It is one of those beauty is in the eyes of the beholder things. Personally, I would do a quick visual inspection- things like do fuel line and grommets look good and not cracked , and signs of excessive wear / leaks- that kind of thing. You should certainly run it to see if it starts and runs strong. We've had a Mantis for years- they are great tools.If this machine has been used and stored properly it should give you good service for the money.

I bought that exact model at a garage sale this past summer for a lot less. Perfect condition, both visually and mechanically. It was a steal at only $30.00, talked her down from the $50.00 she wanted. Works for weeding an existing garden well. Commercials on TV over rate its ability when it comes to tilling unbroken hard ground. REJ2

What Tom said. I would also check the compression to make sure it has not been run on straight gas. That model is a 2 stroke. They are great machines for beds and small gardens.

Thanks for the responses. I did not think about anyone running one on straight gas but can see how that could easily happen. I do not have any way to check the compression so guess that I had better pass on this one.

Thanks

You can pick up a compression tester for about $25. I just did so about a week ago. Handy little thing and simple to operate. It is not the tell all of an engine but it can give health info.

About what range would be good or at least average compression?

Thanks

On chainsaws you want at least 150, but that would be on the low side and on the way to being too low. I assume the mantis will have a similar sized engine and similar specs.

If you do get a compression tester, you need to make sure the check valve is by the spark plug adapter. This is because the volume of the tube can make a big difference in the reading if the valve were by the gauge. I can recommend the Actron testers and they are widely available. I am sure there are other brands that will work, but I only have experience with my Actron.

I am not a fan of used equipment unless it is dirt cheap or you know the history of the piece. If I am not mistaken, the new one is about $300 or a little less. I rather buy a new one and do damage on it myself!!! Even a compression test cannot tell how worn is the engine, can only tell whether it is bad or not. A little carbon buildup or carb problem will quickly eat up the saving.

BTW I always look for special. I bought a Poulan 550 front tine tiller from Amazon for $299 include shipping and no tax!!! It was on special for only one day and I bought it. This is the same one as Craftsman 825 front tine tiller. I like it well enough, get the job done. I bought an extended warrentee where they have local shop in my area. The front tine is smaller than the bigger ones and can go into smaller area. Being front tine, it reach into corner much better and at the same time can do heavier job. I did my whole back and side yard with it and is no sweat.

On another front, is it very useful to have a small tiller like this? They are only good for light duty digging, around flower beds and small area and can only go shallow. They are not cheap compare to the bigger front tine tillers. Seems like it is more logical to get a bigger tiller and invest in a multi tool unit with cultivator attachment. The dealer here told me that if you get a Husky 326LD, it comes with trimmer attachment, and just get the tiller attachments. Stihl have the KM130 or KM110, much bigger engine for tilling. Seems like you get more bang out of the buck going the multi tool rout even pay a little more initially.