RE: [CH] Mini Tillers

CES (ces@preferred.com)
Tue, 29 Apr 2003 14:30:49 -0400 

When I use my Mantis I use it in a back and forth motion kind of like using
a vacumn cleaner, actually I find it easiest to use when pulling.

Charlie

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com
> [mailto:owner-chile-heads@globalgarden.com]On Behalf Of Mike Stallcup
> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 1:48 PM
> To: Chile-Heads List
> Subject: Re: [CH] Mini Tillers
>
>
> >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)
>