Mantis vs Honda: which mini tiller wins?
A straight comparison for allotment and raised-bed gardeners choosing a mini tiller — what each machine is, where it wins, and which one we'd pick.
| Specification | 4-Stroke 7940 mantis | FG 110 honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Honda GX25 4-stroke |
| Power output | 1 hp | 1 hp |
| Tine type | Front-tine | Front-tine |
| Working width | 23 cm | 23 cm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 13 kg |
| Status | Current | Current |
| Indicative price | £380–£460 | £600–£680 |
| Best for | Allotment weeding and bed maintenance | Established beds and small allotment patches |
Our verdict
Both run the same Honda GX25 4-stroke at the same 23 cm width, so this is brand and design, not power. Mantis 4-Stroke for the lower price and its famous fast-spinning tines on already-worked beds; Honda FG110 for Honda's own build and dealer-backed parts and service if you'll keep it for years.
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.
Honda FG 110
Honda's benchmark mini-tiller: the 25 cc GX25 four-stroke OHC engine driving four front tines for a 23 cm (9 in) tilling width to ~20 cm depth, narrowable to 15 cm by removing the outer tines. At 13 kg dry it is light and foldable for established beds and small allotments. Engine, 23 cm width, 13 kg dry weight and UK price (RRP ~£650) verified via Honda.
Best for: Established beds and small allotment patches.
Comparison FAQ
4-Stroke 7940 or FG 110 — which should I buy?
Both run the same Honda GX25 4-stroke at the same 23 cm width, so this is brand and design, not power. Mantis 4-Stroke for the lower price and its famous fast-spinning tines on already-worked beds; Honda FG110 for Honda's own build and dealer-backed parts and service if you'll keep it for years.
Are the 4-Stroke 7940 and FG 110 in the same class?
Yes — both are Tier B machines, so this is a like-for-like comparison.