luriko wrote:
I am thinking of getting a mantis tiller. It seems a bit small to me
to do everything claimed. They look like they would work well in
cultivated soil, but I am not so sure how they would fare in clay or
uncultivated soil.
Anybody own one or have any advise?

Thx....

I know a lot of people criticize Mantis tillers, but I bought mine in
1998 and love it. I used it to build a strawberry bed in virgin ozark
rocks for my parents, at my brother's to till a garden at his new house
and along his driveway for border plantings, at my own home in Alabama
to refresh a corner of the yard that the dogs had seriously compacted,
and maintain multiple flower beds and gardens. Over the years, for its
size, I personally feel that I abused it. Often when I started a
project, it was try the Mantis, then step up if necessary. Well, the
Mantis is the only tiller I own.

I called customer service this spring to inquire about the lifetime
guarantee on the tines. I actually called them twice to get
instructions because it seemed too simple. "Return the tines, include
my street address for delivery, and thank you for asking, but we do not
require funds for the delivery of the new tines." I mailed the old
tines on February 22nd and received the replacements today, March 3rd.
I am genuinely impressed and thrilled with the service.

I currently anticipate being able to "wear out" the new tines on my 7
year old Mantis tiller. In the event that the new tines outlive my
Mantis, I would replace it (in a hummingbird's heart beat) with another
Mantis.