[8Bed]

Just wondering, Does anyone own or, Has anyone used a Mantis tiller on thier plot?

It looks like just what i need on a small plot.

http://mantis-uk.co.uk/home.asp#

-8Bed

[lightyears]

i was looking at one of these too, the video on there site is very encouraging, hopefully someone will be along soon

[mikem]

Yes I have one, I wish I had bought it years ago.  It is very good unless the ground is very wet as it will then clog.  Even on ground that is quite compacted it breaks it up into a fine tilth.  I managed to get one second hand quite cheaply but well worth the money in my opinion.  Saves so much time and energy. 

[crowndale]

I have one too, found it a bit tricky at first but once I got the hang of it it was great, can't wait for the spring to come so I can try it out again, far too wet for anything here yet.

[beansticks]

I have the Honda equivalent ,the Fg110.Excellent,the advantage over the mantis is it's a four stroke engine,starts really easy.

[Elaine G]

Agree with Beansticks, the baby Honda is excellent - quiet and easy to use.

Elaine

[Gwiz]

I thought I would move this topic here.
This is home of the "mantis appreciation society"

[Larkshall]

I have the Honda equivalent ,the Fg110.Excellent,the advantage over the mantis is it's a four stroke engine,starts really easy.

I don't see that as an advantage, Mantis do four stroke, two stroke AND Electric. I have an electric model, very quiet. It will do everything that the bigger machines do, although it's probably better if you have compacted clay, to hire in a big machine to break it up then the Mantis will handle it with no problem. The Mantis does not work like normal Rotavator's, instead of walking behind it you walk backwards pulling it towards you. by doing this it digs itself into the ground and easily keeps it's depth. The designers used their brains.Instead of the rotors trying to climb out of the ground they pull themselves in, so you don't have to have a lot of weight in the machine. I can carry it in one hand and I'm 80 next month.

[Ian_P]

I've had my Mantis for four seasons and would be very loath to change it. Mine is a two stroke, starts first time and does all I ask of it. If you really have a hatred of two strokes they also do four stroke and electric. Mine came from e.bay at about £200 which seems to be the going rate, but if you buy a new one they have a money back guarantee.

My plot is mostly clay over chalk with the clay coming through strongly in many places the Mantis seems to be fine.

I