MOUNTFIELD MANOR COMPACT 36 PETROL TILLER
The Mountfield Manor Compact 36 is the baby in their range but it still has a sizeable 100cc "Mountfield engine". We have to claim ignorance about this engine on two counts; first Mountfield call it an "RSCT" engine and this is repeated ad infinitum in the write-ups of the retailers and websites selling it. But exactly what an RSCT engine is we do not know.
Certainly, when we used search engines there is no explanation of the term RSCT to be found. We phoned the Mountfield enquiries department and were first told that "it was their own brand of engine" but they had no explanation for what the initials were. When we pushed further we were put through to an obviously knowledgeable staff member and were told that RSCT stands for nothing! Zilch! It must have stood for something in the past but that has been lost in the mists of time.
During that conversation we also learnt that the engine was neither designed nor manufactured by Mountfield it was the product of another company, GGP. So, the phrase used by Mountfield in their sales literature "Mountfield RSCT engine" would appear to be rather redundant, certainly not informative.
As a result of wanting to contact Mountfield to answer the point discussed above we found out that the only telephone number they ever give in their brochures and online descriptions is an 0845 number. This may be fine if you have a landline but with the increasing number of people who have mobiles only this is a real problem.
Currently the cost of a mobile call to an 0845 number from a mobile can cost up to 40p a minute! Extortionate. Further research found out that calling 01752 213333 put us through to the same department but at a fraction of the cost from a mobile. Useful to know if you have a problem with any Mountfield machine. Giving out only an 0845 number is also an indication of how they perceive the importance of customer relations.
The key facts for the Mountfield Manor Compact 36 four stroke petrol tiller are:
Tilling width
36cm / 14in
Tilling depth
Not known
Engine
100cc 4 stroke
Reversible tines
No
Counter-rotating tines
No
Weight
27kg / 60lbs
Noise level
93dB
Height adjustable handles
Yes
Folding handles
No
Forward speeds
1
Reverse speeds
None
Wheels
1 front
Guarantee / warranty
1 year
Price (manufacturer's)
£299
Postage and packing
Free to UK mainland
Model website page
Click here
THE GOOD POINTS:
- Cheap.
- Height adjustable handlebars.
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
- That engine! Who makes it (we believe it's a GGP engine) and how reliable is it? Some sources claim the engine is belt-driven which is a technology that you may wish to investigate before buying.
- Short guarantee period compared to other major manufacturers.
WHO ARE MOUNTFIELD?
Mountfield were taken over by GGP (Global Garden Products) in 2000 and effectively Mountfield is now just a marketing name used by GGP.
WHERE TO BUY THE MOUNTFIELD MANOR COMPACT 36
This tiller is available from a few online and high street retailers. Currently Screwfix appear to be the cheapest.
A buying strategy which often works if you want to buy from your local dealer is to research the lowest price online and then ask if your local supplier will match that. Often they will.