Thread: Mantis Tiller
View Single Post
  #5   Report Post  
Old 06-02-2004, 04:34 PM
Frogleg
 
Posts: n/a
Default Mantis Tiller

On Thu, 5 Feb 2004 22:03:50 -0600, "B & J"
wrote:


"ruth todd" wrote


I'm thinking of buying a Mantis Tiller to make gardening a little easier,
has anyone got one of these? I would be very grateful for any comments


I've had the same Mantis for twelve years, and it's still going fine. I had
to replace the tines last year after five years of Arkansas rocks wore them
to nubbins. There are many pluses for a Mantis including durability,
portability (one hand carries it), handling ease, and ability to be used in
small spaces. Two negatives include the fact that they get roots tangled in
tines (remove tines for removal) and starting unless you know the formula.
If you're still interested I'll tell you how to start one.


Ah, the arcana I never mastered. If the mystery of starting had been
revealed to me, I wouldn't have given it away after 3-4 frustrating
seasons and many futile trips to lawnmower shops that *promised*
satisfaction, but were oddly reluctant to be on call to start the
critter when I was ready to work.

I agree entirely with John's assessment. I used mine for a community
garden plot, and it was easy to transport in the back of my (compact)
car and maneuver it. What is it -- 19lbs? Sturdy as the dickens. Never
any time that it couldn't/wouldn't attack anything from hard clay to
established sod. Yes, roots winding around were a problem, but not
*too* fussy to clear the clog. I miss my Mantis. But not standing in a
field on a 93F (plenty humid, too) afternoon pulling a starting cord
and swearing for 20 minutes at a time.