[neal]

I am in the process of trying to find a mini tiller to work in areas that i can't get to or into with my honda fg501. Brilliant machine but to large to manage in my polytunnel and covered areas where i grow chrysanthemums  and dahias. This amounts to a quarter of the two plots i have 25ft x 50ft in total. I whould prefer a 4 stroke i know mantis do both but do not like the idea of waking backwards. Is the honda used in the same way
Any advice on either machines whould be of great help :?

[Bigbadfrankie]

:shock:  :shock:  :shock: a mantis does not compete with Honda its the cheap alternative    

[Gwiz]

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=238

I can't say how you use them, but I've never found using the ryobi backwards any problem. Your'e not moving fast enough to get into any real problems.
there is another persons comments on the honda on our back pages somewhere. I really liked the look of the Honda, it's a little more robust than the mantis, and no-one can say the honda engine isn't all that good.
have fun with it!

[neal]

Thanks Graham found the back page very helpful just about answers my  
question. So the honda it will be ,a little brother for the 501. Also £120 saving on the 4 stroke  mantis even at net prices.  My local dealer says he will match any internet price .So happy all round  

Thank for the help
                            Neal

[Gwiz]

I'm happy to be able to help.
I hope you enjoy it!!

[neal]

Done the deal now need the weather.Hand dug the polytunnel but may try
it out tomorrow it's nice and dry in there