[azadigger]

I'm going to use a light tiller/rotavator this year to work my allotment; any advice? I am considering the mantis tiller or a heavier lawnrite T245. Please let me have your advice

[Gwiz]

both are fine, and we have a few advocates of both here. I rather fancy the smallest Honda. It's a four stroke, heavier than the mantis, and reasonable value for money.
somewhere in the back pages of this section, I did a review of it, I can't seem to find it now. I think I titled it "mantis replacement?" or something like that.
I own a Ryobi two stroke, and a larger merry tiller. I think they are both great machines.

Edit:

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

[loam ranger]

I have a Honda FG200 tiller, Ive had it for 9 years with no probs, fires up first pull after standing over winter. PS I work 3 plots.
Geoff

[neal]

I got the Honda FG 110 last year can't fault it

[pushrod]

I've got the mantis, very easy to carry, four or five years old (never been serviced once  :oops:  i'm very forgetful) and always starts easily. Have been very pleased with it and it makes very light work of my veg patch and beds.

[richyrich7]

I've 2 mantis ( don't ask  :roll: ) anyway brill little machine you won't regret getting one, I've left one in the shed with 2 stroke petrol in all over winter, started straight off yesterday.

Welcome to the forums btw  

[Alfie]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Same as Rich .. Mantis's are great  

What is the plural of Mantis  :scratch:  

BTW welcome !

[shaun]

i have a mantis and i have no major complaints,very light and powerfull for its size,the only problem i have is the tines clogging up in damp soil but if the soil is just right it eats it .

[beansticks]

I have the Honda fg110,superb little machine,bought mine 2 years ago,since buying mine ,two other plotholders bought the same model.

[azadigger]

Thanks for the great advice . Does anyone have any info on the AL-KO range of tillers? The small MH350 looks like great value for money.

[Gwiz]

they're ok, but much bigger than the mantis.
German company, been going for years, spares aren't too hard to come, briggs cheapy engine.
I don't know what they cost, but Alko are normally pretty reasonable.
Give it a go, and let us all know how you get on

[chickenboy]

I'm thinking of buying a second-hand mantis- are spares and plugs/filters etc easy/cheap to come by?

[Gwiz]

I've heard of no real problems. I did think that some of the parts where a little steep.......
But then I'm still thinking in 60's money.......

[chickenboy]

thanks for prompt reply Gwiz-think i will try the mantis, and might let people know how i get on.  

[shaun]

thanks for prompt reply Gwiz-think i will try the mantis, and might let people know how i get on.  

you wont be disapointed you can get a few attatchments and the parts are very easy to get,i bought a service pack of ebay for a tenner( 2 air filters.a fuel filter.4no 2 stroke oils,a spark plug,a tube of grease for the worm gear and a plug spanner)