I'm not sure tiller questions are answered here, but I thought I'd give it a try. I'm looking for a mini-tiller, and Mantis seems to be a good brand. My question is, should I go for the 2 or 4 cycle engine?
#2
reynoldston
You will find the 2 cycle engines smaller and lighter, nothing wrong with that. All the power you need for a small tiller. Now if you are looking for something larger and heaver 4 cycle for sure.
Small mini-tillers are for use where ground is already loose, flower beds, etc., they will not bust up hard soil if one wanted to plant a garden, prep. yard for laying sod, etc., they will only scratch the surface.
A Mantis will dig right down several inches unless the ground is bone dry. So will a good many others. I have an old Homelite by John Deere that will do pretty good in about any conditions. They will not go nearly as fast but they will get a lot more done than one would think. I watched an old man who could support himself with his wifes help against a little Troybilt mini tiller with a edger blade on it dig a trench about as wide as the tiller and about a foot deep and a couple hundred feet long in about a month. Most of his time was spent shoveling out the loose dirt he cut out with the tiller and hauling it off with a snow sled to some low spots in his yard. This fellow got around in a three wheel electric disabled persons unit most of the time and was close to 90.
#6
exotion
I have a mantis let me tell you, you won't be disappointed I use it commercially for tilling, power raking never loses power. Using one you need to remember not to let the machine set the pace you need to slow down make the machine dig a little deeper just because it's light it'll want to run across the surface
I use it commercially for tilling, power raking never loses power. Using one you need to remember not to let the machine set the pace you need to slow down make the machine dig a little deeper just because it's light it'll want to run across the surface