This guide by the numbers

9.8/10

Best rated model

Our highest score in this line-up

5

Models on file

Models in this guide that have a stored product record

1

Brand involved

Distinct brand names on the product records used here

Prices and specifications come from the stored Amazon listing data for the products in this article. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback.

Sun Joe Lawn Mowers Lineup at a Glance

Model Mechanism Type Power Delivery Working Width Bag Capacity & Height Adjustments
24V-X2-17LM Rotary Steel Blade Dual 24V (48V Total) Cordless 17 Inches 11-Gallon Bag / 6 Positions (1″ to 3″)
24V-CRLM15 5-Blade RAZOREEL Single 24V Cordless Kit 15 Inches 11.9-Gallon Bag / 4 Positions (0.6″ to 2.0″)
24V-CRLM15-CT 5-Blade RAZOREEL Single 24V (Tool Only) 15 Inches 11.9-Gallon Bag / 4 Positions (0.6″ to 2.0″)
AJ801E Spring Steel Dethatcher / Scarifier 12-Amp Corded Electric 12.6 Inches 8-Gallon Bag / 5 Depth Settings
24V-X2-DTS15 Dethatching & Scarifying Cylinders Dual 24V (48V Total) Cordless 15 Inches 10.6-Gallon Bag / 5 Depth Settings (-0.375″ to 0.4″)

The Models in Detail

01

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower, 24V-X2-17LM

Best for: Cord-free yard dethatching and scarifying

Pros

  • Dual interchangeable cylinders included
  • Brushless 600W 48V motor
  • 6-gallon collection bag
  • Includes two batteries and charger

Cons

  • Heavier 36.4-pound overall weight
Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn

9.8/10Our score

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Low-cut turf needing a complete kit

Pros

  • 5-blade RAZOREEL shearing system
  • 9-gallon collection bag
  • Includes 4.0-Ah battery and charger
  • Cuts down to 0.6 inches

Cons

  • Capped at 2.0 inches maximum height
Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn

8.4/10Our score

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Small lawns needing traditional rotary bagging

Pros

  • 17-inch steel cutting blade
  • Brushless 670W motor
  • Includes two 4.0-Ah batteries
  • 6-position height adjustment

Cons

  • Up to 25 minutes runtime

The Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn mower model 24V-X2-17LM is engineered as a standard rotary walk-behind solution for small to mid-sized residential grass areas. At the center of its operation is a 670-watt brushless motor designed to run cooler and provide extended operational longevity compared to traditional brushed motors. The unit spins a 17-inch durable steel blade that cuts cleanly in a single pass, making it well-suited for regular residential mowing schedules. Energy is supplied by a dual-battery system consisting of two 24V 4.0-Ah lithium-ion packs, generating 48 volts of total power to deliver up to 25 minutes of cordless runtime. The included dual-port charger allows both batteries to recharge simultaneously, maintaining an organized charging cycle.

Managing cut clippings is streamlined through an 11-gallon fabric collection bag equipped with a built-in indicator window. This window enables operators to monitor thatch accumulation and recognize when the bag requires emptying without stopping mid-stride. Height management is handled through a single 6-position adjustment lever that shifts cutting clearance from 1 inch up to 3 inches, accommodating standard seasonal grass heights. Weighing 33.8 pounds, the machine is agile enough to navigate around garden perimeters, walkways, and workshop outbuildings, while its walk-behind frame remains simple to store upright in crowded storage areas.

This rotary machine suits property owners who want a straightforward bagging walk-behind mower that handles uneven growth, light weed patches, and varied grass varieties. The sun joe 24V-X2-17LM provides the higher ground clearance and impact-cutting dynamics necessary for turf maintained above two inches. However, for fine turf varieties that demand clean scissor-like shearing at low heights, this rotary deck gives way to the brand’s dedicated cylinder reel mowers.

02

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower, 24V-CRLM15

Taking a different mechanical approach to grass grooming, the Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn reel mower kit model 24V-CRLM15 replaces the spinning horizontal rotary blade with a 15-inch 5-blade RAZOREEL system. Driven by a 360-watt electric motor, the cylinder reel shears grass blades against a stationary bedknife in a scissor-style action, preserving moisture within the grass plant and reducing frayed leaf tips. Powered by an included 24-volt 4.0-Ah battery and dedicated charger, this model provides battery-assisted cylinder spinning while operating in manual push mode, significantly cutting down the physical exertion required compared to purely mechanical reel mowers.

Cutting height adjustment on the 24V-CRLM15 is dialed in via a 4-position manual lever that spans from 0.6 inches up to 2.0 inches. This specialized height spectrum makes it exceptionally effective for low-profile warm-season turfgrasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia, and buffalograss, as well as tightly cropped cool-season cultivars. The package includes an 11.9-gallon collection bag positioned at the rear to capture fine clippings, keeping manicured surfaces free from thatch buildup. With an overall weight of 33.6 pounds and compact footprint dimensions of 22 inches deep by 18 inches wide by 15 inches high, it remains highly portable for small studio lawns or courtyards.

This reel kit is tailored specifically for lawn enthusiasts aiming for golf-course-style precision on level turf without dealing with gasoline maintenance. As a dedicated sun joe reel mower, the sun joe 24V-CRLM15 performs best when grass is cut frequently at lower elevations. It relinquishes its advantage to rotary models whenever turf grows past two inches or when ground surfaces contain rough roots and fallen twigs that can jam cylinder blades.

03

Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless Push Reel Mower

Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless

Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless

8.8/10Our score

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Lawn owners already using IONMAX batteries

Pros

  • 5-blade RAZOREEL precision cutting
  • Lightweight 31.8-pound frame
  • 9-gallon rear collection bag

Cons

  • Battery and charger not included

The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless mower delivers the identical mechanical architecture and precision cutting capabilities of the CRLM15 platform, but is packaged as a bare tool without a battery or charger. It relies on the brand’s 360-watt motor to drive its 15-inch, 5-blade RAZOREEL mechanism. According to the listing specifications, pairing this bare tool with a standard 4.0-Ah IONMAX battery delivers up to 50 minutes of continuous runtime and can cover up to 4,910 square feet of level turf on a single charge. This configuration offers zero carbon emissions, quiet motor operation, and complete freedom from power cords.

Weighing in at 31.8 pounds without the battery pack, the 24V-CRLM15-CT is light and easy to steer through tight garden alleys, studio pathways, and narrow decorative borders. The 4-position manual height adjustment lever allows operators to select precise cut clearances of 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 inches. It also includes the full 11.9-gallon rear collection bag, ensuring clippings do not scatter over patios or pristine yard spaces. Owners who manage multiple outdoor power tools often rely on a shared sun joe lawn mower battery platform to power seasonal equipment without duplicating unnecessary chargers.

This bare-tool reel mower suits gardeners and homeowners who already own compatible 24-volt IONMAX batteries from previous tool purchases and need a dedicated fine-cut grooming unit. The sun joe 24V-CRLM15-CT offers a practical pathway to add cylinder mowing to your maintenance shed. However, shoppers who do not already own an IONMAX pack and charger should opt for the complete kit instead to avoid sourcing power components separately.

04

Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier, AJ801E

Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier

Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier

8.8/10Our score

Check price on Amazon

Best for: Unlimited runtime lawn thatch removal

Pros

  • 12-amp electric motor
  • Lightweight 27-pound design
  • Airboost spring steel tines
  • 5-position depth adjustment

Cons

  • Requires dedicated outdoor extension cord

Turf maintenance extends beyond cutting grass, and the corded Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier model AJ801E focuses specifically on sub-surface soil and root health. Driven by a robust 12-amp electric motor, this corded utility tool works across a 12.6-inch-wide path to clear out suffocating organic debris. It utilizes Airboost technology featuring durable spring steel tines that comb through turf to lift out dead moss, compressed grass clippings, and accumulated thatch that prevent moisture and nutrients from reaching the root zone.

In addition to surface power raking, the AJ801E functions as a scarifier, cutting into grass roots to stimulate root division, improve soil aeration, and promote thicker, greener grass growth. Depth management is controlled by a 5-position adjustment system, allowing operators to match tine depth to the specific density of the thatch layer. The machine features an 8-gallon removable collection bag to gather pulled thatch as you push, reducing post-raking cleanup. Weighing only 27 pounds, the AJ801E is the lightest turf tool in the lineup, making it agile and stress-free to maneuver over small to medium lawn sections.

This corded scarifier is suited for property owners with readily available exterior power outlets who undertake dedicated spring and autumn lawn renovations. The sun joe AJ801E provides relentless, continuous power without battery limits, ensuring dense thatch buildup is tackled thoroughly. However, yards requiring extensive reach beyond standard extension cord limits will find better mobility in the brand’s dual-battery cordless scarifier.

05

Sun Joe Cordless Scarifier & Dethatcher, 24V-X2-DTS15

For large-scale lawn rejuvenation without cord restrictions, the Sun Joe Cordless Scarifier & Dethatcher model 24V-X2-DTS15 brings heavy-duty restoration mechanics into a mobile format. Powered by two 24V 4.0-Ah lithium-ion batteries that create a 48-volt operating system, this machine incorporates a 600-watt brushless motor for quiet, gas-free performance. The 15-inch working deck features a true 2-in-1 modular design, packaging both a 24-tine spring steel dethatching cylinder for debris removal and a 7-blade scarifying cylinder that slices through embedded soil and root mats.

Operational control is managed via a 5-position depth knob that fine-tunes cylinder height from -0.375 inches below the soil surface up to 0.4 inches above ground. This broad range lets you choose between light thatch combing and aggressive root slicing for overseeding preparation. Collected debris is funneled into a spacious 10.6-gallon collection bag, providing 30 percent more capacity than the corded version to accommodate higher debris volumes. The kit comes complete with both cylinders, two 4.0-Ah batteries, and a dual-port charger, weighing in at 36.4 pounds for solid ground contact during deep passes.

This tool is ideal for expansive grounds, remote yard corners, and properties with intricate landscaping where power cords cannot safely reach. The sun joe 24V-X2-DTS15 provides the flexibility to alternate between dethatching and scarifying with minimal downtime. It represents a specialized seasonal tool that complements a regular mower, stepping aside once the seasonal restoration cycle is completed.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

  • Standard suburban yards with mixed grass heights: The rotary Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM handles varied grass conditions, offering 1 to 3 inches of height clearance, an 11-gallon collection bag, and 48-volt brushless power for routine weekly maintenance.
  • Boutique lawns and low-cut turf varieties: The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15 reel mower kit provides fine scissor-shearing between 0.6 and 2.0 inches, delivering clean edges on Bermuda, Zoysia, or manicured fine fescues without tearing leaf blades.
  • Workshops and sheds already stocked with 24V IONMAX gear: The bare-tool Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT enables property managers to leverage existing packs, delivering reel mowing performance across up to 4,910 square feet on a single 4.0-Ah charge.
  • Annual thatch cleanup on lots with accessible outdoor outlets: The corded Sun Joe AJ801E combines a 12-amp motor with a 12.6-inch path and 27-pound frame, offering continuous runtime for intensive spring raking.
  • Off-grid lawn renovation and perimeter turf slicing: The 48-volt Sun Joe 24V-X2-DTS15 offers cordless freedom, two interchangeable cylinders, and deep scarifying down to -0.375 inches for thorough seasonal lawn aeration.

Before You Buy

Reviewing product listings carefully prevents unexpected workflow disruptions when unpacking new yard equipment. For example, bare-tool models such as the 24V-CRLM15-CT do not include a battery or charging dock in the box. If you do not already possess a compatible 24-volt IONMAX battery pack, you will need to purchase one separately or select the complete kit. Similarly, corded machines like the AJ801E do not include an outdoor extension cord, requiring buyers to source a properly rated cord that matches the tool’s 12-amp draw and total operating distance.

In addition, coverage estimates and runtimes can vary significantly based on physical lawn conditions. The 24V-X2-17LM specifies up to 25 minutes of continuous runtime under typical loads, but tall grass, dense moisture, and low cutting adjustments increase motor resistance and deplete batteries faster. Utilizing a backup sunjoe lawnmower battery set ensures that larger projects or multi-stage dethatching jobs proceed without waiting for recharge cycles.

FAQ

Can Sun Joe 24V batteries be shared across different tools?

Yes, Sun Joe 24-volt IONMAX batteries are interchangeable across compatible tools within the ecosystem. Single-battery tools like the 24V-CRLM15 reel mower run on one 24V pack, whereas higher-demand platforms like the 24V-X2-17LM rotary mower and 24V-X2-DTS15 scarifier utilize two 24V batteries simultaneously to deliver 48 volts of total power.

What is the functional difference between a rotary mower and a reel mower?

A rotary mower uses a single high-speed horizontal blade to impact-cut grass tips, making it suitable for taller grass heights between 1 and 3 inches. A reel mower uses a horizontal cylinder with multiple helical blades to shear grass against a stationary cutter bar like a pair of scissors, providing a cleaner cut at lower heights between 0.6 and 2 inches.

Why would a yard need both a lawn mower and a dethatcher?

A lawn mower handles regular grass trimming to maintain height and aesthetic appeal. A dethatcher or scarifier is a seasonal tool used once or twice a year to remove compacted dead thatch, moss, and surface debris, allowing oxygen, water, and fertilizer to penetrate the soil and reach grass root systems.

How do the corded and cordless Sun Joe dethatchers differ?

The corded AJ801E uses a 12-amp electric motor, offers a 12.6-inch path, weighs 27 pounds, and requires an extension cord for continuous operation. The cordless 24V-X2-DTS15 runs on two 24V batteries (48V total), features a 15-inch path, weighs 36.4 pounds, and includes both a 24-tine spring steel dethatching drum and a 7-blade scarifying cylinder.

How should Sun Joe cordless mower batteries be maintained?

Lithium-ion batteries should be charged using the included dual-port or single-port chargers in dry environments. For optimal longevity, store batteries indoors in temperature-controlled spaces rather than unheated sheds or vehicles when not in use, and recharge depleted packs promptly after completing yard chores.