Re: [CH] Mini Tillers

Mike Stallcup (Michael.Stallcup@nasa.gov)
Tue, 29 Apr 2003 12:47:35 -0500 

>My parents have been running a little Mantis tiller for several years now
>(taking time to re-fill the fuel tank, of course).  They have no problems
>with it, it's light and easy to use.

My experience with a friend's Mantis was tiring.  The tines moved 
very fast and I had to keep pulling it back to keep it from getting 
away from me.  At the end of an hour my arms and shoulders were sore. 
I went looking for a tiller with a depth stake.

I ended up buying the smallest tiller that Troy-Bilt made.
(http://www.troybilt.com/servlet/BrandProductDetail?ID=888&CAT=15&SUB=110#) 
It weighs about the same as the Mantis and is about the same size. 
My neighbor had a large Troy-Bilt and I was pleased with their 
construction and reliability.

My small tiller has an adjustable depth stake which resists the 
pulling-forward action of the tines, making it much less tiring to 
use.  Also, the tines move slower than the Mantis but they dig and 
break up the soil very nicely.  I've had it for 10 years and I've 
worn out one set of tines.  It works great for my 20 ft x 16 ft 
garden.  I've also used it to create six different landscaping 
gardens in my yards.

Shortly after I got it I received a package from Troy-Bilt containing 
a heavy-duty clutch.  They said some customers had complained that 
the original clutch wasn't strong enough (I thought it was fine), so 
they sent a new clutch to every owner along with detailed 
instructions on how to install it.

I've been very satisfied with my tiller, even though it does have a 
two-stroke engine.  Based on my good experiences with small Honda 
engines it would be a tough choice if I had to get a new tiller.  I 
think both Honda and Troy-Bilt make good products.

Plants in the ground:  Anaheim, serrano, tabasco, jalapeno, habanero, 
various bell peppers, cilantro, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers. 
Hmmm...a salsa garden!  (Yes, sometimes I put cucumbers into my 
salsa!)

-- 
Mike  (C-H #36, hab seed intact)
Carpe Capsicum!
(My words, not NASA's)