Mini Tiller/cultivator

[TomSeller]

I'm 99% sure that Honda buys their gearboxes and tines from Mantis. They look identical to me, and offer exactly the same accessory list...or at least they did when I bought mine.

The Honda FG100s (I have two) had a transmission box made by Hoffco on their lil-hoe model

http://www.hoffcocomet.com/EpiphanyWeb/flexpage.aspx?ID=20

There were problems on early models

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/tools/msg0600281328711.html

The earlier models had soft gears which wore out if the tines jammed a lot. The motor on the FG100 had more power and is better than on the FG110 in my opinion.

 

[Western]

Jim great write up and story! (does TBN have a Pulitzer:laughing

I have read more good reviews on the older mantis's, seems a higher % of negatives on the newer models (4 cycle)

I am leaning towards the Honda FG110

 

[8N Ren]

Can't go wrong with a Honda. I got the F220 for Christmas this past year, put it together a few weeks back. The thing fired on the 1st half pull. I was done tilling in less than 20 mins. They make awesome engines. My fil has had the same one since the mid 80's. No maintenance on his and it still runs like new.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm 99% sure that Honda buys their gearboxes and tines from Mantis. They look identical to me, and offer exactly the same accessory list...or at least they did when I bought mine.

This could be true. I think Mantis offers a Honda 4 stroke engine now for about $75 more.

 

[Western]

This could be true. I think Mantis offers a Honda 4 stroke engine now for about $75 more.

Kyle you are right, I have seen the 4 cycle Mantis w/ Honda motor during my net searches. Oddly it averages higher priced than the branded Honda. I found the Honda for $350+ so far.

 

[Bird]

I've undoubtedly posted this before, but I got my Mantis 6 years ago for $100 less than the price shown on their website by ordering a "fully refurbished" one. It looked new and I had to wait awhile to get it because they said they didn't have available when I first called. I would never have bought it if it weren't for the fact that they offered a one year money back deal if you didn't like it.

And yes, they now have a 4 stroke with a Honda engine and they have a 115v electric model if you've got a long enough extension cord.:laughing:

 

[Jackspaw]

Hey,Jim,how does that battery powered chainsaw do?