Bought the SunJoe last fall. I scarified my front yard this spring and overseeded. My front has never looked so thick especially with two large maple trees that shade it almost all day. Used the dethatcher a few weeks ago on my backyard and pulled mass amounts of dead debris after 3 passes. Aerated and overseeded with JG BBU and is just now in the baby stages.. SunJoe is a beast for how small that thing is.
I'm glad you pointed out that you could start the Sunjoe with one hand because my left arm is paralyzed so thank you for that extra detail! I just ordered one also because it works great.
One trick I learned on my SunJoe is to use a bungee cord to hold the discharge flap up. This allows for a cleaner discharge of the pulled out materials. Good review.
I mowed my TTTF to about 2” and then set the SunJoe at lowest dethatch setting. It was the first time dethatched in 3 summers. I was really impressed with what it brought up. Next year, I am going with the scarifier and try what one of the comments said about using it to lift up thatch, seed, and then go back over. Sounds like a great idea. I had someone aerate and they tore up areas that caused more issues than what it was worth. Thanks for the great video!
So Don are you saying dethatch and remove it, then seed, then use the scarifer to cut the seed into the soil? Just asking and wanted to know if compost or additional to soil is needed? Thanks either way!
@@davondd I ended up on my front yard using the Sun Joe power rake attachment sand going over it twice. Both times I used my mower to pull up all the dead grass. Then I used the scarifier attachment as aggressively as I could. Again I used the mower to go over to pull up the dead material. After that, I seeded but changed my mind and used a “garden weasel” and ran it over the worst areas. I was just concerned I might bury the seed using the scarifier again. On my side yard which didn’t have as much dead grass, I used the scarifier twice, picking up the debris both times, and then seeded. Again I used the garden weasel. My side yard is showing the better overall establishment after 10 days. On my backyard, I power raked it twice. It is slower germinating. If I had the opportunity to do it again I would have power raked twice and then scarified. I just don’t think the power rake stirred up the soil enough. I did use the garden weasel in spots. All areas received GreenView Fairway Formula Seeding Success mulch. It spreads real nice with a Scott’s rotary spreader plus it has fertilizer. I used peat moss last year using a peat spreader but this is easier and didn’t have the chunks to contend with. Hope this helps.
I have the SunJoe. It’s a great machine. One note: it has thermal overload protection to protect motor. To restart hold button in for at least 7-10 seconds. This will reset overload relay.
@@WatsitTooyah Yes I agree. Was more concerned about someone putting in in the shop for repairs never realizing this feature. One more thing. There’s a printed circuit board under the shroud. Never turn unit upside down to wash. You run the risk of shorting it out. I take the shroud off and clean board after extended use. Great machine good luck 🍀
I have the Greenworks and love it, looking at getting the Sunjoe for the scarifier. I'm English and next years project is for me to use pure English lawn car practices on my back KBG/PRG lawn - scarifying is something my Dad would do after aeration in the fall. After scarifying the grass will produce lots of sideways shoots, which will result in a thicker sward.
I've had my sunjoe for 3 months and was amazed by the amount thatch that is pulled from my lawn. I highly recommend it, easy to use and surprising how it holds up.
Thanks you so much for your time to compare these products. I've been on the fence between Sun Joe and Greenworks, and after seeing your review I'll jump and buy the Sun Joe dethatcher. Continue your good work, it's appreciated!
I know this is going to get lost in the comments but I just wanted to say that sometimes I go out in my garden, cover myself with dirt and pretend I'm a carrot.
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower th-cam.com/users/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
A couple of comments - Yes, take the bag off of the SunJoe and let the material that it pulls up with either attachment sit on top of the grass. Then use a rotary mower with a bagger on it to suck up or vacuum up that material. If you are overseeing then definitely use the SunJoe with the scarifier attachment because not only will it pull up the extra material, but it will act like a slit seeder as you scarily so you will do one pass to pick up dead material then vacuum that material up with a rotary mower. Then do your over seeding and go back over it again with the scarifier to slit seed that grass seed into the ground and give it seed-to-soil contact. Finally, spread your starter fertilizer and water frequently. The SunJoe, in my opinion, is a great machine and well worth the money.
Great review Jimmy! Purchased a SunJoe for myself last fall after viewing the Ginja’s review of both machines. Absolutely love the scarifier attachment as well! Used it when renovating 3000 square feet of my 10,000 square foot lawn this fall. Your lawn, as always, is looking great!
I bought the greenworks years back and used it in our front lawn that was struggling. the material it pulled up was insane. turns out we had a front moss, not lawn. very little actual GRASS left after
I was on the fence on deciding which dethatcher between the two to purchase. After watching your review, I made my decision. Thank you for this very helpful video!
I would've loved to have seen you run the SunJoe over the same area you used the Greenworks to see if there was an even amount of thatch in both sections of your yard by demonstrating additional thatch being pulled up by the SunJoe machine missed by the Greenworks. Otherwise a great video.
He did in the outro of the video. He was using the SunJoe, and went over the Greenworks area, and there was a significant amount of thatch raked out that the Greeworks missed.
I have one for several years, I love it. You need to leave the rear door a little open to let the grass out and to cut the front lip 1 1/2" so that it does not plow in the ground at all time. I prefer using the scarifier attachment even to dethatch.
i have sunjoe and it works great for me this is the 2nd season im using it, haven't used scarifier that comes with it yet (planning next year). Cant speak for greenworks as i never tried it .. but i believe both will work just great...
Just ordered my sunjoe should be here Thursday, thank you for the review, btw the mountain background in the beginning of video was breathtaking.. God bless🙏
Great video Jimmy! I was on the verge of buying the Greenworks dethatcher but will definitely be getting the Sun Joe Dethatcher for sure! I actually have a Snow Joe Thrower (electric as well) and a Sun Joe cordless air compressor and I am very happy with both of those Joe products.
Hey there! Great review. I'm looking to purchase the 15" sunjoe dethatched with scarifier. My question is, what is the main purpose of the scarifier? Why would you scarify over dethatching? Or can you do both, say, in the spring time and maybe end of fall? I would imagine that scarifying would be good for spring time. Could a guy dethatch and then scarify the lawn and overseed every spring? That would be a great way to thicken up a lawn. Thanks for the video!
Great comparison of the two! I have the greenworks and have to say the height adjustment is confusing. The manual clearly says when setting “I” is at the bottom the dethatcher is on the highest setting. In reality, when “I” is on the bottom it’s actually on the lowest setting.
I hit the subscribe button when you cleverly incorporated your kids comparing their heights to the machines. Good stuff man. Thanks for the inspiration. Peace
I have seen at least one other comparison that had the exact same results yours did...the SunJoe got significantly more “junk” out. Led me to purchase the SunJoe and have been very happy with what it’s done. Great review!
I got the sunjoe a couple of days ago. Since then have found a secret setting... if you pull the height adjustment know away from the machine you can put the machine on the ground, front wheels off the ground, for maximum scarifier depth. It's a powerful machine but I kind of wish it had a throttle control. Seems a bit fast for scarifying.
Awesome video! You just sold me. The rental place never called me back so I'm gonna do it myself. I just bought the Sun Joe AJ801E for $138 at Walmart.
This is probably the best comparison I have ever seen, awesome job. I have never done any dethatching or scarifying on my Bermuda, but this makes me want to. I have heard Bermuda doesn’t really need it though.. thoughts?
I have a cool season turf, but still subscribe to ‘How to with Doc’. Strictly Bermuda grass on his channel. Doc core aerates his Bermuda. I haven’t seen a Bermuda dethatching video from Doc.
You can dethatch a bermudagrass lawn. Sunny Bermuda TH-cam channel just did a video where he did just that. I did it this year in the spring. You have to keep in mind that bermudagrass grows primarily through stolons (runners on top) as opposed to rhizomes (runners in the soil). So when you run the dethatcher and especially the scarifier attachment, it will rip on the those stolons and create a mess. Sunny Bermuda did a good job showing the clean up afterward with a low mow job to remove any of the loose dangling stolons. When I did it in the spring, it stripped my yard to the dirt, but that could be attribute to doing it in March which is really early for power-raking/dethatching/scarifying. Of course it grew back and I had a great year. To your question does it need it? Not usually for thatch removal because warm season grass grows in climate of elongated warm weather seasons so that microbes generally have plenty of time to digest the organic thatch such that it does not build up. However, there is certainly benefit in physically churning and cutting the top layer of the soil profile to open it up for more air, water, and nutrient penetration down to the root zone.
As a professional in thw golf industry is imperative that we scareify or the term we use is verticut our bermuda greens. It allows the soul to breathe and everywhere you cut the root a new blade appears. This assists in a dense grass on the green.
I got the Greenworks - does exactly what it says it will do. No attachments but comes with a replacement set of tangs(what ever you call them)............. 2 years no problems............. so far so good.
Just bought a Sun Joe - have not yet assembled it. Alternative was the tow behind because we have a large yard (almost an acre) but will take it slow and do it in sections.
Greenworks dethatcher works just fine for those of us who don’t level our lawns. Every comparison video has the SunJoe winning, for obvious reasons but the Greenworks dethatcher works.
Yeah but they're the same price. So you get so much more with the Sunjoe at the same price point. Knowing what I know now as a Sunjoe owner, I cringe when I see the Greeneworks Dethatcher in TH-cam videos. I'm left wondering, so they just not know?
Jonathan Brothers, true. I believe the SunJoe is better from what I’ve seen on TH-cam. As a Greenworks owner, that runs it on the middle section, I can’t complain about the amount it has pulled up. I’ve read most people run the SunJoe incorrectly since they put it on the lowest level which is for the attachment.
thx for doing the review. that was helpful, and great that you spent the time on this. One comment: im a bit leery of trusting the material results because the section closer to your house is more shaded based on your sun angle. this corresponds to the greenworx patch. the sunjoe patch appears to get much more sun and as a result, would probably have more organic buildup over time. so perhaps that is that reason why the sunjoe pulled more stuff. you could go over each section with the opposite dethatcher and see if it pulls more material, but that would be for another day.
I would’ve bought the SunJoe over the Greenworks, but they didn’t have cordless. I love the 40v Greenworks Dethatcher. Works well enough for me. Good comparison video.
nice comparison , bought the Sun Joe 2 yrs ago , do my lawn (10,000 ) aq ft twice a yr , only problem is there are no replacement blades for the Sun Joe , so I would imagine when you wear it out its disposable !
Please answer my questions: 1. What grass do you have? 2. So I will have to dethatch and then scarify (not vice versa) taking out tools and attaching them different times and not at the same time? 3. I will have to rake the clippings/vacuum via mower no matter I dethatch or scarify right? 4. Should I water the ground before I do either of them? Lastly, if I have tall fescue it’s the same except I will have more work since grass is more in height for me to mow to the lowest level and then dethatch/scarify. Your thoughts? Your video is educational for novices like me. Please keep it coming.
1. I have a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. 2. You don't have to do both every time. They each serve different purposes. The scarifier is more aggressive. Just depends on the situation. 3. Yes you will need to collect the debris you have removed from the lawn with the machine. It can not stay on the lawn. 4. I would not use this on a wet lawn or wet soil. That would be very messy. You'll get more material out if you can lower your height of cut temporarily. Don't need to get too crazy. Hope all that is helpful. Thanks for watching.
Thank you… great video. I used my SunJoe with the dethatcher blade and was absolutely amazed. I have not used the scarifier yet but after seeing your vid will consider this in the near future!
Would be nice to see the amount of material raked up like you did for each side then swap the sides and see if each can bring up material with the other dethatcher.
I just used my green works one for the first time and I like it but its not the greatest so im gonna buy the sunjoe for the same reason you did thanks for the reviews loved it
I just bought the sunjoe last week and used the scarifier attachment yesterday. Wow could not believe how much thatch this thing pulled out of the yard.
I agree, scarifier is the way to go, I have both units too. My front yard is 7,500k and I need to break it up so I have enough room in the yard waste can.
I prefer the looks of the looks of the greenworks but the sunjoe is more versatile. I had mine for over 2 years and unly recently stopped working. Luckily I had an extended warranty and after emailing them I had a brand new one within 5 days. I bought mine refurbished, including warranty was just slightly over the brand new price. Still get the warranty its super cheap and peace of mind .
everyone ditches the bag but i won’t, just have to keep a compost bag handy i think that those piles of thatch you have are due to the bag being full and regurgitating. it’ll save me the picking up of raking
I bought a SunJoe about 10 years ago. It only has the spring loaded rake tines! Thatch my yard every year. The older one over heats after about 20-30 minutes of continuous use. I hope they over came that issue. Does wonder for the lawn every year!
Beautiful yard ... thank you for doing the perfect video for me ... I was just wondering which one was better for me to purchase. I will definitely be subscribed to your Channel thanks for putting out some awesome info.
The Sun Joe isn't supposed to set at the lowest setting. The 2 lowest setting are for the scarifier. Probably why it pulled up so much more. With that said I have the Sun Joe and love it.
@@letzchat321 Sun Joe has 5 settings: "10", "5", "0", "-5", and "-10" (I believe these are mm above the soil). The "0" setting is effectively "just barely grazing the soil". They recommend "10", "5", or "0" for dethatching. The manual says "-5" is "not recommended" for dethatching, but still doable. Dethatching is not compatible with "-10", according to the manual. The _least_ invasive would be the highest setting. But that's also not going to remove much material. The higher two settings I think would only be appropriate if there was already a very deep layer of thatch and you only care about removing the upper portion. Otherwise, the "0" setting is ideal.
I always feel like these would never last very long. The quality of them looks to be really cheap. Then again, they really are only meant for small yards so maybe they figure if you get 5 years out of it you'll be fine. I just have a problem with anything that is designed to be throw away. You need to either get an Allet or a swardman though (if you can afford either one lol). Battery powered machines that will do all your lawn maintenance except core aerate and built to last.
I bought a Sun Joe tiller and it's about the same price as these and built the same. I put in a giant bed about 120ft x 15 ft. It saved me so much time. I thought if it made it through that workload it was well worth it. I've loaned it out to about 5 people since and its had zero issues. This was a clay bed full of field fescue. I think they make quality stuff "for the price."
@@Barod52 I've used it for deep tilling mostly but I have had that when using it on the higher settings on hard dirt. I really only use it for putting in beds so I'm going deep
I think you really need to test this on a crappy lawn, not a golf course quality lawn. Most of what I saw from the Toro bagger looked like was living green grass. Who makes a decent sized width for bigger lawns?
Thanks for the content. House and yard looks great. Really appreciate the detail in this review of the two units. That one step - brutal toe stuber. Internet full of know it alls but from my own experience you can cut the slab prior to that low step at crack/joint line and lever it lower and make that step in line with the others for height. If the slab is sunk you can lift with crow bar and blast sand under it using water hose. I have done a couple now and was easier than i expected. See
Thank you for sharing. I was looking for a nice video on these two and you hit it right on the spot. I think the San Joe will be better for me as well since it’s taller and I’m 6’ 2” .
If you're in the northeast like me, don't use the sunjoe scarifier. The rocks in the soil will break the machine. The sunjoe has gears that are not replaceable/repairable if it gets stripped due to it hitting rocks as it spins. Only use the Sunjoe scarifier in softer soil regions without many rocks. Dethatching is fine and works great.
Bought the Sun Joe. Does a fantastic job dethatching my lawn. 3rd time using it however the trigger handle snapped off inside the housing. Opened up the housing and despite several attempts to fix it ended up sticking a piece of wood to bypass the safety switch. It still works but turns on as soon as it is plugged in. I have had absolutely no luck finding parts. If this were better built I'd recommend but Sun Joe needs to upgrade the quality first. If anyone knows where I can find replacement parts it would be greatly appreciated.
Bought the SunJoe last fall. I scarified my front yard this spring and overseeded. My front has never looked so thick especially with two large maple trees that shade it almost all day. Used the dethatcher a few weeks ago on my backyard and pulled mass amounts of dead debris after 3 passes. Aerated and overseeded with JG BBU and is just now in the baby stages.. SunJoe is a beast for how small that thing is.
I'm glad you pointed out that you could start the Sunjoe with one hand because my left arm is paralyzed so thank you for that extra detail! I just ordered one also because it works great.
This is exactly what I needed in order to finally pull the trigger. Thank you for the content Jimmy.
One trick I learned on my SunJoe is to use a bungee cord to hold the discharge flap up. This allows for a cleaner discharge of the pulled out materials. Good review.
Thank you SoCal, I will try that trick as I get a lot of clumping discharging.
Great minds...I did this too and worked perfectly
Great review Jimmy. I've been on the bubble about these two machines. Sun Joe looks to be more of what I'm looking for. Thank you so much.
I mowed my TTTF to about 2” and then set the SunJoe at lowest dethatch setting. It was the first time dethatched in 3 summers. I was really impressed with what it brought up. Next year, I am going with the scarifier and try what one of the comments said about using it to lift up thatch, seed, and then go back over. Sounds like a great idea. I had someone aerate and they tore up areas that caused more issues than what it was worth. Thanks for the great video!
Sounds like a good plan! Thanks for watching
So Don are you saying dethatch and remove it, then seed, then use the scarifer to cut the seed into the soil? Just asking and wanted to know if compost or additional to soil is needed? Thanks either way!
@@davondd I ended up on my front yard using the Sun Joe power rake attachment sand going over it twice. Both times I used my mower to pull up all the dead grass. Then I used the scarifier attachment as aggressively as I could. Again I used the mower to go over to pull up the dead material. After that, I seeded but changed my mind and used a “garden weasel” and ran it over the worst areas. I was just concerned I might bury the seed using the scarifier again.
On my side yard which didn’t have as much dead grass, I used the scarifier twice, picking up the debris both times, and then seeded. Again I used the garden weasel. My side yard is showing the better overall establishment after 10 days.
On my backyard, I power raked it twice. It is slower germinating. If I had the opportunity to do it again I would have power raked twice and then scarified. I just don’t think the power rake stirred up the soil enough. I did use the garden weasel in spots.
All areas received GreenView Fairway Formula Seeding Success mulch. It spreads real nice with a Scott’s rotary spreader plus it has fertilizer. I used peat moss last year using a peat spreader but this is easier and didn’t have the chunks to contend with.
Hope this helps.
@@doncline6372 thats really great advise, thanks a lot Don.
I have the SunJoe. It’s a great machine. One note: it has thermal overload protection to protect motor. To restart hold button in for at least 7-10 seconds. This will reset overload relay.
Should let her cool down in the shade when that happens.
Good to know - thanks fud the tip! Mine quit working - wonder if this thermal shutoff needs reset? Have to try it!
@@WatsitTooyah Yes I agree. Was more concerned about someone putting in in the shop for repairs never realizing this feature. One more thing. There’s a printed circuit board under the shroud. Never turn unit upside down to wash. You run the risk of shorting it out. I take the shroud off and clean board after extended use. Great machine good luck 🍀
I have the Greenworks and love it, looking at getting the Sunjoe for the scarifier. I'm English and next years project is for me to use pure English lawn car practices on my back KBG/PRG lawn - scarifying is something my Dad would do after aeration in the fall. After scarifying the grass will produce lots of sideways shoots, which will result in a thicker sward.
I've had my sunjoe for 3 months and was amazed by the amount thatch that is pulled from my lawn. I highly recommend it, easy to use and surprising how it holds up.
I got the sun joe and wow this yard hard not been done. Wow it was exhausting but well worth it.
I have Green works. It's been with me for many years. I need to use it
Thanks you so much for your time to compare these products. I've been on the fence between Sun Joe and Greenworks, and after seeing your review I'll jump and buy the Sun Joe dethatcher. Continue your good work, it's appreciated!
I know this is going to get lost in the comments but I just wanted to say that sometimes I go out in my garden, cover myself with dirt and pretend I'm a carrot.
Cool beans 👍
you too?
Yes!!! I love it
Famous Biden quote
Happy Gilmore accomplished that feat no more than an hour ago
Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower th-cam.com/users/postUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.
A couple of comments - Yes, take the bag off of the SunJoe and let the material that it pulls up with either attachment sit on top of the grass. Then use a rotary mower with a bagger on it to suck up or vacuum up that material.
If you are overseeing then definitely use the SunJoe with the scarifier attachment because not only will it pull up the extra material, but it will act like a slit seeder as you scarily so you will do one pass to pick up dead material then vacuum that material up with a rotary mower. Then do your over seeding and go back over it again with the scarifier to slit seed that grass seed into the ground and give it seed-to-soil contact. Finally, spread your starter fertilizer and water frequently. The SunJoe, in my opinion, is a great machine and well worth the money.
Great review Jimmy! Purchased a SunJoe for myself last fall after viewing the Ginja’s review of both machines. Absolutely love the scarifier attachment as well! Used it when renovating 3000 square feet of my 10,000 square foot lawn this fall. Your lawn, as always, is looking great!
Same
I bought the greenworks years back and used it in our front lawn that was struggling. the material it pulled up was insane. turns out we had a front moss, not lawn. very little actual GRASS left after
I was on the fence on deciding which dethatcher between the two to purchase. After watching your review, I made my decision. Thank you for this very helpful video!
I would've loved to have seen you run the SunJoe over the same area you used the Greenworks to see if there was an even amount of thatch in both sections of your yard by demonstrating additional thatch being pulled up by the SunJoe machine missed by the Greenworks. Otherwise a great video.
He did in the outro of the video. He was using the SunJoe, and went over the Greenworks area, and there was a significant amount of thatch raked out that the Greeworks missed.
To be clear, he was scarifying the area which will naturally pull up more material due to what it is doing.
Great video. I've read a few reviews on both machines but this was a really helpful "head to head" comparison.
I used my sunjoe on 38,000 ft2! Gotta want it and it was paid for and no renting. It got a workout in 1 week. It wasn’t that bad.
You're the real MVP
I bought a SunJoe and it kicks ass. Its hard to believe how much it can pull out of the lawn..
I have one for several years, I love it.
You need to leave the rear door a little open to let the grass out and to cut the front lip 1 1/2" so that it does not plow in the ground at all time.
I prefer using the scarifier attachment even to dethatch.
i have sunjoe and it works great for me this is the 2nd season im using it, haven't used scarifier that comes with it yet (planning next year).
Cant speak for greenworks as i never tried it .. but i believe both will work just great...
Sunjoe makes a great product there’s no denying. I try and buy gas powered equipment only but I’m starting to have a small sunjoe collection lol
I just purchased the Green Works. Then I watched your video and canceled the order and got the Sun Joe. Thanks.
Glad I could help. Hope you like it.
Just ordered my sunjoe should be here Thursday, thank you for the review, btw the mountain background in the beginning of video was breathtaking..
God bless🙏
Thank you
Great video Jimmy! I was on the verge of buying the Greenworks dethatcher but will definitely be getting the Sun Joe Dethatcher for sure! I actually have a Snow Joe Thrower (electric as well) and a Sun Joe cordless air compressor and I am very happy with both of those Joe products.
Hey there! Great review. I'm looking to purchase the 15" sunjoe dethatched with scarifier. My question is, what is the main purpose of the scarifier? Why would you scarify over dethatching? Or can you do both, say, in the spring time and maybe end of fall? I would imagine that scarifying would be good for spring time. Could a guy dethatch and then scarify the lawn and overseed every spring? That would be a great way to thicken up a lawn. Thanks for the video!
Wow! Never detached my lawn before but that sun joe has got me sold.. great video!
You always do a good job with the reviews. Nice comparison. Did not know about the sun Joe before getting my green works. Wish I did.
same thing with me Grace :(
I love the scarifier attachment. It will be on my must buy list for next year but for my Liberty 43 :)
Great comparison of the two! I have the greenworks and have to say the height adjustment is confusing. The manual clearly says when setting “I” is at the bottom the dethatcher is on the highest setting. In reality, when “I” is on the bottom it’s actually on the lowest setting.
I hit the subscribe button when you cleverly incorporated your kids comparing their heights to the machines. Good stuff man. Thanks for the inspiration. Peace
I have seen at least one other comparison that had the exact same results yours did...the SunJoe got significantly more “junk” out. Led me to purchase the SunJoe and have been very happy with what it’s done. Great review!
I got the sunjoe a couple of days ago. Since then have found a secret setting... if you pull the height adjustment know away from the machine you can put the machine on the ground, front wheels off the ground, for maximum scarifier depth.
It's a powerful machine but I kind of wish it had a throttle control. Seems a bit fast for scarifying.
Awesome review I appreciate your time and diligence it save me a lot of time. Thank you again be safe and stay healthy
Best video showing the difference in performance between dethatching and scarifying for the SunJoe!
Excellent comparison video! Definitely helps with my upcoming purchase. Thanks.
Thank you
Have the sun joe for 4 yrs now does great job.
Awesome video! You just sold me. The rental place never called me back so I'm gonna do it myself. I just bought the Sun Joe AJ801E for $138 at Walmart.
Just discovered this channel and I love it. I’ve learned a ton just by watching a few videos. Thanks!🎉
1) your yard looks fantastic
2) I bought the SunJoe and am excited to use it in the spring.
Thanks so much for this review! It made my decision between the two brands really easy.
Found my Sunjoe online for 127.00 love it did a great to prepare go seeding
This is probably the best comparison I have ever seen, awesome job. I have never done any dethatching or scarifying on my Bermuda, but this makes me want to. I have heard Bermuda doesn’t really need it though.. thoughts?
Thank you. I don’t know enough about Bermuda or warm season grass to be able to help ya there. Sorry.
Jimmy Lewis no worries bud!
I have a cool season turf, but still subscribe to ‘How to with Doc’. Strictly Bermuda grass on his channel. Doc core aerates his Bermuda. I haven’t seen a Bermuda dethatching video from Doc.
You can dethatch a bermudagrass lawn. Sunny Bermuda TH-cam channel just did a video where he did just that. I did it this year in the spring. You have to keep in mind that bermudagrass grows primarily through stolons (runners on top) as opposed to rhizomes (runners in the soil). So when you run the dethatcher and especially the scarifier attachment, it will rip on the those stolons and create a mess. Sunny Bermuda did a good job showing the clean up afterward with a low mow job to remove any of the loose dangling stolons. When I did it in the spring, it stripped my yard to the dirt, but that could be attribute to doing it in March which is really early for power-raking/dethatching/scarifying. Of course it grew back and I had a great year. To your question does it need it? Not usually for thatch removal because warm season grass grows in climate of elongated warm weather seasons so that microbes generally have plenty of time to digest the organic thatch such that it does not build up. However, there is certainly benefit in physically churning and cutting the top layer of the soil profile to open it up for more air, water, and nutrient penetration down to the root zone.
As a professional in thw golf industry is imperative that we scareify or the term we use is verticut our bermuda greens. It allows the soul to breathe and everywhere you cut the root a new blade appears. This assists in a dense grass on the green.
I got the Greenworks - does exactly what it says it will do. No attachments but comes with a replacement set of tangs(what ever you call them)............. 2 years no problems............. so far so good.
That pile at the end is an unbelievable amount of material!
Just bought a Sun Joe - have not yet assembled it. Alternative was the tow behind because we have a large yard (almost an acre) but will take it slow and do it in sections.
The Scarifying attachment makes the difference. It’s great for seeding, does double duty.
I have sprinkler heads would the scarifier attachment hit them?
@@jeffreynorman4398 Yes, it will enter the soil 1/8” you would have to ovoid them.
I bought the sun joe a few months ago, it is awesome
U I 7
Greenworks dethatcher works just fine for those of us who don’t level our lawns. Every comparison video has the SunJoe winning, for obvious reasons but the Greenworks dethatcher works.
Yeah but they're the same price. So you get so much more with the Sunjoe at the same price point. Knowing what I know now as a Sunjoe owner, I cringe when I see the Greeneworks Dethatcher in TH-cam videos. I'm left wondering, so they just not know?
Jonathan Brothers, true. I believe the SunJoe is better from what I’ve seen on TH-cam. As a Greenworks owner, that runs it on the middle section, I can’t complain about the amount it has pulled up. I’ve read most people run the SunJoe incorrectly since they put it on the lowest level which is for the attachment.
@@JoNathanB1976 no they are not the same price. On average Sunjoe is 35 dollars more expensive and has more quality control issues.
thx for doing the review. that was helpful, and great that you spent the time on this. One comment: im a bit leery of trusting the material results because the section closer to your house is more shaded based on your sun angle. this corresponds to the greenworx patch. the sunjoe patch appears to get much more sun and as a result, would probably have more organic buildup over time. so perhaps that is that reason why the sunjoe pulled more stuff. you could go over each section with the opposite dethatcher and see if it pulls more material, but that would be for another day.
Thanks very much. Regarding your theory, the house is west facing and that front yard gets tons of sun all day.
I would’ve bought the SunJoe over the Greenworks, but they didn’t have cordless. I love the 40v Greenworks Dethatcher. Works well enough for me. Good comparison video.
Makes sense. I bet it’s not long before SunJoe and other companies follow with similar offerings.
nice comparison , bought the Sun Joe 2 yrs ago , do my lawn (10,000 ) aq ft twice a yr , only problem is there are no replacement blades for the Sun Joe , so I would imagine when you wear it out its disposable !
I was pulling for the greenworks but you sold me on the sunjoe. Great video
Thank you
Got our SunJoe this week. Cant wait to get started!
I’m very impressed with your sun joe comparison. We mow three acres so do you have a recommendation for a larger implement?
Still conflicted on which to get. But beautiful lawn, home and community. Americans definitely have great looking neighborhoods.
Please answer my questions: 1. What grass do you have? 2. So I will have to dethatch and then scarify (not vice versa) taking out tools and attaching them different times and not at the same time? 3. I will have to rake the clippings/vacuum via mower no matter I dethatch or scarify right? 4. Should I water the ground before I do either of them? Lastly, if I have tall fescue it’s the same except I will have more work since grass is more in height for me to mow to the lowest level and then dethatch/scarify. Your thoughts? Your video is educational for novices like me. Please keep it coming.
1. I have a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. 2. You don't have to do both every time. They each serve different purposes. The scarifier is more aggressive. Just depends on the situation. 3. Yes you will need to collect the debris you have removed from the lawn with the machine. It can not stay on the lawn. 4. I would not use this on a wet lawn or wet soil. That would be very messy.
You'll get more material out if you can lower your height of cut temporarily. Don't need to get too crazy. Hope all that is helpful. Thanks for watching.
@@JimmyLewisMows Which brand of grass seed did you go to please?
This is what my lawn is - jimmylewismows.com/grass-seed/blue-ribbon
Sun Joe all day baby! Love mine!
Greenworks works great if you dethatch your lawn in the early spring before it turns green
Jimbo. Epic product review video man. Great work.
Thank you
Thank you… great video. I used my SunJoe with the dethatcher blade and was absolutely amazed. I have not used the scarifier yet but after seeing your vid will consider this in the near future!
Would be nice to see the amount of material raked up like you did for each side then swap the sides and see if each can bring up material with the other dethatcher.
Thanks for the review! And great shirt you're wearing... I love Raising Men Lawncare Service!
Love what Rodney is doing. He's a great person.
I just used my green works one for the first time and I like it but its not the greatest so im gonna buy the sunjoe for the same reason you did thanks for the reviews loved it
Thanks for the comparison, I now know which one to get. Great job!
I had a greenworks, when it broke down I bought a sun Joe. Both worked, I prefer the sun Joe, I think it's a bit better personally
I just bought the sunjoe last week and used the scarifier attachment yesterday. Wow could not believe how much thatch this thing pulled out of the yard.
I tried to tell people the sun Joe is far superior but got lots of "you did the wrong setting on the greenworks" comments.
I agree, scarifier is the way to go, I have both units too. My front yard is 7,500k and I need to break it up so I have enough room in the yard waste can.
Great comparison, thank you!
This was great. I had ordered a greenwork so I canceled and ordered a sunjoe! Thanks man!
I prefer the looks of the looks of the greenworks but the sunjoe is more versatile. I had mine for over 2 years and unly recently stopped working. Luckily I had an extended warranty and after emailing them I had a brand new one within 5 days. I bought mine refurbished, including warranty was just slightly over the brand new price. Still get the warranty its super cheap and peace of mind .
Nice review! I was deciding between these two. Very helpful.
Thanks so much for all the information I’ve been back-and-forth in my head which one I wanted to buy, you made up my mind. 😊Thank you!!
Glad I could help! What did you decide to go for?
Thank you for your video. It help me decide which machine to buy.
everyone ditches the bag but i won’t, just have to keep a compost bag handy i think that those piles of thatch you have are due to the bag being full and regurgitating. it’ll save me the picking up of raking
I bought a SunJoe about 10 years ago. It only has the spring loaded rake tines! Thatch my yard every year. The older one over heats after about 20-30 minutes of continuous use. I hope they over came that issue.
Does wonder for the lawn every year!
Make sure you are using properly rated extension cord
THanks !! You video was helpful, I was about to order the Greenworks.... but changed to the SunJoe!!
Great video... thanks for posting. Just the info I was looking for,
A lawn that has almost no thatch and looks like the old artificial turf the Detroit Lions played on. Your lawn is extremely nice bro!
Thanks!
I bought the sunjoe. You are right about the bag I walk 5 steps and had to empty it. But other than that I liked it.
Good lord the material that the scarifier pulled out!
Beautiful yard ... thank you for doing the perfect video for me ... I was just wondering which one was better for me to purchase. I will definitely be subscribed to your Channel thanks for putting out some awesome info.
The Sun Joe isn't supposed to set at the lowest setting. The 2 lowest setting are for the scarifier. Probably why it pulled up so much more. With that said I have the Sun Joe and love it.
What will be setting # number that will be the least invasive to grass
@@letzchat321 Sun Joe has 5 settings: "10", "5", "0", "-5", and "-10" (I believe these are mm above the soil). The "0" setting is effectively "just barely grazing the soil". They recommend "10", "5", or "0" for dethatching. The manual says "-5" is "not recommended" for dethatching, but still doable. Dethatching is not compatible with "-10", according to the manual.
The _least_ invasive would be the highest setting. But that's also not going to remove much material. The higher two settings I think would only be appropriate if there was already a very deep layer of thatch and you only care about removing the upper portion. Otherwise, the "0" setting is ideal.
I always feel like these would never last very long. The quality of them looks to be really cheap. Then again, they really are only meant for small yards so maybe they figure if you get 5 years out of it you'll be fine. I just have a problem with anything that is designed to be throw away.
You need to either get an Allet or a swardman though (if you can afford either one lol). Battery powered machines that will do all your lawn maintenance except core aerate and built to last.
I bought a Sun Joe tiller and it's about the same price as these and built the same. I put in a giant bed about 120ft x 15 ft. It saved me so much time. I thought if it made it through that workload it was well worth it. I've loaned it out to about 5 people since and its had zero issues. This was a clay bed full of field fescue. I think they make quality stuff "for the price."
@@jeffzimmerman25 the only issue with their tiller is that it really likes to jump. Besides that it is fantastic for the price.
@@Barod52 I've used it for deep tilling mostly but I have had that when using it on the higher settings on hard dirt. I really only use it for putting in beds so I'm going deep
Great vid, thanks for posting and awesome lawn...
you already have a beautiful lawn to start with
Thank you. A beautiful lawn doesn't maintain itself, unfortunately.
I think you really need to test this on a crappy lawn, not a golf course quality lawn. Most of what I saw from the Toro bagger looked like was living green grass. Who makes a decent sized width for bigger lawns?
Very convincing reason to buy Sun joe. Thanks.
Welp, This isn't the first video I've seen going over the SunJoe... but it is the one that convinced me to buy one.
Thanks for the content. House and yard looks great.
Really appreciate the detail in this review of the two units.
That one step - brutal toe stuber. Internet full of know it alls but from my own experience you can cut the slab prior to that low step at crack/joint line and lever it lower and make that step in line with the others for height. If the slab is sunk you can lift with crow bar and blast sand under it using water hose. I have done a couple now and was easier than i expected. See
Thank you for sharing. I was looking for a nice video on these two and you hit it right on the spot. I think the San Joe will be better for me as well since it’s taller and I’m 6’ 2” .
Thank you. I agree with your decision.
If you're in the northeast like me, don't use the sunjoe scarifier. The rocks in the soil will break the machine. The sunjoe has gears that are not replaceable/repairable if it gets stripped due to it hitting rocks as it spins. Only use the Sunjoe scarifier in softer soil regions without many rocks. Dethatching is fine and works great.
Thanks Jimmy - awesome comparison and very helpful :)
Great Comparison. Thanks
Bought the Sun Joe. Does a fantastic job dethatching my lawn. 3rd time using it however the trigger handle snapped off inside the housing. Opened up the housing and despite several attempts to fix it ended up sticking a piece of wood to bypass the safety switch. It still works but turns on as soon as it is plugged in. I have had absolutely no luck finding parts. If this were better built I'd recommend but Sun Joe needs to upgrade the quality first. If anyone knows where I can find replacement parts it would be greatly appreciated.
Great review amigo!