zxcvbob expounded:

I have one. It's horrible. The engine is supposedly the same as an Echo
trimmer or chain saw, but I have no problems with my Echo chain saws or
trimmer. The Mantis has been almost impossible to start since about 2
years after I bought it. I had it in the shop a couple of years ago and
they put on a new carburator, and that helped for a few months.

I've had one for four years, and I always forget to drain the fuel,
yet it starts, every single year for me, following the procedure John
(B&J) wrote about. I've found it very reliable and easy to use. I
think you really have to do exactly what's recommended in the manual
for it to run properly (not knocking anyone, everyone forgets from
year to year).

--
Ann, Gardening in zone 6a
Just south of Boston, MA
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