Sun Joe Core Aerator: Lineup, Key Specs & How They Compare

Maker of the AJ801E 13-inch 12-amp electric dethatcher/scarifier—ideal for stripping dead surface thatch before core aeration.

Quick verdict

Best for: Surface thatch removal & seedbed slicing (non-coring). Focus: 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier. Top Sun Joe model in our catalog: Sun Joe AJ801E 13-Inch 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher & Lawn Scarifier w/ Collection Bag.

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Which Sun Joe should you buy?

Removing Thick Surface Thatch Before Core AerationSun Joe AJ801E 13-Inch 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher & Lawn Scarifier w/ Collection BagElectric Dethatcher & Scarifier · Pre-Aeration Prep

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Sun Joe specs, side by side

Pick	Best for	Tine Type & Count	Working Width / Height	Ballast Capacity / Ejection	Hitch / Build Material	Listing
Pre-Aeration PrepSun JoeSun Joe AJ801E Scarifier	Removing Thick Surface Thatch Before Core Aeration	Interchangeable spring-steel dethatcher rake + slicing scarifier cylinder	13-inch working width · 5-position depth dial (-0.4" to +0.4")	12-Amp 120V electric motor · 8-gallon rear thatch bag	Walk-behind corded frame (requires 12-gauge extension cord)	Check price on Amazon

Every Sun Joe model, ranked

Sun JoePre-Aeration PrepBest for: Removing Thick Surface Thatch Before Core Aeration

Sun Joe AJ801E 13-Inch 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher & Lawn Scarifier w/ Collection Bag

While marketed with an 'aerator/scarifier' cylinder, this 12-amp corded machine is a surface dethatcher and vertical slicer—use it to strip dead thatch before pulling deep plugs with a hollow-tine core aerator.

Tine Type & CountInterchangeable spring-steel dethatcher rake + slicing scarifier cylinder

Working Width / Height13-inch working width · 5-position depth dial (-0.4" to +0.4")

Ballast Capacity / Ejection12-Amp 120V electric motor · 8-gallon rear thatch bag

Hitch / Build MaterialWalk-behind corded frame (requires 12-gauge extension cord)

Watch out for: Not a hollow-tine core aerator (slices only 0.4" deep)—and the small 8-gallon bag fills fast, so most users run it without the bag and rake up afterward.

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Compare side by side

Check on any Sun Joe listing

✓The exact model, size or pack on the listing (ASIN) matches the one in our table.
✓Tine Type & Count: confirm it on the listing before you buy.
✓Working Width / Height: confirm it on the listing before you buy.
✓Ballast Capacity / Ejection: confirm it on the listing before you buy.
✓Hitch / Build Material: confirm it on the listing before you buy.

About Sun Joe

Maker of the AJ801E 13-inch 12-amp electric dethatcher/scarifier—ideal for stripping dead surface thatch before core aeration.

CoreAerator.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Sun Joe. Trademarks belong to their owners.

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Sun Joe FAQ

Who is Sun Joe best for?

Maker of the AJ801E 13-inch 12-amp electric dethatcher/scarifier—ideal for stripping dead surface thatch before core aeration. Best for: Surface thatch removal & seedbed slicing (non-coring).

Is CoreAerator.com affiliated with Sun Joe?

No. CoreAerator.com is independent, Sun Joe doesn’t pay for placement, and all brand names and trademarks belong to their owners.

What is the difference between a core aerator and a spike aerator?

A hollow-tine core aerator (also called a plug aerator) extracts finger-sized cylinders of soil and deposits them on top of the lawn, creating open channels that let compacted soil expand, breathe, and absorb water. A solid-spike aerator (or aerator shoes) merely pokes holes by pushing soil sideways and downward, which can actually tighten compacted clay around each hole.

Best Sun Joe in our catalog

Sun Joe AJ801E 13-Inch 12-Amp Electric Dethatcher & Lawn Scarifier w/ Collection Bag

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