Greenworks vs Craftsman Lawn Aerator (2026): 40V vs V20 Cordless Dethatchers Compared

Last updated: October 2026 · Written by the LawnVibe editorial team.

If you want a cordless walk-behind dethatcher, Greenworks and CRAFTSMAN both offer a modern brushless option on their battery platforms. Greenworks has a 40V 15 inch dethatcher/scarifier, and Craftsman has a 2x V20 brushless dethatcher and scarifier. This Greenworks vs Craftsman lawn aerator comparison puts the two cordless machines side by side, then looks at Craftsman's tow-behind aerators for owners of larger lawns.

As with most electric "aerators", it helps to be precise: these walk-behind machines are dethatchers and scarifiers. They remove thatch and score the soil surface rather than pulling soil plugs. This comparison is based on published specifications; we did not run hands-on tests.

Greenworks vs Craftsman Lawn Aerator at a Glance

Feature	Greenworks 40V	Craftsman 2x V20
Battery platform	Greenworks 40V	CRAFTSMAN V20 (uses two batteries)
Motor	Cordless	Brushless
Working width	14 inch dethatching path (15 inch model)	14 inch deck
Reels	Quick-swap dethatcher and scarifier reels	Dethatcher and scarifier
Collection	Check listing	50 litre bag
Listed runtime	Check listing	Up to about 45 minutes
Storage	Standard	Foldable handle
Purchase	Tool only	Check kit contents

The Cordless Dethatchers Head to Head

Greenworks 40V 15 inch dethatcher/scarifier offers quick-swap reels, letting you change between spring-tine dethatching and blade scarifying without tools. Greenworks lists a 14 inch dethatching path and includes seasonal timing advice: early spring or early fall for cool-season grasses, and late spring through early summer, after the second mowing, for warm-season grasses. It is sold as a tool only.

Craftsman 2x V20 brushless dethatcher and scarifier runs on two V20 batteries with a brushless motor, a 14 inch deck, a 50 litre removable collection bag and a foldable handle. Craftsman lists up to about 45 minutes of runtime and describes the machine as removing thatch and compacted soil to support lawn health.

On paper, the working widths are similar, so the decision usually comes down to battery platform, collection capacity and storage. The Craftsman model's large bag and foldable handle are practical advantages, while Greenworks' quick-swap reels make switching modes easy.

Battery Platform: The Deciding Factor

For most buyers, the battery matters more than the dethatcher. Greenworks' 40V platform powers mowers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws and more. CRAFTSMAN's V20 platform spans a wide range of power tools and outdoor equipment. If you already own batteries for one system, choosing the matching dethatcher can save a significant amount and keep your garage simpler with one charger.

If you are starting fresh, think about the other tools you are likely to buy. A homeowner planning a cordless mower and trimmer may lean toward Greenworks' 40V outdoor range, while someone who already owns CRAFTSMAN drills and drivers may prefer V20. Also note that the Craftsman model runs on two V20 batteries, so plan for two charged packs.

Craftsman's Tow-Behind Tools for Larger Lawns

Craftsman also offers tow-behind lawn tools for riding mowers, which Greenworks does not in this comparison. Its 40 inch tow plug aerator uses 24 galvanized coring points and is listed at up to 3 inches deep, sold in bundles with a 40 inch tow dethatcher or a 110 lb tow broadcast spreader. Its 36 inch tow spike aerator has 9 galvanized discs and an adjustable hitch.

These tools are much faster on large lawns and provide true core aeration, which relieves soil compaction. Kansas State University Research and Extension explains the benefits of pulling plugs in its guide to aerating your lawn. If your lawn is over half an acre and you own a riding mower, a tow-behind bundle may serve you better than any walk-behind dethatcher.

Dethatching, Scarifying and Core Aeration Explained

Dethatching uses spring tines to comb out loose dead material and moss. Scarifying uses rigid blades to cut into the thatch layer and soil surface, which is more aggressive. Core aeration removes plugs of soil to relieve compaction. A lawn with thick thatch benefits from dethatching or scarifying; a lawn with hard, compacted soil needs core aeration. Many lawns benefit from dethatching first and aerating second, followed by overseeding. Our guides on how to dethatch a lawn and how to use an electric aerator on compacted soil explain more.

How to Get the Best Results

Mow slightly shorter than usual before dethatching, and work when the soil is slightly moist and the grass is actively growing. Start on a shallow setting and increase gradually; aggressive first passes can tear healthy grass. Make one pass, then a second at an angle if thatch is heavy. Empty the collection bag before it fills completely, because a full bag reduces pickup. Afterwards, rake up debris, water deeply and overseed thin areas.

Cordless runtime drops on heavy thatch, damp grass and deeper settings. On medium lawns, keep spare batteries charged or plan to finish in two sessions.

Choosing by Lawn Size

Small lawns

Either cordless machine is easy to manoeuvre on a small lawn, and one battery charge should be plenty. Choose based on the platform you own. If you own neither and your lawn is near an outlet, a corded dethatcher from another brand may cost less.

Medium lawns

Cordless convenience pays off on medium lawns without nearby outlets. The Craftsman model's large bag means fewer stops to empty, while Greenworks' quick-swap reels let you scarify problem patches without changing machines. Keep a spare battery charged for heavy thatch.

Large lawns

Walk-behind dethatchers become slow on large lawns. If you own a riding mower, Craftsman's tow-behind dethatcher and plug aerator bundle covers ground far faster and adds true core aeration. If you do not, consider dethatching in sections over a weekend or renting a heavier machine.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Dethatching or Aeration

Spongy, springy turf, water that runs off rather than soaking in and grass that browns quickly in dry weather suggest thick thatch. Check by cutting a small wedge of turf and measuring the brown layer above the soil; more than about half an inch is a sign to dethatch. Hard soil, puddling and thin grass along paths point to compaction, which calls for core aeration. Our article on how often to aerate your lawn explains how often each treatment is usually needed.

Aftercare After Dethatching

A freshly dethatched lawn looks thin and scratched, which is normal. Rake up and compost the loosened material, then water deeply. This is the ideal time to overseed thin areas, because seed can reach the soil easily. A light starter fertilizer helps new seedlings establish. Keep foot traffic off the lawn while it recovers, and continue light, regular watering until new grass is established. Most lawns recover within a few weeks when dethatched during active growth.

Should You Buy a Corded Dethatcher Instead?

If neither battery platform is already in your garage, a corded dethatcher is worth considering. Corded models deliver steady power with no runtime limit and typically cost less than a cordless tool plus batteries. The trade-off is managing an extension cord across the lawn. For small and medium lawns near outdoor outlets, corded is often the best value, while cordless shines on larger or more complex lawns and for owners who already use the platform. Our Sun Joe vs Craftsman lawn aerator comparison covers several corded options.

Keeping Thatch in Check

Thatch builds faster with heavy fertilizing and frequent shallow watering. Water deeply but less often, feed at recommended rates and mow regularly to slow buildup between dethatching sessions, and check thatch depth each spring.

Depth Settings Explained

Shallow settings comb out surface thatch with minimal disturbance, while deeper settings reach into the soil surface. Start shallow, check the results on a small area and increase depth only where thatch remains thick.

How Much Runtime Do You Need?

Dethatching is one of the more demanding jobs for a cordless motor. Heavy thatch, damp grass and deep settings all draw more power, so actual runtime may be shorter than listed figures. Measure your lawn and compare it with the maker's runtime estimate, then add a margin. For a medium lawn, a spare battery means you can finish without waiting. For small lawns, one charge is usually enough.

Timing Through the Year

Cool-season lawns, such as fescue, bluegrass and ryegrass, are best dethatched in early fall, with early spring as a second option. Warm-season lawns, such as Bermuda, zoysia and St. Augustine, respond best in late spring to early summer, once they are actively growing. Avoid dethatching in drought, heat waves or when the lawn is dormant, because the grass cannot recover quickly.

Maintenance and Storage

Remove the batteries before cleaning. Brush thatch and grass out of the tines, reel housing and wheels after each use, and empty and dry the collection bag. Inspect spring tines and scarifier blades for wear each season and replace them when they stop picking up thatch well. Store batteries indoors at a moderate charge level, away from heat and frost. Craftsman's foldable handle helps in tight storage spaces.

Safety Tips

Wear eye protection, long pants and closed shoes. Keep children and pets away while dethatching. Always remove batteries before changing reels, adjusting depth or clearing clogs. With tow-behind tools, tow slowly, avoid steep or wet slopes and stop the mower before adding weight to trays.

Pros and Cons Summary

Greenworks strengths: quick-swap dethatcher and scarifier reels; fits the large Greenworks 40V outdoor tool range; useful seasonal guidance in the listing.

Greenworks trade-offs: sold as tool only; fewer details on bag capacity and runtime in the listing.

Craftsman strengths: brushless motor, large 50 litre bag, foldable handle and listed runtime; tow-behind plug aerator and dethatcher bundles available for large lawns.

Craftsman trade-offs: needs two V20 batteries; walk-behind range is limited to one model.

Which Should You Buy?

• Best for Greenworks 40V owners: the Greenworks 40V 15 inch dethatcher/scarifier.
• Best for CRAFTSMAN V20 owners: the Craftsman 2x V20 brushless dethatcher.
• Best for large lawns with a riding mower: the Craftsman 40 inch tow plug aerator and dethatcher bundle.
• Best for aerating and seeding together: the Craftsman tow plug aerator and spreader bundle.
• Best for light aeration before seeding: the Craftsman 36 inch tow spike aerator.

For more cordless and corded options, see our guides to the best electric aerator and the Sun Joe vs Greenworks lawn aerator comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions