MANTIS CLASSIC PETROL TILLER
By David Marks
The Mantis Classic tiller with the 25cc Honda engine weighs in a mere 11kg / 24lbs making it the lightest of all the main stream tillers. It is designed to be easy to use and lift, and also operate well in flower and vegetable beds without damaging nearby plants. Over two million of these tillers have been sold worldwide, a tribute not only to their practicality but also to their durability and value for money.
One factor often overlooked when comparing tillers is that the Mantis has infinite speed variability – squeeze the throttle harder and it goes faster. Almost all other comparable tillers have one forward speed only. Not only does it till the soil well but reversing the tines (a simple operation) turns it into a very efficient weeding machine.
The key facts for the Mantis Classic four stroke petrol tiller are:
Tilling width
23cm / 9in
Tilling depth
25cm / 10in
Engine
Honda 25cc four stroke
Reversible tines
Yes
Counter-rotating tines
No
Weight
11kg / 24lbs
Noise level
93dB
Height adjustable handles
Deluxe only
Folding handles
Yes
Forward speeds
1
Reverse speeds
None
Wheels
None
Guarantee / warranty
5 years
Price (manufacturer’s)
£389 (ocassional discounts)
Postage and packing
Included to mainland UK
Model website page
See here
THE GOOD POINTS:
- Infinitely variable tilling speed
- The lightest of all tillers of this type. Easy lifting and easy to use
- Reliable Honda 25cc engine
- A good 25cm / 10in tilling depth
- Huge range of accessories
- Maintenance is easy and cheaper compared to other tillers
- Five year warranty, life time guarantee on the tines
POINTS TO CONSIDER:
- Arrangement of handlebars is too narrow
- Safety shut off switch can inadvertently be activated which stops the machine
- Will not till compacted soil
THE MANTIS CLASSIC DELUXE VERSION
Mantis also sell a deluxe version of this tiller and they offer the following additional features:
- The handlebars are adjustable for height
- The handlebars are spread apart slightly more making the unit easier to operate
- There is a lifting handle at the front of the engine
The recommended retail price of the Mantis Classic Deluxe is £422 but can be bought for around £380 from internet companies.
WHO ARE MANTIS?
Mantis started business in the US and
began to sell their tillers in the UK in 1990. They now sell their products worldwide including Canada, Europe and even China. Their UK head office is based in Stockport Cheshire where they have a large shop to showcase and sell their entire range of gardening goods.
When designing their tillers the emphasis is on reliability, maintainability and practicality. The machines can be maintained and repaired by the average handyman and their spare parts system is very user-friendly. They are a company with a proven track record for customer service. Their website is well laid out and contacting them by phone, email or post is simple.
WHERE TO BUY MANTIS CLASSIC TILLER
Mantis tillers are available to buy through the company’s main website or through other online companies. Check the prices carefully because often the main website is cheaper than other online companies. At the time of writing this article the recommended retail price is £369, Mantis have them on offer from their own website for £349.
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.