As homes and properties expand, keeping grass neatly trimmed becomes an endless chore. Manual push mowers get the job done carbon-free but require serious arm work on hilly or overgrown terrain. Cordless electric mowers offer a nice compromise – gaining powered assistance without the emissions and noise of gas engines.
Brands like Sun Joe and Makita now manufacture battery-powered mowers that can tackle sizable lawns on a single charge. But all models aren’t created equal.
This guide will analyze how Sun Joe’s value-focused Ion lineup and Makita’s premium 36V mower family compare on crucial performance metrics – so you can decide which best suits your mowing needs. I’ll assess deck size, battery life, clipping features and more based on hands-on testing expertise.
Let’s kick things off with an overview of each manufacturer first…
Getting to Know Sun Joe and Makita
Founded in 2004, Sun Joe provides electric-powered lawn tools and equipment at budget-conscious price points for homeowners. Their Ion series cordless mowers run entirely on interchangeable lithium-ion batteries with zero emissions or gasoline.
Entering from commercial construction, Makita brings sophisticated engineering and durable builds to their 36V cordless mower line. While more expensive than Sun Joe, Makita promises professional-grade quality for larger yards and grass types. Their batteries charge fully in as little as 30 minutes.
Now let’s compare how their unique advantages size up…
Key Specs Face-Off: Sun Joe vs. Makita Mowers
| Specs | Sun Joe Ion | Makita 36V |
|---|---|---|
| Best Yard Size | Up to 1/4 acre | Up to 3/4 acre |
| Number of Mowers | 4 models | 7+ models |
| Cutting Width | 14" – 20” | 17” – 21” |
| Cutting Heights | 1 – 3.5” 3 – 6 positions | 0.8 – 4” 10 – 13 positions |
| Motor Class | 24V or 48V Brushless | 36V (2 x 18V) Brushless |
| Runtime | 20-40 minutes | 25-40 minutes |
| Battery Type | 24V or 48V Lithium-ion | 36V (2 x 18V) Lithium-ion |
| Recharge Time | 80+ minutes | 25 – 45 minutes |
| Weight | 28 – 43 lbs | 44 – 65 lbs |
| Housing | Plastic | Steel/Plastic Combo |
| Price Range | $200 – $600 | $350 – $800 |
With specs covered, let’s analyze five key performance categories…
Cutting Deck Size and Performance
Deck dimensions play an integral role in cutting efficiency and yard coverage speed. Wider decks mow more grass per pass, while adjustments cater to specific grass lengths.
Sun Joe Ion mowers come in cutting widths ranging from 14 to 20 inches on compact, lightweight bodies. Tight 14-inch decks navigate narrow gates/trees easily. But their small size forces you to take more passes to clear the same yard area.
Makita 36V mowers bump the lower limit up to 17 inches, reaching a full 21 inches on self-propelled units. The added width significantly reduces passes required on larger plots. Durable steel (vs Sun Joe’s plastic) also prevents deck flexing at high speeds.
For cutting height, Makita again leads flexibility with 10 to 13 adjustable preset positions – ranging from 0.8 to 4 inches. Their extended range caters nicely to precise grass types. Sun Joe instead offers between 3 and 6 set height options within a narrower 1 to 3.5 inch window.
While that range suits average conditions, specialized turf grasses thrive at specific heights. Prized Bermuda grass excels when kept below 1 inch. Tall fescue and ryegrass exceed 3 inches. Here Makita 36V models provide superior precision.
The Takeaway – Makita 36V mower decks achieve higher overall cutting performance. Their wider widths translate to fewer passes, while dial-able height settings work better for exotic grass species.
Battery Life, Runtime and Recharging
Cordless mowers rely entirely on battery output for sustained runtime. What runtimes do Sun Joe and Makita batteries support? How long do they take to recharge back up?
Sun Joe Ion mowers utilize 24V or 48V lithium-ion batteries depending on model. Entry 14-inch push mowers operate on a single 24V/4Ah unit. Larger self-propelled options step up to 48V via dual 24V batteries for extra juice.
But output voltage doesn’t directly translate to longer runtimes. In real-world use, smaller Sun Joe mowers net a very reasonable 25 minutes mowing time on smaller plots up to 1/4 acre. Just don’t expect much excess capacity to spare.
Makita sticks to 36V output across the board, combining two 18V/5Ah batteries in parallel. However, proprietary battery engineering optimizes power transfer for class-leading efficiency. As a result, Makita lasting a full 40 minutes per charge – allowing you to clear up to half an acre before recharging.
For recharging, Sun Joe’s 24V batteries require 80+ minutes to replenish. Makita 36V batteries regain a full charge in only 30-45 minutes. So not only do they run longer per charge, but they also restore operating juice much faster afterwards.
The Takeaway – Makita 36V mowers provide over 50% longer runtimes along with 3X faster recharging compared to Sun Joe’s entry Ion models. Their superior stamina tames larger plots in one go.
Grass Clipping Collection and Handling
Proper clipping management is crucial for a healthy lawn. Both Sun Joe and Makita mowers come standard with mesh grass collectors. But how else can you handle or utilize clippings?
Sun Joe bags hold between 10 and 13 gallons of grass cuttings before needing emptied. Flip up the protective gate then detach to dispose contents. But with no native mulching plug, you can’t easily disperse clippings as fertilizer. Aftermarket kits help, but it’s another expense.
Makita offers greater clipping versatility right from the factory. Along with 13 to 18-gallon collection bags, most models include standard mulching plugs too. Attach to grind clippings into smaller pieces that break down faster. This infuses organic nutrients back into the soil. No add-ons needed!
The Takeaway – Makita provides multi-purpose clipping options for bagging or nourishing the lawn. Sun Joe requires third-party accessories for mulching/dispersal functions.
Weight and Overall Maneuverability
Pushing any mower around your lawn quickly wears you out, electric or not. How easily can you maneuver these motorized models based on weight and ergonomics?
Basic Sun Joe Ion push mowers live up to their name, tipping scales around just 30 pounds. Compared to gas mowers, their ultra-light plastic housing makes Sun Joe models extremely easy to whip around obstacles and tight corners. Effortless to lift over curbs or stairs too! Just don’t expect much mass for traction.
Makita self-propelled mowers trade lightweight portability for heavy-duty robustness. Deck weights run 15+ pounds heavier than Sun Joe equivalents, built from thick composite and steel. The increased mass improves traction and prevents bouncing on uneven turf. Yes, it needs more muscle turning, but ergonomic handles minimize fatigue.
The Takeaway – Sun Joe wins out for pure easy portability thanks to feathery composite shells. But Makita offsets added weight through comfort-engineered handles and advanced traction control.
Cost and Budget Comparison
With performance thoroughly covered, let’s hit the almighty question – how much cash do Sun Joe and Makita mowers actually cost?
Sun Joe Ion cordless mowers range from only $200 to $600. Their barebones models are perfect for penny-pinching homeowners with smaller urban and suburban plots up to 1⁄4 acre. Units like the classic MJ401C represent outstanding value buys.
Makita mowers carry a higher price tag – starting around $350 for base self-propelled units, reaching $800 for the latest releases. But enhanced engineering proves itself through commercial-tier quality, clipping versatility, and reliable efficiency at scale (half-acre+ plots). Pros will appreciate flagship models like Makita’s XML08PT1.
The Takeaway – Sun Joe wins budget-friendly shoppers, while Makita justifies premium pricing through heavy-duty construction and systematically superior performance. Both deliver attractive ROI depending on your mowing scope.
Verdict: Which Cordless Mower Reigns Supreme?
| For Smaller Suburban Lawns… | For Extended Yard Care… |
|---|---|
| Sun Joe | Makita |
| – Cost effective pricing | – Higher working capacity |
| – Lightweight portability | – Commercial grade builds |
| – Quick charging times | – Precision cutting controls |
| – Enough for 1/4 acre | – Clipping versatility |
In the end, both companies produce quality electric mowers fitting different needs. Sun Joe Ion excels on sub-$500 budgets for modest suburban plots thanks to wallet-friendly buys. Stepping up, Makita runs laps around large estates with contractor-grade outputs…for the right price premium.
I hope breaking down their pros illuminates the best cordless mower option for your property size. Reach out with any other questions! Happy mowing!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
frequency asked questions
How long do Makita batteries really last?
Factory batteries maintain solid charge for 300-500 cycles. Opt for extra battery set ($150+) to double productive lifespan of your mower. Proper winter storage preserves longevity too.
Can Sun Joe cut damp grass effectively?
Yes – their 24V motors easily slice through moist grass without clogging. But allow extremely wet turf to dry for optimal efficiency. Mow when rainfall pauses.
Who offers better warranties?
Makita wins top praise for outstanding 3-year total coverage (parts and batteries). This proves confidence in performance. Sun JoeStill protects with 2 years on mower, 1 year on batteries. Both warranties protect against defects.
