Mantis cultivator

[oldmoleskins]

Has anyone used one of these lightweight machines?

I've seen them advertised over the years and never been remotely interested as it didn't seem possible that something so lightweight could be much use, but a wodge of promo material dropped through the post yesterday making fabulous claims for it and containing the offer that if after a year you're dissatisfied with it, you can have your money back...

So... worth a go?

OM.

[Spruance]

Yes, I have one of those, although at present it is 'out of commission' with a broken throttle cable, which I keep meaning to get fixed.

I can't comment on the money back offer though as my elderly uncle gave it to me as it was too much for him to manage.

In my experience, it is not the same as a rotavator in that you can't just set to on a patch of uncultivated ground, and end up with a neatly ploughed area. Having said that, just rough digging an area and then using the Mantis produces a very fine tilth indeed.

I first used it in March 2000, as, having a 'bad back' at the time, it was the only way that I could get my new potatoes in.

It is also useful for digging holes, by just running it on the spot. It has a 2-stroke petrol engine, and you receive a pack of 2-stroke oil to add to the 4-star from the garage.

I would say definitely go for it OM, unless you are actually looking for a rotavator. In which case, it probably won't be suitable.

One other advantage, which I haven't tried myself, is that it is also possible to use the machine to run attachments, such as a lawn scarifier, and a hedge cutter.

[oldmoleskins]

spruance said:

In my experience, it is not the same as a rotavator in that you can't just set to on a patch of uncultivated ground, and end up with a neatly ploughed area. Having said that, just rough digging an area and then using the Mantis produces a very fine tilth indeed...


...I would say definitely go for it OM, unless you are actually looking for a rotavator. In which case, it probably won't be suitable.

So you wouldn't say it can convert a turfed area into plantable tilth, Spruance? The blurb says it will (but then that's the Mandy Rice-Davies testimony: "well, they would say that, wouldn't they...")

What about if I sprayed an area off with RoundUp - would you think it could cope with dead grass?

OM.

[Spruance]

oldmoleskins said:

So you wouldn't say it can convert a turfed area into plantable tilth, Spruance? The blurb says it will (but then that's the Mandy Rice-Davies testimony: "well, they would say that, wouldn't they...")

What about if I sprayed an area off with RoundUp - would you think it could cope with dead grass?

OM.

Well I can only speak from personal experience with a, by now, nine year old machine OM. Having said that, my Mantis just can't seem to get started on uncultivated ground. It is more inclined to bounce up and down on the surface.

Just looking at their website though, they are adamant that it would be suitable for hard ground, and they re-emphasise the option of the money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

If you have a look at the Mantis website there are is a streaming video clip that you can watch. Also, full pdf manuals etc.

[oldmoleskins]

Well, got one today and used it on ground previously turned over with a tractor rotavator - it worked very much as you said Spruance - a sort of mechanical hoe, and in no time had reduced the ground to a reasonable tilth.
Hopeless at breaking ground but a robust, useful tool and only the 4 foot of softlink halter chain it 'found' stopped it - but then that would have stopped the tractor...



OM.

[jean]

Still hard work though OM, but wouldn't be without mine now. Its great for small areas in flower beds as well as on the lottie. If ever you have problems there is a manual to down load which goes into great detail if you are mechanically minded

www.mantis-uk.co.uk/infokiosk.php?action=5

[oldmoleskins]

Cheers JL... one thing did impress me before I even started it: I only ordered it on Tuesday, was warned there may be a delay cos it's a busy time for them - and it arrived Friday!

OM.

[Spruance]

I'm glad you're pleased with it OM. I really must get mine repaired as I could certainly do with it at the moment. Actually I might just run it down to the repairers this morning.

I find that it is most effective when used in different directions, i.e. forwards, and then 'walked' backwards across the same patch. Also very good for mixing in home-made compost.

Whilst it is no good for initial ground breaking, it is very good for breaking up the hard pan at the bottom of a planting hole, by running it 'on the spot'.

[oldmoleskins]

Well, blow me down - here we are about 18 months later... I retrieved mine from it's slumbering-place a few days ago to find one of the chromed lower 'legs' decidedly rusty, so I banged off an email to Mantis, more in sorrow than anger asking if they considered that normal - and today got a shiny new pair in the post, free of charge!

OM.

[Deleted]

See my comments:- www.erowell.co.uk/Gardening/index-g.html

Rotavators and Tillers

Gardening on Clay Soil.

One thing I would suggest, when you put it away for a length of time, clean it thoroughly and brush diluted gear oil (mix with paraffin) over it to prevent rusting. Make this a regular practice with all tools. They will last a lifetime then. I have a barrow which had started to rust badly, I cleaned it and brushed it over. The oil film has stopped the rusting and made it look quite good. It will probably see me out.

The difference with the Mantis is that you pull it towards you while stepping backwards. It's all explained in the video they supply with the machine.This causes it to dig in, although you might have to dig a hole to start in if your ground is very solid (like an old lawn). The right moisture content is essential as with all mechanical tools. I once broke a three furrow plough by ploughing when too dry (my boss thought it was OK).