I have a small garden, (city lot), and have had a
Mantis tiller for about 5 years. It is absolutely
perfect for my application. It is light and
small and I even use it in the flower beds.
However, the Troy Bilt is a great machine also,
so maybe it just needs a tune up so it will start
easier.

I second the recommendation for the Mantis. I have a very old (inherited from my Dad) Troy-Bilt tiller that I use for the main garden area. Works well, but it is a beast! I use the Mantis for smaller areas and flower beds -- great for weeding and spot cultivating. Very lightweight, runs well, and has a good power for a machine of its size.

I've also seen small 4 cycle cultivators (I think Sears has some as well as Ryobi). They may be easier to start than the 2 cycle models. I've not had much trouble starting the Mantis, but it can take several pulls, especially if it has not been used for a few months.

Mom,

If, as you've indicated, you're interest is in tilling a relatively small area, I'd go along with the above posts...but with a slight twist. Let me explain, please.

I've had a Mantis tiller for 7 years, and love it. The work is does amazes anyone who observes me ripping up sod for a new flower bed, digging a trench for an asparagus bed, or just ordinary tilling or cultivating. Due to the patented tine design and the rotational speed of the Mantis, NO OTHER small tiller does the jobs these do. My several neighbors with other brands of mini-tillers would agree. They get done what they want to do with theirs, but would never attempt to do what this Mantis does.

That said, allow me to add a caveat. The usual Mantis is equipped with the excellent Echo 2-cycle engine. This is a great engine, but requires gas/oil mixture for fuel. In addition, it CAN be temperamental at times when trying to start (and I have experience as a small engine mechanic). There is an alternative, though, for you.

Mantis also offers the same excellent performing machine with a 4-cycle (no mixing, easy starting) Honda engine. This is what I'd recommend you look into. I'll offer the link to the site describing it below.

What ever you decide...best wishes. As Bill Clinton might say, "I feel your pain". (don't bother throwing that shoe...I'm ducking now!) ~grin~

Cordially offered,
Hal

Here is a link that might be useful: Mantis Little Wonder 4-cycle

Another option would be an electric cultivator. I've never used one, but I've heard that they are decent performers. You have to deal with a cord, which would limit where you could use it, but it would certainly solve the starting issue and avoid having to deal with gas engine maintenance.