[chillimummy]

Tried out new Mantis tiller today, well OH did  , and the soil is now so much more managable 
Had weeded and dug over most of the plot but soil was dreadful, like rock  .
Couldn't think how I was going to manage sowing seeds.
Now have large area ready to sow which looks great and will do the rest next weekend.
Have borrowed rotovators from plot neighbours past couple of years to do odd areas but having my own means not having to rely on seeing people.
Having whole plot now to manage doesn't feel quite as overwhelming as it did a month or so ago 
Sowing peas and beans tomorrow and probably beetroot, turnips and spinach.
Bit more expensive than I expected but so worth it 
 
 
 

[ididntdoit]

Similar story for me. I bought the Honda FG201 (similar in size etc to the Mantis) and it has been a godsend.

Asthma and COPD are reducing my ability to dig for long periods of time but controlling the Honda was easy, not a doddle, but easy. Large areas of soil are now dug, some already planted and others ready for the next week or so. I really couldn't have done it without a tiller

If you can't afford a new one, go for a second hand one. Both machines are very well proven and if not abused, they last for many, many years.

[chillimummy]

Agree that they are so helpful.
I had knee replacement few years ago and although I manage digging, this will encourage OH to help me and make everything more managable as I can use it without too much difficulty too.
Definitely hoping it will last a lot of years.
Means having a full plot now rather than half I had until this year, will carry on being a pleasure and not become a chore.
Still plan to dig aswell though   

[jaydig]

I couldn't manage without my Mantis now, and it saves such a lot of time.  My soil on the plot tends towards clay, and so sets into lumps like concrete when it's too dry.  I find it much easier to manage if I give it a good watering before using the tiller, and this helps to break it down to a nice fine tilth.

[jambop]

 My tiller is a bit bigger but I would not/could not be without it. I can work my soil to incorporate manure and it is great for breaking up the soil when it has become a bit compacted from treading on it when its damp... then the sun hits it ... concrete !  just a bit too big to use as a general motor hoe though .

[digger1]

Also with the Mantis the tines are guaranteed for LIFE against breakage, and they can be turned round to do weeding as it digs shallower.
 

[chillimummy]

Also with the Mantis the tines are guaranteed for LIFE against breakage, and they can be turned round to do weeding as it digs shallower.

OH mentioned that about the weeding so think will give it a go though if soil is not too bad then will probably just hoe