Husqvarna vs Sun Joe Scarifier: S 138C vs AJ801E
Choosing between a gas scarifier like the Husqvarna S 138C and a corded electric dethatcher like the Sun Joe AJ801E comes down to lawn size, thatch depth, and how much machine you want to store and maintain. This comparison breaks down the real differences in power, working width, weight, and availability so you can decide which format fits your yard.
Quick answer
For large, heavily thatched lawns, a gas machine like the Husqvarna S 138C does more work per pass with its 15-inch working width and 4-stroke engine, but it is a European-market model with limited US dealer availability. For most US yards up to about a quarter acre, the Sun Joe AJ801E is the practical pick: a 12-amp corded electric dethatcher with a 12.6-inch path, five-position depth control, a collection bag, and a folding handle for upright storage.
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Research updated June 2026.
| Feature | Husqvarna S 138C | Sun Joe AJ801E |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large lawns, heavy thatch and moss | Small to medium lawns, light to moderate thatch |
| Power Source | Gas, 4-stroke engine | Corded electric, 12-amp motor (120V) |
| Working Width | About 15 inches (38 cm) | 12.6 inches (32 cm) |
| Weight | Roughly 73 lbs (33 kg) | About 27 lbs |
| Key Feature | Engine power that keeps working in thick moss | Five-position depth control, collection bag, folding handle |
| US Availability | Limited, mainly a European-market model | Widely sold in the US |
Husqvarna S 138C: The Heavy-Duty Performer
The Husqvarna S 138C is a gas-powered scarifier built for large lawns and stubborn thatch buildup. The 138 in the model name reflects its working width, roughly 38 cm or about 15 inches, which is wider than any consumer corded electric dethatcher. It runs a 4-stroke engine rather than a 2-stroke, so it takes straight gasoline with a separate oil fill, and it does not need pre-mixed fuel.
The trade-off is bulk. At roughly 73 lbs it is around three times the weight of a corded electric machine, and it is a push unit rather than a self-propelled one, so you supply the forward effort. It also needs the usual small-engine upkeep: oil changes, air filter, spark plug, and fuel stabilizer over winter. Buyers in the US should note that Husqvarna's walk-behind scarifier range is sold mainly in Europe, so parts and dealer support are far easier to find there than in North America.
Sun Joe AJ801E: The Lightweight and Versatile Option
The Sun Joe AJ801E, sold as the Dethatcher Joe, is the corded electric option most US buyers actually see on the shelf. It pairs a 12-amp motor with a 12.6-inch working path and a five-position depth control, so the same machine can rake lightly across the surface or drop lower to scarify into the thatch layer. A detachable collection bag catches the debris as you go, which saves a separate raking pass.
Its handle folds for compact upright storage, and at around 27 lbs it is light enough to carry down steps or lift into a car. The limits are the ones every corded machine has: you are tethered to an extension cord and a nearby outlet, which gets awkward past a quarter acre, and the motor will bog down in deep, compacted thatch that a gas machine would chew through. It is also a push machine with no drive assist.
What to Check Before Buying a Scarifier
Start with lawn size and thatch depth. For lawns over about a quarter acre, or where thatch is more than half an inch thick, a gas machine is usually more practical because of its power and cord-free range. For smaller lawns, a corded electric unit like the AJ801E is more than sufficient and far easier to handle.
Then check storage and power access. If shed space is tight, a folding handle matters more than any spec on the box. If your outlets are far from the lawn, budget for a heavy-gauge outdoor extension cord rated for the motor's amperage, or skip corded entirely. Finally, weigh maintenance: gas engines need seasonal servicing, while electric models are essentially plug-and-play.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Scarifier
A common mistake is buying a machine that is too heavy for the lawn it will work. A 73 lb gas scarifier on a small patch of grass is hard to turn and hard to store. The reverse fails too: running a light corded dethatcher through a large, neglected lawn with deep thatch usually means slow going and a bogged-down motor.
Another error is ignoring depth adjustment. Set the tines too deep on the first pass and you tear out healthy roots along with the thatch, so start shallow and work down. Also check whether the machine collects debris or leaves it on the surface, since a model without a bag means a full raking job afterward. And confirm the model is actually sold and supported where you live before you order it.
FAQs
Is a gas or electric scarifier better?
Gas scarifiers are better for large lawns and heavy thatch because of their power and cord-free range. Corded electric models are better for small to medium lawns thanks to lighter weight, lower cost, and almost no maintenance.
Can the Sun Joe AJ801E handle heavy thatch?
It is best suited to light and moderate thatch. For very thick or compacted thatch across a big lawn, a gas machine with a wider working width will get through it faster without straining.
Is the Husqvarna S 138C self-propelled?
No. It is a push scarifier, so the engine drives the blade shaft rather than the wheels. At roughly 73 lbs that is worth factoring in if your lawn slopes.
Does the Sun Joe AJ801E come with a collection bag?
Yes. It ships with a detachable collection bag that catches thatch and debris during the pass, which cuts down on cleanup afterward.
What is the working width of these scarifiers?
The Husqvarna S 138C works about 15 inches (38 cm) per pass, while the Sun Joe AJ801E covers 12.6 inches. A wider path means fewer passes on a big lawn.
Which one is easier to store?
The Sun Joe AJ801E, by a wide margin. Its handle folds down for upright storage and it weighs about 27 lbs. The Husqvarna needs real floor space and cannot be stood on end with fuel and oil in it.
Can I use a scarifier on wet grass?
Scarify when the lawn is slightly damp but not soaked. Working very wet grass tears the turf and clogs the tines or blades.
How often should I scarify my lawn?
Once or twice a year is enough for most lawns, typically in spring or early fall when the grass can recover. Over-scarifying does more harm than good.
What is the difference between scarifying and aerating?
Scarifying cuts and pulls thatch and moss out of the surface layer. Aerating pulls plugs of soil out to relieve compaction, and it needs a dedicated core aerator. Neither of these two machines is a core aerator.
Is the Husqvarna S 138C sold in the US?
Availability is limited. Husqvarna's walk-behind scarifier range is aimed primarily at European markets, so US buyers will usually find gas dethatchers from other brands easier to buy and service.
Our verdict
If you are working a large, heavily thatched lawn and can source and service it, the Husqvarna S 138C moves more material per pass with its 15-inch width and 4-stroke engine. For the majority of US yards, the Sun Joe AJ801E is the more sensible buy: light, cheap to run, easy to store, and capable of handling normal seasonal thatch with its depth control and collection bag.