Mantis tiller review: the cult allotment mini tiller
Few garden machines have a following like the Mantis. It's light, it's clever, and on the right ground it punches well above its weight. Here's where it fits — and where it doesn't.
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.
What sets the Mantis apart is the system around it: a genuinely useful range of attachments that turn one light machine into a border edger, aerator and furrower. For allotment holders who want one tool that does several jobs in cultivated soil, that versatility is the whole appeal.
Strengths
- Iconic and proven
- Light and compact
- Huge accessory range
- Patented curvy tines
Trade-offs
- Small footprint
- Not for breaking new ground
Specifications
| Category | Garden tiller |
|---|---|
| Type | Front-tine · Petrol garden tiller |
| Power source | Petrol |
| Engine | Honda GX25 4-stroke |
| Power output | 1 hp / 0.72 kW |
| Working width | 23 cm |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Status | Current model |
| Indicative price | £380–£460 |
| Price basis | Online listing |
Our verdict
Best for: Allotment weeding and bed maintenance. Buy the Mantis for its accessories and nimbleness on worked soil. Don't buy it to break a rough new plot — that's not its job.
The main alternative
Compare with
Honda FG 110
The Honda FG110 is the Mantis's natural rival: simpler, no accessory system to speak of, but a reference-grade engine and strong dealer support. Cross-shop the two.
Best for: Established beds and small allotment patches.
External retailer — price and stock on their site.
from
£600–£680
See the Mantis data page or the Honda FG110 review.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mantis tiller any good on heavy soil?
On already-worked soil it's excellent, and its narrow tines bite surprisingly hard for such a light machine. But like any mini tiller it isn't built to break compacted clay or stony new ground — for that you need weight and a rear-tine design.
Mantis or Honda FG110?
Both are superb mini tillers. The Mantis has a famous accessory ecosystem (borders, lawn aerators, furrowers) and a loyal following; the Honda is prized for its engine and dealer network. Choose on price, the accessories you'll actually use, and which dealer is closer.
Does the Mantis come in petrol and electric?
Mantis offers petrol (two- and four-stroke) and battery versions. The four-stroke petrol model reviewed here avoids fuel mixing and is the popular all-round choice; a battery version suits anyone wanting quiet, fuss-free running.