Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Chatting => Equipment Shed => Topic started by: Rangerkris on April 20, 2011, 10:09
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http://www.eckman.co.uk/p291~42.7cc-2-Stroke-Petrol-Cultivator.html (http://www.eckman.co.uk/p291~42.7cc-2-Stroke-Petrol-Cultivator.html)
Never heard of them would like to know more as to weather they are any good or not all reviews on the site are 5* which makes me think it might not be.
Edit to fix link
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Can't really coment as I've never heard of them either.
Looks like there are some honest coments. I recently bout a small rotovator myself. I had a look around and decided that I would be better of getting a machine that I know I'll be able to get parts for in a few years time., so I went for the Alko.
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The engine looks very high which will give a high centre of gravity.
The chap in this video looks to be working quite hard to control it.
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Will keep looking for something else i think.
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Don't know !
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Since there have been some postings about Mantis recently it is fair to comment this old topic.
Just have a look at the video presented on the page/link - the manufacturer stands apparently by what is presented, and if that is how it operates it is no where near a Mantis!
...nor is its pricetag ;)
I would not invest in this tiller less I would -have- to get one and could not afford a Mantis.
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This looks very similar to "The Handy Petrol Mini Tiller" I suspect they are both imported from the same chinese factory.
Bought one new off ebay for just over £100 but not used it in earnest, yet.
Thoughts are:
1. Good value for money considering the price paid.
2. Better construction than I imagined, but...
3. Power switch and plastic engine cowling look flimsy and metal straps holding the fuel tank are unpainted.
4. Started first time, first pull!!
5. Came with a free bottle of gearbox oil.
6. Technical queries have been answered quickly.
So..I'd certainly recommend buying one if you are tight like me but don't expect it to last as long as a mantis.
Edit: Just checked out the handbook and it looks like both tillers come from the same supplier.
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Hi All,
Have now used the 'Handy Petrol Mini Tiller' a couple of times.
1. Centre of gravity is higher than machines where the engine is lower. However, the engine is a lightweight aluminium job so not really an issue.
2. Machine is quite manouverable but does tend to 'bounce' if it hits a solid buried object, due to lack of weight. Didn't fling things in the air as much as I thought it would-the blade guard does an OK job.
3. Blades are a bit fiddly to remove-I have a plot with an awful lot of rubbish in it and when something jammed the blades it was a 5 minute job to un-jam it. The 'cotter' pins used to secure the blades are easy to lose too so care needed to place them somewhere sensible.
4. Fuel tank lasts over an hour of tilling.
5. Transport wheels extend downwards to allow the machine to be moved. However, I still needed to 'stoop' to avoid the blades hitting the ground-it's easier just to carry the thing. The main shaft of the machine is padded which makes carrying it fairly easy.
6. Did a very good job. I found the best method was to run the machine forward over an area then drag it backwards. The blades really dig into the ground and produces a fine earth. Brings lots of stones an rubbish to the surface.
However, wet clay soil proved more difficult-will have to wait until it is dryer to do these sections.
7. Fuel mixing bottle seal is rubbish-ended up tipping fuel down my jeans.
8. Starts easily.
9. Noisy, but you get used to it.
10. Generic Chinese machine, built to a price.
Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are on a tight budget and are happy with a small machine.