Forums Archive Index > Other OPE-Reviews Only Please > Mantis Tiller Review

Author: MissSnowshoveler

Date: 8 Sep 2005 5:28 am



I watched the promotional video that came with this machine and thought to myself - no way - NEVER!!! Then I saw one being used, I thought, okay so maybe. Then we sold a couple and got raving comments from the customers. Total amazement to me. The Mantis machines come with either a 2 cycle engine, a Honda 4 cycle engine or as an electric unit. They weigh anywhere from 20 - 24lbs.
There are several attachments to accompany these machines: a boder egder, planter/furrower, plow, dethatcher, aerator, crevice device, wheel set, plant guard, kick stand, debris bag, tine detangler, weed reducers and storage rack. The 2 cycle version also has hedge trimmer bars and an edger attachment.
We now actually own one to use at our own personal home. I have never seen something to work so nice in ground that's not the best. It worked beautifully around my flowers. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how easily it manuevered around the flowers without eating them in the process. I would definetely recommend them to anybody that asked, even for a larger garden.

Pros:
light weight
easy to start
comes with carrying handle
handles fold down for easy storage
1 piece cast gear box
many attachments
tines have a lifetime warranty against breakage
great for small areas
so easy to manuever

Cons:
too easy to start for younger children
2 cycle means having to mix fuel and oil

Date Purchased: 06/05
Price Paid: $300. Canadian (demo unit)
Recommend: Yes

Author: MissSnowshoveler

Date: 10 Apr 2006 12:44 pm

Update to the Mantis for this Spring. We used this little guy in our vegetable garden this year. Chris said he doesn't ever want to use a 'big' tiller ever again. The Mantis pulled large rocks out of the ground and made it easy to toss them aside. After finishing up tilling all he had to do was pull the 2 pins out of each tine and remove them to get rid of all the roots and debris that had gotten tangled in them.
I used it yesterday, just briefly, but I enjoyed it. I tilled up a little spot big enough to plant a couple of rows of sugar peas and shell peas. It fluffed the 'ground' (it's more like year old horse manure) real nice and made planting a dream. Would I trade this little machine for a big tiller? NO!
Sherri