I've used my Mantis with the 4 stroke Honda engine for 2 seasons now and it always starts on the first or second pull. I have only used premium gas with a stabilizer added and ethanol free when I can get it. Now that gas is so high anyway the little extra on premium is well worth the added performance with all of my gas powered engines including cars. The real trick is finding ethanol free gas.
The only problem other than throwing some dirt out of my raised beds is the amount of fine roots that become tangled in the tines of the Mantis. I guess that is a good thing since it does clear out a lot of unwanted invading feeder roots from nearby trees; but it is awfully hard to clear the tines with arthritic hands. If I had to buy another tiller it would be the Mantis with the 4 stroke engine. It is just a remarkable little workhorse to be so small and light.
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