I will appreciate any advices about these machines.
I agree with the advice already offered by Don and Jeny.

If your garden spot has never been tilled, you may find the soil quite
hard. The first time you till will be the hardest. Each time
afterward it will be easier, much easier. Therefore you may want to
rent a large powerful tiller for that first time. A small machine may
suffice thereafter.

I scoffed at the Mantis when I first saw it. It looked like a toy,
hopelessly inadquate. Then I used a borrowed Mantis. Experience
taught that my first impression was wrong. The Mantis is a buzzy
little beast but it digs like fury! It is lightweight so it is easy to
pick up and carry. It fits in a car trunk without a struggle.

You might also consider a Honda mini-tiller. This machine is similar
to the Mantis in size and weight. I bought a used one at a garage sale
and am happy with it.


Daniel B. Martin