We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Thatch Removal Machines 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Greenworks 40V 15 inch Dethatcher/Scarifier, Tool Only

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,182
Power Source
Depth Adjustment
Collection Bag

Most important from
1136 reviews

Power Source
Switching between the dethatcher blade and scarifying blade is easy, and the machine has enough power to never get bogged down.
Depth Adjustment
The device is very easy to assemble and the height adjustment is simple. It works beautifully, creating tidy slits in the lawn without destroying it.
Collection Bag
Despite the motor's power and flawless performance, the collection bag is often deemed useless, as it fills up quickly. Removing the bag makes the process smoother.
Weight and Maneuverability
This dethatching machine is amazing, lightweight, and easy to use. It pulls itself along and removed an incredible amount of thatch from my lawn.

The Greenworks 40V 15 inch Dethatcher/Scarifier is a versatile tool designed to keep your lawn healthy and well-maintained. It features a 14-inch working width, which allows for efficient and speedy dethatching, making it suitable for medium-sized lawns. The tines, made of durable stainless steel, stay sharp longer, ensuring consistent performance over time.

The 2-in-1 function is a standout feature, enabling users to easily switch between dethatching and scarifying, catering to different lawn care needs throughout various seasons. This device is powered by a 40V battery, which offers cordless convenience and eliminates the hassle of tangled cords, though it’s important to note that the tool itself does not come with the battery and charger, which must be purchased separately.

The depth adjustment feature is highly flexible, with 5 different positions that make it easy to adapt to different grass types and conditions, enhancing its usability. However, the lack of a collection bag means users have to manually collect the thatch after dethatching, which could be a bit time-consuming. Weighing 26.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver around the yard. The Greenworks 40V model is a reliable and efficient tool for homeowners looking to maintain their lawn's health, although the extra purchase of a battery and the absence of a collection bag are notable considerations.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,182
Power Source
Depth Adjustment
Collection Bag

Most important from
1136 reviews

Power Source
Switching between the dethatcher blade and scarifying blade is easy, and the machine has enough power to never get bogged down.
Depth Adjustment
The device is very easy to assemble and the height adjustment is simple. It works beautifully, creating tidy slits in the lawn without destroying it.
Collection Bag
Despite the motor's power and flawless performance, the collection bag is often deemed useless, as it fills up quickly. Removing the bag makes the process smoother.
Weight and Maneuverability
This dethatching machine is amazing, lightweight, and easy to use. It pulls itself along and removed an incredible amount of thatch from my lawn.
#2

Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier, DT13B00

Rating
9.8
Power Source
Collection Bag
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
1136 reviews

Power Source
The machine has plenty of power and never gets bogged down, even in tougher spots.
Collection Bag
The collection bag is not very effective and fills up quickly, so it’s better to use the machine without it.
Weight and Maneuverability
The dethatching machine is amazing, lightweight, and easy to use, effortlessly pulling itself along.

The Greenworks 13 Amp 14-Inch Corded Dethatcher / Scarifier (DT13B00) is a versatile thatch-removal machine designed to keep your lawn healthy. One of its strengths is the 2-in-1 design that allows users to switch between dethatching and scarifying, enhancing its usability. The working width of 14 inches should be sufficient for most residential lawns, making it efficient for routine maintenance. Users will appreciate the 3-position tine depth adjustment, which offers flexibility in handling various lawn conditions and promoting healthy grass growth.

Additionally, the lightweight design (28.7 pounds) and easy push-button start make this machine user-friendly and easy to maneuver around your yard. The stainless steel tines are durable and effective in removing thatch, although the absence of a collection bag means that users will need to rake up the debris manually afterward, which could be a drawback for some. Being corded electric, it provides consistent power without the need for fuel, but it does require access to a power outlet, limiting its range compared to battery-operated models.

Despite this, the corded design means you never have to worry about battery life or gas refills, which can be convenient. In summary, the Greenworks DT13B00 is a solid choice for homeowners looking for a reliable and easy-to-use thatch-removal machine, provided they don't mind managing a power cord and manually collecting debris.

Rating
9.8
Power Source
Collection Bag
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
1136 reviews

Power Source
The machine has plenty of power and never gets bogged down, even in tougher spots.
Collection Bag
The collection bag is not very effective and fills up quickly, so it’s better to use the machine without it.
Weight and Maneuverability
The dethatching machine is amazing, lightweight, and easy to use, effortlessly pulling itself along.
#3

LawnMaster GVB1316 Electric 16” 13 Amp Dethatcher and Scarifier with 12 Gallon Collection Bag

Rating
9.5
Working Width
Tine Type and Material
Depth Adjustment

Most important from
803 reviews

Working Width
Its lightweight design and 16-inch width make it easy to maneuver and cover a medium-sized lawn efficiently, completing around 8,000 square feet in about 90 minutes.
Tine Type and Material
The dethatcher delivers strong performance without bogging down, handling dense grass effectively when used with patience and a steady pace.
Depth Adjustment
The adjustable depth control allows precise thatching, making it possible to tackle both thick healthy grass and patchy or mossy areas successfully.
Collection Bag
The included collection bag works but fills quickly and slows progress, leading some to prefer discharging debris rearward and mowing it up afterward.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design and 16-inch width make it easy to maneuver and cover a medium-sized lawn efficiently, completing around 8,000 square feet in about 90 minutes.

The LawnMaster GVB1316 is a handy electric dethatcher and scarifier designed for homeowners wanting to improve their lawn health by removing thatch and promoting better air and water flow. It features a 16-inch working width, which lets you cover a decent area relatively quickly without being too bulky. The machine uses stainless steel tines, which are durable and effective for cutting through thick thatch and soil surfaces. Powered by a 13 Amp electric motor, it provides enough strength to handle most residential lawns, though it might struggle with very large or extremely dense thatch layers compared to gas models.

One of its standout features is the 14-position adjustable height, allowing precise control over how deep you scarify or dethatch, so you can tailor the work to your lawn’s specific needs. The included 12-gallon collection bag is a real plus, as it collects debris efficiently, saving you the hassle of raking afterward. Weighing just over 20 pounds, the unit is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the adjustable handlebar height adds to user comfort during operation.

Because it’s electric and corded, your mobility is limited by the power cord length, which might be inconvenient for larger lawns. Also, while it has good power for an electric model, it may not match the performance of heavier gas-powered machines for very tough jobs. This dethatcher/scarifier is a solid choice for medium-sized lawns and users who want a straightforward, efficient, and relatively lightweight tool with useful features like depth adjustment and debris collection.

Rating
9.5
Working Width
Tine Type and Material
Depth Adjustment

Most important from
803 reviews

Working Width
Its lightweight design and 16-inch width make it easy to maneuver and cover a medium-sized lawn efficiently, completing around 8,000 square feet in about 90 minutes.
Tine Type and Material
The dethatcher delivers strong performance without bogging down, handling dense grass effectively when used with patience and a steady pace.
Depth Adjustment
The adjustable depth control allows precise thatching, making it possible to tackle both thick healthy grass and patchy or mossy areas successfully.
Collection Bag
The included collection bag works but fills quickly and slows progress, leading some to prefer discharging debris rearward and mowing it up afterward.
Weight and Maneuverability
Its lightweight design and 16-inch width make it easy to maneuver and cover a medium-sized lawn efficiently, completing around 8,000 square feet in about 90 minutes.

Buying Guide for the Best Thatch Removal Machines

Thatch removal machines, also known as dethatchers, are essential tools for maintaining a healthy lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic material that accumulates between the soil and the grass blades. If left unchecked, it can prevent water, nutrients, and air from reaching the soil, leading to poor grass health. Choosing the right dethatcher involves understanding various specifications and how they align with your lawn care needs.
Working WidthThe working width of a dethatcher refers to the width of the area it can cover in a single pass. This is important because it determines how quickly you can complete the job. Working widths typically range from about 12 inches to over 40 inches. For small lawns, a narrower working width is sufficient and allows for more precise control. For larger lawns, a wider working width will save time and effort.
Tine Type and MaterialTines are the metal prongs that penetrate the thatch layer to remove it. The type and material of tines can affect the machine's performance and durability. Common materials include steel and stainless steel. Steel tines are strong and effective for most lawns, while stainless steel tines offer better resistance to rust and wear. Some tines are fixed, while others are adjustable or replaceable, which can be useful for different lawn conditions and maintenance needs.
Power SourceDethatchers can be powered by electricity, gasoline, or manual effort. Electric dethatchers are quieter, lighter, and require less maintenance, making them suitable for small to medium-sized lawns. Gasoline-powered dethatchers are more powerful and can handle larger areas and tougher thatch but are noisier and require more maintenance. Manual dethatchers are the most eco-friendly and cost-effective option but require significant physical effort and are best for small lawns.
Depth AdjustmentDepth adjustment allows you to control how deeply the tines penetrate the soil. This is important because different lawns and thatch conditions require different depths. Adjustable depth settings enable you to customize the dethatching process to your lawn's specific needs. For light thatch, a shallow setting is sufficient, while thicker thatch may require deeper penetration. Look for machines with easy-to-use adjustment mechanisms.
Collection BagSome dethatchers come with a collection bag to gather the removed thatch, making cleanup easier. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to minimize the effort of raking and disposing of the thatch manually. If you have a large lawn or prefer a tidier process, a dethatcher with a collection bag can save time and effort. However, it may add to the weight and bulk of the machine.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a dethatcher affect how easy it is to use, especially over uneven terrain or around obstacles. Lighter machines are easier to handle and transport but may be less effective on tough thatch. Heavier machines provide more stability and penetration power but can be harder to maneuver. Consider the size and layout of your lawn when choosing the right balance between weight and maneuverability.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now