Mantis Owners blog/news comments

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 02:28:47 GMT

Bought my mantis tiller late last summer. I am not tremendously mechanically savvy; however, I was able to get my mantis assembled and running the first day. What I like most about the mantis is its size. I’m 5’1” and very small framed. I can carry my tiller to the garden and can start it myself.

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 21:56:05 GMT

I bought a mantis tiller three or four years ago. I was not able to attach the stand, nor was I able to adjust the tiller so it would start. It is stacked in the corner. I was disappointed with it.

alewis98233I

Spring Cleaning

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 20:54:08 GMT

Thought I would share an idea that I just love! Coffee cup planters for herbs! Who doesn’t have some spare coffee cups lying around?! Hang them on a wall, or decorate a deck or porch railing.

Spring Cleaning

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 22:21:06 GMT

What a super idea for an old watering can! I have one and you have inspired me. Looking forward to see how it turns out!

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 16:28:46 GMT

I have the new 4-cycle Deluxe tiller. I used it about six times so far to do lots of digging and tilling. I bought the 4-cycle. EPA will eventually want 2-cycle engines eliminated because they burn oil. Not a big deal for me to mix the oil and gas but it is more convenient not to do this. The Honda engine was easy to start and had all the power needed for the attachments I used. One point to note: This is a small engine and the oil level must be checked before and during use. Letting the oil get too low will damage the engine.

My advice is get the 4-cycle engine. Either engine will perform all that is needed.

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:53:33 GMT

A neighbor is considering getting a Mantis but doesn't like 2-stroke engines. I've had the 2-smokers for over 15 years but I don't know anyone who has used one of Mantis' 4-cycle tillers. I promised him I'd see if I could get some input about them. I'm totally happy with mine (it just keeps going and going and going....) and, being a Mantis, I would assume the 4-stroke is a good product, but if anyone has feedback to give I would appreciate it. Thanks.....

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 23:49:10 GMT

Rusty - if you do use Loc-Tite be sure to use the blue, not the red. I used slightly longer bolts and put lockwashers on them.

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:57:27 GMT

I just got my Mantis electric tiller yesterday and used it today to till my compost into the garden. It was so easy to use and took care of the tilling in about 30 minutes! (it's a small garden) I'm so excited about planting this year!

Wed, 4 Jan 2012 20:09:34 GMT

I got a friend to buy a Mantis tiller, but he gets too winded to use it. I'll go up and help him get his garden started soon. He loves his tiller as I love mine. We both got 4 cycle ones. We are both very pleased.

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:51:56 GMT

I sent my tiller in for the recall. took about one week. a new tank was installed and no charge to me. I'm a happy camper

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:34:25 GMT

Primary tilling is finally done! Meaning nearly 7000 sq ft, give or take 500 ft. Along the way, the tiller has also helped me dig up the sewage pipes which had roots growing through them. Still going to put it to use to sink a new mailbox post. Love this machine!

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 09:31:32 GMT

Did a full tuneup today. I've been happy with the power of my Mantis before. However, never did adjust it to my 5000 ft elevation. During tuneup, found the plug was noot adjusted even to sea level. Adjusted to outer tolerance. Went to try it out and it had about 30% more power than before! Tilled about 1000 sq ft in under an hour. And this is clay soil! Nice! Only thing could be better is if Mantis would use locknuts on the shield and stand bolts. I added my own longer bolts and locknuts. Not expensive and works much better than original bolts.

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 18:58:45 GMT

I've had my Mantis electric for more years than I can remember, gone through two sets of tines, literally put it through the ringer digging ditches for electric line conduit, and tons of gardening on the side of a butte with much rock. The Mantis performs as if brand new. I've been so impressed by this little workhorse!

photo Me useing my Mantis

Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:16:05 GMT

DOES IT HELP TO HAVE THE "KICK STAND DOWN WHEN TILLING"??????????

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:18:53 GMT

I have had a Mantis for over 25 years! Always starts on first pull, I have NEVER done any maintenance on this tiller! Just this year the primer button needed to be replaced, so I finally ordered gas filters also. I have never used gas additives for the winter or anything. It runs like a top , I have used it in large flower beds, my garden (instead of hoeing) and for breaking up sod to make more flower beds. When this one FINALLY dies, I will purchase another. (I expect it will go on forever!)

photo I only had to go over the area once!

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:12:55 GMT

Another tiller success story! Enjoyed your series of photos.

Sat, 8 Oct 2011 20:31:04 GMT

Has anyone with a 4 cycle tiller had repairs done due to the gas tank recall?

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 16:56:07 GMT

i think i need some new tines but could not get the parts dept up on mantis assesserys page

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 15:27:21 GMT

Still extremely happy with my Mantis purchase except for one complaint. In the first few hours of use the bolts worked out of the blade shield and became lost. Found some bolts that fit. Next use, those worked out and became lost. Of course, the blade shield remains on the tiller, just rattles around a lot. Doesn't get caught in the shield or impair use, just makes a lot of noise. Guess my best bet is to buy new bolts and LockTite them in place.

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:23:56 GMT

Our technical service group as well as our in-house repair technicians can be valuable resources to all Mantis owners. Contact us to review starting instructions with you between 8 - 5 Monday through Friday at 800-366-6268

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:24:22 GMT

I am sure glad I bought my Mantis Tiller & attachments in the past 3-4 years. It was one of the BEST INVESTMENTS EVER ! I wish I would of bought it many years ago. Go Mantis & you have a great product !

Thanks again,

Rick Zarek

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 21:28:19 GMT

Will you give complete instructions on how to start the mantis tiller, the manual is not clear

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:22:33 GMT

Rusty, I agree with the choice of buying the tiller, with some attachments. It took half the time to till my garden, then it did with the craftsman. Now I notice, Sears is now selling Mantis, and they cannot keep them in stock. I am thinking of upgrading my present mantis, with the deluxe version, and give my son the old one. one thing I do with my Mantis, is clean it top to bottom, then I wax it with a good grade car wax. then I oil everything that moves. The I add Staybul gas treatment, like that add to cars gas, that is stored for winter. I do not drain it, for I had problems in spring starting. Also, I use only premium gas, and now each spring, it starts on the first pull. " Let it warm up before using it "

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:40:09 GMT

Finished tilling front yard and much of back yard. This thing is great! Went right through small rocks, heavy clay and wood chips! (Tilling in wood chips on purpose.) If Mantis people ever saw the soil in New Mexico, they would rethink the warranty, believe me! Front yard will sit until spring. One part of back yard now planted for fall. Two other areas ready to plant bulbs for spring! Love the cultivator function! Keep my trenches clear at last!

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Just got my 4 cycle tiller this week. Been anxiously waiting for it. Haven't gotten to use it just yet because I've been in the midst of five 13 hour shifts in a row. Think this will be the tipping point for my heavy clay soil. Have lots of organic material but needed it mixed in. Compost, wood chips, etc. In fall I gather leaves from mine and neighbors' yards to mix into the soil.

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 14:59:29 GMT

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:08:22 GMT

I was tired of gas powered tools, so i bought an electric mantis 2 cycle. I tell you what, my neighbor down the road was highly disappointed. He told me that it did not have the same power as a gas powered one. So we had a contest of who's tiller had the most power. Well needless to say he has now borrowed my tiller a few times. I love it low maintenance. Yes it does bounce but when you have rocks the size of boulders any tiller no matter how heavy is going to bounce. I think i need to go get it back now.

photo by GrowingGold

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:40:03 GMT

Tell me about these boxes. Did the plants grow in them or are they used for transporting to the flower show? I need something to winter my plants because I have rooted so many this summer, they will die come winter.

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:51:16 GMT

You may be running into large roots that cause it to bounce. Might try tilling at a right angle to the first attempt. You do pull it towards you when tilling?

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:13:15 GMT

I have a troybuilt tiller an it just about gets me down. we got our new MANTIS an tilling is a dream.

If any thing happpens to my MANTIS you can belive there will e a new soon.

Jim Newton

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:11 GMT

What is with all the bouncing? Seems once it starts to bounce it won't stop until I stop and start again. Other than that I love this thing.

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 22:55:39 GMT

I agree that for hard soils like clay there should be more weight. I used my Mantis and at times I had the thing flying in the air about 3 feet out of the soil. Maybe as an improvement they should have a throttle for the thumb, not a trigger. When the tiller comes out of the soil it make me want to hold on to the tiller tighter. Then I squeeze the throttle more making is bounce more. A dead man switch would be good as well.

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:48:02 GMT

I have to say I have a lot of tools and power equipment but my Mantis is my favorite tool to use. I read what others had to say below and I have the 4 cycle so maybe it is more forgiving than the 2 cycle at starting and can take poor winter storage? I too forgot to winterize it last year due to family illness at the time, this Spring it didn't want to start but I changed the gas and ran it for a half hour and as it ran it got more power and now it is as good as new! Maybe the oli in the 2 cycle gas gums up the carb more? I just want to say I love my tiller and would not trade it for anything!

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:15:20 GMT

Herb, I had about the same problem 21 months into the 24 month warranty. I emailed Mantis about the problem and received some suggestions as to what to do. Did those checks and adjustments. Didn't help, so I called and was told that I needed to BUY a rebuild kit. Which I did, but I felt it should have been covered under the warranty.

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:10:25 GMT

Sorry to hear that you are disappointed with our products. Our goal is to make gardening easier and to exceed our customers’ expectations. We would like the opportunity to do that. Please contact me directly by calling 800-366-6268 and ask for Michaele in Customer Service between 8 and 5 Eastern Time.

photo by Roger

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:16:30 GMT

Wonderful looking gardens you have

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:22:46 GMT

Really upset. Tiller worked fine for one season. I did all the storage steps for winter but when I tried to use it last year it wouldn't run good at all. Got all carb. parts from Mantis and rebuilt it. It still wouldn't run right after hours of trying to adjust carb. Once more went through storage procedures and put it away. Got it out this spring and the engine is seized up. It won't budge. A terrible waste of $350.00 dollars. Bought a comparable unit from Tractor Supply for $180.00 dollars. Extremely dissatisfied with the Mantis.

photo by Mom Gardener

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:48:02 GMT

good day. where did you buy your seeder? can it be bought on-line?

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:55:51 GMT

It is now June in Texas. It has not rained since March. Watering the garden and blue berrys almost every day. I was able to get a good crop of tomatoes inspite of the drought. Wow what a time to start gardening again. Strange that we will have to pray for rain when so many have too much.

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:35:33 GMT

Tipsea, If you would like to send your engine here to the factory, we would be happy to evaluate it for you. Contact our Customer Service Department at 800-366-6268 for details.

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:25:27 GMT

Now - I've had my mantis tiller for years - more than a decade. This year, I can't get it to start or stay running. fresh gas, new plugs, cleaned it inside and out. Any ideas?? Really can't afford to buy another one. Thank you.

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 03:55:53 GMT

James Faulkner,

Got the Mantis 2 cycle Easy Start and put it together today. Pulled choke out for 3 pulls, then closed,

second pull it started and ran fine. Its a little bouncy at first until you get use to it. I think more weight

would help it dig better in hard ground and keep it from bouncing. Still gets the job done and I like it.

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:22:08 GMT

The UPS truck dropped off my new Mantis a coup;e of hours ago and i have my garden tilled and my property edged!!! I LOVE THIS THING!!!

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 18:44:14 GMT

Just got my first Mantis. I was a virgin until now, and I love it. I used the edger to clean up the front yard and have lots of projects planned for it.

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 17:42:02 GMT

Never had a problem with my 8 yr. old until it wintered with gas in it. Changed the carb and fuel lines.

Vrrooom!

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 01:37:46 GMT

Sorry hit the wrong button. I used the thatcher and it worked great. I did not know that much dead grass was in my yard. I just did the front and side of my house ( average size yard ) I got 4 large ridding lawn mower bags full of dead grass. It was a little work not to bad. Very happy with how well it did.

Jim

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 01:32:27 GMT

I tried the t

Fri, 3 Jun 2011 04:16:29 GMT

I have had my Mantis for a little over a month. I have tilled my garden, removed grass and weeds around my raspberries and dug up more grass and some wild strawberries to plant some blueberries. I am extremely happy with my Mantis. It worked really well. Every project was very well done. Tomorrow I'm going to try the Thatcher.

Jim

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 17:09:49 GMT

I found that the cultivating position was better for removing a year's growth of weeds from garden soil. Much less tangllng of long weeds in the shafts. I suggest for breaking sod you should mow it down close first. Then try the cultivating set-up. Start at an edge and work into the sod, so the tines don't pile uprooted sod onto where you are going next. Then follow with the tilling position. Or try the tilling position first; what is there to lose besides some time?

For breaking sod, though, I think I'd prefer a bigger tiller with more power. Or pay somebody with a Troy-Bilt to do it for you. Much easier for you that way.

photo by BriarPatch Place

Sat, 21 May 2011 06:51:59 GMT

FUNNY!!!

Fri, 20 May 2011 17:39:49 GMT

It will work the straw in just fine, just remember to go slowly and till by mostly walking backwards

Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:31 GMT

we are breaking new sod. would it be to our advantage to use the cultivating tine positioning in lieu of the tilling positioning to remove the top layer of grass?

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:45:14 GMT

I own the two bin rotating composter. The compost never heats up and is always wet. before i bought this I had always had a pile on the floor and never had a problem with it! any ideas?

Mon, 16 May 2011 14:06:12 GMT

Contact Customer Service at 800-366-6268, a Customer Service Representative will be happy to help you with the Carb parts for your tiller.

Sun, 15 May 2011 20:56:57 GMT

i NEED TO REBUILD THE carb. it is a 1988 model 20. who carrys the parts.?

Sun, 15 May 2011 01:45:15 GMT

just got my mantis works great on my raised bed not as well on my hard ground but i have clay and rocks

Fri, 13 May 2011 13:53:04 GMT

I have owned a Mantis for five years now, just bought the thatcher, works like the tiller, perfectly. I would recommend that attachment to anyone who wants a beautiful lawn.

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:22:50 GMT

I now am the proud owner of not 1 or 2 but 3 Mantis tillers! I keep one ready for edging, the 2nd for de-thatching and the 3rd for cultivating! Bought my 1st over 20 year ago and it's still going strong. I clean all the external parts that collect vines and other roots etc. and always start with a clean machine. Just got the de-thatcher attachment a cple weeks ago and was amased at the amount of dead matter it removed. I went over the entire lawn with my trusty Snapper pack 'n sack and threw all the residue into the compost heap which will be black gold in a few weeks!

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:22:10 GMT

we just received our mantis a week ago and love it!!

Thu, 12 May 2011 20:13:50 GMT

you have only seen women holding the unit,,never using it. in the ads . I am 6.1 ,250 #s and I have trouble using it .Also it is hard to start (lot s of pulling)And the tines collect a lot of grass,roots and weeds. Be carefull the tines will cut you bad.

Thu, 12 May 2011 19:49:06 GMT

Got my new Mantis 4-cycle on May 4th, was amazed how quick it went together and in the garden working. Its one of the best little tillers that I have operated. My wife is enjoying working the tiller also. I will be telling all my friends how great this little tiller is.

Roger

Thu, 12 May 2011 19:01:32 GMT

My Mantis is 11-12 years old, had to replace the in line gas filter, started right up. I looked at the new line up and am thinking my garden so I can justify the new bigger one

Thu, 12 May 2011 18:23:19 GMT

I, too, am amazed the positive comments (except Texas Gardener), because I've nearly thrown out my back (twice) and my shoulders are killing me. I bought the 4-cycle and saw women that looked happy using this thing in the ads, so I figured if they could do it, I could, too.

I'm using the Mantis on a garden bed that was not used last year, so it has lots of weeds but it's not like I'm starting with sod and trying to till that.

I'm going to try again tomorrow (too darn sore today) using Bill's suggestions. I was so excited to get this thing and have been very disappointed. So hope it gets better!

Lisa

Sun, 8 May 2011 14:34:36 GMT

I just bought the 4 cycle, our garden is only 4 years and one section is brand new. I absolutely love it. I have a disease that affects my muscle control and causes nerve problems so we did a lot of searching and had to find a well balanced machine. The secret is to start the throttle slow and rock back and forth, slowing increasing throttle speed. Within a matter of 2 seconds the tiller was at the full depth of 10 inches. If you try to hurry the job you will start bouncing. Take your time, rock, and don't go for the full speed from the get go. I love this machine and it says a lot that I can use it without adverse affects on my body.

Sat, 7 May 2011 02:38:47 GMT

I have recently bought my Mantis XP tiller and using it in Pakistan for eradicating weeds. After how long should I clean the Air Filter.

Is it necessary to wash it with soap and then apply little engine oil around it?

Whats price of Air filter? where can I buy it from ?

Thu, 5 May 2011 18:31:32 GMT

Just got my 2-cycle tiller and assembled it. Then I tried to add the kickstand. After only a little bit of swearing my arthritic fingers managed to get the two bolts started, and then I started with the socket wrench. It began OK, but I realized [after too long] that the bolts weren't being driven home. Then the Great Awakening. These bolts require a 3/8 in wrench. I was blithely using the 7/16 wrench that the instruction manual told me was all I needed for assemblng the tiller. The kickstand and its instruction sheet are separate from the big manual, so I guess I'm not surprised. I just have to be more careful about what I don't read.

Tue, 3 May 2011 22:32:59 GMT

Love my electrc tiller, had it for several years now. Just purchased a new set of tines and off to tilling again...Terry, Hayward, CA

Tue, 3 May 2011 12:03:59 GMT

vladimir; Same oil mix as your chain saw, no wonder you have a hard time. I have a honda 22 cc and it uses just gas

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:57:38 GMT

We got a 2 stroke just last firday this is tueday we got a 40 ft. by 40 ft garden. & I have fell in love it, my husbend call it my play toy. So far all I can said is good things about it..

photo by a7215

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 17:49:07 GMT

I am certainly glad I am in ALABAMA. It in the 80's here and we have already tilled and planted our garden. Started our plants in our green house.

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 04:09:14 GMT

I just did this today... After a few years of struggling with starting the 2 cycle Mantis I swapped it for electric though Craig's list. At times it took more time and effort to get it started then to till the garden. And the expense of tune-ups and carburetor replacement added cost almost equal to tiller over 3 years. Once it was running, it did a great job.

I am not good with repairing and maintaining the gas engines, but my chain saw (the same oil mix) blower and mower never gave me trouble and with practically no maintenance.

I am looking forward to using the electric tomorrow, but I noticed that its housing turns slightly toward me when I pick it up by the handle. I don't know if this is normal. If not, to tighten the bolt which attaches housing to the shaft (part #22 in the manual), I will need to buy torx driver bit T20, if the bolt is not already stripped. If turning of housing if normal, I would leave it alone and rather enjoy gardening. I should be a descent day for it tomorrow.

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:33:39 GMT

I bought my Mantis 2-stroke in 1983 and with a minimum of maintenance, it still runs top-drawer! I'm in the process of trying to get a dethatcher attached -- having a few problems with information from the parts department at Mantis. I guess they don't get many such requests from "old geezers" like me. But my faithful Model 20 still tills and aerates to meet all my needs in these areas.

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:31:05 GMT

I've owned a Mantis for over25 years and am now in the process of getting it back running after sitting idle for a few years. The technical help and parts ordering has been great. Very informed people about their product.

Richard

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:22:36 GMT

Got my Mantis 2 cycle about a month ago and its a beast! The thing has been digging for new gardens around a house that had horrible fill dirt put under and around it. I've pulled out shells as big as my hand that the tiller has dug up. It only got into trouble twice. Once a big rock got wedged in the tines and the second time, I hit a gas line that I didn't know was going through my future garden. Luckily, no harm, no foul. Once I got the line fixed, I kept on digging. I couldn't have done it anywhere near as nicely with a shovel as with the Mantis. I love it! Next project will be a vegetable garden! Thanks!

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:19:30 GMT

Thanks Bill - Yes I saw that idea somewhere in the Mantis manual and did try it. And it worked walking backward - until I almost ran over the squash row...guess I am just not that athletic anymore. Seriously, we literally wore out the last tiller which had a "drag" that acted like what Mantis calls the plow attachment. Really feel like that's what I need...

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:07:05 GMT

Hello Roy .. You might be doing what I did with my first Mantis. I ran it wide open and it went all over the place :-) Try starting slowly with the motor running just fast enough to keep the tine turning. Walk and pull the tiller backwards. They truly are gems, so try a slower paced practice session. Hope your experience changes. Take care .. Bill

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:02:32 GMT

Hi Joyce ... Just put the entire small plastic bottle of oil in the tiller. It is a bit confusing, but the correct amount isto use all of the oil in the bottle that came with the tiller. Good luck!

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:01:41 GMT

Unhappy in Texas

I am amazed at all of these positive responses. We ordered the four-stroke model 10 days ago and have been using it in a garden area that has been well-worked for 16 seasons. The Mantis bounces all over the garden area. Does not dig in at all. Perhaps I should have purchased the plow attachment?

Please respond 'cause we are just about to box it up for return.

photo by Oz Gardener

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:58:44 GMT

OK, what do the crushed egg shells do? I don't plant a large garden, but I do plant two or three tomato plants every year and I have a strawberry patch. Are they supplying nutrients or protecting against something like nematodes or slugs?

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:39:45 GMT

First time owner of a Mantis tiller. Used my new 2 cycle tiller last weekend. The garden hasn't been turned over in years. The ground was very hard packed and overgrown with weeds in spots. I was very impressed with the way it broke things up. The gardens never looked so good. Still have to use it on my raised bed veggie gardens but see no problems using it there. Fantastic product. The wife says we should have gotten one years ago.

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:47:45 GMT

Hello, everyone. I got my new 2 cycle tiller and had a bad throttle switch. Mantis jumped all over it and sent a new switch and arm in 3 days. Great service. It tilled/cultivated a flower bed 5 feet x 75 feet in about 5 hours. This is my second tiller from Mantis. The other final died after about 10 years. I love it.

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:22:26 GMT

Hello every one i just got my new Mantis 4 cycle i work it all day Saturday i like how it works

Tue, 5 Apr 2011 01:08:28 GMT

I havenh't used my 2 cycle Mantis since 2006, what should I do before starting the engine?

Thanks for any help that can be given. John W

Sun, 3 Apr 2011 17:06:52 GMT

We just bought the new 4 cycle and haven't started it. I cannot figure out how much oi8l it needs since the amt is not stated. Just until in runs to t he bottom of t he filler hole. Our filler hole lays more flat than the picture shows and I question how much to pour in since you must do it in the upright postition. My husband is vision impared so much of this is up to me. Thankyou, Joyce Curtis

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:27:12 GMT

Just got my Mantis day beore yesterday, had it put together in no time and then I was out tilling with the same day. I was so impressed with it I enlarged my garden. Had no problem cutting thru the devil grass and weeds.

GREAT little machine.

Jim the "blurabbit"

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 01:52:55 GMT

I just put my 2speed Mantis cult./tiller with ez start together today! The dvd really helped alot! It is too muddy to turn over my garden today. I am just going to have to wait. There is straw on top of my garden now. I hope the Mantis will work it into the soil without trouble. I have heard alot of good things about the Mantis so I am willing to try it out and be more self-sufficient!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:16:46 GMT

Jan S.

Seems to me with any tiller there is some work involved. I knew exactly what to expect since I've operated a tiller before and expected the pulls and tugs and jumps until I got use to handling the machine again. Its been a good ten years since I operated one. The end results is what matters. So if your having problems why don't you hire someone to operate it for you and you can sit back and admire the finished work Just a suggestion

photo by Chrismw

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:29:03 GMT

Hi team hillbilly,

No the fence does not shade the three gardens I have . As you see the area I tilled is next to the covered garden. I did till it again and placed the same raised garden on the bare spot shown. I have another photo to up load as soon as I retrieve the card from my camera. Thanks for the inquiry.

photo by Chrismw

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:23:35 GMT

nice fence will it shade your rised bed??

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:03:39 GMT

I just received my new Electric Mantis about a week ago. I cannot wait to use it! The weather here isn't ready for preparing the vegetable garden yet; but soon. I'll report back when I've had a chance to use it.

Wed, 9 Mar 2011 14:12:02 GMT

Sorry to hear that you are less than thrilled with your tiller purchase. If you purchased you tiller factory direct within the last 12 months, please contact our customer service department so that we can assist you.

photo by Oz Gardener

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 14:41:31 GMT

Good ideal I'm saving shells as well

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 01:19:00 GMT

Yes indeed, it is one of the reasons I wish that I had never bought it.. I have tendonitis in both elbows and after repeated pulls and no success I usually mumble alot and put it away. I don't know what else to do. If you find out the secret let me know maybe I will try again.

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 01:14:46 GMT

I have to say that your marketing is amazing but you tiller leaves a lot to be desired.. I have really been disappointed by it's performance, ability to start without wearing out your elbows and arms, working it with tendonitis in both elbows was way more distress than I bargained for. I truly regret that I did not keep the box so that I could return it. Maybe I can unload it on Craig's list and not lose too much money! What a great disappointment!

Sat, 5 Mar 2011 19:46:00 GMT

I bought the big mantis and it is great digs hole for trees in aminute and tillsgreat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish I had gotten one earlier

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 23:41:08 GMT

Chances are you need to rebuild the carburator. I rebuilt mine and my daughters recently. Total cost $9.00 each (Of course I did the work myself). They both run great again. Lee

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 23:15:22 GMT

I just received my new Mantis XP in the Philippines and used it for the first time over the last few days. The ground was like rock but the Mantis worked through it and made a good job of breaking up the soil.

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:25:48 GMT

I tilled the spot for blueberrys in 10 min. Mantis worked great.

I started a small garden for a friend and got her area tilled in about 5 min. She raved about the speed and quietness of the Mantis. I may have made you people another sale. Great work guys

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:29:58 GMT

I've had my Mantis for decades (they still make them just as good--perhaps better!--than they did 25 years ago) and truly enjoy how the little tiller helps me garden more successfully.

I used to own a Troy-Bilt Horse (back when they were made by Troy-Bilt and made to last), and would use it to break sod, then use the Mantis for mid-season cultivation, hilling and similar garden tasks.

I've found that once my garden(s)--I have about 4500 sq. feet of organic vegetable gardens, plus several perennial beds--have gone through the initial sod-breaking that my Mantis easily takes over from there (and is useful for a variety of other "chores" such as digging holes, hilling for raised beds, etc.). I have also loaned out my Mantis to gardening neighbors and some community gardens--all love the mini-tillers for getting in and around rows and plants with little effort or damage to any plants.

So, the proverbial bottom line--thx. again, Mantis, for making my gardening more enjoyable and more successfull than ever!

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:25:20 GMT

I received my 4 cycle tiller yesterday. I put it together and am excited to get started. First project is to put in blueberrys. The plants came yesterday too ,so I must hurry. I plan to take before and after pictures and post them here. Wish me luck, Y'all have a good spring, tanktrb(Texas)