Tiny Tillers

[rmorgan]

Patrick--

As to what's worth it, who knows. You don't really need the wheels, you can start the machine and feather the throttle to get it where you want it or, even better, stick it in the bucket of your FEL./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I think a two-cycle engine is well-suited to this task; the Mantis really winds up and the tines respond accordingly. I haven't used any but the Mantis, which suits us ok (and does have a lifetime warranty on tine breakage). I always thought the Ryobi looked a little light but if it's primarily for wifely cultivation that might be perfect and the ability to change attachments may make sense. Like most debates on this stuff, the bottom line is you'll probably be reasonably pleased with whatever you get--and if you're not, you can take it back!

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Patrick:
Ours is 2 stroke. It started immediately, right out of the box, and my wife has had no trouble starting it. I read somewhere that it is the same engine as Echo string trimmers, which are staples in the commercial market.
I don't know anything about the Ryobi. Pros sneer at them as homeowner devices, which may mean they are perfect for the rest of us. I have their string trimmer with a pruning saw attachment. It is fine for very occassional use, but very lightly built. I have to be careful not to bend or break it. The Mantis seems pretty stout, although light. It doesn't need wheels. My wife puts it in her old garden cart with the hand tools, or just carries it.
Sorry I can't give comparisons, because I haven't tried the Honda or Ryobi.

 

[Scott_F]

Patrick,
I'll chime in here in favor of the Mantis. Have had one for about three years with no problems. It will chew through most anything except - NEVER get it into a big patch bermuda grass. The stuff will wrap around it so tight you can't even get the tines off. A friend also had one and had problems with the engine. He was able to get it replaced through the local dealer with no hassle. Wife uses it all the time too. Ear plugs recommended (for the Mantis, not the wife)

Scott

 

[patrickg]

Jeep, Now there is the advantage of shopping via the internet. Just a few mouse clicks and you get all the data including "great" prices. N_O_T!!!!

Thanks for the lead. I've nothing bad to say about Mantis except maybe I don't like their web site's esthetics but for the same price I just gotta take a look at the Honda.

Thanks to everyone for all their info. I think I have enough data to make a reasonable decision. I don't need a twelve in one tool or super heavy duty tilling capability. I just want a light weight easily started and used unit with reasonable durability that will fit easily between rows and cultivate previously tractor tilled soil to keep the grass and weeds from taking over without the joys of hoeing. I have a slight to midling preference for 4 stroke but after the typical unthinking platitudes, probably don't have a good reason.

Synopsis for anyone interested:

Ryobi $209 free shipping from Amazon plus 1/2 the diff guarantee if you find it cheaper.
Mantis Over $300 plus you pay shipping, lifetime "tine" guarantee but no one reported ever needing replacement which is probably why they boast "LIFETIME" replacement on the tines.
Honda $300 reported here (Home Depot) which beats the $400 + shipping via the web.

I will make a trip (40-45 miles) to Home Depot to have a look see if I can confirm by phone that they have it in stock.

Thanks again for everyone's help,

Patrick

 

[patrickg]

Scott.

"Wife uses it all the time too. Ear plugs
recommended (for the Mantis, not the wife)"

Where would you put ear plugs on a Manits? Surely your wife can't be so noisy that it would bother a machine.

Patrick (please insert appropriate emoticons)

 

[skent]

I have to chime in for the mantis. I have had mine for 7 or 8 years now. Always starts on second pull. Good power and not much weight. If soil is hard or if you hit rocks the thing will bounce, but they all seem to do that.

My wife and daughters (as young as 12) start it and use it with no problems.

Solid little machine!

 

[Inspector507]

Patrick,
I picked this little Troy-bilt up a few years ago from Lowes. It had been returned for whatever reason. I bought it for $30 as is. There was no fuel in it at the store so no one knew if it ran or not. It had been out in the weather before I got it, but fired right up as soon as I put fuel in it. One reason it may have been returned was the tines had rusted to the shafts and couldn't remove them to put edger blade on. But as patient as I am (NOT) I did get them off and cleaned everything up. Been using it for 3 years with just new fuel every summer.

 

[Inspector507]

Forgot the picture

 

[Dozernut]

How about a small tiller attachment for your back hoe. You could sit in one spot and reach out with the hoe and till your garden. No compaction,shoot you could till six foot deep if you wanted. Sharpen up the tines and presto, you have a tree slasher thats able to trim back those nasty trees. Hey if the girls don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Carl_NH]

Patrick,

I got a refurbed 2Cycle Ryobi Trimmer Plus (407Z i think) from Harbor Freight 2 yrs ago for $99 then got the attachments at Home Depot $85 for a tiller, and $47 for a edger. Tried the saw attachment but was too much effort for the results.

So if Amazon sells the trimmer then buy the attachments locally might be a good deal. I have a 24" tiller as well so the little one is most used for weeding and around plants in tight quarters.

Carl