The Best, Most Durable 2 Stroke You Can Buy! My FAVORITE of All Time Machine to Repair!

Wishing you could still buy a small engine power product that was made back in to 1980's when they built machines to last? YOU CAN! Today we dive into the Mantis Mini Tiller. One of the best 2 strokes ever made! If you're a gardener, you won't regret investing in one of the most durable, long lasting tools you can find to save you Time, Money and Frustration in the Future!
Find the 2 Stroke Mantis Tiller HERE!
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Find the 4 Cycle Mantis Tiller HERE!
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Already own a Mantis that you let sit for too long? Find out how to repair it yourself HERE!
• How to fix a Mantis Ti...
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Find some of my favorite tools in the list below!
Get a WERA tool kit like mine HERE!
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Get your WERA 8mm nut driver HERE!
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Find the Wiha standard nut drivers HERE!
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Find the Wiha metric nut drivers HERE!
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Find your own 2 Cycle adjusting tool kit HERE!!
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Get a compression tester like mine HERE!
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Get a spark tester like mine HERE!
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Get your own digital tachometer like mine HERE!
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Find your own digital multimeter HERE!
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Get some 12" hemostats HERE! I LOVE THEM!!
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Get my FAVORITE pliers HERE!
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Get an Owl Torx drill bit set HERE!
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Want a Endoscope like mine? Find it HERE!
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Get your own X-Ray Vision TOPDON TC004 Thermal Image Camera HERE!!
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Looking for the BEST 2 Cycle Oil? Find it here!
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Find Ethanol Shield HERE!
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Find some small fuel extracting pipettes HERE!
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Find a 500ml fuel extractor HERE!
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Find the Best Trimmer Gear Box Grease HERE!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@DJ-tw5fo]

Last year I was at my son's house, and his neighbor had a Mantis sitting at the curb with the trash. I knocked on the door and made sure they were throwing it out. It looked almost new. I simply drained out the old fuel and replaced the carburetor , and had myself a free Mantis! Fantastic!

[@bvnseven]

Yup, people throw so much fixable stuff away that you could get alot of your work arsenal free. I am sure you already know this but people don't want to learn how to fix things. The would rather throw it away just to complain and complain again at the price of a new one. Good for Us!

[@joannekimball6273]

I really enjoy watching you I am a 70 year young lady and like to work on my tractors also! You are a great encouragement as you make it look so easy! I have fixed many things with the help of your great videos thank you for sharing your talent with us!❤🙏🏻

[@waynestefinashen239]

Well done Joanne that is what these YT videos are all about, i am 75 and over the last 10 years of small engine repair business my son Jake who owns the show has taught me almost everything he knows now i am the apprentice and can repair just about anything. It takes a little time and a lot of patience to do it right.

[@lowtriggerweightjay7331]

Just picked one up for $100 new condition. Fires right up first pull. So easy to use and iam amazed at what it will do. My wife is tiny, 5 feet nothing and 100 lbs so she loves the fact that its something she can start and operate easily. It has quickly become her favorite tool also.

[@doglegjake6788]

I have an echo weedeater That's 40 years old and still runs absolutely perfect. Japanese quality is amazing

[@angelicaconiguliaro3179]

My fiance got 1 last year from an elderly couple, said they used it twice. They threw it away because of a cracked primer bulb. You go girl rockin the mantis with flip flops!

[@kevintwiest9593]

Might be a good idea to wear boots.

[@bentullett6068]

Those Mantis tillers used the same motor found on Echo machines. Regarding the 20 year old machine thing we have one of the silver coloured John Deere walk behind mowers from 1997 with the pro spec Kawasakiengine. Still starts and runs no issues what so ever.

[@tomt9543]

Echo makes them for Mantis. They now sell it under their name also.

[@bentullett6068]

@tomt9543 I work for a dealership here in the UK that sells Echo machines, so that's how I knew about that two-stroke engine being one made by Echo. The Honda versions are OK, but I don't think they are as good as the two strokeones. One tiller not mentioned in this is the Stihl MM 56 which is the Stihl variant of a Mantis using the engine unit from an FS 56/KM 56. It would be interesting to see how it compares.

[@WJCTechyman]

@@bentullett6068 I have a Honda GX25 OHC powered Honda trimmer that I got second hand that was my late Uncle's. It's easy to start, fairly quiet and pretty powerful because I run it mostly above idle to do most of my trimming. That said, there is a little piece of Echo on this trimmer as it has a SpeedFeed 400 trimmer line head mounted to it. I had to replace the OEM head because it kept falling apart according to my Aunt. Don't get me wrong, I love my Echo stuff too and I own over $2000 worth of P.A.S. attachments and the PAS-2620 engine power unit to run it as well.

[@bioniclife]

I paid $50 for our Mantis at a moving sale. It needed a fuel line and fresh 2cyl gas and off to the races. Love it!

[@Chickanic]

Good Morning Y'all! Thanks for watching! If you want to check out a new Mantis 2 cycle Tiller made just like the ones 40 years ago, here is a link! amzn.to/48lvB5u

[@bidders77]

Would love to see nore of the gardening going forward

[@bentullett6068]

One competitor machine out on the market to the Mantis is the Stihl MM 56. It would be interesting to see how one of these compares to the Mantis being it to uses a engine that seems to have been around for a while now and a tool system.

[@ToddAdams1234]

BRE, those fake “you’s” are at it again. Just a heads up for your channel.

[@arthurleap4562]

I had a mantis tiller for 20 years. It is a little wildcat. I used it for digging holes to plant trees. I can nolonger use it.sold it to my father inlaw

[@gene5251969]

Damnit, you twisted my arm, I just ordered mine from your link, 😆

[@bobwelch7609]

Right you are! My Mantis was made in 1987, four years after I bought an Ariens rear-tine monster tiller. Both are still running and both get used multiple times every summer. The Ariens will make a garden plot out of any patch of sod and the Mantis makes a terrific seedbed. I am 76 and expect to be using both tillers for ANOTHER 30 years.

[@Chickanic]

Absolutely!

[@rodneydelong9045]

I've had mine since 98 and still going strong. I have a large tiller also that I use in the spring to get the garden started then go to the Mantis to build the beds and pulverize the soil for easy planting. Only issues have been gasoline related.

[@chipwilliams1640]

Absolutely true. Got one about 12 years old and still running strong.

[@dantinl2489]

Had a 4 stroke for twenty years, great machine

[@jackofalltrades55]

The 2-stroke Mantis tiller is the same as the Echo TC-210, and they both use the same (Echo) 21.2cc engine. They are pretty bulletproof. Don't let the small displacement fool you, they have all the power you need, as demonstrated in the video. And you can buy kits to convert them to a lawn de-thatcher or edger as well.

[@Snowman-33]

You're absolutely correct about the old things. About 15 years ago I had 2 1970 Montgomery Wards garden tractors. Both had the 16 HP Briggs horizontal L head engines. One had the 42 inch rear discharge deck and the other I set up to plow with. I found a moldboard and set it up with a small winch. I could plow all day or mow acres with either. I wish I had never sold them. Oh well, us old things "Continue to March" Thanks again, Mark

[@lanedexter6303]

Yep. My tractor is 65 years old. My saws range from 50 to 22.

[@WJCTechyman]

I guess I will see how long my Honda HRC216 commercial mower will go for. I bought it specifically because it was of similar if not the same build quality to the 35+ year old HR214 mower I grew up using. There are a couple of minor differences like the engine is larger on the commercial and has a hydrostatic transaxle as opposed to the 2-speed transaxle on the 214. Looking at the blade clutches, they look almost exactly the same.

[@murrayhebert4500]

love how real and natural you are !!

[@klong-lk4bb]

Purchased mine 30+ years ago still runs like a champ it is a little beast

[@davidward1259]

We still have the Mantis 2 stroke we bought in 1981 or 1982. It's the first engine variation with no primer bulb on the carb. I finally had to do a carb rebuild last year, but it just keeps on running and running... I call it my "dirt chainsaw".

[@jimstelljes3925]

I bought one of these 2-stroke Mantis tillers in 1990 and loved it. Very reliable. It is so light weight, it does not break up hard, impacted soil. However, it does break up nice, rich soils. Unfortunately, I lost it in a divorce.

[@russellstyles5381]

You can try walking backwards, but yes, it will dance on hard soil. I suppose try again after a rain. Says something when a cheap tiller is disputed in a divorce.

[@RedHotFiat]

We moved to 2 acres in 1993. My daughter wanted to put in a garden so we marked off a 50 x 50 space at the back of the property. My wife bought us a Mantis tiller and it was amazing. So much better than the Craftsman I borrowed from my neighbor in the past. I don't garden much anymore but I have all the attachements and use it for dethatching the lawn, Cleaning the crevices in the driveway, edging the lawn and tilling new flowerbed areas. I have also used it to dig the first foot to foot and a half of fence post holes. I have replaced the spark plug a couple of times and last year I put a new carb on it.

[@normanmack2368]

I have a post whole auger. Omg, just keep new plugs and pull strings, yes change fuel lines ,always check the gear box. What a machine.

[@crackerjak801]

See! Now that is what I call bifl. Easy to own, operate, find parts for and repair. Thanks for the information! 😊

[@geraldsieber7266]

I’ve went through two of them and on the third set of tines. They are great. I have a stony garden and you will find it will jump about 3 feet in the air when I hit one so hang on. Allows for closer rows and more vegetables.

[@michaeltaylor5718]

My wife worked in the service department for Mantis back in the late 80's-early 90's. She was basically tech support for consumers calling for service help. The only real problem she saw on a regular basis was bent choke plates from people banging them around in the garage or back of a truck. This would create an air gap, and the engine wouldn't start. We had a few, including a 2 stroke and an electric. The 2 stroke is a little beast! I wish we hadn't lent it out to my parents, who lent it to a family member, who swears they never had it...[sigh]

[@steventaylor681]

Good ole Echo engine. Sold a ton of those back in the day. I've had mine since they first came out. Love it!

[@Midwest-small-engine]

Ever since I caught your original video I happened to come across a mantis cheap on marketplace and was the best $$ spent been using it like crazy around the house don’t know why I waited so long to get one my step pap had one growing up there a good reliable machine.

[@MrGrummpy]

I bought a Mantis 25+ years ago. It's an absolute beast. Any problem has been fuel related. The company was very helpful on the phone when I had questions. Fuel lines, grommet, purge bulb, fuel filter and gasket and diaphragm were all reasonably priced when I bought them. It has taken a lot of use in a fairly large garden with heavy clay soil. I would highly recommend one to any gardener.

[@kc2befree]

I’m buying a mantis now 😋 your one of my favorites…

[@snowfire45]

I have one of these for about since 1989 love it !😊😊😊😊

[@rodneyallen4039]

I love your style and your no nonsense attitude keep up the great work

[@EricZolner-zz8bj]

I bought one at a junkyard and rebuilt the carburetor. I've been using it for the past 6 years. It turned me on to Echo equipment and now i have few pieces of their equipment.

[@garydillon3960]

The older machines hardly ever broke down. I take care of everything I own and even wax my riding mower.. My old craftsman rider was 20 years old. I reconditioned it and gave it to my son-in-law. Within 2 years it was junk. I love your videos. God Bless.

[@daveblevins3322]

I've had two since '98 ! Gifted one to a friend. He still has it, and works it. I still have the other one, and work it most of the year. Bulletproof 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bhgardeners]

I have just serviced one, which I do for the customer annually and others too, like you I love these machines especially with the lawn scarifying attachment which is excellent. I service a lot of the GX25 engined machines as well, absolutely no problems with either. I agree with every one of your comments regarding these tillers. Love your videos, well done.

[@MikeClark-s8s]

My brother in law has on 14 years and ive only worked on it once bad gas !!! great little machines

[@johnforsyth8414]

I bought the 2 cycle (basic model). It arrived few days ago. Assembly was fairly straight forward. The handle “shut off switch” didn’t work. Found a ground wire where the crimp connector failed. Put a new one on. This thing runs amazing! We removed a bunch of old dying shrubs along one side of the house. Then we tilled the entire area. It runs like a champ! Put ethanol free gasoline & marine grade stabil in a 2 gallon plastic can. Very impressed with it! Thanks!

[@ronpon1975]

I had one and you are right that little mahine is powerful.

[@dr.detroit1514]

The best two stroke I've had I would say is my 1988 Lawn Boy push mower. Aluminum deck, has always started within 3 pulls. Repairs: A new short block, from Toro who had bought Lawn-Boy by this time, in the early 90's when I tried using a dethatching blade on it, it over stressed and overheated the bearings, and blew it up. Maybe the commercial engine model might work with that blade, but not this one.The pull cord broke and had to be replaced. The ignition quit some years ago, and was replaced. The plastic fitting for the primer under the carb cracked and had to be replaced. Replaced the worn out plastic wheels with the ball bearing metal wheels a few years ago.

[@lloydfox5752]

I've had one for 25 plus years. You forgot to mention the tines are guaranteed for life. I had one break when I hit a giant rock. They replaced it at zero cost. I think I bought it in the late 80's but I'm not certain. Could be the mid 90's

[@Chickanic]

You're right! I should had mentioned that! Darn..

[@steverandall5814]

Wow! I was thrilled to hear you say we can still buy at least one high quality and durable piece of outdoor power equipment! These two-years-and-they're-done pieces use a tremendous amount of raw materials to make, fail far too quickly, and aren't designed to be repaired. I'm just glad I have a 1978 two-stroke Lawn Boy mower that still runs like a champ. So long as I can still get replacement parts...that thing will run forever!

[@superdave380]

Thanks Bre. You just inspired me to fix the one I have that is growing moss.

[@angelamartin1824]

You should try planting an asparagus bush. Great for grilling.

[@timetopay5344]

I have the exact one and is still running strong.

[@richardmiller3808]

I own 3 of these. 1 has the Honda 4 stroke. Love them.

[@markf8256]

Great video, Bre. You combined my favorite topics, power tools, gardening, land management, and the 80s. I never knew you could grow lawn tractors. Must be your hardiness zone. 😉

[@keiththompson2289]

Great. Something else I think I need now that I knew nothing about.

[@jaycalcott9600]

I have and use one I bought 25yrs ago. Everything you said is absolute truth

[@danmoehagen7376]

Yep! I agree...I've owned one for 20 years.

[@MichaelRei99]

The Honda mini tiller is an excellent machine too! It is versatile with it’s numerous attachments.I’ve had mine for over 20 years and it’s still going strong! And by the way tilling your garden soil is old school and not necessary. No dig gardening is the way to go!

[@waynevierra2540]

My mom bought one of these mantis rotor tellers back in the early 80s She made me do all the services on it and it still runs today they're the best

[@jeffpiatt3879]

My parents bought one of the very first Mantis tillers back in 1983. They still have the tiller and it still runs but they have since bought another Mantis The gear bushings for the gear drive wore out a couple of years ago. It still works, though. It gave flawless service for over 30 years.

[@joshmindek4840]

Love my Mantis tiller, and it's made by Kioritz Corporation, same engine/parts as a lot of the older Echos.

[@davidcook7816]

Bought mine in 1996 and it has done more work than I could have ever imagined. I have worn out 2 sets of tines, had to replace the carburetor because one year I failed to run the fuel out of it in the fall, didn't use it for a couple years after and the fuel turned to varnish and contaminated the small passages in it. Replaced it and it has been going ever since. It is a little BEAST!!! Everything you said about it is true.

[@billpotmesil]

I do love my Mantis and it is a tilling machine!

[@toddbidlack2038]

I got my Mantis from my dad. I had it serviced once about 12 years ago. I know he had it at least 10 years before I got it. It starts every spring with fresh gas and runs great.

[@stevengajardo4160]

I have 2 of them . one has a hedge trimmer on it and the other a tiller. Great bits of kit

[@zog382]

@Chickanic I have to thank you I looked for one of these Mantis tillers used and couldn't find one for less then a new one. I ended up buying new and this little thing is awesome. I'm tempted to try their big one for larger jobs.

[@NorthlanderMN]

Used to till. Now I use plain cardboard pieces not the shiny stuff. I put fall leaves on top of the cardboard. Plant my tomatoes deep. Keeps the soil moist for longer and less watering. Don’t have to weed either. This also prevents the tomato plant from that yellowing of tomato leaves. Growing tomatoes and cucumbers. Got a bad back so these are the easiest to grow. Build your coop at least 5x8 with good ventilation even in the winter. The ammonia will be strong on little coops during the winter. The chicken manure with the wood shavings is excellent in the gardens. You can compost it or just spread it around or till it in but not too close to the plants in the garden covering it over. Did this with tomatoes. I use miracle gro, 10-10-10, fish emulsion, and chick a poo for fertilizers. Gypsum and wood ash sprinkled in the soil is good too. I hope you share how you do your garden method. It’s a fun topic.

[@mikemilburn7823]

So true Bri, so sad but true, gimme the old stuff any day. Love the videos.

[@lisaghost]

I've had this mantis for a good 20 years, got it from an older gentleman sitting by the road for sale. He had the carb off and didnt want to bother with it so i bought it for $10 and purchased a carb and kit for it for $18 came with all gas lines and filter,bulb you name it and it's been running great each year i take it out!

[@rterry731]

Similar journey .. of course repairing what is broken is a big part of self sufficiency.. and one reason I started watching your vids.. I enjoy them.. make sure and post seom preservation vids.. and get you some bees.. we've done chickens, ducks gees and rabbits along with the occasional hog for meat.. butchering is a hoot too.. Chickens and hogs turn table and garden scraps into eggs and bacon.. we put in a well as well.. pretty tired of city services or lack there of.. ok done rambling.. Maybe give us a couple rider vids when you can :) spring is here so you'll be WAY busy.. be safe..

[@wg4405]

I have one of the models made before that one I picked up at a lawnmower salvage yard . It didn't have a air cleaner but luckily I found one on e- bay . It runs like new .

[@russellstyles5381]

I've got one! Recently replaced carburetor and hoses - it sat for a long time. Neighbor did not have place for small garden, so he tilled the garden with big tiller. Works good. Hard to grasp the choke. Only complaint. Useable by the elderly no problem. Had cheap mower from Home Depot. Sat for 3 years, filled with gas, changed oil, started immediately.

[@LeonardMagnusson]

westport wa.state what a flash back. thank you. dad and mom had one. thanks again for the memories. my dad took every thing in stride. mom was the same.

[@AlRodeeFeelBetterNow]

I have been watching all your videos for about 8 months now. I really appreciate you and all that you do. I have one suggestion from this video. Rather than burn your brush, get a chipper and make woodchips. Great for garden mulch, walking paths and natural mycelium creation for your fruit trees. Not to mention, much better for the atmosphere. Thanks for being you

[@Chickanic]

You are 100% correct! Thanks for reminding me!

[@brianmaddy6713]

You are exactly right. My Mantis is almost thirty years old, starts on the 7th pull or so. I've replaced the primer bulb, fuel lines and filters. This year I bought new tines, the old ones were worn from rocky soil. Echo makes the engine, and I asked the Echo folks at the Sunbelt Expo years ago why they were so pricey. They said the cylinders were chromed. I've never had a reason to take the head off, so I never checked. You do a great job teaching small engine mechanics. Keep up the good work.

[@DugatDizzyLizzys]

Hi Chickanic. I totally agree. These are the most type of tiller (of that size) that comes in (both 2 and 4 stroke) and its always a carb clean required as its been sat for (insert months). The only time one didn't require a carb clean was because it had fallen off the back of the vehicle and bent the body that the tines fit to. No prob, I don't know what the part number was, but it was an affordable repair. TBH, after using one of these, you might find some muscles will ache, but after a hard days work, have a soothing hot bath as a reward, and maybe a shot of something 😁

[@MrBjseales]

Spot on!!! Keep safe, and awesome.

[@NickManCuso59]

That tiller of yours is awesome. Many many year's ago my dad had a huge heavy ancient tiller . It was a real man eater !

[@seanconnell8027]

I think my rototiller is an Ariens with a B&S 6 HP 4 stroke from the early 80s. The beast keeps running!

[@Korycaswell7887]

I’ve had good luck with Predator 2 strokes from harbor freight. Have an auger for 14 years. Did a carb rebuild and sits more than it’s used. But it’s put in about 8 200-500 linear foot fences.

[@edwardbell9694]

I bought a tiller in 1982 the same as you've got and I left it in the garage for 2 years and all I did was change the gas on the 2-cycle NC started right up just like I left it

[@johnregal5098]

I absolutely love my little Mantis. Does up the gardens great. The dethatcher attachment is great too.

[@kevinkozisek3903]

Mantis tiller is great for raised beds, but for bigger gardens the vintage Arens tiller with a 3 horse Briggs on it is by far the best. The tines are like 18 inches out front of the motor, not underneath so you can see where your tilling and it's a light tiller. You can slow down the speed of the times to barely rotate, great around cages in the garden. I have two mantis tillers. I picked up the old Arens and was it heaven. So, if you can find a good used one, pick it up. My brother has one and repowered his with a 3 horse predator motor. That's my experience.

[@AnthemBassMan]

That’s why I mow rotating through my three 37, 46, and 49 year old Lawn-Boy mowers. Except for a coil on one and rebuilding/cleaning the carbs, they still fire up and mow like the day they were made.

[@JohnMisiewicz]

I have had my Mantis tiler for 20 years! I change the spark plug yearly and the only fuel filter only once. Great machine👍

[@ronaldbrown5745]

Send me all your replaced spark plugs!

[@nperson]

I don't understand why people are still changing spark plugs yearly. That was needed 50 years ago but the newer ignition systems are much better. I ran a lawn tractor for 15 years on the original plug. It started easily and ran perfect. Current John Deere is 10 years old and has original spark plugs. Runs fine.

[@RussHess-j2s]

I have to agree with you. My dad had a 2-stroke Mantis and provided it to till his 40'x40' back yard. I thought he was joking but was I surprised. This thing was a beast and easily handled the job. One day it locked up and upon disassembly I discovered that a drive gear tooth had broken off and jammed the drive train. I removed the tooth and reassembled and it continued to serve for many years. He eventually gave to a friend. It was still running at that time and I would buy one if I had the need for a tiller.

[@r.griffin7941]

Never had much luck with the old Echo 2-cycle Mantis. Had to take it to the shop every spring just to get it running and by summer it would be dead again. Never figured what was wrong with it because I always drained gas, replaced lines and fuel filter, plug, cleaned/overhauled carb, etc, etc. My mother had the same model and it always had similar problems and it wound up in the junk pile. However, I got the Honda 4-stroke and it has been absolutely bulletproof machine after all these years. Starts easily every time no matter what. Just remember to replace the air filter every few years or it will turn to mush. I do notice a bit of improved performance with mid-grade gas versus regular gas.

[@bwoutrage21]

Agree with you 110 %.

[@OhNoMrBill-yg3dy]

My Canadian made Lawn-Boy Model 5277 19” Solid State with F101 engine and aluminum deck was purchased new in 1983 when we bought our 1st house. 6 houses and 41-years later it’s still starts on the first or second pull. It’s had the recoil replaced once, a couple of spark plug and blade replacements, new wheels and the handle welded, but it’s the best lawnmower I’ve ever owned. My last Honda mower lasted 10-years, even with regular oil changes.

[@jeffjackson5331]

Very cool! I remember when they came those tillers. Neat machines.

[@RickStorni]

Bought a Mantis 2 stroke tiller 35 years ago for my landscaping business and it is still running strong never had any problems with it and has been an awesome machine. I totally recommend the Mantis tiller for small areas

[@berlyn1187]

I’m gonna buy one of these asap. I’ve been thinking about buying myself a tiller and this is a great sign.

[@Chickanic]

You'll love it! Always use a good oil like the red armor. It will always run, even after sitting a year, if you do.

[@jamescaron6465]

You won't be sorry bud. I've had one for over 40 years. just replaced the things that have worn out like the rope the fuel lines, etc.

[@berlyn1187]

Shit turns out these are hard to find in Canada and they’re like $700.

[@REDLINERUNNER]

Well here in Croatia, or pretty much all the countries on territory of ex Yugoslavia still have 2T machines from two factories even from 70-es still running like champs. Brands are: IMT Agria for tillers and for water pumps generators and stuff like that was Tomos. And after 40-50 years they're still kickin' and people who own them wouldn't change them for anything new... If something breaks, there is machine shop to mill the new part and they keep kickin'. These machines from 70-es and 80-es were built forever I guess... I'm glad you have things like that in USA too...

[@virgilcollins4925]

Yes I have one too it's running just like I got it at 5 or 6 years ago still runs😎😎😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎😎😎

[@johnclarke6647]

I agree, two stroke is the way. I cranked mine up in January after sitting for three months and it cranked on the second pull. I use it to plant shrubs and trees, too. It will dig a hole in a heart beat. Just shovel any excess dirt out and plant the tree. Nancy planted a peach tree in her garden with it last fall. My peach trees are in full bloom, right now. Hope I get some this year. A late freeze wiped out my crop last year. I hope my apple trees bloom. We sure had enough cold weather for them to bloom this year.

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video!! i Love watching your videos! about 6 years ago i sold the Mantis 2 stroke mini tiller that i had because i moved. i Realy wish that i had kept it! so i am keeping my eyes out for another Mantis 2 stroke mini tiller for my raised garden beds.

[@Barbarra63297]

Had a Mantis tiller, best brand ever made, when I moved out of the USA gave it to a friend and it's still working, I bought it in the 80's and moved in 2006 so that little workhorse is chuggin' along.

[@benvincent24]

I had bought a tiller attachment for my curved shaft Husqvarna weed trimmer. It was for my 6x6 raised bed. I'm not positive but I believe the tiller attachment brand was Ryobi. It didn't even last one time. The gearbox ate itself. I returned it, got my money back. Been using a human powered digging fork since. If my bed was bigger I might consider a Mantis.

[@raydurni1175]

I have a 4 cycle purchased 10 years ago. Zero issues. Starts in 3 pulls or less. Awesome machine.

[@robertbland7661]

Everything is looking great Bre. Can't wait to get our garden out too.

[@Chickanic]

Got the fence up and planting my berry bushes today and onions today now that my babies can't run through my beds! LOL

[@jpol3808]

Great info. I used a Ryobi tiller attachment for our raised beds 2@ 4x8feet it worked well but would be underpowered if the bed wasn't raised. Also remember to plant a thin row of spices along each of those bed edges. That completes the meals! Lol later. J Poll.

[@gardenjohn1]

I can not agree more, I have there electric mantis tiller, because I get out to till early am, did not want to make alot of noise early. Have owned it for at least 15 yrs, can not beat it !

[@Treeplanter73]

I gotta chime in and say the Honda mini tiller is also a beast for working and reliability. The Honda mini 4 stroke is a great engine.

[@rickwalker1462]

I borrowed one last spring and you won't believe how powerful the mantis is for its size and your right it will dig down as far as you need it too

[@calwilliegause5975]

I have a mantis tiller I bought in 1980, and it is still going strong.i change the filter & clean the plug every year runs great😊

[@jamesbrischke4815]

My Mantis 2-stroke tiller isn't 40 years old, but it's probably close to the 30 yr mark.. I did have to replace the carburetor one time, but that's it. It still runs like it's new.

[@kellyspann9845]

I have the exact tiller you have and it is faded in all the same places. I have been using mine the last 35 years every spring and summer in the garden and flower beds and it never gave me a problem until last weekend when I filled it up and the gas tank was split where it was molded together at the factory. Just ordered a new tank. Love that little tiller.

[@emeaniebrakkee1094]

As always, very informative. I would very much like to see periodic garden updates . From what you have shown us it is quite incredible.

[@stephenhair5501]

What a little work horse!! I really like a reliable, light weight 2 stroke engine. Thanks for sharing this Bre!! God Bless.

[@mikel3419]

It is awesome for simply digging holes for landscaping. Had my knee replaced and I can't use a shovel anymore so this is perfect. I got the kickstand and found that if you leave it down you can keep it from jumping all over. Easy to use for a 74 year old.