When it comes to keeping your lawn well-maintained, having the right mower makes all the difference. Cordless electric mowers provide freedom of movement without pesky cords, plus environmental benefits. As you shop around, you’ll find options ranging from budget-friendly models ideal for small spaces to heavy-duty tools built for acres of grass.
In this comparison guide, we’ll dig into two of the top brands for cordless mowers:
- Sun Joe – Known for affordability and smaller residential mowers
- Makita – Renowned for power and durability, including commercial-grade mowers
Depending on your needs and property size, one is likely a better fit than the other. Let’s explore the key differences between Sun Joe ion cordless mowers and Makita 36V cordless mowers so you can determine which suits your needs.
At a Glance: How Sun Joe and Makita Cordless Mowers Compare
Before jumping into the details, here is a high-level overview:
| Sun Joe | Makita | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Smaller yards up to 1/4 acre | Larger yards of 1/2+ acres |
| Power and runtime | 24-48V, up to 40 minutes | 36V, up to 40 minutes |
| Cutting widths | 13”-20” | 17”-21” |
| Cutting height range | 1”-3.5” | 0.8”-4” |
| Price range | $$ ($200-$600) | $$$ ($350-$770) |
As you can see, Makita mowers are made for more heavy-duty mowing, while Sun Joe offers reliable basic performance at lower price points. Keep reading for more details!
Cutting Width and Adjustments
One major difference between Sun Joe and Makita is the cutting width and customization of cutting heights available.
Sun Joe cordless mowers have cutting widths ranging from 13” on the smallest model up to 20” on the largest:
- 14” cut (multiple models)
- 16” cut (multiple models)
- 17” cut (1 model)
- 19” cut (1 model)
- 20” cut (1 self-propelled model)
Meanwhile, Makita’s cordless mower cutting width options span from 17” to 21”:
- 17” cut (multiple models)
- 18” cut (multiple models)
- 20” cut (1 model)
- 21” cut (self-propelled model)
So Makita’s sizes may work better for larger yards, while Sun Joe offers some smaller models nice for tight spaces.
You’ll also see differences when it comes to setting cutting heights:
Sun Joe:
- 3-6 height settings, depending on model
- Cutting height range of 1” (lowest setting) up to 3.5”
Makita:
- 10-13 height settings
- Lower minimum cutting height of .8125”
- Top cutting height of 4”
The more precise height adjustments available on the Makita models allow you to customize cutting height to the needs of different grass types. Makita’s lowest setting of under 1” also works better for ultra-short grass types like bermuda and zoysia.
Power, Batteries and Runtime
Now, let’s talk about what’s powering these mowers. Sun Joe ion cordless mowers run on 24V or 48V lithium-ion battery systems, while Makita sticks to 36V.
Battery specs:
| Sun Joe | Makita | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 24V or 48V | 36V |
| Battery options | 4.0Ah | 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah |
Both brands promise a runtime of about 40 minutes per charge when using higher-end batteries. However, Sun Joe batteries take 80-120 minutes to recharge, while Makita batteries juice up more quickly in 25-45 minutes.
The voltage difference comes out in favor of Makita when it comes to cutting power and efficiency, especially when dealing with thick or damp grass. Makita also offers battery bundles so you can keep mowing with an extra battery at the ready.
Replacement batteries run $40-90 for Sun Joe and $99-199 per battery for Makita, so it’s a notable price difference.
Grass Management: Mulching, Bagging and Side Discharge
Sun Joe and Makita mowers both allow you to bag or discharge clippings, but Makita offers more versatility when it comes to grass management.
Sun Joe
- Rear bagging
- Side discharge
- Some models have basic mulching capabilities
Bags hold 10.6-13.2 gallons
Makita
- Rear bagging
- Rear discharge
- Mulching plugs standard on most models
Bags range from 13-18.6 gallons
Mulching your clippings to fertilize the lawn is better for grass health. Makita’s mulching plugs do an exceptional job grinding clippings down without clogging. So if you’d rather not deal with bags of grass clippings, Makita is the way to go.
The side discharge on Sun Joe models does minimize mess around the mower deck. But Makita’s rear discharge allows more precision when mowing close to fences and landscaping beds.
Weight and Maneuverability
When using a push mower without self-propulsion, weight and maneuverability really impact how easy the mowing job is. Sun Joe mowers are generally lighter than the Makita offerings:
| Model | Sun Joe Weight | Makita Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 17” Cut | 43.5 lbs | 44.1 lbs |
| Self-propelled | 76.5 lbs | 94 lbs |
However, Makita’s added heft comes from high-quality housing and deck materials that add durability. Even the heaviest models aren’t drastically more difficult to manage than Sun Joe.
Both brands also make self-propelled cordless mowers that take the effort out of pushing. These utilize a rear-wheel drive system controlled by adjusting a speed lever. This makes it nearly effortless to keep mowing at a steady pace across your whole lawn.
If you have acreage to cover, self-propelled is certainly the way to go. And Makita’s commercial-grade self-propelled mower provides the ultimate in convenient cutting power.
Build Quality and Materials
Affordability comes at a price when it comes to housing materials. Sun Joe mowers primarily use plastic in their construction, which helps keep the costs down. However, this means they tend to feel somewhat flimsy, especially over time. Storing them outside exposed to sun, rain, etc can lead to cracked or brittle plastic.
Makita leans toward metal and steel housing on their mowers, although they also utilize sturdy polymer materials. The combination makes for incredibly solid construction. They truly feel like heavy-duty machinery built to last season after season of regular mowing.
So if long-term durability is important to you, Makita is worth the extra investment. Sun Joe mowers work fine for occasional suburban mowing but just don’t have the rugged build.
Affordability and Overall Cost Differences
There’s no doubt Sun Joe wins out when it comes to sticker price. Their ion cordless mowers start around $200 for the most compact 14” size. The largest 20” self-propelled model tops out around $600.
Comparatively, Makita’s cordless mowers start around $350 and range up to roughly $770 for the commercial-grade self-propelled model.
However, as the saying goes—you get what you pay for. While Sun Joe mowers work great in the short term, their lack of ruggedness means they likely won’t last nearly as long with regular use.
Replacing an affordable mower every 2-3 years starts to diminish the value. With their outstanding performance and durability, Makita mowers justify their higher asking price that translates to years upon years of reliable service.
Need Help Deciding? Here’s Our Take:
For small suburban plots or townhome lawn care, Sun Joe cordless mowers get the job done. Their combo of convenient electric power and budget price point around $200-400 suits most basic mowing needs.
However, the power and durability offered by Makita’s 36V cordless mowers prove their worth for homeowners with larger grass areas to maintain. Exceptional cutting quality plus ingenious mulching capabilities provide professional-level lawn care.
While the Makita lineup ranges more expensive from $350 up past $750, keep resale value in mind. If well maintained, you can expect to recover 50% or more of your original cost when the time comes to upgrade. Compared to a Sun Joe mower that might need replacing every couple years, Makita delivers better ROI.
But for infrequent mowing on a small urban plot, Sun Joe certainly suffices. At the end of the day, match your needs and property size to these two quality cordless mower brands. Keeping your grass neatly trimmed doesn’t have to break the bank or your back!
We hope this detailed comparison has helped determine whether a Sun Joe or Makita best fits your lawn care regimen. Here’s to many more sunny days enjoying your yard oasis!
