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#16
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Mantis tiller
Bob Provencher wrote:
"Bruce Yates" wrote in message ... Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? I had a troy built years ago and loved it, but sold it after back surgery. Went to square foot gardening a couple of years ago and am considering one for my small garden, flower beds, etc. How good is it at breaking sod for new planting beds? I'm not sure about breaking sod, depends on which mantis you buy. I'd go for the one with the 4-stroke honda enegine, it's similar to the red ox. I rented the 2-cycle once and had trouble starting it like others, it did seem very tempermental. I've never used the 4-stroke. Honda themselves has a nice looking small 4-stroke you might want to check out. I have a large honda rear tine and it's been very reliable. -- Bob Provencher ICQ 881862 AIM bproven If you use the starting procedure that I outlined in earlier posts it shouldn't be any problem. Also, one thing about the Mantis that is different than "normal" tillers is that you do NOT till in a forward direction, you pull the tiller toward you. If anyone tried to till forward, then I could understand them saying that it worked like crap. -- Steve |
#17
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Mantis tiller
Steve Calvin wrote:
Snip If you use the starting procedure that I outlined in earlier posts it shouldn't be any problem. Also, one thing about the Mantis that is different than "normal" tillers is that you do NOT till in a forward direction, you pull the tiller toward you. If anyone tried to till forward, then I could understand them saying that it worked like crap. Does that mean one has to get their mother to operate it for them? Mothers being the only ones I know that have eyes in the back of their heads. Ross Eliminate obvious to email. |
#18
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Mantis tiller
Ross Reid wrote:
Steve Calvin wrote: Snip If you use the starting procedure that I outlined in earlier posts it shouldn't be any problem. Also, one thing about the Mantis that is different than "normal" tillers is that you do NOT till in a forward direction, you pull the tiller toward you. If anyone tried to till forward, then I could understand them saying that it worked like crap. Does that mean one has to get their mother to operate it for them? Mothers being the only ones I know that have eyes in the back of their heads. Ross Eliminate obvious to email. Actually it's fairly simple for someone with any amount of coordination. -- Steve |
#19
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Mantis tiller
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#20
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Mantis tiller
My Mantis is a terrific tool for cultivating an established garden with not
too many rocks. It is not a sod buster. If you can keep a chain saw running you will have no trouble getting the Mantis to start and run well. I have to disagree with this. I have 2 Echo chainsaws and an Echo weed trimmer that I have no problems with at all. The engine on the Mantis is the same brand, and in fact it looks like the same engine as the weed trimmer, but it is far more temperamental. I think maybe it needs a new carburator, but I use the same gas (Echo or Stihl oil plus Amoco "silver" gasoline) in all four 2-cycle engines and I maintain them the same. The Mantis is the only one that causes trouble. Even when I get it started, it is impossible to adjust the carb to keep it to running right. Best regards, Bob |
#22
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Mantis tiller
Aaron Baugher wrote:
snip I'm no small engine expert, but I can generally get a stubborn chainsaw or lawnmower to at least run well enough to get by. It appears that if I want to use my Mantis again I'll have to pay to have it worked on. My own fault, of course, for not storing it properly for the winter; but prospective buyers should be aware that they will need to take very good care of it. All that I've ever done with mine is to fill the tank with winter stabilized gas and put it away. Throw a new plug in it in the spring, shake it up and start it. No problem (knock on wood) for 5 years so far. -- Steve |
#23
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Mantis tiller
I've had a mantis tiller for years and at one point used it to dig a 6 foot diameter by 6 foot deep hole for a huge tree. I couldn't have done it without it, it worked great ! On Fri, 31 Jan 2003, Steve Calvin wrote: zxcvbob wrote: What was the secret? regards, bob Frogleg wrote: On Wed, 29 Jan 2003 09:32:03 -0600, Bruce Yates wrote: Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? I had a troy built years ago and loved it, but sold it after back surgery. Went to square foot gardening a couple of years ago and am considering one for my small garden, flower beds, etc. How good is it at breaking sod for new planting beds? My experience is years out of date now, but my Mantis was *extrememly* sturdy. My problem was getting it started, and someone posted a method either here or in rec.gardens within the past month of a secret method to start the critter. I only tried to break sod as an experimental exercise when I first got it, and it it *did* have the muscle. Big problem there was roots winding around the edges. The big plus was the small size and light weight -- easy to move, store, transport, etc. Make sure that the mix in the gas is correct first off. I start by shaking the tiller a few time to make sure that the gas in the tank is mixed. Pull the choke all the way out (don't forget to turn the switch on.... don't ask... ;-) ) Quick rope pulls until the engine spits like it wants to start. Push the choke in about 50% and it should fire right up, unless the plugs fouled from improper mix. -- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Deborah J. Cahillane | Computer Science Computing Facility | 140 Govenors Drive, Room 120 (413) 545-4296 -- Phone | University of Massachusetts (413) 577-2285 -- Fax | Amherst, MA 01002-4610 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- |
#24
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Mantis tiller
In article ,
Bruce Yates wrote: Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? How good is it at breaking sod for new planting beds? I just purchased a Mantis and wish I had done it years ago. We were putting in a garden (10 X 20) at our daughter's. The bed had been garden many, many years ago and was a weedy, littered mess. It was bordered by probably a 3-4 foot band of tiger lilies. We were doing it with a spading fork and a Garden Claw and I was mumbling and grumbling when my wife said let's get a tiller. I'd done my research over the last couple of years and had even posted a question about the Mantis to this group. I knew that was what I wanted. We bought one, brought it back, and it tore up the garden. Yes, vines and long grass would wrap around the axle, but the tines are easily removed and the mess cleans out nicely. It bucked on hard packed ground, but it didn't take a lot of effort to stay with it and get the hard pack tilled. This plot also had collected a great deal of rock, wire, metal, just plain trash. The Mantis didn't fail. It dug the 'treasures' up. I was amazed at how quickly it did the project considering it's not very wide. The big old tillers I had worked with in the past required many trips through the garden to break up the clods. The Mantis with it's suggested 'vacuum sweeper' way of push/pulling the tiller did it without having to do multiple trips through the plot. It worked so well, I got talked into tilling up an area for a narrow flower bed. This must have been a driveway at one time because there were more rocks than dirt. The Mantis broke it up to where we could rake the rocks away. We brought in bags of dirt and came up with a nice flower bed. My son is using my Mantis to break sod in his yard for new beds. It's certainly not as easy as tilling up an existing bed or even the old bed at my daughter's, but it works. Just requires the operator to work a little slower and stay on top of it more. My wife has a reasonably large garden (15X50) that she had tilled several years ago. Since then she has used the Garden Claw to break up small areas as she needs them, but this season uses the Mantis. It's small enough that she can work small areas easily without disturbing already planted sections, work around existing plants, etc. It's light weight allows her to carry it from section to section, she can easily clean the tines when she's done, and it starts up reasonably well. If I have a bone to pick with it it would be with the start. We spent an extra $30.00 and got the quick/easy start model. There's no yanking on the starter cord like on an old mower, rather it ratchets itself as one slowly pulls the cord. In theory after about the 3 'ratchet' it fires up. Other than the time they showed me in the shop how to do it I've never been that successful with it. I may not be priming it enough so need to experiment with that. Of course we can't find the manual or video tape that goes over everything (been doing so much outside work, the house hasn't kinda gotten to be a mess!) I've never had it not start, it just takes a little longer than what I thought it would. It always starts right up after it's fired up the first time and I shut it down for lunch, etc. The Mantis comes in four models: standard, quick start, electric, and one with a 4-cycle honda engine. I asked about the one with the Honda engine and was told that while it is a good engine and offers the convenience of not having to mix gas/oil, it is hard to get parts for and considerably more expensive to repair, plus it's initial cost is higher. The edger attachment that came with it is not overly beneficial. I tried edging the curb with it. The wheel to cutter distance is greater than the curb width so it was difficult keeping the wheel down and the cutter in line. It may be easier on a standard width sidewalk or fine for cutting an edge to separate the lawn from a bed. I am amazed with this tiny machine every time I use it. It's easy and has done everything I've asked it to do and usually better than I expected. Obviously I can't speak to its reliability in the long haul, but figure if I follow the maintenance directions (assuming I can find the manual), we'll be ok. Don't know if I want to be tilling things under with it when I'm 90, but I have a friend whose mother is 80 and she has had the standard one for years and still works her garden with it each spring. Hope this helps. Larry Dawson ) |
#25
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Mantis tiller
"Larry Dawson" wrote in message ... In article , Bruce Yates wrote: Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? How good is it at breaking sod for new planting ....snip I just sold my Troy built ...3.75 HP small unit no reverse. I think a useful accessory would have been a rupture truss as that thing was a bear to turn around. My wife bought to my surprise a Mantis. What could that weed wacker on wheels do???? I'll tell you that it is a near pleasure to use. It isn't effortless but it is one heck of a lot easier than that Troy built which is a quality product. But try getting the TB up a 9 inch step to the shed ....truss time again. I would definitely recommend the Mantis to anyone who does not have a huge garden. PS It even did a section of my buddy's grass for a new bed....excellent job. Tom nr Pittsburgh |
#26
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Mantis tiller
The key thing for me is how deep can it till? I can hand till down to about
a foot. "Larry Dawson" wrote in message ... In article , Bruce Yates wrote: Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? How good is it at breaking sod for new planting beds? I just purchased a Mantis and wish I had done it years ago. We were putting in a garden (10 X 20) at our daughter's. The bed had been garden many, many years ago and was a weedy, littered mess. It was bordered by probably a 3-4 foot band of tiger lilies. We were doing it with a spading fork and a Garden Claw and I was mumbling and grumbling when my wife said let's get a tiller. I'd done my research over the last couple of years and had even posted a question about the Mantis to this group. I knew that was what I wanted. We bought one, brought it back, and it tore up the garden. Yes, vines and long grass would wrap around the axle, but the tines are easily removed and the mess cleans out nicely. It bucked on hard packed ground, but it didn't take a lot of effort to stay with it and get the hard pack tilled. This plot also had collected a great deal of rock, wire, metal, just plain trash. The Mantis didn't fail. It dug the 'treasures' up. I was amazed at how quickly it did the project considering it's not very wide. The big old tillers I had worked with in the past required many trips through the garden to break up the clods. The Mantis with it's suggested 'vacuum sweeper' way of push/pulling the tiller did it without having to do multiple trips through the plot. It worked so well, I got talked into tilling up an area for a narrow flower bed. This must have been a driveway at one time because there were more rocks than dirt. The Mantis broke it up to where we could rake the rocks away. We brought in bags of dirt and came up with a nice flower bed. My son is using my Mantis to break sod in his yard for new beds. It's certainly not as easy as tilling up an existing bed or even the old bed at my daughter's, but it works. Just requires the operator to work a little slower and stay on top of it more. My wife has a reasonably large garden (15X50) that she had tilled several years ago. Since then she has used the Garden Claw to break up small areas as she needs them, but this season uses the Mantis. It's small enough that she can work small areas easily without disturbing already planted sections, work around existing plants, etc. It's light weight allows her to carry it from section to section, she can easily clean the tines when she's done, and it starts up reasonably well. If I have a bone to pick with it it would be with the start. We spent an extra $30.00 and got the quick/easy start model. There's no yanking on the starter cord like on an old mower, rather it ratchets itself as one slowly pulls the cord. In theory after about the 3 'ratchet' it fires up. Other than the time they showed me in the shop how to do it I've never been that successful with it. I may not be priming it enough so need to experiment with that. Of course we can't find the manual or video tape that goes over everything (been doing so much outside work, the house hasn't kinda gotten to be a mess!) I've never had it not start, it just takes a little longer than what I thought it would. It always starts right up after it's fired up the first time and I shut it down for lunch, etc. The Mantis comes in four models: standard, quick start, electric, and one with a 4-cycle honda engine. I asked about the one with the Honda engine and was told that while it is a good engine and offers the convenience of not having to mix gas/oil, it is hard to get parts for and considerably more expensive to repair, plus it's initial cost is higher. The edger attachment that came with it is not overly beneficial. I tried edging the curb with it. The wheel to cutter distance is greater than the curb width so it was difficult keeping the wheel down and the cutter in line. It may be easier on a standard width sidewalk or fine for cutting an edge to separate the lawn from a bed. I am amazed with this tiny machine every time I use it. It's easy and has done everything I've asked it to do and usually better than I expected. Obviously I can't speak to its reliability in the long haul, but figure if I follow the maintenance directions (assuming I can find the manual), we'll be ok. Don't know if I want to be tilling things under with it when I'm 90, but I have a friend whose mother is 80 and she has had the standard one for years and still works her garden with it each spring. Hope this helps. Larry Dawson ) |
#27
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Mantis tiller
FDR wrote:
The key thing for me is how deep can it till? I can hand till down to about a foot. It can go about a foot deep if you go over it a couple of times. If you can get it started. I'm trying to decide whether to order a new carburator for mine, or just throw it away. Seriously; throw it away. And the attachments. I tried to start mine today, and of course it wouldn't start. It never starts. The thing has been a piece of crap ever since I bought it 11 years ago. I have 3 other Echo chainsaws and weed cutters, and I never have any trouble starting them. I guess the Mantis folks had Echo build a crappy engine to their exacting specifications. Best regards, Bob |
#28
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Mantis tiller
zxcvbob writes:
It can go about a foot deep if you go over it a couple of times. If you can get it started. I'm trying to decide whether to order a new carburator for mine, or just throw it away. Seriously; throw it away. Sounds familiar. Mine started and ran fine the first year, but then I didn't winterize it properly, and it got gummed up with bad gas the next spring. Completely my fault, of course. I tinkered with it a little, got nowhere, and ended up just storing it for a few years. This year I decided to get it running. I replaced the fuel filter, put in good new gas with the proper oil mix (Mantis brand oil, even), completely dismantled and cleaned the carb (it had deposits from bad gas in the bottom), and cleaned the spark plug. Two-stroke engines aren't very complicated; so that's really everything that can be done. It starts and idles poorly, and then dies as soon as I accelerate. Fiddling with the mixture adjustment needles doesn't seem to help. The only thing I haven't replaced yet is the bubble, which cracked and fell apart after a few years. Maybe that's keeping it from getting enough gas somehow. (Whoever invented the Bubble should be shot, by the way.) Can anyone tell me which adjustment needle is idle and which is high-throttle? Or do those needles perform a different function on this carb? I don't seem to have my owner's manual anymore. Anyway, if you can keep it running, it does a very nice job of tilling clean soil. Tall grass and weeds wind up badly, so mow those off close to the ground and rake them away, if possible. -- Aaron |
#29
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Mantis tiller
Larry Dawson wrote:
In article , Bruce Yates wrote: Can anyone give me their opinion on the Mantis tiller? How good is it at breaking sod for new planting beds? I just purchased a Mantis and wish I had done it years ago. We were putting in a garden (10 X 20) at our daughter's. (Snip praise about Mantis.) An alternative to look at is the small Honda tiller. Mine works well. Have only had it about 2 years so don't know about durability and reliability. -- Susan N. There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary and those who do not. |
#30
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Mantis tiller
As for starting it: I've had mine for about 5 years and haven't had a
problem. I push the primer "button" 4 times. put it on full choke and pull. The first time it "spits" like it wants to start, turn the choke off and it should start right up. For winters, I add gas stabilizer to the gas and run it enough so that I know the stabilized gas has filled the float bowl. Then I make sure that the tank is full and put it away. Never had a problem. -- Steve |
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