What Is A Mantis Tiller?

In garden design, a cultivator is an implement, either man-powered or machine-powered, used to cultivate the soil for the growing of crops. There are many different types of cultivators based on size and usage.

There are many different types of tillers such as walk-behind multi-tillers for the gardener, small multi-tillers for the farmer/garden plot owner, and industrial or tractor-pulled rototillers for large farms.

Check Stihl-tiller-vs-mantis Tillers

Whats is Mantis Cultivator?

Mantis Tiller has a long, rotating metal blade that penetrates the soil to cultivate and loosen the hard ground. The Mantis tiller has a flat end to push into the ground and can be used for breaking up dirt clods or aerating compacted earth. It is about the length of your arm and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Mantis cultivators (also called Mantis tillers) are a type of tiller that is powered by human force although there are mantis cultivator models that use gasoline as an energy source. It has one to four rotating tines and belongs to the family of garden tillers. A mantis tiller does not function like a conventional two-wheeled tiller because it has rear wheels on both sides which makes it possible for the machine to make sharp turns and move over uneven ground. Having only rotating tines at the front end of the machine gives the mantis tiller the ability to move forward and backward without having a drive mechanism.

The Mantis company manufactures mantis cultivators that use human power as an energy source. The wheels on either side of this type of machine make it possible for the user to maneuver over uneven ground and turn corners, which is not available with conventional tillers as they only have two wheels at the front end. Mantis cultivators vary in weight from 40 pounds up to 60 pounds depending on their model’s features such as the number of rotating tines or if there is any gasoline-powered engine attached to it. This type of garden tiller is ideal for those who do not want a lot of moving parts because there are only two main components: a frame and rotating tines.

The mantis tiller was invented in 1983 by Jim Lanzetta, who developed it so he could clear the land of his new farm of all rocks and roots. One day while walking down a road near his property, he saw two men carrying an engine-powered tiller with great difficulty because of its cumbersome size. He later decided to create a small, lightweight garden cultivator that would be both easy to use and carry around.

Mantis tillers are designed for smaller gardens or personal use on larger plots of land. Mantis cultivators can be used to either till soil prior to planting seeds or transplanting seedlings, aerate the ground before cultivating it with another machine such as a rototiller, or extract weeds. These machines are more efficient than manually turning over soil with hand tools because they can work on the ground at various angles and in tight spaces.

Check: Mantis Tiller Vs Honda Tillers

How Its Work?

The mantis tiller works by two separate counter-rotating tines that use centrifugal force instead of physical contact to pull the dirt out from the earth around it. Dirt is caught between the tines as they spin, allowing lawns to be leveled for replanting grass seed or loosening up compacted dirt around landscaping plants. Mantis tillers also have a detachable cultivator which uses straight blades that stir up soil prior to planting seeds, allowing them to more easily grow into the established ground.

Tillers typically run on gasoline power but cordless models have been introduced in recent years that have a rechargeable battery mounted on the shaft of the machine. These models are lighter, quieter, and can be used without wearing any safety equipment other than ear protection.

Mantis garden tillers do not have to be attached to one position or landscape feature when being operated – they can easily be maneuvered around trees, rocks, ponds, and other obstacles. Some have optional wheels that make it easier for users with weak backs or knees to move their tillers easily from one spot to another.

The mantis garden tiller and its counterpart, the roto-tiller (or rototiller), both became popular in 1991 after appearing in an episode of Martha Stewart Living. Many people swear by them as the best method for dealing with those long beds of garden soil. Others complain that mantis tillers are too powerful and can damage plants as well as the garden itself. In spite of these conflicting opinions, the mantis tiller has become a fixture in many U.S. households.

Benefits

I used it to till my garden area. I tilled to fairly deep (approx 8 inches) and it did just fine. It was great fun! I plan on using it to break up the ground for my new veggie beds next year. Reading some other people’s reviews, I would agree that you should wear goggles when starting this thing due to the dust; also gloves because one of the rotating blades is exposed under the wheel well which can slice your hand if not careful. Also, AGAIN, as others have said-the wheel clearance is minimal–so if you are working in an area where there are lots of rocks or other obstructions (such as tree roots)–you will need to frequently and pick them out before they get caught in the blade and stop your tool.

Types Of Tillers

Two-stroke gas engine: These tillers utilize an internal combustion engine powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. They cost more but offer high torque, fast working speeds and do not require priming before starting. Two-stroke engines are known for producing heat, requiring periodic oil changes with each use as well as spark plug replacement.

Four-Stroke Gas Engine

These tillers utilize a four-stroke internal combustion engine powered by gasoline or diesel fuel. They cost more but offer high torque, fast working speeds and do not require priming before starting. Four-stroke engines are known for producing heat, requiring periodic oil changes with each use as well as spark plug replacement.

Electric Motor

Electrically powered tiller consumes no fossil fuels and works quietly without the noise pollution of a gasoline engine. It may be corded to operate only within a specified range or have a rechargeable battery that is charged through an electric outlet – at which point it can be plugged into any electrical power supply – or solar panels on the top of the tiller frame (in order to avoid the limitations of a cord). Some models can be attached to an electric generator, which turns those models into gas-powered tiller engines as well.

Electric motor with Battery

A combination of the two methods above. The power is supplied by electricity until it runs out, then it switches over to gas. This kind of machine has the advantage of being able to work all day without having to stop for refueling or recharging.

Gasoline Engine

The least expensive variety ($100–$300), gas-powered tillers have an engine that typically produces 2–3 hp . These are also known for producing more pollution than other options and require regular oil changes every 35 hours of use/2 months, respectively, along with a monthly or biannual general tune-up.

Full Crank

These tillers feature a full crank with an ergonomic handle and a debris shield to avoid injury while operating. They typically cost $350–$1,000 and offer the ability to easily adjust the depth of the tines. They are powerful (3-7 hp ), but often require more maintenance than less expensive, gas-powered models.

Buying Considerations

See cost of the Mantis Tillers

When buying tillers it is important to buy one that fits your own needs.

A final consideration before purchasing any tillage system is whether you will need more than one type of spring shank in order to get the job done right. For instance, if you do not have working equipment already then air seeder disks are very useful but they do require another implement to finish planting.

When buying tillers it is important to buy one that fits your own needs. It may be worth it to pay more for a brand new model with all of the bells and whistles, or you could save some money by purchasing an older standard model instead. Another consideration before purchasing any tillage system is whether you may need more than one type of spring shank in order to get the job done right. For instance, if you do not have working equipment already then air seeder disks are very useful but they do require another implement to finish planting.

Mantis Tiller Reviews

Mantis tiller reviews on Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes show high ratings from users who love how easy it is to turn this tool into a “grinding beast” on their gardens or flowerbeds. A few negative reviews complain that after a year or two of use, this piece of equipment breaks down or needs repairs, but the majority of reviewers list its good points over any bad ones they’ve experienced while using their own Mantis tiller.

A potential buyer who wants to make sure he or she is making the right choice in purchasing a Mantis tiller should read through these reviews, each of which contains specific facts based on the personal experience of real buyers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing a tillage attachment is going to be very different depending on what type of tillage system you currently have or need, but they all have their own pros and cons. If you need more information on tillage attachments, contact your local agricultural dealership or tractor dealer.