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AJ805E is larger and stronger; AJ801E is lighter and better for small lawns.
One spring I dragged my corded dethatcher across a spongy, patchy lawn that had seen better days. I tested both the Sun Joe AJ805E and the AJ801E on my yard and a neighbor’s, switching between dethatching and scarifying. The Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e debate is simple at first glance—both clean up thatch fast—but each shines for different users. I’ve put both to work and will share what actually matters so you can pick the right one.
Is Sun Joe AJ805E Good?
Yes—for most medium to large suburban lawns, the AJ805E is a strong pick. It has a wider deck and a beefier motor, so it clears more thatch in fewer passes. If you want fewer trips to empty the bag and a bit more bite for compacted patches, it’s the one I reach for.
My first run with the AJ805E was on a 6,000-square-foot front yard that hadn’t been dethatched in years. The 15-inch swath saved me time, and switching to the scarifier drum woke up thin, stubborn areas. On a smaller rental yard, I used it after overseeding. A light pass on a shallow depth setting was gentle yet thorough. It feels like the “weekend warrior” tool you grow into.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 15-inch cutting width for faster coverage
- 13-amp motor for stronger dethatching and scarifying
- Includes dethatcher tines and scarifier blade drums
- Adjustable depth control for gentle to aggressive passes
- Large collection bag to reduce emptying trips
What I Like
- Covers big areas quickly with fewer passes
- Noticeable power on compacted or thatch-heavy spots
- Easy drum swap between dethatch and scarify
- Depth dial is simple and repeatable across the yard
- Bagging works well in light-to-moderate thatch
- Feels planted and stable when pushing
What Could Be Better
- Slightly heavier and bulkier in tight spaces
- Larger bag still fills fast in heavy thatch; frequent dumps
- A bit louder than the smaller model
My Recommendation
If you have a medium or larger lawn or want more power and width, choose the AJ805E. It’s widely available and great value for its size.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Medium–large lawns | Wider 15-inch path cuts time |
| Thatch-heavy or compacted areas | Stronger 13-amp motor has more bite |
| Weekend power users | Stable feel and efficient bagging |
Is Sun Joe AJ801E Good?
It depends—if you have a small to mid-size lawn or tight landscaping, the AJ801E is a smart, nimble choice. It’s lighter, easier to store, and still rips up thatch well. For townhomes, narrow side yards, or precise work around beds, I often grab this one first.
I used the AJ801E on a 2,500-square-foot backyard with curved borders and flagstone paths. The narrower deck slipped between beds without chewing edges. On another test after spring rain, I ran a shallow setting to avoid gouging. It lifted the brown layer cleanly and left a neat finish. The bag is smaller, but emptying is quick, and the machine feels easy to manage.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 12.6-inch cutting width for tight spaces
- 12-amp motor balances power and control
- Two-in-one dethatcher and scarifier drums included
- Simple depth adjustment for gentle lawn care
- Compact collection bag for lighter, easy handling
What I Like
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Great control around beds, trees, and curves
- Gentle on newer or thinner turf at shallow settings
- Drum swap is quick and intuitive
- Stores easily on a garage wall or shelf
What Could Be Better
- Narrower deck means more passes on larger lawns
- Smaller bag fills quicker in dense thatch
- Not as punchy on compacted sections
My Recommendation
If your lawn is small to mid-size or full of tight turns, pick the AJ801E. It’s budget-friendly, compact, and kind to delicate turf.
| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Small–mid lawns | Compact width reduces overcutting |
| Curvy beds and obstacles | Lighter, better control in tight spots |
| First-time dethatchers | Forgiving power and easy handling |
Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e: Side-by-Side Test
I ran both models through the same yards across spring and fall, swapping drums and adjusting depth. This Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e head-to-head highlights what you’ll feel in real use, not just spec sheets.
Power and Cutting Width: How Much Can You Do Per Pass?
Both clear thatch well. The AJ805E covers more ground and hits harder; the AJ801E trades speed for control.
| Feature | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 13-amp (stronger bite) | 12-amp (balanced power) |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches | 12.6 inches |
| Passes Needed (med lawn) | Fewer | More |
| Best Use | Speed, big areas | Precision, small areas |
Ratings: AJ805E – 9/10 | AJ801E – 8/10
AJ805E wins for output per pass and time savings.
Debris Collection: Bag Size and Cleanup
Bagging helps keep lawns tidy. Bigger bags mean fewer stops, but both fill fast in heavy thatch.
| Feature | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Capacity | Larger (about 13.2 gal) | Smaller (about 8 gal) |
| Emptying Frequency | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Bag Handling | Heavier when full | Lighter and easy to dump |
Ratings: AJ805E – 8.5/10 | AJ801E – 7.5/10
AJ805E edges out with a larger bag, cutting downtime.
Performance Across Lawn Types: Thin vs. Thatch-Heavy
I tested on thin cool-season turf and thick thatch sections. Depth control matters on both.
| Scenario | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Thatch-Heavy Areas | More punch and faster clearing | Works, but slower |
| Delicate/Young Turf | Okay at shallow depths | Gentler feel; safer |
| Overseeding Prep | Great with scarifier drum | Also great; better control |
Ratings: AJ805E – 9/10 | AJ801E – 8.5/10
AJ805E for problem areas; AJ801E for finesse on tender lawns.
Ease of Use and Maneuverability: Which Feels Lighter?
Weight and width shape how they steer around beds and paths.
| Factor | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuvering in Tight Spots | Good | Excellent |
| Fatigue Over Time | Moderate | Low |
| Storage Footprint | Larger | Smaller |
Ratings: AJ805E – 8/10 | AJ801E – 9/10
AJ801E wins for mobility and low effort.
Build, Maintenance, and Drum Changes
Both share similar designs and drum swap systems.
| Aspect | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Drum Swap | Quick and straightforward | Quick and straightforward |
| Depth Adjustment | Simple dial control | Simple dial control |
| Overall Durability | Sturdy | Sturdy |
Ratings: AJ805E – 8.5/10 | AJ801E – 8.5/10
It’s a tie—maintenance and swaps feel the same.
Noise and Vibration: Comfort Over a Full Yard
Electric means quieter than gas, but there’s still hum and buzz.
| Factor | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Level | Slightly louder | Slightly quieter |
| Vibration Feel | Noticeable on deeper passes | Milder overall |
| Neighbor-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
Ratings: AJ805E – 7.5/10 | AJ801E – 8.5/10
AJ801E is a touch calmer to the hands and ears.
Setup, Cord Management, and Controls
Both assemble fast; cord handling matters for smooth passes.
| Factor | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly Time | Short | Short |
| Cord Management | Good; use a 12–14 gauge extension | Good; use a 12–14 gauge extension |
| Control Layout | Simple and obvious | Simple and obvious |
Ratings: AJ805E – 8.5/10 | AJ801E – 8.5/10
Another tie—controls and setup are equally easy.
Value for Money: Cost vs. Capability
You pay a bit more for width and power, but both are strong values.
| Factor | AJ805E | AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Higher | Lower |
| Performance per Dollar | High for bigger lawns | High for small lawns |
| Longevity Expectation | Solid with proper use | Solid with proper use |
Ratings: AJ805E – 8.5/10 | AJ801E – 9/10
AJ801E offers the best value if your yard is small or mid-size.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e matchup comes down to lawn size and how fast you want to work. The AJ805E is the better pick for medium to large lawns, heavy thatch, and fewer passes. It simply moves faster and hits harder.
Choose the AJ801E if your yard is small to mid-size, has tight turns, or you want a lighter, calmer feel. In short: AJ805E for speed and muscle; AJ801E for finesse and value.
FAQs Of Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e
What’s the main difference between the AJ805E and AJ801E?
AJ805E has a wider 15-inch deck and a stronger 13-amp motor. AJ801E is 12.6 inches wide with a 12-amp motor. The AJ805E clears more in fewer passes; the AJ801E is easier in tight spaces.
Which model is better for a small yard?
The AJ801E. It’s lighter, more precise, and easier to steer around beds and obstacles. For Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e in tight yards, AJ801E wins.
Which is best for thick thatch and compacted soil?
The AJ805E. In my testing, the extra power and width reduced passes and lifted stubborn thatch faster. For Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e on tough patches, AJ805E has the edge.
Do both include dethatcher and scarifier drums?
Yes. Both come with interchangeable drums and simple depth adjustment. That’s why Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e often feels like a choice of size and power, not features.
Is bagging better on one of them?
AJ805E’s larger bag means fewer stops, but both fill quickly in dense thatch. In everyday Sun Joe Aj805e Vs Aj801e use, AJ805E reduces emptying trips, while AJ801E’s smaller bag is lighter to dump.