The Mantis electric tiller is a great example of modern, electrically-powered garden equipment.
The Mantis 7250 3-speed electric tiller exemplifies the new breed of electric garden tools.
It is powerful and effective at doing the work that was once only delegated to gasoline-powered machines but, at the same time, it is easy to handle, easy to look after and easy on your pocket.
If you are a gardening enthusiast and you have some smaller areas that need tending, within reach of a power outlet, and you are looking for a tool to help you without straining your muscles or mind, the Mantis electric tiller/cultivator could be the perfect solution for you and your garden.
Key features at a glance
- Weighs just 21 pounds
- Easy to start
- Three speeds
- Incredibly quiet operation
- 10 inch tilling depth
- 9 inch tilling width
- Patented reversible serpentine tines
- Fold-down handles for easy storage
- Lifetime guarantee against broken tines
- 1 year money back guarantee, 5 year consumer warranty
- Numerous attachments and accessories available.
What can the Mantis electric tiller be used for?
Despite its size and the presence of an electric motor, this Mantis tiller is capable of performing many of the duties once reserved only for large, gas-powered tillers.
The 7250 can break new ground for garden plots, it can effectively rotovate the soil in existing garden beds, plus it can easily cultivate and weed in between planted rows.
The Mantis electric tiller can till up top 10 inches deep and work swaths 9 inches wide.
You can also use the tiller to dig deeper holes if needed, e.g for planting mature shrubs or trees. To do so, just use the tiller to loosen the first 10 inches, remove the loose soil, go down the next ten inches and so on.
This facility is ideal if you are planting hedging and with a bit of practice you can save yourself an immense amount of time and energy.
The fact that this machine runs so quietly makes it ideal for densely populated neighborhoods or where noise restrictions exist – this machine barely makes its presence known to neighbors.
So, if you want a powerful tilling tool, but not the noise and hassles associated with gas engines, the Mantis electric tiller is a great choice for you.
However, be aware that this tiller is really made for small garden use and/or small areas. If you have large areas to till or you think you may want to work the machine for extended periods of time, you will probably find that that you will be better served by a gas powered tiller, for example the Mantis 2-Cycle Deluxe tiller or, what would be my choice, the Mantis 4-Cycle Deluxe tiller, powered by Honda.
The Mantis electric tiller’s electric motor
The Mantis electric tiller/cultivator features an efficient, yet powerful 3 speed 540 watt electric motor.
The motor is responsible for spinning the tines at up to 240 rpm and generating about 3/4 Hp.
The motor operates at 115 volts and is double insulated. It also has a built-in circuit breaker. This is a valuable feature, which helps you operate the tiller safely and protects the motor from burning out due to overload.
The motor is situated directly over the tines so that the machine is properly balanced. This placement also increases the efficiency of the motor’s operation.
Starting the motor is done with the press of a button. If you have experience operating machines that have to be started with a recoil cord, the easy starts will have you smiling, as will the limited amount of maintenance required when compared to gas powered machines.
Handling and operating the Mantis electric tiller
Since the Mantis 7250 electric tiller is small and light, it is a breeze to handle and operate.
Starting the machine is about as simple as it can be. Just plug the Mantis in and press the button to start the motor. Once you are ready to till, you can squeeze the throttle to engage the tines.
The machine is not self-propelled, so forward motion is achieved through the rotation of the tines. The throttle control and a quick shut off switch are literally at your fingertips, so you never need worry about losing control of the machine
The Mantis 7250’s electric motor creates fewer vibrations than gas engines, which can mean less user fatigue and hand discomfort.
Unlike many electric tiller/cultivators, the 7250 is capable of operating at three different speeds.
The three speeds are designed to be ideal for tilling, cultivating or digging. Select the appropriate speed before you start and you will be ready to go.
The Mantis electric tiller has fold down handles for easy storage as well as a convenient carrying handle to make it easy for you to get the tiller to where you want it to work.
Tilling tines
The Mantis 7250 comes equipped with four of Mantis’s patented reversible serpentine tines.
It is the design of these serpentine tines that allows Mantis tillers to perform like much larger and more powerful machines.
There are two basic modes of operation on this machine, and they are governed by the setup of the tines.
If you have the Mantis electric tiller set up for tilling (as in the picture on the right), the tines allow you to till to a depth of about 10 inches.
If you want to set up the machine for weeding or shallow cultivation, you can simply remove the tines and reverse them. This will prevent the tines from going too deeply into the soil.
The picture shows the tines on my 2-cycle Mantis tiller, but the set up is the same on the electric tiller. To till/cultivate, you fix the tines so that the teeth point forward, towards the front of the tiller and away from you.
To weed, the teeth should be pointing back towards the rear of the machine.
To flip the tines around, you’ll need a pair of pliers to release and replace the retaining pins. The Mantis literature suggests you can do this by hand, but I’ve always found it easier with pliers.
You will be glad to know that Mantis backs its patented tines with a lifetime guarantee against breakage. This allows you to get tines replaced free of charge any time they break during your ownership of the machine.
Assembly
Putting the Mantis 7250 together is simple, and it should only take a few minutes. The unit comes partially assembled, but there are some things you must do to get it ready to work. Once you have armed yourself with a 7/16 inch wrench and unpacked the Mantis box, all you need to do is attach the handles and the tines.
When you order directly from Mantis, you can even opt to pay a little bit extra to have the tiller sent to you fully assembled.
Maintenance
As stated above, the Mantis 7250 requires very little maintenance since it features an electric motor. Basically, the unit should be cleaned after each use to ensure proper operation. Also, you should check the level of grease in the worm gear at least once a year. If more grease is required, adding more can be done very easily.
Accessories
There are numerous attachments and accessories available for this Mantis tiller/cultivator, such as the planter/furrower pictured right.
Since the motor is so powerful and versatile, you can use your machine for a number of tasks. To complete these tasks, attachments such as border edgers, aerators and plowing implements are available.
When you order your Mantis electric tiller direct from Mantis, you’ll probably find that one or more attachments or accessories are being offered free, as special bonuses, so be sure to check when you are ready to buy.
Warranties
Mantis gives you guarantees and warranties that sets the company apart from most other outdoor power equipment suppliers. This is how Mantis has you covered:
- The Mantis one year money back guarantee: any product you buy direct from Mantis can be returned within one year, for any or no reason. If you’re not satisfied with it or you decide you just don’t need it, return it within 12 months of purchase and you’ll be given a full refund. This effectively makes your Mantis purchase risk-free;
- The Mantis product warranties: Each Mantis product is covered by a 5 year consumer warranty and a 2 year commercial-use warranty;
- The tine guarantee: Mantis tines are guaranteed for life. If your tines break, return them any time and they’ll be replaced free of charge.
Pros and cons
Pros
Here are the upsides for the Mantis electric tiller:
- Very light
- Quiet and powerful electric motor
- Durable tines
- Easy to start
- Stores easily
- Three speeds
- Can till at depths up to 10 inches
- 1 year return period for no questions asked refund
- Lifetime tines warranty
- 5 year consumer warranty (2 year commercial)
Cons
Here are the downsides:
- Requires constant attachment to extension cord
- Can only be used within reach of power outlet
- Not as powerful as gas-powered tillers
- Not ideal for large areas or prolonged use
Consumer ratings
Amazon is a useful place to look for unbiased reviews of this kind of product.
This machine has earned an overall score of 4.1 out of five stars from reviews and ratings at Amazon.com. A total of 14 users have reviewed the product and nine of them gave the Mantis 7250 the maximum rating of five stars. Three reviewers gave it a score of three stars and two people gave it a two star rating.
On the positive side, most of the people who like the tiller enjoy the fact that it has a lot of power for a small, electrically-powered machine. They also like that it runs so quietly and requires so little maintenance. One reviewer even stated that the money he used to purchase the 7250 was the best money ever spent on his garden.
Although the negative reviews are scarce, they are important to examine. One user complained that the tiller exhibited a burning smell after some use. It was caused by a jam in the tines caused by a rock. Other reviewers have also indicated problems with lack of power. However, it is important to note that the Mantis 7250 is not meant for constant, extreme usage.
Price and Purchase
The retail price for the Mantis electric tiller is approximately $350 which represents pretty good value for such a machine.
You may find this model is being sold more cheaply at Amazon.com
My recommendation with Mantis tools, however, is that you buy directly from Mantis.
When you buy from Mantis you get the full benefit of the warranties listed above. In particular, you get the one-year money back guarantee, which is not available if you buy from Amazon. You will also get some free attachments from Mantis to go with your purchase (usually the border edger and kick stand), which are together worth more than $40.
I suppose if you are satisfied that you won’t want to take advantage of the one year money back guarantee, and you’ll have no use for the free attachments, then purchasing from Amazon, will make sense (assuming there is a price differential at the time of purchase).
If not, then purchasing directly from Mantis may be the better option.
Check the price and latest offers from Mantis here.
Check the price at Amazon.com here
Please note: if you’ve read our disclosure page you’ll know that this site receives a small amount of commission from retailers if you click through our links and buy from those retailers. In this instance, if you purchased via our links, we would receive a higher commission from Mantis than from Amazon. As you’ll know if you’ve looked elsewhere on the site, I’m always happy to recommend Amazon, because most times the overall deal you’ll get there represents best value. In this case, for the reasons stated, you may well be better off purchasing from Mantis directly. The choice is yours, but I felt it was important that you were aware of our position so that you can be satisfied that there is no hidden conflict of interest.
Other Mantis tiller models
Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator
If you think you may be better off with a gas powered tiller, then this 2-cycle tiller cultivator model may suit you. It retails for about the same price as the Mantis electric tiller and features:
- Recoil starting, with push button priming
- Variable speed throttle
- A two-cycle 21.2cc engine rotating tines at 240 rpm
- light weight (20 pounds) and compact design
- 9 inch tilling width
- 10 inch tilling depth.
Mantis Deluxe 9 Inch 4-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator powered by Honda
Alternatively, at the top of the 9 inch range of Mantis tillers is the 4-Cycle Deluxe tiller powered by Honda. This tiller has:
- A premium 25cc Honda 4 cycle fast start engine
- Ergonomic comfort grip handles with flush throttle control
- Three level height adjustment to the handles, so you can operate at a height that suits your stature
- Kick stand as standard
- Fold down handles for easy storage
- Newly designed, extra convenient carrying handle.
This model features a premium 25cc Honda 4 cycle engine, which is quieter than a 2-cylce engine and means you don’t have to mix gas and oil every time it needs refuelling.
What do you think?
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Do you own one of these Mantis tillers?
How do they work for you?
Let us know in the review section or comments below.
Ready to buy?
Check the price of the Mantis electric tiller and latest offers from Mantis here.
Check the price of the Mantis electric tiller at Amazon.com here
I am stunned. Honesty on the internet. Amazing. I wish more sites were as upfront and transparent as yours. And you helped me make my choice on a mantis Tiller and where I will buy!
That’s great Steve. I’m glad the review was helpful to you.
I’ve search high up and low down for a 10W 30 four cycle oil for my Mantis Tiller, and can’t find one. Is this an American stnadard oil and is it available in the UK? What might I substitute in its place; a local dealer has suggested a 20 40 synthetic but I think he is just trying to make a sale.Many thanks