mantis 7261 or honda fg 110

18 years ago

Looking for a small tiller and I've narrowed it down to these two. The 7261 is the new upgraded model 7260 with a larger (31cc vs 22 cc) 4 stroke honda engine and improved (supposedly sturdier and more user friendly--according to a lady at Mantis) handles. I've been able to look at the 110 at Home Depot but haven't been able to look at the 7261 anywhere. I called Mantis and was told that the 4 stroke Honda models were only available from dealers and couldn't be purchased directly from Mantis. They also told me that the 1 year return policy only applied to models purchased directly from Mantis. I've read that the earlier problems with the Honda's have been fixed on the model 110 but it has a considerably smaller engine than the new model 7261. I also know that Consumer Reports rated the Honda #1 and the Mantis 7222 #7 but all I've ever seen or read about the Mantis is how solid a machine it is. Price wise there isn't a big enough difference to matter. Any help, opinions,advice, viewpoints, etc. would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!!!!!

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durgandurgan

17 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Honda FG 110 mini-tiller

The Honda FG110 was purchased one week ago. It was used to work reasonably good soil, clay with much compost over two years with no rocks. The area worked was over 1000 square feet. This little tiller did a perfect job. The soil was conditioned to a perfect texture for planting.
I also, worked the rather rough soil in the composter, which this tiller did far better than my larger garden tiller. The composted material has been put through a shredder the previous year, but had some fairly large chunks. These were reduced to the proper size and texture for adding to the garden soil.

If the tiller got clogged with fiberous plant strings, I simply removed the tines and cleared the obstruction within one of two minutes.

The tiller started with no effort. My two cycle engine garden machines are gone forever, everytinme I start a two cycle I do a tap dance and pray that it will start before my arms gets tired pulling the cord. To plant onions I removed the outer two tines, and got a perfect row for planting about 4 inches wide.

I use the tiller by gently pulling backwards without the drag bar not always but usually. All the work was done at full throttle as it should be with such a small engine. I consider the operation to be effortless, and the result on the soil is simply not achievable with hand tools. In fact, the soil has the texture of almost being put through a quarter mesh inch screen.

To grease the transmission I installed a one eighth inch metal grease nipple and applied grease with a small gun. I remove the nipple after the service to prevent possible breaking and to prevent earth from possibly getting into the transmission.

The noise level is for all intents and purposes not noticable, since it is a four stroke engine. It is well built, and has no appearance of fragility or poor workmanship.

To use this small tiller amongst large rocks is misuse in my opinion. Used with common sense, and not attempting to work it in conditions where a larger machine is clearly required this little machine should last a long time. To work up a small bed I remove the sod with a kick sod cutter, spade the compacted earth to the proper depth, then put the tiller to work to condition the soil. The result is perfection.

There may be other small tillers that work, but this is my first experience with one and I could not be more satisified. Why did I wait so long to purchase one? Don't leave home without it.

Below is a URL to enlarging my vegetable bed. The soil was grass covered clay. I removed the sod with the kick sod cutter, and spaded the hard packed clay by hand, then used the Honda FG110 to break up the clay spaded chunks. The last three pictures indicate the result. My larger old tiller simply throws the chunks around with out breaking them up.

Durgan.

Here is a link that might be useful: Enlarging vegetable bed

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Comments (8)

pokeweed222
18 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I can't help. I'm currently working on the same mantis vs. honda decision as you. Hope some folks help us out!
yatesd
18 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
My recommendation is to choose the Mantis tiller with the commercial quality 2 stroke Echo engine.

I have nothing against 4 strokes in larger applications, or with something I use everyday. But overall, I think you will be much happier with the Mantis 2 stroke. You simply use it, put it away, use it, put it away, etc....No need to change the oil regularly, you get the idea.

In addition, you will get more HP per cc with a two-stroke. Fortunately, I have standardized on Echo. My Mantis, Echo blower, and Echo trimmer all use the exact same mix, same spark plugs, etc. I simply use them and put them away. Every once in a while, I'll check the filters and change the spark plugs...that's it!!!
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The Honda HAD a trans problem but haven't seen it in units made for the last several years. The mantis does use an Echo engine and Echo engines are very good. You're really back to the same engine decisions you had when buying the trimmer. The thing is the little extra weight of the 4 stroke may be an issue with some when it comes to line trimmers, it is an advantage on mini tillers. Slit tines work good for de-thatching but are not aerators. You need a big heavy plugger for proper aeration. Most folks simply don't need an aerator. Excessive high foot traffic or vehicle traffic is the only time one is really needed.
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I notice several people have problems with motors dying and/or not putting out full power. Besides the choke issue, there are 2 others I've noticed. On a used Troy Bilt mini tiller I bought (2 stroke Tecumseh), I could start it, but it wouldn't rev adequately or keep running (I got it really cheap). Pulled the tiny hose off the tank, and not a drop of gas came out. Ran a wire up the barb, and still nothing. Cracked the fill cap a bit, and gas shot out. A plugged air vent on the cap--that's one reason they won't keep going. But that didn't solve it. Still wouldn't rev. Then I remembered that in the manuals for every engine I've used ever used (big old Tecumsehs and Briggs 4 strokes, little 2 strokes, etc.) they always say to screw the main jet down to seat it (gently), then back out 1 and one-half turns. You're then supposed to turn it back in (with the engine running) until it runs rough, then back out til it's rough, then go to half way between--that's the sweet spot. But try to do that with a tiny engine buzzing and hopping around. So I just left it at 1 1/2 turns out, and it runs like a champ. I know this won't solve everybody's problem, but it's cheap and quick and easy to do. I do agree with the people who prefer 4 strokes, and they've somehow figured how to make them work even with trimmers, which obviously aren't level much of the time. I wonder how they do that?
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Heloflyer, I'm an avid fan of the Mantis, having had and used extensively the 2-cycle Echo powered one for the past 5 years. They're great. No way would I part with it. (my wife would shoot me if I did! ~grin~) This thing has been totally reliable, with only an occasional air filter and plug change. I've done some jobs for a neighbor, and he finally decided he needed a "mini-tiller", too. Unfortunately, he got talked into the Honda brand...he's so sorry now...they don't do the same job. The patented tine design of the Mantis, plus the Echo performance make all the difference in the world. Contrary to a comment made above, you don't need extra weight to have these little guys do their job. You'll be amazed at what you can do....including tearing up sod in previously un-tilled areas like a flower bed, or whatever. I do own and use a big tiller for the major garden area, but still would never part with my Mantis. One option I would recommend you buy is the "kickstand". It's not expensive, and it's a real convenience. Go for it. You'll be pleased. Off topic....I'm going to send you an email re: your previous profession. Cordially offered, Hal
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Not troy Bilt. Because the engine is a half crank where the pull rope is at the front of the engine. You break the rope, you are done!!! Also this one don't have other tine option that I know of. Honda FG110 is a very good one, My issue is HOnda not known to honor their warrantee from my experience and read comments from a few others. I think you should just stay with your 2 cycle Mantis since you have it already. Carb problem usually are from old gas. You use Stabil in your gas? Make sure you use this and use at least 89 octane gas. When you put in storage, empty the gas tank, turn the primer bulb facing up and prime all the gas out of the bulb, empty the gas tank again. Then close the choke and try starting it to run the gas out of the carb. If you can, make the tine not touching the ground, squeeze the throtle all the way and pull start it to let the engine pull at the gas out of the carb. Carb don't last if you run on old gas, no matter what brand. You are no going to have better luck even you buy the most expensive brand. Don't know anything about DR, but as I said you got the Mantis already, safe the money to buy the dethatcher tines. The Mantis 2 cycle engine is a very good one. It is the Echo 21.2cc engine which is a very well proven commercial engine. Other than it is loud as hack, there is no reason it won't last as long as the Honda engine. I don't even want to use corded drill driver inside the house, I don't want to consider electric....but that is just me. If you don't want to go through the pain of maintaining the gas engine, and if you only use it once every few months, maybe electric is the way to go for you. Let us know what you decided. If you do buy a Mantis, buy direct from Mantis, good support is everything.
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ragman51
18 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Recently got the Mantis 7260E with Honda 4-stroke to replace my old Mantis 2-stroke. I was very disappointed with the overall performance of the old 2-stroke and meant to return it but I got caught-up in a move and career change and let the return period lapse. Since I had several Mantis attachments I went back to Mantis but with the Honda engine. Experience so far - GREAT!! I gotta say that I would not be afraid of the new Mantis with the Echo 21.2cc engine as it is a proven performer.
pjdbm
17 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have the Mantis tiller with the hedger attachment, have it for ten years and love it.never failed me once,in fact I used it today to hedge my White Birch,flowering cherry and Plum tree. Great decision I made neve regreted it. Echo engine is a dream.
durgandurgan
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
----------------------------------------------------------
This is a letter sent to Honda Public Relations. Am awaiting a reply. In the meantime I am without the rototiller, and could use it for preparation of the garden bed for 2008 (25 September 2007)

25 September 2007

Honda Canada Inc.
Power Equipment Public Relations
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON M1B 2K8

Dear Sir:

Subject: Honda FG110 Rototiller. Claim for Warranty Service.

19 September 2007

I purchased the Honda FG110 Rototiller on 4 April 2006 from Brant Tractor Ltd, Brantford, Ontario. It worked until three days ago, but had been losing driving power the last few times it was used. I assumed there was something wrong with the engine, which was beyond my capabilities. It has performed well over the last year, used intermittently as required. I took it to the Farm Service Depot where it was purchased and was informed today that the Engine is finished. This unit was serviced very carefully, over the last year. Oil changes and air filter were cleaned religiously. The transmission was greased on a regular basis.

I pointed out to the Service People that the engine warranty was for two years. The Service Depot did not volunteer this two year warranty information, which surprised me. The information about the warranty is in the Owners' Manual on Page 38.They told me they would contact Honda and let me know the decision.

I truly love the little unit, and simply cannot garden without it. It has become my most useful garden tool. But I certainly expect it to last more than two seasons. I hope the problem was just an inherently faulty engine, and is not representative of the FG110.

Update 21 September 2007 Honda FG110 Warranty Issue.

I visited the Service Depot (Brant Tractor LTD) today where the Honda FG110 was purchased and was talking to the lady who had called Honda. The Lady told me there was no oil in the unit, and this was passed on to Honda. The Honda Representative told her it probably wouldnt be covered under Warranty. She had just got off the phone when I visited.

I told the lady she had bad information. I had just changed the oil two days before taking it in for service, and had run the engine for about 10 minutes. After discussing it for awhile the lady talked to the person, who had inspected the unit. Then it came out that there was plenty of oil but that it was grey in colour. I had noticed this gray colour, since I had run the unit for about 10 minutes after changing the oil (10W30, which I always used. What caused the new oil to change colour to grey, after only about 10 minutes of running?

Now the Service Manger is going to contact Honda again. Unfortunately, Honda now has the mis-information that the unit had no oil, and this obstacle will have to be overcome.

Update 21 September 2007 Afternoon.

I decided to call Honda ( 1-800 946 6329 ) to correct the mis-information that was given by the Farm Service Depot; in that the engine lacked oil.

After explaining the issue, the lady (Jennifer) informed me that I had to have proof of oil changes. I told her that I did the oil changes myself, but she was insistent that I had to have documents. I told her proof of oil changes was irrational, and I told her it wasn't an automobile and to give me her supervisor. She put me on hold and came back after few minutes and told me she would contact the dealer and would get back to me. That is where the warranty issue remains for now.

25 September 2007 I called Honda again today, since I hadnÂt heard from Honda, which is probably normal since only two working days have passed.
The thrust of the conversation was that Honda (Jennifer) would call me, and that I should contact the dealer, Brant Tractor Ltd, to clarify what information they passed onto Honda.

25 September 2007 I contacted Brant Tractor Ltd.

The thrust of this conversation was that they had informed Honda that the oil was grey with filings, and that the air filter had been oil around the carburetor, sort of indicating that maintenance had been done. This means the previous mis-information has been corrected at least on the surface. The engine has not been taken apart so the damage or reason for cannot be ascertained. The general view seems to be a mindset that the engine may have lacked oil. This is simply not the situation, but never has the engine been low on oil, and all maintenance has been done far more than recommended. The oil was changed by me almost every time, that I filled the gas tank. Far more than the 50 hour running time recommended.

I have three Honda Engines in my collection. A weedwacker, a lawnmower, and the rototiller. I buy Honda, sometimes at a higher cost, since I have confidence in their equipment, engines in particular. I also have an old Briggs and Stratton on my old large rototiller, plus a Yard Machine Chipper. I do the maintenance on all my garden equipment.

There has to be something inherently wrong with the Engine on my FG110 rototiller, and it has nothing to do with maintenance. Never have I tried to claim on a Warranty. I feel so strongly about this warranty claim that I will only accept a replacement engine. The obstacle put up by the Hondo people about having proof of maintenance is illogical on such a small unit. The only proof I have is seven cans left in the box of 12 cans of oil (10W 30) that I purchase in bulk as required to service my yard engines. The only thing I can offer about oil changes is a sworn document signed by a notary, that I did the oil changes, which seems to be a bit ridiculous.

I would like you to review this Hondo FG 110 Rototiller Warranty issue and decide in my favor.

Details of the Equipment.

Honda Mini-tiller FG110
Serial Number FAAA-1055259
Model 110G FN
Purchased from:
Brant Tractor Ltd
1324 Colbourne St W
R.R. #4, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L7
Phone 519 449 2500
branttractor@sympatico.ca
Date of Purchase 4 April 2006.

http://www.durgan.org/Blog/Durgan.html

Durgan - Ontario, Canada Zone "5"
durgandurgan
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Honda 18 October 2007. Honda and the Dealer came through and honoured the warranty. I pick up a new Honda FG110 tomorrow morning. They finally came around to my line of thinking. I finally convinced them that the maintenance was done religiously on the machine.
I suppose they have to be hard on people claiming warranty, but it was annoying at the time.

In the interval I was looking around to buy another FG110; in spite, of all my travails. I have about half an acre of gardens and simply cannot live without this little marvel.The two seasons I had the FG110 made gardening a total joy.

I was looking at Mantis with a Honda engine, and almost bought one, except I found they have two Honda four stroke engines on the Mantis. One is 25 CC at 1 HP, and the other is 31 CC at 1.5 HP. The Mantis 7260 is 31 CC and the 7261 is 25 CC. I would not buy a 25 CC engine on a rototiller. And the 31 CC engine is hard to find on the internet.I don't want any two strokes on my property. Fortunately Honda came through before I made the purchase.

Thank your, Honda.

Durgan
mr-t
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have owned the Honda for about a year and prior to that had a Mantis 2-stroke for almost 15 years. Not enough time with the Honda to compare reliabilty (no problems so far), but in terms of ease of use, starting and overall impression of quality, there is no contest. The honda is a much better machine. The Mantis is seems crude in comparison. Especially for starting, even when relatively new, the Mantis was always a pain. Everything had to be JUST right and that usually included fiddling with the mixture screws at least once a season. I'm still somewhat blown away by how easily the honda starts. It is also remarkably quiet. It has every bit as much power as the mantis. It's tines are also easier to clear of roots and debri than the Mantis.

mantis 7261 or honda fg 110

durgandurgan

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pokeweed222

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