Dethatcher Reviews! MOST EXPENSIVE vs Cheapest Ryobi vs Rock & Rocker Dethatcher and Scarifier.
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2023
- Buying a dethatcher! They are my favorite tool for a homeowner to buy. Which one is best? The most expensive I could find was the Ryobi at $429 and the Cheapest was the Rock and Rocker $159 special.
Products Used in Todays Video
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🛒Rock & Rocker 15 inch model
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/4783XJH
🛒Rock & Rocker w/ extension cord
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3O9ohSm
🛒ryobi battery powered dethatcher
Home Depot: tinyurl.com/3t3txvtr
if one or the other is not available my next choice is
🛒Sun Joe Scarifier 15 inch model
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2Qoeeic
🛒Sun Joe Scarifier and dethatcher (REQUIRES 12Gauge Extension Cord)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MPTHQG
🛒 12gauge 100ft extension cord
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MQ7hn3
The ryobi dethatcher and aerator comes with two cartridges. One, the dethatcher, that removes surface debris and the second is the aerator cartridge that remove excess thatch growing at the surface. This model comes with three height adjustments that helps the machine dig 1mm to 10mm into the soil surface. The 36 volt system comes with 2 18v batteries with a run time of 20-25min and does about 5000 sq ft of area. the total power output maxes at 3,350 rpm's. The ryobi dethatcher and aerator has a 14" width.
The Rock & Rocker also comes with both the dethatcher and scarifier / aerator cartridges. Has 5 height adjustment levels that range from 10mm above the soil down to 12mm into the soil. The dethatcher and scarifier runs at 15amps and has a max output of 3600 rpm's. The rock and rocker has a 16" cutting width.
Things I found interesting. Both machines use the same style dethatcher cartridge. the rock and rockers cartridge tines appeared to by slightly bigger. I found that the dethatcher worked better on the rock and rocker but the ryobi's scarifier appeared to work better. The ryobi dethatcher felt very well built where as the rock and rocker felt less desireable. However, both machines performed as they should.
Thanks for tuning in! I specialize in solving lawn problems and implementing strategies to fix lawn problems. Weather you have crabgrass that's not dying, too much thatch, lawn fungus, over watering problems or an ugly lawn there's not a lawn problem I can't solve. Try the Ginja 5 Steps to diagnosing a lawn you'll be glad you did. Don't forget to checkout my playlist. 
Хобби
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I have the Rock&Rocker for my 13,000 square foot lawn....absolute monster. For the price difference and the little that it will be used....I'll keep the corded version. You can get three of them for one Ryobi. Just my opinion.
Great feedback
That’s my thought, you don’t use it weekly. You can by 3 for the price of one . And it’s way cheaper than having a crew do it . Was quoted 450 bucks . I can use the rocker and throw it away and still save money
I went the same route. The cord isn't that bad if you plan out how you are going to tackle the lawn. Always go away from the source of power
It’s like going to school, but fun. Thanks for your time and content.
Thanks for watching! 👊🏻
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.
You bet!
Brother!!!! Thank you for this review! It's timed perfectly just before my lawn renovation/rehabilitation. I currently have the Sun Joe 13" corded unit and it works surprising well. I can't wait for the delivery of this little Bugatti that you test drove for us :)
Rad! You’ll be pleased. It’s a good upgrade! Review against the sun joe to come
Great Video..great Comparisons..thanks much for your valuable time..😄👍
Glad you liked it!
Exceptional video
Thanks!
Great video!
Thanks!
I have the Rock & Rocker and it does a great job as you have demonstrated. I prop the rear lid up so the thatch goes right out the back and does not build up under the machine. I lift the lid up, put a rod across the handle and tape it in place.
Great tip!
@@PestandLawnGinja That is a cool idea, I have a real problem with my SunJoe getting clogged, but I would have safety concerns.
@@user-ld7vk9bj6m nothing like a rock to the shin
I’m still using the SunJoe Ginja originally reviewed. “It looks like a Fisher Price toy”. I disassembled it to replace the belt a couple years back, and it’s still going strong!
Rad! Great product
The Ryobi is awesome for small yards. I can do several passes on my whole backyard approx 1500sqft.
I bet! Glad you’re enjoying it
I have the Sunjoe, and the extension drives me crazy. I spend so much time stopping because of the cord. I have invested in Ryobi and can't wait to get their dethatcher.
Rad. its a good machine. i've been happy with the ryobi
I have the Rock and Rocker too. Love it. Works incredibly well. I love Ryobi but not for $400 plus dollars
amen
I bought a rock and rocker a year ago, so far I like it
Right on!
Nice mountains you have in your backdrop man
Thanks!
I just bought a used but practically brand new rock and rocker and this video has me so excited to bust that bad boy out.
rad!
I use the Ryobi commercially and have had good success with it. I would recommend running 2 sets of batteries with it though as that allows you to do a complete yard without a recharge. With larger yards you can recharge the first set of batteries while working down the second set. The scarifier is a real time saver if used properly.
The Ryobi is definitely more expensive with all the batteries, and that is a drawback. But you gain ease of use as well, so there is an offset. I have several customers I simply could not use a corded unit as their yards are simply too long (I would need to run larger gauge and longer cords).
One other thing I would recommend if using it commercially is to buy the unit without the charger/batteries included. Pick those up separately and instead buy the dual charger. Incrementally it is only about 50% more expensive than the single charger, and it also allows you much more efficient charging. This is also nice at the end of the day when recharging for the next day.
Love the feedback on the Ryobi thanks for sharing
Another thought with the cord is, use a generator.. I already have a small backup generator I use for camping, sump pump, freezer, when power goes out etc. etc. etc. And if you don’t have a generator it’s a nice little item to have in emergencies and using it for this will be the occasional workout it needs
I got the 40v greenworks recently, very happy with it. I got 3 batteries now so can do it all in one sesh ;)
Right on! Sounds like a beast
I bought a SunJoe last year,still working good 👍
Very nice! They’re great machines
My HART 20v backpack sprayer unfortunately is not a quality sprayer. After about 10 uses,the pump acts like it doesn't have enough power 😔
@@angrygaragemechanic super frustrating
First Aussie 🤠. Ginja, Great honest reviews . 😎
Thanks 👍😁
As an old man I can't work like you young guys anymore, which is and advantage for battery operated tools. Using them and then taking a break while the battery (and my old body) recharges works well.
understandable
Great comparison! I had purchased the WEN a few weeks ago then cancelled it within hours. All those machines look similar. I wasn’t sure on the “scarifier/verticutter/aerator” blade being offset compared to the SunJoe (and Ryobi). Finally decided on the 15” SunJoe which is arriving later this week to use on my 3k sqft Bermuda. Wish I had an Allett or Swardman and their cartridge system but I’m too cheap (which is why I didn’t get the Ryobi).
Sun joe is a fantastic machine. I have a few
I have an Allett, an it is useless. The tynes are too short and it doesn't have the power to get in deep. I am now going to spend the money on a separate unit. I bought the Allett because of the cartridge idea, which fools a lot of people. It is a sales gimmick.
Subbed off the earbuds choice alone. Lol!
Rad! Love my status buds
Where I live, I got a Benchmark which looks like the rockin rocker. When it comes to the tines, are they replaceable or do you need to purchase a whole new cartridge? It looks like they are not screwed in, but on some sort of plastic cylinder. Is it as easy as, you squeeze them, which opens the spring and you slide them off and replace with new ones?
I will stick with my SunJo. I have been more than happy with it. Thanks for the comparison vid great job, man. Stay classy bro.
Sun joe is a great product!
@@PestandLawnGinja I bought it a while back when you did a similar video comparing it to another product
Thanks! Nice job G-man.“ here’s the funniest thing that I’ve noticed…” the rock and “roller”®️☝️😅
They should’ve named it after you😎
One note, there are 2ea. 18V batteries run in series, therefore the net output is 36V which is negligible, compared to 1ea. 40 V battery. Love your videos…🫵😅
Rock on!
I have the Rocker and it works good. Bag sucks but I just do without it. More power then the Sun Joe and width. I have a large lawn so it was important that the tool is capable.
💯
I have a SunJoe; I threw the bag away.
I bought a Wen it's the same as the R&R , I mainly use the scarifier, It's very powerful, I used setting 0 but I cut the grass at 2.5 , it really took out a lot of grass from a 600 sqft area, my only problem is the blades are not sharp so it rips the blades, I thought about getting the Ryobi but it cost to much and I'll probably only do it 4x a year.
Thanks for the video, I hope you eventually get around to pulling that giant weed out of the front by the sidewalk 😊
I'm already invested in Ryobi, I already have multiple 18v batteries, many 4ah & 6ah. I also have 4 chargers on my garage wall. Defintely not an issue for me. I would hate having to carry an extension cord all around my yard. More money, but well worth it in my opinion.
Love the feedback
Thanks for sharing.
Can you put the rock&rocket against the Sunjoe, please?
Thanks.
Done!
@@PestandLawnGinja Thanks 😊
I have the Ryobi. I have other Ryobi products so I have chargers. I would have gone straight to the scarifier first based on the density.
in this instance i agree
Do you think de thatching is something you should do consistently? I just give my lawn a good rakeing early spring.
Yes. Monthly. It’s basically like combing your scalp and getting dead skin off of it
Im in the sunjoe camp. Despite having to constantly move the cord around, that little machine works wonders. I scarified with mine last fall and this spring my lawn took off.
My question to you is how often should one use the dethatcher on the lawn? And Should scarifying be done annually? And when is the best time of year for either? One last question. Would scarifying provide enough open grooves in the soil for seeds to make good contact for seeding? Thanks 😎👍
The sun joe is fantastic!
When it comes to scarifying I do it spring and fall and sometimes as the summer heat hits. I dethatch once a month during the growing season. Makes for an easy job on this schedule
Here I am thinking once a year was more than enough. 🤦🏽♂️
I do mine Spring and Fall, I find for my 65 foot garden that's more than enough
Hi Ginja....I have a large backyard so I'm thinking in order to use a corded machine I'll need a portable power supply. Can you make a recommendation on which one would be a good buy?
I’d do the harbor freight special. They sell generators for about $1300 to power a machine with 15amps.
Should I get Sun Joe or rock and Rocker Dethatcher? I have a 12" Sun Joe that is worn out.
In the UK you dont get the batteries, or the Second one with the springs included, the machine is £264, The little Aerator another £28, then you have to buy the Charger and Batteries Seperate. Dual Charger is £75, and the batteries range from 4AH to 9AH or £80-150 each. Now I use many Ryobi tools so this isn't really a problem, but if you were just starting out and this was your First tool, its expensive @£527.00 min for everything.
That dethatcher is no longer available 😢. Do you have a replacement option?
Great video and knowledge share!
I've seen a lot of reviews for one called the sunjoe. it's similar but smaller and I think also available amazon and places like that.
I prefer the sun joe
There are ways to the convert the ryobi to 40v. Also another good hack is to keep the bagger door open with a bungee cord.
Love to see the battery hack
@@PestandLawnGinjathere are some RUclips videos out there that show the hack
Lots of snow in Battle mountain so this must have been in June? Can you de thatch all year. Or just spring and winter
Anytime during the growing season
I don't have an exact measurement, but I'm told my lawn area is about an acre and last winter (i.e., Nov 2023) I had the lawn mowed and we just left the stuff there. Now (April 2024), while the grass is growing, all that cut grass is just laying there and crowding out the new grass. So, can I double up the electrical cable and get say 200 feet from my garage? I will get my 35' tape measure and lay it out to see how far 100 and 200 feet are from the outlet outside.
Thanks.
happy to help
What is the best month to dethach your lawn? September? Thanks
I prefer whenever the lawn is actively growing
I prefer fall when it cools down and you can cut the lawn shorter without fear of it burning.
Then, you'll be ready to overseed at the same time.
@@aguyandhiscomputer yes
Will do this when aerating in mid September. Thanks
Now looking to upgrade for my son Joe because of its small back wheels it’s kind of a pain in the butt
The sun joe is very comparible. I wouldn't switch or try and upgrade
Great video, but the Rock-in Rock is no longer available and they don’t know when it will be back.
Frustrating
how come you have not tried the stihl yard boss with the dethatcher tines. thats what we use and we love it - combined with the ability to change the use function of the yard boss, i think it's the best investment
Great idea. I haven’t seen much of it around. I’ll take a look
I have a green works one and love it. It doesn't to my knowledge have a scarifier attachment though
Very cool. It’s a good product
@@PestandLawnGinja sadly correction, it's an Earthquake 🤣. 16" though and I think that's why I went with it...widest I could find
What is the difference with the Rock and Rocker's "outdoor and garden" (from your link which is 160$) vs. "scarifier and dethatcher (180$)?
Pretty sure they’re the same
Ginja whats the difference between the $180 rock&rocker and the $160 version on the Amazon page. I cant tell!
Im assuming it’s just that one’s on sale and the other is not
Hey Ginja ~ where can I get a t~shirt like you have? You have a merch store?
It’s on the list to deactivate my store. Had to do a url change 🤦♂️
1st time lawn owner and my lawn looks like it could use a dethatching. Heres my question: why didnt you start with the scarifying? What it for comparison sake on thebvideo, or is there a funcional reason for it?
There's no right answer. Pros and cons to both. In this situation I knew I'd be seeding and I feel the detacher second will fill in the ruts
comes out the door laughing lol
gotta get pumped knowing its such a crappy job that has to be done lol
lol only way I stay sane out here lol cheers! @@PestandLawnGinja
100%@@mowmoneynoproblems
My question is how often do you need to do this. I moved into new home with grass and it looks decent and most likely never been done so just seeing if worth the invest ment im in California
I prefer dethatching monthly throughout the growing season but you can do it quarterly throughout the growing season no problem. I scarify 3 x per season. Spring, summer, fall
Nice view of the mountains, where do you live?
Utah
@@PestandLawnGinja OH! Lovely place, do you get alot of snow?
@@PestandLawnGinja Oh so you do get alot of snow.
Ginja, they make a 40v ryobi overseas. But the 18v one we got actually turns a 36v motor, so it is getting more power than a single 18v.
Im running my Ryobi on two 12ah Milwaukee M18 batteries using Amazon adapters. 😊
Rad! Love it!
I have a question if you don't mind... So we built a home last year, and our sod was put down in August of 2023.. can I do this to it this year? If so, when would be the best time?
You can dethatcher or Scarify as soon as the grass has fully rooted. Commonly takes 90 days
WELL if my Sunjoe poops out ... I will buy a ROCKER to replace it ! I like the 4 wheels and it does a SWEET JOB !
👍😀
Ginja my lawn needs your help.
Slay that lawn ginger beard!!!!
If you're going to use the scarifier of one of these machines, is there really any benefit to going over it with the "dethatcher" tines first? To me it looks like the scarifier blade removes everything the tines remove, and more.
You're correct. The scarifier removes more debris.
Here’s my reasoning….. most of the time you’ll have debris that so dense on top tge scarifier seems to remove more live matter as a result. So I prefer to use the dethatcher first to remove the topical debris. Then I’ll scarify once I’m convinced the majority of topical debris is gone.
I’m sure part of this is me just being super picky.
In the case of this lawn where the debris was sticky it would have saved me time to start with the scarifier first.
From my experience the scarifier doesn’t remove as much topical debris as the dethatcher does
@@PestandLawnGinja That makes sense, thanks for explaining!
You used the Sunjoe not too long ago and were a big fan. Like to hear your thoughts between the Sunjoe and the Rockin’ Rocker.
Coming up!
I got a sunjoe for $129. I dont think I could do a Ryobi until there is a 40v version.
That’s a fantastic buy
@@PestandLawnGinja It was. I had to pull the trigger!
@@brookekathryn1980 👊🏻🥳
Where are the sun joes at for $129?
@@Savsal12 random sales on Amazon.
I put 2 6ah batteries in mine and it just ran and ran. Half acre, dragging a cord wasnt feasable and I dont have a tractor, just a big walk behind. I obviously have lots of batteries and chargers so i have 0 cordless downtime.
With the 40v(36v) vs 18v comment. They actually sell this as a 40v and 18v in australia, but only the 18v in the states. BUT if youre on a small yard, ryobi makes an 18v version of badically everything you need to maintain a lawn. They make a 18v 20 inch self propelled dual battery mower, they make 18v high performance blowers (at the time of the video was 450 cfm and now is 510 cfm), attachment capable brushless string trimmers. I just pile on the batteries and chargers because theres always one (or two) ready to go and I dont have to worry about a cord. Its an expensive luxury though, if price is a concern, you could get an entire lawn care set corded for the price of the ryobi dethatcher
thanks for the feedback
The ryobi should have been made as a 40v tool instead of a dual 18v battery tool (which ends up being about the same). I'm very disappointed they didn't at least make it an option in 40v as well... Almost as disappointed as the price!! Holy cow!! I need it to be at 230bucks where it makes sense.
Im with you 💯
They do make a 36 volt version, just dont think it is for the U.S.
I have the Sun Joe version which is basically the same thing. I noticed that the machine gets stuck a lot if the grass is not scalped to a nub. Because the front of these things are too low to the ground.
It's especially bad on TTTF which is a very bunchy type grass.
If you just want to do a basic over seeding and you want to loosen the soil for better seed-soil contact.... But don't want to fully scalp the grass. These things will constantly get stuck as you try to push them. It's really annoying.
After using it for a few years. I'm really wishing I could afford a more professional gas powered machine that works better on non scalped grass. I just wish someone would make one at a more reasonable cost for the avg. homeowner.
yeah, they get difficult if its not 2" or less. more professional machines still need the grass at the same height. other wise they as well get clogged or they tear the grass.
Im surprised a prosumer version of this doesn't exist. Its plastic homeowmer grade, then all the way up to expensive commercial grade.
Amen
Compare it with sun joe do both of them feel the same
Great idea!
What is a better machine? The sunjoe or the rock n rocker?
I like them both. With pros and cons i like how the rocker intake blows away / out from the filter where the sun Joe suck through the front and gets clogged
Von Haus for me. 🖖🏾🌴
Another on the list to try out
I’d love to pick up a dethatcher, but I can’t justify the price V’s use of one with my yard only being 1100 square feet, and all the rental equipment stores around me don’t carry them.
I am a Ryobi fan but $429 I’ll go with corded for @ 1/3 the cost everytime
it's not cheap
I will take the royobi over the other.
1. I allready have the the batteies and multiple chargers
2. I have more than enough heavy gauge cord but not the patience to coil it back and store it.
3. I would rather grab some fresh batteries then keep moving around an extension cord.
4. If the batteries need a charge thats when ya grab a beer or 2.
5. I got the time while the meat is on the smoker.
why didn't ryobi just use the 40v battery pass for me till then i got the sanjoe plug and play
I'm wondering the same
How long does the battery last? One hour?
20-25min!
Helps to watch the video.
🚨 🌱 🌱 🤔
Love your reviews… curious…
Did you try some passes on the highest “transport” setting of depth with the Rocker? I own a Greenworks, but would actually like to find a machine that cleans debris more frequently but at a higher setting than the Greenworks will go. I’d be interested in your thoughts or if you’ve tried. Kentucky Bluegrass here in Iowa that gets pretty thick that I’d like to thin out without full fledge dethatching. Thanks in advance.
Yes I have. The heights are functional. But I will say with the dethatcher I commonly keep it at 0 or the lowest recommended setting
Do you think using my sweeper would be good enough to cleanup the debris
its possible. i've seen them work pretty well. I prefer to use the blower.
@@PestandLawnGinja
Thanks I'll do both 🤣
love it!@@papascruffy
@@PestandLawnGinja
Over 3000 sf for just the back yard, if I do good then a little at a time to do the rest of the acre and a half.
Might need help, I'm gettin old.
been there done that! not easy! @@papascruffy
just saw this as I need to get it going as fall approaches and of course its unavailable from amazon.........
Ugh
@@PestandLawnGinja ended up getting a WEN as all these look the same..... will see how it works out going to be here this week hopefully.
Batteries r so expensive everywhere. Been wanting Milwaukee lawn mower but $1k is a bit much
they can be for sure!
I thought aerating was punching holes in the ground & leaving the plugs laying on top. Neither of these machines do this. Am I missing something?
These are dethatchers. They sweep the debris and dead grass from the ground to give better soil to seed contact
its a bit confusing since the manufacturer put aerator on the machine. you are exactly right. these machines have an attachment called a scarifier that removes thatch from the top layer down to about a .25". ryobi is calling that the aerator since its removing / disrupting some soil on the top layer
Does that Ryoby get rid of fire ants
it doesn't. but conditioning your soil will help. I would recommend aerating and putting down top soil a few times per year. then spot treating the mounds as you see them come up.
Beautiful mountains' which city in us you live"¿
Central utah
😊
👊
Why is so much of the kbg dead?
There’s a card in the beginning of the video that has a link to the original diagnosis. The lawn was plagued with a thatch problem, lots of debris and also snow mold
I love my old ryobi, but the no bag working thing is annoying.
And well.
It's fussy bugger.
But were buying homegamer stuff, not comercial lawn tools.
Really makes me want to ge ta commercial scarafiier
To be honest I prefer these little toys when it comes to scarifying. I do love my Allet when it comes to dethatching. The front hopper is fantastic
@@PestandLawnGinja i always wanted the allet for the sweeper and dethatch. Mainly cause of the hopper.
.6 acres of empire zoysia. It gets old raking and blowing
@@sarinhighwind I hear that!
I just looked the Rock & Rocker up in Canada. Its damn near $1,000. Hell no!!!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 yah that’s a hard no
Sunjoe is better cost wise considering you only do it once a year or every two years
It’s a great product
Why wasn’t sun Joe the cheapest comparison?
This one’s sale price is $120. Whichever is why I categorized it as such 😄
@@PestandLawnGinja ok gotcha gotcha, I checked the math yes $120
My yard is big.
I cant use corded
It happens
🇧🇷
beijos
Sunjoe or rockin rocker. ???? Millions want to know and one in Canada. Me!
👍😁 it’s on the idea board 💡
Ryobi $780 at HD near me.....😢😂
wowza
Don't pay that. I got the Ryobi for less than 400 with my 10% military discount.
Rock and Rocker is $1000 on Amazon Canada ... Now my bum hurts
Holy geeze 😬
The cord always pisses me off however, I can deal with it for that price
good call
Correction feed two birds with one scone 😅
Mmmmm scones 😋
Great video thanks man! I'm busy getting my lawn summer ready appreciate the show and tell
18V and '20V' are the same thing; its a DeWalt marketing gimmick. EU has stricter marketing regulations and their same '20V' tools are advertised as 18V tools over there.
Thanks
Dude you dethatched (cut) your beard between the beginning and the end of this video. You kept the same shirt so I didn’t notice at first. By the way that red beard is epic, puts others to shame.
👍😂 someone noticed! Mid day beard trim at the barber 💈
Great video, it also depends on the yard to..... my yard has a lot of obstructions so the cord isnt ideal so I'd probably lean on the Ryobi since I already have all the batteries ...... Thanks for explaining how the products work since I was very unsure what it actually did nor the benefit of using this type of product.... My yard needs a lot of love and I am trying to get a thicker healthier lawn so when it rains my dog wont track in as much dirt.
Those are homeowner machines I think it would be better to just buy a used commercial bluebird thatcher
I prefer these over a power rake. Far less invasive on the lawn
$429.00 for a little dethaching machine? Crazy. I can rent a gas powered dethacher for the day for like $60.00 plus my neighbors would go in on the rental. Great to have a batter dethaching machine that is cordless but battery dethacher is just too expensive.😢
two rentals and you have the cheap one.......
@@PestandLawnGinja true but do not want cordless. My neighbor has sunjoe corded which I have used. Just a pain with the cord but definitely affordable
Ryobi wins easy because it doesnt need to be plugged in.
It’s a great machine
I thought it was scar not scare
unfortunately its pronouced scare-ifier. I think scar is way cooler
Rock/Rocker just like Sun Joe - unavailable
Oof
from a flatlander, sorry , couldn't take my eyes off the view
Good call! It’s beautiful here