mini tillers opinions

[the viking]

I am looking to buy a mini tiller for raised beds. I read old threads but would like to hear more recent reviews on these things. I'm getting old and lifting the old 100# tiller into the raised beds is getting to be more of a challenge each season. Any response welcomed and appreciated. This will be my 49th consecutive year of planting a garden and hope to do many more!

 

[ruffdog]

My dad has one but I don't know the brand. He does use it lots. It's easier than his big tiller and it does much more than hoeing.

 

[groundcover]

Got one to go on my Echo Pro Attachment, have been very impressed with everything that I put on it !

Pro Attachment Series | ECHO

ECHO's Pro Attachment Series is designed to grow with your needs. Save money over with one powerhead that works with up to 16 attachments.

www.echo-usa.com

 

[cjoffutt]

We use one the the knock off Mantis style mini tillers in our raised beds. We purchased ours from Menards 5+ years ago when they were clearancing out the garden stuff during winter months. Works well enough. Every other year we get the big tiller out to really till the soil mix. But as you said, it's big, heavy, bulky.

7920 Tiller - Mantis

Mantis 2-cycle cultivator -7920 Tiller - A compact, lightweight tiller that delivers big tiller power. This mini tiller breaks through sod and clay faster and easier than using a shovel.

mantis.com

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I have one of these that I use on my string trimmer. I have used and abused it for about 10 years and can't kill it!

RYOBI Expand-It 10 in. Universal Cultivator String Trimmer Attachment RYTIL66 - The Home Depot

Maintain your lawn or garden effortlessly with the help of this extra ordinary RYOBI Expand-It Universal Cultivator String Trimmer Attachment. Easy to use.

www.homedepot.com

I use it on this trimmer.... powerful and well balanced.

Cub Cadet BC 490 String Trimmer / Brush Cutter | Cub Cadet US

25cc straight shaft string trimmer for greater reach. Durable full crank 4-cycle engine. TrimmerPlus® attachment capable. Brush cutter attachment included.

www.cubcadet.com

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I've had a few of those things, I still have the Mantis and the Honda, I sent the rest packing!!

I think Mantis has a better designed tines, stones don't get stuck in them so much...

SR

 

[RalphVa]

I've never ever tilled my raised beds. Just weed and mulch.

 

[Scar0B2150]

I loved our Craftsman 4 stroke mini. No fuel mixing, less smoke and fairly quiet.
We mainly used it between rows till I over filled it with motor oil and popped the rings. I forgot it had to be laid handle on the ground when filling it...

 

[Gem99ultra]

In a nice soft mulched bed, the Mantis w/Honda engine would be just perfect. However - anything larger than a pea is going to teach you how to carry your tiller around every minute.
I might add, yeah i bought one. After two attempts to use it without wearing myself out trying to keep in on the ground that it was supposed to be chopping up, it seized up completely.
I sat it out beside the road. Thankfully it's someone else' trash now.

 

[the viking]

I've never ever tilled my raised beds. Just weed and mulch.

I am liking your response a whole lot. Your approach leaves more quality time for an adult beverage and watching whatever grows grow! I had red clay when I started to amend y soil43 years ago and still add manure and compost every year and it works. I need to work those amendments a few inches into the ground for best results. I usually use a tilling fork or double di with a shovel but the body says "no mas "so a tiller I will buy! I like the versatility of the multi function tools but I already own the best of everything so I want a dedicated tiller. Thanks for the opinions so far. Stimulus check is going to makes this possible!