Mini-tiller/Cultivators

[Keiththibodeaux]

Originally Posted by easttx_hippie

GrannyGreen, I've got a Mantis tiller that gets hard to start if I leave the gas in it for 4-5 weeks. After that, I'll need to flush out the gas tank and fuel line. I usually just pour some carb cleaner in the tank and give it a full pulls with the spark plug removed. A clean spark plug and fresh gas and it's ready to crank with just a couple of pulls.

I have the Mantis and love it. But I have experienced the issue you mention above. If I might ask you to be even more specific, which brand of carb cleaner do you use when doing this?

[Keiththibodeaux]

Originally Posted by JackE

Hey, that 16" Mantis 4-cycle really looks good! I just worry about those "serpentine" (that's what they call 'em) tines though. I just might order one of those tillers - for sure when one of these breaks -- which won't be long! :-)

I have one of the new 4-cycle engines on my Stihl pole/limb saw - it still needs oil in the gas, though. Also kinda hard to start - lotta compression. I'm not real wild about it.

Jack

Serpentine blades have a lifetime guarantee, if I am not mistaken.

[barryla61]

I've had a mantis for about 6-7 years now and will not hesitate to buy another.
If you have the option DO NOT use any gas with Ethanol in it, and always use a fuel supplement such as Stabil.

[easttx_hippie]

Keith, I usually tend to go toward Gumout® but any carb cleaner should work.

[Tracydr]

They're very simple engines. It has to be a spark plug, the wire to the spark plug, or the carburetor. Or any part connecting these. Not much else there.

[Worth1]

Originally Posted by Tracydr

They're very simple engines. It has to be a spark plug, the wire to the spark plug, or the carburetor. Or any part connecting these. Not much else there.

And if you run out of gas you can run a 2 stroke motor off of white lightning (you just might have around) with oil mixed with it.

Worth

[peppero]

i used SEAFOAM in my small engine repair business for many years and in my opinion it is the best. use it for 2/4 stroke engines as a fuel preservative/fuel system cleaner. it really works well. after using it many of my customers told their friends about it. no, i do not have a financial interest in it. jon

[JimM_SC]

I second the Seafoam recommendation. I pour it straight into the air intke a couple times a year to prevent carbon buildup in the cylinder. Got that from a small engine repair guy as an alternative to scraping the heads (twin cylinder B&S). Now I use it in everything.
Jim

[jgaleota]

Originally Posted by barryla61

I've had a mantis for about 6-7 years now and will not hesitate to buy another.
If you have the option DO NOT use any gas with Ethanol in it, and always use a fuel supplement such as Stabil.

Anyone use the electric Mantis? Comments?

[easttx_hippie]

Originally Posted by Worth1

And if you run out of gas you can run a 2 stroke motor off of white lightning (you just might have around) with oil mixed with it.

Should I use corn oil with that corn likker?? Seems like a little water would make a better chaser.

[huntoften]

Not sure about the Mantis electric, but the Troy Bilt electric tiller is amazing! I've had it through two seasons now and it does everything the 2 stroke mantis did, but never has any starting problems and is a lot quieter. It looks like a toy, but it will till a raised bed in just a few minutes and turn the soil into a fine powder!

[jgaleota]

Thanks, Hunt, I will check it out. Good to know!

Judi

[roper2008]

My sister has a mantis. It's probably around 6 years old. I have
borrowed it many times. Works very good for such a small tiller.

[jgaleota]

Thanks Roper. Did you mean that your sister has an electric Mantis?

[roper2008]

Originally Posted by jgaleota

Thanks Roper. Did you mean that your sister has an electric Mantis?

No, I think it is a gas/oil mix. Not electric.