tune sweeper turned my purchased version back into a demo

The fixed wheels out back are built right into it and the machine seemed more rigid. I hate to say it but I liked the Bolens better. To look at it, you would think the Mantis would be hands down better with the motor directly over the tines. One was a cheapie Bolens from Lowes, the other was an older Mantis. 2 different neighbors briefly loaned me their mini-tillers this spring. If you decided to go ahead and buy it can you post a review? I like the look of the Stihl better. I'm sure the Mantis is a fine machine but you appear to be interested in the Stihl MM55. The Yard Boss may be a great machine, too, but if I ever 'kill' my Mantis I'd not hesitate to buy another. My Mantis has answered every call, and is still doing great.īest I can do. I'm a nut, and take great care of maintenance of all my machines, but I DO make them work for what I need done. Pull the pins, put right on left and left on right, and they become cultivators, not diggers.takes 30 seconds or less to do.Īll this said, I have great respect for Stihl products. One more thing about the Mantis unique tines. I could go through many anecdotal stories of what all I have done with my 6 y/o Mantis, but I'll save you from that by saying just that this an incredible work-horse and that a lesser machine would have self-destructed long ago. The tines (and gearbox): Mantis truly has a gem in these. The engine itself is time-tested for longevity, and has few peers if any (IMHO). The engine: you'll never bog this engine down, no matter what kind of chore you ask it to perform. The Manis' strengths (over others in this market) are the commercial quality Echo engine, and the patented tine design. Now, I'll add my own, admitting I know nothing about the Yard Boss. Any input would be great.įirst, allow me to echo all canguy's comments. Besides I already have it mixed for my chainsaws and weedwacker. I really liked the idea of a 4-cycle engine but in the end the $100 price difference made me look back to a 2-cycle.

I will probably purchase the Stihl MM55 Yard Boss next week. I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with their Stihl MM55? My father in-law has a Mantis that I have used and they are very nice units. The tines are actually off the ground when in this position.

This makes fueling and getting grass and roots out of tines much easier. Sixth: The Stihl unit lays flat on the ground. It also only weighs one pound more than the Mantis and cost exactly the same as the Mantis 2-cycle, $299. (for getting all the gravel of the lawn from last winters plowing)įifth: Stihl makes top notch equipment. Like an edger, dethatcher, aerator and my favorite the sweeper. I can slide it right into a shelf.įourth: You can add attachments. Third: The Stihl handles fold down for easy storage and transport. Second: The Stihl has a 27.2cc engine and the Mantis has a 22cc engine. So I am very intersted! Here are some of the things I found that Stihl did better.įirst: The handle positioning is perfect. AWESOME!! We already own two Stihl chainsaws and a Stihl weedwacker and they are great.

BUT while doing a little shopping I ran across the 2-cycle (mix gas w/oil) Stihl MM55 Yard Boss mini-tiller. I really had my mind set on a Mantis with the Honda 4-cycle (gas and oil seperate) engine. The transmission is toast and a new tranny is $180.

Tune sweeper turned my purchased version back into a demo