mantis tiller
barry island
Posts: 1,846
I have been toying with the idea of buying myself a rotovator as digging is getting to be a chore and doesn't do my back any good. I've looked at the full sized models but have come to the conclusion that a mantis looks to be the ideal tool, the problem is that they are expensive things to buy between £350 and £400 now looking at that logically that's only around £30/month and they do seem to hold their resale value quite well. I am looking at a couple of second hand ones at the moment but these are 2 stroke models and it seems like mantis only sell 4 stroke models now. I will only use the tiller on the allotment which I view as being a money saving pursuit so can I justify splashing out on a second hand mantis let alone a brand spanking new one after all I could buy a lot of cabbages for that sort of money, what shall I do?
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Funny I'v just come in from the garden after using my Mantis,I've got a allotment size veg patch and always use the Mantis. It's easy to use and very efficient it takes me about a hour to do the patch,I wouldn't be without it no more digging.
Which model do you have 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine, have you had it long and have you had any problems with it? Thanks.
I forgot to say I loan my Mantis to a couple of friends so they helped me with the cost,
the Mantis I'v got is a 2stroke.
Your message came in as I was typing so I will answer it now,
no no problems ,easy to use and maintain I would recommend it to anybody,
lastly im 60 plus and female and it beats digging.
That's a very good way of spreading the cost of something which after all you only use for a few days each year.
It is an expense but they do seem to hold their resale value well so I might just bite the bullet and get one. I am over 60 too and with a bad back it must make sense, I'll keep telling myself this.
I'm the wrong side of 60 now too and bought one last year. Great bit of kit and I wouldn't want to be without it. Lightweight but it has enough muscle to get in and do the job.
Thanks all I haven't heard a bad word said about the mantis so it's looking like the one for me.
maybe look on ebay at second hand?
The Mantis is fairly easy to use on well prepared ground like an allotment. On unbroken ground it is much harder work and requires a fair bit of effort to control it. Being lightweight it will bounce around rather alarmingly as it hits rocks and other debris. Old tree roots get wrapped around the blades and need to be cut free regularly or the blades will just clog up and the engine will labour. I think there is a new accessory spacer which fits in the tines and helps reduce root wrap.
When looking at a second hand 2 stroke model be prepared to buy a new carburettor. Modern fuel tends to gum up carbs and this leads to difficult starting and poor running. I suspect many end up being sold on because they have this problem. You need to drain the fuel from the tank when finished using the tiller and then run the engine until there is no residual fuel in the carb before storing it. I also use an anti-gum additive in the fuel. Make sure you get the fuel/oil mix right too.
Carburettors are widely available from ebay at around £40 and replacing it is a straightforward job for anyone used to working on cars. You could try a cheaper service kit with new diaphragms and needles etc. but that needs a bit more skill than a straight swop.