Cleaning and storing your Sun Joe electric scarifier and dethatcher correctly helps prevent grass buildup, overheating, corrosion, mildew, cord damage, and unexpected startup problems. Use this guide after the final lawn-care session of the season and check the operator's manual for your exact model.

Models Covered

This guide covers the corded electric scarifiers and dethatchers currently listed in the Shop Joe Lawn Mowers and Dethatchers collection.

Not covered: The 24V-X2-DTS15 is a cordless model with removable batteries and requires separate battery and charger storage. Lawn mowers, aerators, and other products may also have different procedures.

Before You Begin

• Choose a dry indoor storage area that can be kept out of children's reach.
• Allow the motor and cutting device to cool completely.
• Keep water away from the machine, plug, appliance cord, and extension cord.
• Keep the correct operator's manual available for cylinder removal, installation, and depth-setting instructions.

Store the Electric Dethatcher

1. Switch Off and Disconnect Power

   Release the switch lever, unplug the extension cord from the outlet, and disconnect it from the machine. Wait for the cutting device to stop and allow the unit to cool before cleaning or storage.

2. Remove and Empty the Thatch Collection Bag

   Remove all collected material. Inspect the bag for holes, tears, worn seams, or deterioration. Do not continue using a damaged bag.

3. Clean the Machine Without Water

   Use a soft brush and dry cloth to clean the exterior, air vents, ejector opening, guards, and covers. Do not use water, solvents, detergents, or polishes on the machine.

4. Clean the Cylinder Area

   With the machine unplugged and the cutting device fully stopped, position the unit only as directed in the exact manual. Remove grass and thatch from around the scarifier or dethatcher cylinder using a soft brush. Buildup around the cylinder can restrict airflow and contribute to overheating.

5. Inspect the Cutting Device

   Check the scarifier blades, spring tines, cylinder, bearing area, and mounting hardware for wear, bending, cracking, imbalance, or missing pieces. Replace a worn cutting device using the exact model's approved procedure and genuine compatible part. Do not sharpen or straighten damaged tines or blades unless the manual specifically provides that procedure.

6. Inspect Guards, Covers, and Fasteners

   Check that guards and covers are undamaged and correctly fitted. Inspect handles, nuts, bolts, screws, wheels, and adjustment controls. Do not store the machine as ready for use if any safety-related part is loose, damaged, or missing.

7. Protect Applicable Hardware

   For AJ801E and AJ808E, clean the screws and bolts and apply a light coating of oil as directed for long-term service. Do not apply oil to the motor, electrical parts, collection bag, extension cord, blades, spring tines, or other components unless the exact manual directs you to do so.

8. Clean and Dry the Collection Bag

   Clean the bag after use and allow it to dry completely before storage to help prevent mildew. Do not reinstall or store it while damp.

9. Select the Transport or Storage Depth

   Set the cutting-depth control to the transport or storage position identified in the exact model's manual. This keeps the cylinder raised and helps protect the cutting device and storage surface.

10. Store the Unit Indoors

    Place the clean, dry machine in a dry indoor location away from children, moisture, corrosive chemicals, direct heat, and unauthorized use. Do not place other objects on top of the machine.

Store the Extension Cord

1. Inspect the Cord

   Check the plug, receptacle, insulation, and full cord length for cuts, cracks, worn areas, loose connections, exposed conductors, scorching, or bent contacts. Replace a damaged cord; do not tape or splice it for continued use.

2. Clean and Dry It

   Wipe away grass, soil, oil, and moisture with a dry cloth. Make sure both ends are completely dry before storage.

3. Coil It Loosely

   Form broad, even loops without knots, tight bends, or kinks. Do not wrap the cord tightly around the machine or place heavy items on it.

4. Store It Separately

   Keep the disconnected cord in a dry indoor location protected from sharp edges, heat, oil, moisture, rodents, and foot traffic.

Transport the Machine Safely

1. Disconnect Power

   Switch the product off, unplug it, and wait for the cutting device to stop before moving it.

2. Raise the Cutting Device

   Set the depth control to the transport position shown in the exact manual and attach any transportation guard when applicable.

3. Use the Handle

   Carry or guide the machine using its handle. Do not lift it by the cord, collection bag, guard, or adjustment control.

4. Secure It in a Vehicle

   Protect the machine from heavy impact and vibration, and secure it so it cannot slide, tip, or fall.

Safety Stop Conditions

Preseason Readiness Check

1. Inspect Before Connecting Power

   Check the machine, selected cylinder, bag, guards, covers, handles, wheels, fasteners, depth control, appliance cord, and extension cord for damage or deterioration.

2. Install the Correct Cutting Device

   Confirm that the scarifier or dethatcher cylinder is installed in the correct orientation and fully secured using the exact manual. Wear protective gloves.

3. Set the Working Depth

   Move the control from the transport position to an appropriate starting depth. Begin shallow and adjust only as described for the lawn and model.

4. Use the Correct Extension Cord

   Use an intact outdoor-rated cord that meets the exact model's extension-cord chart. AJ798E, AJ801E, and AJ805E specify 14 AWG up to 50 ft (15 m) and 12 AWG over 50 ft through 100 ft (15-30 m). For AJ808E, follow its exact manual and use a suitable outdoor cord.

5. Test in a Clear, Dry Area

   Connect to a GFCI-protected outlet and use the required safety-button and switch-lever sequence. Keep people, pets, stones, cords, and other objects away from the working area.

Quick Troubleshooting Checks

Escalation Path

Contact Shop Joe Customer Support when:

• The power cord, plug, cutting device, guard, cover, collection bag, or another safety-related part is damaged.
• The motor does not start after checking power, the cord, the correct starting sequence, buildup, and cool-down.
• The machine continues to overheat, lose power, perform poorly, or vibrate excessively.
• The exact replacement cylinder, part, manual, or safe maintenance procedure cannot be confirmed.
• The issue requires electrical, motor, switch, drive, or other internal repair.

Have the model number, serial number, date code, purchase details, extension-cord length and gauge, installed cylinder type, and a clear description of the issue ready. Call 1-866-225-9723 or use the options on Shop Joe Customer Support.

Frequently Asked Questions