Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower Comparison: Fast Decision Guide

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.

Deciding on the proper electric lawn care equipment requires balancing yard dimensions, grass species, storage limitations, and maintenance habits without getting bogged down in marketing jargon. Homeowners who value their weekends need dependable machinery that starts reliably on demand, operates quietly, and eliminates the mess of gas cans, motor oil, and spark plugs. In conducting a comprehensive sun joe mower electric comparison, the primary goal is determining which cutting mechanism and power delivery method matches your property layout. Choosing between rotary blades that chop high growth and cylinder reel systems designed for manicured carpet turf depends entirely on how you manage your yard throughout the growing season.

The Sun Joe product catalog structures its outdoor turf tools into distinct power tiers, cutting technologies, and corded versus cordless formats. By utilizing both dual-battery 48-volt platforms and single 24-volt systems alongside corded 12-amp setups, the brand targets distinct yard tasks ranging from routine push mowing to intensive seasonal soil scarification. Understanding how deck widths, cutting heights, motor wattages, and collection capacities correlate across these machines helps property owners determine which sun joe mower electric to buy. Whether you need a standard walk-behind rotary mower or a dedicated thatch extractor, analyzing the catalog specifications ensures you invest in the right tool for your specific turf management routine.

Criteria matrix What each model in this report is credited with

Rows are the criteria that come up in the pros and cons listed for this lineup. A check means the criterion is named in this report’s write-up of that model; a dash means it is not. Criteria that apply to every model, or to only one, are left out because they separate nothing.

Criterion	Cordless Electric Push Lawn 4.5★	Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower 4.1★	MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric 4.8★	Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier, 4.4★	24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless 4.0★
Electric motor	Not named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named
Collection bag	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	✓Named
Adjustment	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named
Battery	✓Named	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
Continuous	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	✓Named
RAZOREEL	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	✓Named
Maximum cutting height	✓Named	✓Named	Not named	Not named	Not named
Steel blade	✓Named	Not named	✓Named	Not named	Not named
Criteria named	7 / 8	6 / 8	5 / 8	3 / 8	5 / 8

Built from the wording of this report, not from a bench test. A dash is not a fault: it only means the write-up does not mention that point for that model. Star figures are the average rating left by Amazon buyers, read from the product listing.

Sun Joe Electric Lawn Mower Lineup at a Glance

Best for: Lawn renovation and deep thatch removal

Pros

• 12-amp electric motor
• Airboost spring steel tines
• Scarifying root-aeration mode
• 5-position depth adjustment

Cons

• Not designed for grass cutting
• Smaller 8-gallon catcher bag

The Models in Detail

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 11-Gal Bag, 24V-X2-17LM

Best for: Fine turf owners seeking cordless reel precision

Pros

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

Cons

• Maximum cutting height 2.0 inches
• Narrower 15-inch cutting path

Best for: Suburban homeowners wanting cordless rotary cutting

Pros

• Brushless 670W motor
• Includes two 24V batteries
• 17-inch steel cutting blade
• 11-gallon collection bag

Cons

• 25-minute runtime limit
• Heaviest mower at 33.8 pounds

The Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn mower, cataloged as the sun joe 24V-X2-17LM, represents the brand’s most capable rotary cordless walk-behind machine. Built around a 670-watt brushless motor, this model runs cooler and delivers extended operating efficiency compared to conventional brushed motors. Its dual battery system combines two 24-volt 4.0-Ah lithium-ion battery packs to generate a robust 48-volt power circuit, providing up to 25 minutes of cordless runtime. The cutting deck houses a 17-inch durable steel blade that slices through grass in a single pass, supported by a 6-position single-lever height adjustment system that ranges from 1 inch up to 3 inches for precise seasonal turf management.

Grass clippings are funneled into an 11-gallon collection bag equipped with a built-in indicator window, which lets the operator see when the bag is full without stopping to detach it. Weighing 33.8 pounds, the unit is light enough for easy maneuvering around flower beds and fences while maintaining sufficient downward stability for level cutting. The package includes the mower, two 4.0-Ah lithium-ion batteries, a dual-port quick charger, and the collection bag, backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty from Snow Joe. This model is best suited for homeowners with modest suburban lots who want standard rotary cutting performance without the restrictions of a cord or the maintenance demands of liquid fuels.

When evaluating performance limits, this cordless rotary model gives way to other tools under specific conditions. If your grass species requires an ultra-low scissor cut below one inch, the rotary deck cannot reach those heights, making a reel mower a better option. Additionally, if your yard footprint requires more than 25 minutes of continuous mowing, you will either need spare battery sets or a continuous corded unit. For property owners maintaining standard turfgrass at normal cutting heights, this machine stands out as the best sun joe mower electric rotary option in the cordless line.

Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower with 11.9-Gal Bag, 24V-CRLM15

The Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn reel mower kit, designated as the sun joe 24V-CRLM15, delivers precision scissor-action cutting using a battery-powered cylinder mechanism. Engineered with a 360-watt electric motor, the machine turns a 15-inch cutting cylinder featuring an innovative 5-blade RAZOREEL system. Unlike rotary blades that whip and tear grass tips, the steel reel shears each blade against a stationary bedknife, promoting cleaner cuts, reduced moisture loss, and healthier turf recovery. The deck features a 4-position manual adjustment lever that controls cutting heights between 0.6 inches and 2.0 inches, giving homeowners fine control over low-profile lawn profiles.

Included with the kit is an eco-friendly 24-volt 4.0-Ah lithium-ion battery along with a dedicated charger, providing a complete turn-key mowing solution. Clippings are caught in a large 11.9-gallon rear collection bag, eliminating the need to rake up loose debris after finishing a pass. While the product specifications list an overall item weight of 33.6 pounds, the listing highlights its lightweight frame engineered for convenient handling under 30 pounds during push operation. Homeowners interested in reel technology can explore a dedicated sunjoe electric reel mower guide to evaluate how cylinder mechanisms perform compared to conventional rotary push machines across varied turf varieties.

This model specifically suits property owners cultivating fine turf varieties like Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass, or Zoysia that flourish when clipped short and clean. However, the machine yields to rotary alternatives if your yard contains bumpy terrain, tall weeds, or thick overgrowth taller than three inches, where reel blades can bind. With a maximum cutting height capped at 2.0 inches, it cannot accommodate high-cut cool-season lawns that thrive at three or four inches. For managed, level yards maintained on a frequent schedule, this cordless reel kit provides manicured perfection with zero engine fumes.

Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower

Best for: Small yards prioritizing continuous corded power

Pros

• Continuous electric runtime
• Lightweight 29-pound chassis
• Compact 14-inch steel blade
• Collapsible storage handle

Cons

• Requires suitable extension cord
• Only three height positions

The Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric walk-behind mower, widely recognized as the sun joe MJ401E electric lawn mower, is designed for compact yards that require steady, uninterrupted power delivery. Powered by an electric motor listed as 12-amp in its primary specifications and 13-amp in key feature listings, this corded unit spins a durable 14-inch steel blade to slice cleanly through grass. The chassis features a 3-position manual height adjustment system to tailor the cutting deck to your lawn conditions. Clippings are gathered into an included 10.6-gallon detachable grass catcher, which detaches cleanly for quick disposal in a compost pile or yard waste bag.

Weighing just 29 pounds, the MJ401E is the lightest grass-cutting walk-behind mower in the Sun Joe lineup, making it exceptionally nimble around tight landscaping, patio edges, and narrow pathways. A collapsible handle allows the entire machine to fold down into a compact footprint, making it easy to store in cramped sheds, garages, or utility closets. Because it runs directly from an electrical outlet, it demands zero gas, oil, tune-ups, or battery recharging cycles. When considering sun joe electric power washer setups and other corded equipment, managing an outdoor power cord is a familiar routine that guarantees 100 percent runtime without power fade.

This mower is ideal for townhome residents, urban homeowners, and property owners with small front or back lawns situated within 100 feet of an electrical receptacle. It eliminates the battery replacement schedules and runtime restrictions associated with cordless gear. However, the MJ401E gives way to cordless models if your yard contains numerous mature trees, garden beds, or extended acreage where managing a long extension cord becomes frustrating. Its compact 14-inch path also requires more passes on larger lots, marking it firmly as a small-yard specialist.

Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier, Corded, with 8-Gal Bag, AJ801E

The Sun Joe Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier, identified by model number sun joe electric dethatcher AJ801E, is an electric turf conditioning tool engineered to revitalize tired lawns rather than cut grass blades. Powered by a corded 12-amp electric motor, this machine covers a 12.6-inch path (listed alternatively as a 13-inch tool in specifications) to pull up dense layers of dead thatch, moss, and tangled organic debris. It incorporates proprietary Airboost technology paired with durable spring steel tines that lift embedded thatch cleanly from the soil surface, depositing the material directly into an included 8-gallon detachable collection bag for mess-free disposal.

In addition to spring-tine dethatching, the AJ801E provides a dedicated scarifying function that slices vertically into the root zone of your turf. This cutting action prunes grass roots, breaks up surface crusts, and opens channels for oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the root zone, promoting thicker and greener regrowth. The machine features a 5-position depth adjustment lever, enabling operators to tailor tine penetration according to thatch thickness and turf sensitivity. Weighing 27 pounds, the machine is lightweight enough to push smoothly across established turf without compacting wet ground, and it is backed by Snow Joe’s standard 2-year warranty.

This machine is not a lawn mower and cannot replace a cutting blade; rather, it serves homeowners needing intensive spring or autumn turf renovation. Lawns that feel spongy underfoot or show patchy growth due to thick thatch benefit significantly from a seasonal pass with the AJ801E. It gives way to standard rotary or reel mowers for routine grass trimming, but remains an indispensable companion tool for maintaining turf vitality. Homeowners looking to restore distressed grass will find this dedicated corded machine far more efficient than manual thatch rakes.

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

Best for: Existing Sun Joe 24V battery owners

Pros

• Bare tool purchase option
• 5-blade RAZOREEL mechanism
• 9-gallon rear bag
• Low cut down to 0.6 inches

Cons

• Battery and charger not included
• Limited to 2.0-inch height

The Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT 24-Volt IONMAX Cordless reel mower provides the same precision cylinder cutting mechanics as the CRLM15 kit but arrives in a tool-only configuration. Designated as the sun joe 24V-CRLM15-CT, this model excludes the battery and charging hardware, allowing shoppers to leverage existing batteries from their Sun Joe IONMAX tool collections. Driven by a 360-watt electric motor, the 15-inch 5-blade RAZOREEL mechanism slices grass blades with surgical precision, lifting and shearing each shoot. The mower offers a 4-position manual height control lever with discrete settings at 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 inches, supported by a 31.8-pound chassis (with bullet listings noting under 30 pounds handling weight).

Clippings are contained in the included 11.9-gallon rear collection bag, keeping your grass surface free of clumps without requiring post-mowing raking. When paired with a compatible 24-volt 4.0-Ah IONMAX lithium-ion battery, the motor delivers up to 50 minutes of continuous runtime and can cover up to 4,910 square feet on a single charge. Homeowners who already maintain their yards using equipment such as a sun joe pole saw or other compatible tools can integrate this bare tool seamlessly into their battery ecosystem without spending money on surplus chargers or duplicate batteries.

This tool-only configuration is optimal for property owners who already possess compatible 24-volt IONMAX batteries and chargers and desire a low-impact reel cut for short turf varieties. It gives way to the complete 24V-CRLM15 kit for buyers who do not already own 24V Sun Joe batteries, as purchasing power hardware separately is inefficient. Like its kit counterpart, it also gives way to the 17-inch 48-volt rotary mower if your lawn features rough surfaces, tall weeds, or grasses that must be maintained above two inches in height.

Matching a Model to Your Setup

• For standard residential yards featuring fescue, bluegrass, or mixed turf maintained between one and three inches, the Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM cordless rotary mower delivers the optimal blend of 48-volt cutting power, a wide 17-inch path, and cordless freedom without cord restrictions.
• If you maintain hybrid Bermuda, bentgrass, or Zoysia lawns that require a clean, scissor-like finish below two inches, the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15 reel kit provides the ideal 5-blade RAZOREEL cylinder mechanism and an included battery system.
• Shoppers who already own 24-volt IONMAX batteries from other outdoor yard equipment can purchase the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15-CT bare tool to secure precision reel cutting without paying for redundant power packs or chargers.
• For small city properties, townhomes, and rental lots with nearby outdoor power outlets, the corded Sun Joe MJ401E provides unlimited continuous runtime, a compact 14-inch deck, and a lightweight 29-pound frame that stores easily in small spaces.
• When tackling dense thatch buildup, spongy dead moss, or compacted root systems ahead of overseeding, the Sun Joe AJ801E electric dethatcher and scarifier provides the specialized tines and depth control needed to revitalize turf health.
• When weighing sun joe electric push mower cordless vs corded configurations, prioritize cordless models like the 24V-X2-17LM if obstacles or property size make power cords cumbersome, while choosing corded units like the MJ401E if you prefer unlimited run time and zero battery upkeep.

Before You Buy

Before investing in any Sun Joe electric lawn tool, take note of what the manufacturer listings do not include. For corded machines like the MJ401E mower and AJ801E dethatcher, the product packages do not include an outdoor extension cord. Operating these 12-amp tools requires a heavy-duty, weather-resistant extension cord rated for the tool’s amperage and length, which must be purchased separately. Operating high-amperage equipment with an undersized cord can cause voltage drops, overheating, and premature motor failure, so verifying your cord gauge and outdoor electrical outlet placement is an essential preparation step.

Additionally, the listings do not specify exact battery charging times for the cordless kits or runtime metrics in dense, wet grass. Cordless runtimes such as the 25 minutes quoted for the 24V-X2-17LM or the 50 minutes cited for the 24V-CRLM15 reel mower reflect ideal cutting conditions with dry, lightly trimmed turf. If you are mowing tall, overgrown, or moisture-laden grass, motor resistance increases and operational runtime will drop noticeably. Buyers of the 24V-CRLM15-CT must also verify that they possess compatible 24-volt IONMAX batteries and chargers, as the tool-only box contains strictly the mower chassis and collection bag.

FAQ

How long do the batteries last on a Sun Joe cordless electric push lawn mower?

The operational runtime depends directly on the model, motor architecture, and grass thickness. The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM rotary mower utilizes two 24-volt 4.0-Ah batteries simultaneously to deliver up to 25 minutes of continuous runtime under normal mowing loads. In contrast, the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15 reel mower uses a single 24-volt 4.0-Ah battery and lists a runtime of up to 50 minutes, covering up to 4,910 square feet because its 360-watt motor and reel mechanism encounter less cutting resistance on low grass. If your yard requires extended mowing time, keeping extra charged 24V batteries on hand allows you to swap packs without delaying your lawn care routine.

Can the Sun Joe electric dethatcher AJ801E cut regular grass?

No, the Sun Joe AJ801E is not a lawn mower and cannot replace a standard cutting blade. It is a specialized turf renovation machine equipped with spring steel tines and a scarifying cylinder designed to lift dead thatch, remove moss, and aerate soil roots. Operating the dethatcher over tall, uncut grass will tangle the tines and strain the 12-amp motor. For best results, mow your lawn to a low setting using a rotary or reel mower before operating the AJ801E across your turf to clear out dead organic material.

What is the difference between the Sun Joe 24V-CRLM15 kit and the 24V-CRLM15-CT model?

Both models feature identical cutting mechanics, chassis dimensions, and motor specifications, including a 360-watt motor, a 15-inch 5-blade RAZOREEL cutting cylinder, 4-position height adjustment, and an 11.9-gallon collection bag. The sole difference lies in the packaging components. The 24V-CRLM15 is a complete kit that includes a 24-volt 4.0-Ah lithium-ion battery and a charger. The 24V-CRLM15-CT is a bare tool model that ships without a battery or charger, intended specifically for homeowners who already own 24-volt IONMAX power hardware.

How does a reel mower differ from a rotary blade on electric push mowers?

A reel mower uses a horizontal cylinder of helical blades that spin against a stationary bedknife, slicing each grass blade cleanly like a pair of scissors. This cutting method works best at lower deck heights between 0.6 inches and 2.0 inches, resulting in minimal brown tips and faster healing for fine turfgrasses. In contrast, a rotary mower like the 24V-X2-17LM spins a single horizontal steel blade at high speeds to chop grass by impact. Rotary decks handle taller grass, varied weeds, and uneven ground more effectively, cutting heights up to 3.0 inches, but they do not achieve the surgical scissor cut of a reel mechanism.

What maintenance is required for Sun Joe electric lawn mowers?

Sun Joe electric mowers require significantly less maintenance than gas-powered alternatives because they do not use engine oil, spark plugs, carburetors, or fuel filters. Routine upkeep consists of cleaning grass clippings from the deck underside, emptying the collection bag after each use, inspecting blades for wear or dullness, and storing the machine in a dry, protected space. For cordless models, lithium-ion battery packs should be recharged at room temperature and stored away from extreme cold or heat to preserve cell longevity.