Re: [gardeners] Pinetree
Liz Albrook (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Fri, 30 Jan 1998 19:21:55 +0000
George Shirley <gardeners@globalgarden.com> wrote:
> >Zone 5 in the fabulous Finger Lakes of NY
> >
> >
> How does it handle heavy loam covered with San Augustine grass?
It won't. It didn't even handle heavy loam covered with my much less
dense than St. Aug blue and fescue mixed grass. It was grass clumps
that launched it into space.
If you have a finely tilled bed a mantis is okay but it really throws
dirt around.
Oh, one thing you should know -- you provide the resistance for the
Mantis to "dig in". They tell you that you should use it like a
vacuum and that it is on the back stroke that it tills. In other
words, you let it run ahead then you pull it back. You are providing
the force and the pressure is on your lower back. I couldn't walk
after using it. I also can't walk after using a string trimmer in
case you need some idea of how "sensitive" my back is.
My el cheapo, front-tine Sears doesn't put *any* stress on my back.
It has enough weight and a depth bar to provide resistance.
Liz