Mantis vs Stihl: the mini tiller comparison
A straight comparison for allotment and bed maintenance — what each machine is, where it wins, and which one we'd pick.
| Specification | 4-Stroke 7940 mantis | MM 56 stihl |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Tier B — Petrol garden tiller | Tier B — Petrol garden tiller |
| Category | Garden tiller | Garden tiller |
| Power | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine / motor | Honda GX25 4-stroke | STIHL 2-MIX 27.2cc |
| Power output | 1 hp | 1.2 hp |
| Tine type | Front-tine | Front-tine |
| Working width | 23 cm | 23 cm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 9 kg |
| Status | Current | Current |
| Indicative price | £380–£460 | £400–£550 |
| Best for | Allotment weeding and bed maintenance | Bed cultivation with one power head |
Our verdict
Mantis for the accessory ecosystem; Stihl MM 56 for the multi-tool platform and dealer support.
Mantis 4-Stroke 7940
The cult Mantis mini-tiller in its Honda-powered four-stroke form: the 25 cc Honda GX25 driving Mantis's curved tines for a 23 cm (9 in) width to ~25 cm depth, weighing just 11 kg (24 lb). Huge UK allotment recognition and a wide accessory range. Engine, 23 cm width and 11 kg weight verified via Mantis/Honda.
Best for: Allotment weeding and bed maintenance.
Stihl MM 56
Stihl's mini cultivator, modular multi-tool base.
Best for: Bed cultivation with one power head.
Comparison FAQ
4-Stroke 7940 or MM 56 — which should I buy?
Mantis for the accessory ecosystem; Stihl MM 56 for the multi-tool platform and dealer support.
Are the 4-Stroke 7940 and MM 56 in the same class?
Yes — both are Tier B machines, so this is a like-for-like comparison.