Mantis tiller - have you used one?

[CarolAnn]

I'd like to get input on a Mantis tiller. I've got a TINY space and also personal mobility issues - I could not handle a full size tiller. I would like something to mix in soil amendments besides a hand spade, and I'd like to be able to dig up new beds after the grass has been removed with a sod cutter.

Are they worth the money, or more of a toy? Can an arthritic, asthmatic old lady handle one?

[TEX]

I haven't used a Mantis but I have used a Riobi (sp) and they are easy to use and work well for your intended job.

[AlchemyAcres]

I haven't used one either, and I consider them quite expensive.

One of my neighbors has one and she LOVES it. She's nearly 85 years old and able to handle it fairly easily, but she's in relatively good physical condition.


~Martin

[Prairie]

I borrowed my brother's small 2-stroke tiller. It works good for very small spaces, but is too small to be of any practical use. Even for tilling in between my pototaes last year, I found it to be a little too small. It is easy to use, and you get the feeling that you are chainsawing the dirt, and it is quite fun, but I wouldn't recommend it for any more than a couple hundred square feet, and even then it will take quite a bit of time. It IS really handy for precision tilling, such as between rows and around apple trees.

[jonvee]

Hi Carol,

I had a Craftsman 2.0hp tiller for several years and loved it. It was the perfect size for my raised beds and I could actually push it. Unlike the bigger models. However - it was hard to start with the pull cord. And as I got older and my shoulder bothered me more I was soooo exausted getting it started I had to rest before using it. I'm not a whimp mind you, but it was truly a pain in the you know what.

I found an electric cultivator on craigslist a few yuears ago and now that is the replacement. Works great, starts easily, and does the job. Some people don't like the electric because of the cord and potential for running it over, but I don't find it a problem. Plus you have to be close to electricity. My garden is about 85' or so from the house so that's not a problem.

Also, it only weighs 10 pounds so it's easy to carry. Even my sis and DD can use it no problem.

The guy I bought it from had tilled up his front yard to lay new grass. He said it went through the grass and weeds just fine. He used it for one project. It looked practically brand new. He probably paid about $300 to $400 for it. I only paid $100.

Hope this helps:)

[Laura]

I have a mantis, and I love it.
My dad actually gave it to me. He didn't keep the engine clear of dirt, and it clogged and killed the motor.
Mantis told me to mail the engine to them, and they would replace the WHOLE THING for 85.00. So I did!
I got a brand new Mantis, for 85.00.

I tilled a 20 x 50 foot area of hard clay and grass into a wonderful garden. Yes it took a few days, but I got it done. And done well.
It is wonderful amazing in the small areas. I love my Mantis!!
My oldest is 5'3" and about 105lbs, and has no problem using it.
My boy is almost 6 foot and about 170....and it's a breeze for him.
I am a little taller and about 20lbs heavier than my daughter, and I can use it for hours on end and it doesn't wear me out.
Wear gloves, it will blister your hands....but I don't walk away with noodle arms or back aches!

[NCLee]

I had a Little Wonder branded Mantis tiller. It's good for what it's designed to do. Tend flower beds and such. I used it more for "digging" planting holes for large plants. Till up the soil, and shovel it out of the hole. Prevented the bowls that form in our clay soil when using a shovel alone. Easier digging and better soil texture to refill the planting holes, too.

When it died, I couldn't get replacement parts. (coil, if my memory serves), as they had been discontinued. Rather than buying a new one, I chose to go with a Honda Mini Tiller, instead. The model numbers have changed since I bought mine. This appears to be the current equivalent.
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail&section=P2TL&modelname=FG110AT&modelid=FG110AT

IMHO, this mini tiller is a far better option. While a little heavier than the Mantis, it's still easy to pickup and move around. It's easier to start, as my version as a fuel assist button to aid in getting the gasoline to the carburator. Far fewer pulls on the start rope. Usually takes only 1 or 2 pulls to start.

After having a neighbor disk our garden space with a tractor, the rest of the work is done with this tiller. My approach is to lay out 2' wide rows and 2' wide middles between the rows. Each row is double planted or planted using the square foot method, based on what's going into the row. Green beans vs onions, for example. With the Honda, I walk down one side of a middle, then back up the other side to do the tilling between the rows. It's easy to control, thus I can get close the the plants without getting too close to damage the roots.

Another thing I like is that it uses regular gasoline. When I get ready to work the garden, hitch the little trailer behind the mower. Put the tiller, gas can, hoes, and anything else I need and haul to the garden. When gas is needed, just filler up again, from the same can that fills the mower.

Again, if just working flower beds, digging holes for planting, or working a tiny garden, the Mantis is O.K. But, for larger gardens, I'd recommend the Honda, instead. I've never measured it, but I'm guessing my garden space is a little over 100' long and about 50' wide. After getting the Honda, our 5 hp rear-tine tiller hasn't been cranked a half dozen times, since then.

Hope this helps.
Lee

[Laura]

NCLee, if I didn't have a Mantis, I would buy a Honda. You can't go wrong with a Honda!!

[DM]

I had a Mantis with the 2 stroke motor, and now have the small Honda tiller, i've used them side by side. The only way i'd buy the Mantis is to get it with the Honda motor, i believe they still have that option.

They both use the same worm drive ect., it's the Honda 4 stroke motor that makes all the difference. Either brand will do what you want, as long as you don't have a lot of stones, and remove the sod first... Get the Honda Motor!

DM

[OzarksJohn]

Howdy.

I've used a Mantis for one season and am starting in on the second one. It is pound for pound MORE machine than my big rear tine MTD. Both types of units have their place, but that little buzz bomb Mantis really rules the soil in several ways. IF i had to do without one of my units it would be the big rear tine machine in a heartbeat. Running a Mantis is different, but once you get used to its' dynamics and handling you will love it. I also respect the quality of the ECHO brand two cycle engines used on them. I think Mantis was offering a satisfaction or your money back on factory direct purchased units. Very worth consideration.OzarksJohn

[nhlivefreeordie]

I used one once, not what I desire in a tiller, but may be just what you are looking for, I prefer the big 12 horse rear tine for busting sod, and my 5hp front tine for established garden areas, to each his own I guess.

[leera]

I have one,it's good for small spaces,and for soil that is already fairly loose,if you're digging into compacted soil it jumps around a lot and get tiring fast.....

[Lookout]

I have a mantis and love it.
Like everyone has said, it is great for weeding rows and small tight areas.
That said I have used it for big areas.
I have a big rear tine tiller and any more hate getting it out and wrestling with it.
It's what ever you get use to and like using. All I know it beats a shovel and rake.:D

[bookwormom]

My DH bought us one about 20 years ago. I was never able to start it and DH practically had to yank his arm off. Once you get it started it is great in tight spaces, which I have lots of, but I have been using a hoe for years and it is more quiet, just as fast and cheaper. I would love to have one of those mini tillers, something that I can start easy.

[LoiDreams]

I love my Mantis tiller. I spread ammendments over the soil and just let it dig in the stuff. It will dig quite deep if you hold it in one place. Most tillers only go as deep as their wheels allow. Not my Mantis, no wheels. One caveat, My soil is DG decomposed granite. This is like large grain sand and needs lots of ammending but is very easy to till.

[Norcal Steve]

We use our Stihl Yard Boss Tiller on our veggie garden boxes. It does a great job in short order. It is very light weight, easy to handle, easy to start and it has plenty of power. You are also able to change the attachments on it. We use the "Bolo Tines" and get great results breaking loose and ammending the soils in all of our raised bed garden boxes. You can add wheels and weights to it, but we have not seen the need to yet.

Norcal Steve