The best tiller I have ever had is a Honda F401AD. It was designed for flower beds and light landscaping when it was discovered that many employees were women and the larger ones were too heavy to manipulate. It is a size larger than the smallest Honda, which is comparable to the Mantis. I have found the Mantis is good only in beds that have been previously tilled. At least here in Georgia where red clay abounds and has to be amended for beds to work out. I've been overjoyed at the ease and size and work of this small tiller. Hope this helps. Barbara M. Humphreys barbara_m_humphreys@atlmug.org flowerlady@mindspring.com