Craftsman 5.0 hp Front Tine Tiller vs. The Mantis

19 years ago

Just wanted to get an opinion on this since I can't decide which to get. Wanted to post in the midwest forum as well as tools forum since you guys would know what kind of soil I'm dealing with (a little rocky, dry).

Prices are about the same ($300). I won't be *farming* or anything with this tiller, but I do want to break up previously untilled ground for a large herb garden, with the option to expand. :) The Mantis has gotten rave reviews but I'm concerned that it might not be good on untilled ground and might mainly be good for small, previously tilled gardens. My only concern with the Craftsman is that it weighs 100 pounds and I'm not sure how I would lift it. :) I'd find a way if it's the better deal. Any advice would be great. Thanks!!!

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Comments (14)

Roberta_z5
19 years ago
We sold our tiller years ago when we realized that we always used the Mantis instead of dragging out the heavy equipment! I definitely vote for the Mantis.
mrgpag SW OH Z5/6
19 years ago
For "previously untilled ground for a large herb garden" I don't think I'd recommend either one. My experience with a front end tiller is sorta limited, but what little I did use one I would think it would beat you to death in the soil conditions you describe. Even a good rear end tiller such as a Troy-Bilt or similar, the task would be an endeavor you probably wouldn't forget in a while. I do have a Mantis which I use a lot, but I always spade up the soil prior to using the Mantis - which does a great job within it's capabilities.
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As many seem to be doing, I am weighing whether to purchase the Stihl MM55 tiller or a Mantis. My online research has revealed the opinion on the various blogs and message boards to be that the Stihl is a good tool and comparable in performance and quality to the Mantis in most every way. Opinions vary from person to person, but adjusting for this, the two seem to be in a statistical dead heat. However, I have noticed something which I feel may be the fatal flaw of the Stihl. Whether in Facebook video clips, or even in the demo video clips on the official sites of both brands, it looks like the Stihl just doesn?t dig down anywhere near as far as the Mantis. In the multiple clips I have viewed, rarely is the Stihl to be seen in up to the "axle"; that is, the rotational axis of the tines; but the Mantis can often be seen buried right up to the fender. Hence, the Stihl seems to only be providing half or less of the tilling depth on average as does the Mantis. Has anyone else noticed this? I have a theory as to why this tilling depth disparity exists? The in-line configuration of the Stihl; i.e., the engine being between the operator and the tines; combined with the design of the handlebars, which induce the operator to lean forward or hunch over, results in the tiller being held at a severe angle to the ground. If you envision the thing laying on the ground and call this "zero degrees" and imagine it standing perfectly vertical and call this "ninety degrees" it appears that in most Facebook clips of the tool in use and even the demo video clip on the official Stihl site the tiller is usually only 20-30 degrees from horizontal. I am not a physicist or a degreed engineer, but I have to believe this takes a lot of the Stihl?s weight off the tines and forces the operator to carry it. After all, the engine is between the end supported by the ground and the end supported by the operator, thus, the operator has to be carrying some of it. The closer to horizontal the tool is held the more weight is carried by the operator. For a nominally 20 pound tool, I would not be surprised if only 12 pounds or so was working to push the tines down into the ground. By contrast the configuration of the Mantis puts nearly all of its 20 pounds above the tines. I suspect the operator of the Mantis carries none of its weight, but rather only holds it up in operating position. This then accounts for the greater tilling depth I see the Mantis achieving. Any physicists out there care to comment?
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Year and a half ago I started planning a big garden project with lots of clay soil. Don't like the smell or noise of gas powered machines. I also only weigh about 110lb. Got the electric Mantis. It has been truly amazing. I tilled the clay, adding hundreds of pounds of Gardener and Bloome compost. I then planted about 130 trees and shrubs. In addition to all the tilling it was great for digging the big planting holes. I had it going on average 6-7 hours per day for about 15 days. It came with a free edger, which I use to ease the sod removal process. I also got the dethatching and aerating attachements. They are surprisingly efficient. I also got these two little things you put over the axle to address the issue of weeds wraping around the axle. Used with and without. They really helped. I clean it well after each use and each spring you are to add lithium grease to the transmission. Takes a couple of minutes. I have no experience with the Stihl, but would not hesitate to recommend the electric Mantis.
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Bob_Zn5
19 years ago
In similar conditions, I hired someone to till the bed the 1st time. It beat the hell out of his 8 horse rear tine tiller. I have an old (way old) 5 horse front tine I use in the Spring to till in the compost & scraps b4 planting. The Mantis is a cultivator. If thats what you need, great. The Craftsman is a tiller (a bit more heavy duty). Neither is a sod & rock buster. If you decide on a tiller, look around for used ones. Like snowblowers in many areas, they get used only a few times a year & a 10 year old unit doesn't have many actual hours on it.
seduxion
19 years ago
I break sod with a front tine tiller every year when I plant new beds, simply because it's the only tiller available to me. I also like to wrestle the bull I would say. Anyways font tines are not as bad as most people think. Once you know how to use one properly they are quite easy to handle and operate. A rear tine doesn't bounce as much as the fronts but I don't think spending $300 more for one is worth it to me. Course I borrow the tillers I use and well don;t pay anything for them. You can get your garden tilled for $25 easily by someone else. I have a guy who did mine at another residence for $25 for a 40'x30' garden. Took 1 hour and he was done.
newbie_WI
19 years ago
We were looking at those models too and just wished we could "test drive" them before buying---well we can---we just saw that the Home Depot in our area rents both the Mantis and the Honda for $30-$40/day (obviously less for 1/2 day)--this will give us the chance to test them and see which would be better for our soil. Considering the cost of each, it is worth it to us to ensure we buy the right one....
mrgpag SW OH Z5/6
19 years ago
Renting is a great idea for trying out new equipment - and in the long run - sometimes cheaper too.
britmum
19 years ago
We have a Mantis and love it
Would;nt be without it eieter
Janice the Brit
smom40
19 years ago
IF I were to rent something for tilling our ground, I'd be renting something incredibly heavy duty...something professional grade because I would worry about breaking a part off the darn thing and that could get expensive.

I'd probably pay someone to dig that patch by hand or by machine myself.
julia_123
Original Author
19 years ago
I bought the Mantis!!! Now if only I can get it put together properly...AND the nice weather holds... :)
oakbas147
18 years ago
I have the same question. Does anyone here have the 5.5 HP Craftsman? How does it compare to the Mantis or the Red Ox?
-Doug
oakbas147
18 years ago
Julia,
How is your Mantis performing? Anyone here use the Red Ox or the Craftsman 5.5 HP Front Tine?
-Doug
julia_123
Original Author
18 years ago
To be honest, I already had my yard dug up by the time I got the mantis halfway put together...but I'm anxious to have it for next year! It is very lightweight and seems like it will be easy to maneuver... :)
missdagg
18 years ago
I have a Mantis. I just used it recently to till a border a foot wide next to my sidewalk. My sidewalk is curved too. It worked very well. It takes some getting used to but I found it easier when I tilled pulling it backwards. It didn't jump then. Kind of going back and forth. It was easy to put together once I watched the video that came with it. I also used the edger, it too worked well when I got the hang of it. It's very light and easy, easy to start. Remember to do it the way the video says to. Read all the instructions and you'll be fine. I'm very petite so I need something light and easy to handle. The mantis does the job but boy was I tired. I paid for it by the easy 4 monthly payments. Oh, the bed I just tilled was one I had done before but was dormant last year. Had some grass grown over it. Hope this helps. Do wear gloves. Shakes you like all tillers but not as much.
terryr
18 years ago
Seems a little late to answer since you've already got the Mantis...We lived in southern TN for 17 months. Nothing but the hardest clay and huge rock. The mantis did a better job of tilling than the "pro" one I rented to do some work out front. My yard was all "virgin". Never been tilled, used to be somewhat of a timber area. So some parts were so easy to till, while others...lol.

You should always pull the tiller back, let it go forward and pull it back again. Was also told to let the tiller do it's thing, don't try and control it. Meaning, if it hops, let it. You'll do more harm to yourself than trying to control it. It has a warranty, not sure now how long, but I did break a tine on a rock, got it replaced free.

Mine came together, so can't help you there.

Terry

Craftsman 5.0 hp Front Tine Tiller vs. The Mantis

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Roberta_z5

mrgpag SW OH Z5/6

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Craftsman 5.0 hp Front Tine Tiller vs. The Mantis

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