Mini Tiller/cultivator

[Code54]

My wife would like a mini tiller for working in the garden and flower beds and we were wondering what everyone has and how they like them. RIght now we are mainly looking at the Stihl Yardboss and the Honda FG110. Both are around $350 new. I also looked at the Mantis but getting stuff for them locally is not too easy and I found a LOT of people having problems with the new one (seems like the old were really good). I also like the tine style on the Honda a lot but understand I could add them to the Stihl. The Honda is sold at Home Depot and our ATV dealer can get parts and I maybe able to drum up a 10% coupon to save a few bucks but I am not against any other brands and want to may a well informed discussion. Any reviews or info is welcomed. Thanks

 

[ManAtArms]

I just was looking at the Yard Boss yesterday at a Stihl dealer. Word on the street is....its NOT a tiller, its a cultivator. Apparantly, more than a few poeple have purchased and returned them with busted gearboxes due to using them as a tiller.

-mark

 

[Darren]

I've been looking at mini-tillers too. The 4 cycle Honda FG110 is the best from what I've seen. The FG110 is a later model than the FG100. The FG100 had gearbox issues. The FG110 has those sorted out.

You can buy a Mantis with a 4 cycle Honda but it costs more. The 2 stroke Mantis have supporters and haters. If it starts easily, it's great. A lot of people have problems starting the two strokes.

 

[dwost]

Well I have the mantis (3 years old/2 stroke) and haven't had a lick of trouble with it. I looked at them all and ended up with the Mantis. A close second was the Stihl.

 

[mcrimm]

I have 2 of the Hondas - Why? because they are Honda. I have 2 Honda ATVs and 2 Honda cars. I'm a believer - (also a song by the Monkeys)

 

[2manyrocks]

I had a T bilt mini tiller/ cultivator and personally did not like the geometry of the handles relative to the tines. It also seemed very loud to my ears. No idea how it compares to the ones you're looking at, but the way their handling feels to you is important to your satisfaction.

I've used a mantis and found it easier to handle.

 

[Code54]

Ended up buying the Honda and I must say I am impressed. It works great, starts easy, and runs like a champ. I have a large rear tine tiller for the bigger stuff but this works far better for tilling the garden rows and little jobs. Glad we got one, plus my wife can easily start and operate it.

 

[Nissan197]

I purchased a Mantis last year and it has been great. The local ACE had several of them on the floor. I knew they had been there awhile and asked for a discount. They gave me an extra $25 off the price. I don't have any attachments for it and only use it to cultivate. I have a larger tiller that breaks everything up. I also looked at the Stihl but the cost was too much for me. IMO Honda makes great equipment. I don't think you can go wrong with a Honda product. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Ended up buying the Honda and I must say I am impressed. It works great, starts easy, and runs like a champ. I have a large rear tine tiller for the bigger stuff but this works far better for tilling the garden rows and little jobs. Glad we got one, plus my wife can easily start and operate it.

Sounds like you got what you needed. For others who are still looking, I have an older Craftsman version. It's hard to start (I almost always have to prime the carb). but once it gets going, it's surprisingly effective. I mostly use it for between the rows in the garden and raspberry patch.

 

[RalphVa]

I bought a Ryobi system about 15 years ago. Have tiller, blower, hedge trimmer, tree trimmer, grass whip. The Ryobi 4 cycle was always a pain to start. Replaced it about 8 or 9 years ago with an Echo drive unit (think I had to get another grass whip with it). The Echo is very easy to start. It's the first 2 cycle unit that I don't have to worry about running the fuel out every time I use it. Everything works great on the Echo, including the tiller.

Ralph