mini tillers opinions

[fried1765]

I ended up buying the 4 cycle Honda 25cc tiller. Currently it is in the box it arrived in yesterday. Go assemble it and take it for a test run today. I tilled the main ground level beds with the old Craftsman 5.5 hp Briggs and Stratton tiller and the raised beds will be introduced to Honda very soon!

If that little 4 cycle honda is anything like my other Hondas, you will LOVE IT!

 

[the viking]

I used it yesterday and today and am very happy with the performance. I tried the neighbors mantis 2 cycle before deciding on the Honda and I am glad I did. The neighbor tried mine out and he decided to buy one when his mantis takes a dump.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I like Honda products, I own quite a few and I have both brands of mini tillers, the Honda and the Mantis.

IF you have stones, they get stuck in the Honda tines, not so with the Mantis, the Mantis has a little more power, and I don't have to change the oil in the Mantis's 2 stroke motor. I always have gas around for my chainsaws, I use the same gas in my Mantis... (NO E premium)

The Honda is quieter and I tried to like it more, but to be honest, if I had to choose only one, I'd choose the Mantis.

SR

 

[i7win7]

If you can figure out how to hang one off a 4x6, post photos

 

[Beeenvenue]

I have one of the “string trimmer” tiller attachments. I find it does a great job but is very difficult to use - bounces a ton and with no weight I have a hard time (and get exhausted) just holding it down. Still the best choice I’ve found for my raised beds

 

[BoylermanCT]

I use the Ryobi tiller attachment for my weedeater. And I just bought a 40V battery powered power head, so that'll be one less gas engine I have to fiddle with.

 

[the viking]

I have used battery tools since they came out love their portability when power is not nearby. For many years I built homes and hated extension cords while working on roofs. The problem with battery tools is the batteries die and replacement is the only option at great expense. I prefer some tools to have a powerful motor that will last for many years with minimal maintenance. My craftsman 5.5 HP tiller is 27 years old and took 2 pulls to start the other day. I haven't spent more than the price of 2 batteries? to run the thing in 27 years. I'm not abandoning fossil fuel loving tools just yet!

 

[yankeerider]

Viking just thought I’d mention I bought the Honda about 5 years ago and consider it one of my best tool purchases. Only thing about it is that mine is on its third carburetor. Not a big deal, since a complete carb is only about $20. First one went after about 2 years when the primer bulb split and I found no carb parts were available. Second carbnever really ran right. Last summer I got disgusted with it and replaced that second carb with a new one and it’s running great again.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I've been looking at small 6-10" wide models for raised beds and between rows. I bought a Teraforce ER062 for when the entire garden is restarted and for food plots a few weeks ago. While at the equipment place I saw an Echo mini tiller/cultivator and inquired about it and if they had the type that goes on an string trimmer power unit. Salesman advised against the latter as they are difficult to get any depth and are always pulling on you more. He did like the echo and recommended it. Decided I'd pass at that time and do some more research.

Fast forward to this past Saturday, I rented a Mantis 4-cycle from HD to go between the rows and around the raised beds and to try one out. I was surprised how light it was and how fast it worked. It did start stalling out at WOT after 20 minutes. I'd either have to let it idle a minute or just run at 7/8 throttle. I was done and had it back to HD in about 90 minutes. Now I'm not sure if buying one is necessary (would be more convenient) or just rent as needed, except it did take a while Saturday before one was back to rent. Right now very few are available like everything else, so will probably wait until fall or winter and hopefully have more choices and better prices. Nothing used I'd consider buying has been listed.

 

[iptman]

I just bought a Honda FG110 and it's great. You can pull off the outer tines to cultivate between narrow rows. Not as loud as the 2 cycle Mantis I used to have. Don't even need hearing protection. I'm looking forward to using this to keep the weeds knocked down this season.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I just bought a Honda FG110 and it's great. You can pull off the outer tines to cultivate between narrow rows. Not as loud as the 2 cycle Mantis I used to have. Don't even need hearing protection. I'm looking forward to using this to keep the weeds knocked down this season.

That is actually the one I was trying to find to purchase around here and none available. I'd love to see a short video of it running at WOT.

 

[iptman]

Viking just thought I’d mention I bought the Honda about 5 years ago and consider it one of my best tool purchases. Only thing about it is that mine is on its third carburetor. Not a big deal, since a complete carb is only about $20. First one went after about 2 years when the primer bulb split and I found no carb parts were available. Second carbnever really ran right. Last summer I got disgusted with it and replaced that second carb with a new one and it’s running great again.

Were those after market carbs?

 

[iptman]

That is actually the one I was trying to find to purchase around here and none available. I'd love to see a short video of it running at WOT.

Yeah it was hard to come by. I basically watched the Home Depot page daily and finally found one in stock across town and snagged.

 

[Bearsixty7]

Yeah it was hard to come by. I basically watched the Home Depot page daily and finally found one in stock across town and snagged.

That's what I've been doing, none within 100 miles. I did find one 3 hrs away near my BIL, May see if he will pick it up, I'll just put him as a pickup alternate.

I did find this video pretty informative.

I wasn't aware the wheels were just for transport.

 

[ericm979]

Last time I used the Mantis I discovered that the handles are cracked where they attach to the tiller. It's a dumb design. They have squish bends where the handle's tubes bolt into the casting under the engine. So the part of the handle with the most force on it has the smallest cross section. Some Mantis models still have this design but most do not.

I think we were using it on soil with larger rocks than Mantis intended. And we got ~20 years out of it though we didn't use it much the last few years as we till less.

 

[the viking]

I bought the Honda 110 from Northern tool and it was delivered in a week. I am very happy with the buy. It is good to cultivate around the garden space.

 

[Bearsixty7]

I checked HD again and just noticed it had free shipping listed and arrives by next week so I went ahead and bought it.

 

[iptman]

I wasn't aware the wheels were just for transport.

Yeah those wheels went right in to the trash after I harvested any useable pins and hardware.

 

[mwemaxxowner]

I have a Ryobi 40v power head with brush cutter, pole saw, edger, and cultivator attachments. The cultivator works really well for me, especially with a 25lb weight around the neck for harder ground. I prepped my yard for 14 pallets of sod with it.

 

[yankeerider]

Were those after market carbs?

Yes. Bought both from Amazon. Could have been different manufacturers, don’t remember the particular sources.