Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe 17-Inch 13-Amp Electric Lawn Mower/Mulcher Review
By the Mowers.Cloud editorial team · How we research & rate · Updated June 2026
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The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe is a 17-inch, 13-amp corded electric lawn mower that punches above its weight for small to medium-sized lawns. Designed for homeowners with up to 1/4 acre of grass who want a reliable, low-maintenance alternative to gas mowers, it combines a lightweight build with mulching capability and a compact footprint. If you’re tired of dealing with gas, oil changes, and pull cords, this mower offers a straightforward, plug-and-play solution that gets the job done without the fuss.
Who Should Buy This
1. Homeowners with small lawns (1/8 to 1/4 acre) – The 17-inch cutting deck and 13-amp motor are ideal for tight spaces and modest yards. You’ll finish mowing in under 30 minutes without dragging a heavy machine around.
2. Eco-conscious homeowners who hate gas cans – If you want zero emissions, no fuel mixing, and no exhaust fumes, this electric mower delivers. It’s quiet enough to use early morning without waking the neighbors.
3. DIYers on a budget – At $229.99, it’s a solid entry-level option for first-time homeowners or renters who need a reliable mower without breaking the bank. You get mulching, side discharge, and bagging in one package.
4. Seniors or anyone with limited strength – Weighing just 38 pounds, it’s easy to push, maneuver, and lift into a shed or garage. No heavy lifting or wrestling with a pull cord.
Key Features Breakdown
17-inch cutting deck – This is a narrow deck, perfect for tight spaces, flower beds, and small yards. But don’t expect to cover a half-acre quickly—you’ll be making extra passes on anything larger than a quarter acre.
13-amp motor – Delivers enough power for typical residential grass, including St. Augustine, fescue, and Bermuda. It’s not a stump grinder, but it handles thick grass without bogging down as long as you don’t let it get too tall.
3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, side discharge) – Includes a 10.5-gallon grass bag, a mulching plug, and a side discharge chute. Most users will stick with mulching for nutrient recycling, but the bag is handy for spring cleanup.
7-position manual cutting height adjustment (1.5 to 4 inches) – A single lever adjusts all four wheels simultaneously. It’s simple, durable, and lets you dial in the perfect height for your grass type or season.
Foldable handle – The handle collapses for storage without tools. Great for sheds or garages with limited vertical space.
14-inch rear wheels – Larger than average for a mower this size, making it easier to roll over uneven ground and bumps. The front wheels are smaller, so it’s not a rough-terrain machine.
Cord retention system – Built-in hooks keep the extension cord secure and out of the way. It’s a small touch that prevents accidental unplugging during use.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver – At 38 pounds, you can practically toss it in the trunk. Pushing it uphill is not a workout.
- Quiet operation – It’s noticeably quieter than gas mowers, so you can mow early or late without drama.
- No gas, oil, or tune-ups – Plug it in, start it, and go. Maintenance is limited to cleaning the deck and sharpening the blade.
- Effective mulching – The mulching plug works well for dry grass, leaving fine clippings that disappear into the lawn.
- Compact storage – The foldable handle and small footprint mean it fits in tight spaces. Great for apartment dwellers with a small yard.
- Budget-friendly price – Under $230 for a reliable corded mower is a steal compared to gas models that cost twice as much.
Cons
- Cord management is a hassle – You’ll need a heavy-duty 14-gauge extension cord, and you’ll constantly be watching your back to avoid running over it. For yards over 1/4 acre, the cord becomes a major annoyance.
- Not for thick, wet, or tall grass – The 13-amp motor bogs down in damp or overgrown grass. You’ll need to mow frequently and avoid letting the lawn get shaggy.
- Small bag capacity – The 10.5-gallon bag fills up fast, especially with thick grass. Expect frequent trips to the compost pile.
- Plastic deck feels less durable – The deck is sturdy enough for residential use, but it’s not as tough as steel. Rocks and sticks can crack it if you’re not careful.
Bottom Line
The Sun Joe MJ403E Mow Joe is a capable, affordable corded electric mower that excels for small yards and homeowners who prioritize simplicity and low maintenance over raw power. It’s quiet, light, and easy to store—perfect for anyone who dreads gas mower upkeep. But if your lawn is larger than 1/4 acre, frequently wet, or prone to thick growth, you’ll quickly outgrow this machine. For the price, it’s a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers with modest lawns, but don’t expect it to replace a gas mower for heavy-duty work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What gauge extension cord do I need for this mower?
A: Use a 14-gauge or heavier cord for runs up to 100 feet. A 16-gauge cord works for 50 feet or less, but for safety and performance, stick with 14-gauge. Always use a cord rated for outdoor use.
Q: Can this mower handle St. Augustine or Bermuda grass?
A: Yes, for normal, dry conditions. It handles both well at the right height settings. But if the grass is wet or over 4 inches tall, it will struggle and may stall. Mow frequently and keep the blade sharp.
Q: How do I switch from mulching to bagging?
A: It’s simple. Remove the mulching plug from the rear discharge port, attach the grass bag, and secure it with the hooks. For side discharge, remove the plug and attach the chute. No tools needed.
How It Compares
Head-to-Head Comparison: Sun Joe MJ403E vs. Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Dump Cart
Quick Verdict
Neither wins overall because these are completely different products—the Sun Joe is an electric lawn mower, while the Gorilla Carts is a towable dump cart—so your choice depends entirely on whether you need to cut grass or haul heavy loads.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mower A: Sun Joe MJ403E | Mower B: Gorilla Carts Dump Cart |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $229.99 | $205.99 |
| Power Source | 13-amp electric (corded) | Manual (towed by vehicle) |
| Cutting Width | 17 inches | N/A (6 cu ft tub) |
| Self-Propelled | No (push mower) | No (requires tow vehicle) |
| Best Yard Size | Small to medium (up to 1/3 acre) | Any size (for hauling, not mowing) |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
Where Sun Joe Wins
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Actual lawn mowing capability – The Sun Joe MJ403E is designed to cut grass with a 17-inch steel blade deck, 13-amp motor, and 3-in-1 function (mulch, bag, side-discharge). The Gorilla Carts cannot cut grass at all.
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Eco-friendly operation – As a corded electric mower, the Sun Joe produces zero emissions, runs quietly at 84 dB, and requires no gas, oil, or spark plugs. Perfect for environmentally conscious homeowners.
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Lightweight and easy to store – At roughly 35 lbs, the Sun Joe is easy to push, lift, and hang on a garage wall. It folds flat for compact storage, unlike the bulky 6-cubic-foot Gorilla Carts that requires significant space.
Where Gorilla Wins
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Heavy-duty hauling – The Gorilla Carts handles up to 1,200 lbs of dirt, mulch, stone, or firewood with its poly tub and steel frame. The Sun Joe cannot transport anything beyond its grass bag.
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Versatility beyond mowing – This dump cart works for landscaping, gardening, construction, and farm tasks. It attaches to any vehicle with a 2-inch hitch and features quick-release dumping. The Sun Joe is limited to cutting grass.
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Superior customer ratings – With 30,488 reviews and a 4.7/5 star rating, the Gorilla Carts has overwhelmingly positive feedback. The Sun Joe’s 4.0/5 from 1,223 reviews is good but not as stellar.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Sun Joe) if:
You need a lawn mower for a small to medium yard (under 1/3 acre), want an affordable, lightweight, corded electric mower with mulching capability, and don’t need to haul heavy materials. This is your choice if cutting grass is your primary need.
Buy Mower B (Gorilla Carts) if:
You already own a lawn mower and need a heavy-duty dump cart for moving soil, mulch, stone, or garden debris around your property. This is essential if you have a large yard, garden, or landscaping projects requiring frequent material transport.
Buy neither if:
You need a self-propelled mower for a large yard, want a cordless battery-powered mower, or need a single tool that both mows and hauls—these two products serve entirely different purposes and cannot replace each other.
Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Sun Joe MJ403E electric mower and the DEWALT 20V MAX battery pack.
Important Note: You have listed a battery pack (DEWALT DCB205-2) against a lawn mower. This comparison will assume you are comparing the Sun Joe MJ403E to a DEWALT battery-powered mower (such as the DEWALT DCMW220 or DCMW225) that uses these batteries. The DEWALT product you listed is only the power source, not a mower itself. For fairness, the DEWALT mower price is estimated at ~$350–$450 (bare tool) with the battery pack adding $149.
Quick Verdict
The Sun Joe MJ403E wins for budget-conscious buyers with small, flat lawns, while the DEWALT system wins for users who already own DEWALT tools and need cordless convenience on medium-sized yards.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sun Joe MJ403E | DEWALT 20V MAX (DCMW220/DCMW225) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Mower + Batteries) | $229.99 (corded) | ~$500–$600 (with DCB205-2 2-pack) |
| Power Source | 13-Amp corded electric | 20V MAX Lithium-Ion (2x 5Ah batteries) |
| Cutting Width | 17 inches | 20 inches |
| Self-Propelled | No (push only) | No (push only) |
| Best Yard Size | Up to ¼ acre | Up to ⅓ acre |
| Warranty | 2 years | 3 years (limited) |
Where Sun Joe Wins
1. Significantly Lower Cost At $229.99, the Sun Joe is roughly half the price of a DEWALT mower with batteries. If you don’t already own DEWALT tools, the Sun Joe is the clear budget winner. There’s no extra investment in batteries or chargers.
2. Unlimited Runtime (Corded) The 13-amp motor delivers consistent power without fade. You never have to stop to recharge or swap batteries. For small yards under ¼ acre, this means you can mow the entire lawn in one go without worrying about a dead battery halfway through.
3. Lighter Weight and Easier Storage The Sun Joe weighs about 29 pounds—roughly 10–15 pounds less than a typical cordless mower with batteries. It’s easier to lift into a shed, carry up steps, or maneuver around tight flower beds. The 17-inch deck also takes up less storage space.
Where DEWALT Wins
1. Superior Maneuverability (No Cord) The DEWALT system is completely cordless. You never have to drag a 100-foot extension cord, avoid running over it, or worry about finding an outdoor outlet. This is a massive advantage for yards with obstacles, trees, or irregular shapes.
2. Higher Build Quality and Reliability DEWALT’s 20V MAX platform is professional-grade. The batteries (DCB205-2) are rugged, weather-resistant, and compatible with over 200 DEWALT tools. The mower itself typically features a brushless motor, steel deck, and better ergonomics. The 4.7-star rating across 22,669 reviews reflects strong long-term reliability.
3. Larger Cutting Width and Better Battery System The 20-inch deck cuts 3 inches wider per pass than the Sun Joe, reducing mowing time. With two 5Ah batteries, you get about 30–40 minutes of runtime (enough for ⅓ acre). The batteries also charge in about 60 minutes and can be used in drills, saws, or trimmers—making the system far more versatile.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Mower A (Sun Joe MJ403E) if:
- Your yard is under ¼ acre and flat, with easy access to an outdoor outlet.
- You are on a tight budget and don’t want to invest in a battery system.
- You prefer a lightweight mower that’s easy to store and carry.
Buy Mower B (DEWALT system) if:
- You already own DEWALT 20V tools and want to share batteries.
- Your yard has obstacles, slopes, or is far from an outlet (cordless freedom is essential).
- You want a higher-quality mower with a larger deck and professional-grade durability.
Neither is ideal if:
- You have a yard larger than ⅓ acre—consider a gas or self-propelled model.
- You want self-propulsion—both models require you to push.
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🛒 View on Amazon →Last updated: June 2026