[chickenboy]

Cheers shaun, will have a look at those on ebay.

[Norfolk Dumpling]

Hi,

Bought a Mantis before Christmas, BIG MISTAKE!!!

All it does is create a furrow across your plot and kick soil up, and over your lawn / paths. The video's and literature look good, but it didn't work for me.

Boxed it up and sent it back - Full refund received.

Now looking to purchase either an Ardisam Badger Hobby or an MTD T245.

Good Luck!!   

[azadigger]

I think the Mantis would be fine for easy soil. Mine varies from good to clay. I've looked at the Badger Hobby and its a great machine. I like the large wheels and it looks very stable with a lot of power. I think for about £380 it's great value I can't wait for early spring!!

[Diy-king]

I am about to purchase the Honda FG110, Have seen it in action on virgin soil after grass removed. The soil was ready for planting immediately after one pass. It is about a Kg heaver,  you can attach same attachments but I have found it about £80 cheaper than the Mantis at http://www.mowwithus.com/fg110.html, free P&P and comes with 5 year warranty. Bigger tillers are cheaper here too.

[Gwiz]

well, once you've got it, come and tell us all about it!
I haven't used one yet, but I have had a good look at one, and it does look a great little beast.

[richyrich7]

Thanks for the link Diy-king and welcome to the forums 

Like Gwiz said please let us know how you get on with it

[Larkshall]

Hi,

Bought a Mantis before Christmas, BIG MISTAKE!!!

All it does is create a furrow across your plot and kick soil up, and over your lawn / paths. The video's and literature look good, but it didn't work for me.

Boxed it up and sent it back - Full refund received.

Good Luck!!   

I don't think you really gave it a chance. I have the electric model and it works fine on everything except compacted clay.

Mind you, the way the ground is at present, it looks as though it will be May before you can put any rotavator on it.

http://erowell.co.uk/Gardening/clay-soil.html

[pushrod]

Hi,

Bought a Mantis before Christmas, BIG MISTAKE!!!

All it does is create a furrow across your plot and kick soil up, and over your lawn / paths. The video's and literature look good, but it didn't work for me.

Boxed it up and sent it back - Full refund received.

Now looking to purchase either an Ardisam Badger Hobby or an MTD T245.

Good Luck!!   

be interesting to hear your view on which ever you get - mind comparing either of those with a mantis is not really like for like. I bought a mantis years ago and like the fact that i can hang it up in the corner of the shed and carry it about easily or put it in the boot of a car. I originally bought one because my back could no longer cope with digging and have been very pleased with it. My father in law, having seen the mantis bought something bigger and "better" but TBH when i had a go with it it would have been no use to me because of the weight and vibration. Horses for courses i suppose. Interestingly though he has now returned his veg patch to lawn.

[Larkshall]

I would recommend that anyone buying a Mantis reads the instructions carefully, don't assume that it works like any other Rotavator, it doesn't. Use it as they say and it is far better than most light Rotavator's. Heavy compacted clay either needs a bigger machine (hire one) or dig it over by hand. Thereafter you will be able to manage it with the Mantis.

[Bigbadfrankie]

I would love to have a go with a mantis or baby honda, they look like fun

[Celery]

I have a Mantis and it seem to do the job OK.You can take to another location in the car without taking it to peices.
                                          Celery

[Larkshall]

I would love to have a go with a mantis or baby honda, they look like fun

It's a pity you don't live near me, I would give you a demonstration.

[pushrod]

I would love to have a go with a mantis or baby honda, they look like fun

I don't know if they still do, but mantis used to offer a no quibble money back month/6 week? long trial.  They were so confident that any body who had a go would want it. Might be worth checking if they still do something similar.

[Alfie]

I think Mantis Uk  do a 12 month no quibble refund 

[richyrich7]

I think Mantis Uk  do a 12 month no quibble refund 

yep they do