Sun Joe Corded Electric Lawn Dethatcher and Scarifier, 12-Amp, 12.6-Inch Cutting Width - Heavy-Duty Yard Trimmer and Mower Machine for Gardening Care and Maintenance, AJ798E

What It Is

The Sun Joe AJ798E is a corded electric lawn dethatcher and scarifier that removes thatch (dead grass) and moss from your lawn, and can also slice through soil to aerate. It’s a standalone machine—not a mower attachment—designed for small to medium residential lawns.

Fitment & Compatibility

• No mower attachment: This is a self-contained unit with its own motor and wheels, not a deck-mounted accessory. It fits any lawn, regardless of mower brand or model.
• Power source: Requires a standard 120V AC outlet and an outdoor-rated extension cord (14-gauge or heavier recommended for runs over 50 ft). Cord length is 49 ft, so plan your reach.
• Lawn size: Best for lawns up to 1/4 acre. Larger areas will mean frequent cord management and refilling the collection bag (10.6-gallon capacity).
• Cutting width: 12.6 inches. Measure narrow paths or tight areas to ensure the machine fits between obstacles.
• Grass height: Do not use on wet grass or if grass is taller than 3–4 inches—the machine can clog or stall.

Key Things to Know

• Quality & build: Solid for the price, but the plastic housing and collection bag are less durable than steel commercial units. Expect 2–3 seasons of moderate use.
• Installation difficulty: Minimal assembly required (attach handle and bag). No tools needed beyond a screwdriver. Ready to use in about 10 minutes.
• Common gotchas:
  • The scarifier tines (spring steel) can bend or break if you hit rocks, roots, or hard ground. Clear the lawn of debris first.
  • The collection bag fills quickly; empty it every 2–3 passes to avoid clogging.
  • Cord management is a hassle—use a cord retainer or wrap the cord around the handle to avoid running over it.
• Depth adjustment: Two fixed settings: dethatch (light) and scarify (deep). No fine-tuning. For heavy thatch, make two passes in different directions.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you have a small to medium lawn (under 1/4 acre) with moderate thatch buildup and want an affordable, easy-to-use machine that doesn’t require a mower deck. Skip it if you need heavy-duty commercial use, have a large lawn, or want cordless freedom—look for a gas or battery-powered dethatcher instead.