Anyone used a Honda tiller ?

[Dirkdigger]

Due to a lot of interest in purchasing a Tiller on the site, I've decided to ask if anyone has any experience on using a Honda tiller. The one I am looking to purchase is the FG201 1.9hp version.
Anyone had one, used one or any other info would be much appreciated.
I see Tim has bought this model so I speak for all of us in hoping to read his views and comments in the near future.

[tim]

If anyone has& & they now tell me it is ****, they'd better keep their head down!!

[Roy Bham UK]

This one Honda single cylinder GX31 1.5hp  is a kg lighter also £50 lighter, is it the last straw that breaks the camels back I wonder? Would .4 of hp make that much difference?

http://www.thegreenreaper.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=481

[Roy Bham UK]

Tim when do you expect delivery of this machine? and do you have a link we can look at, only I haven't seen a light weight Honda with wheels Can't wait for your comments on performance

[tim]

Roy - wish I hadn't asked!! I wonder how many more will appear now, just as I make up my mind.

Wheels - I meant 'transit' - not driving - wheels. That would be too good to be true. Except that it might be difficult between rows?

Delivery? Monday - DV.

[ptennisnet]

0.4hp = 26% increase on 1.5 hp.  Then again, I don't know how much power is required re tillers - the only power on our allotment is people power 

[Merlins Mum]

As the Honda is on my short list of 3, I can't wait for Tim to test drive his and tell us what he thinks either 

MM

[!mpetuous]

Not in the market myself - too skint, but I would like one with wheels when I do eventually get round to it.  Anyway followed the link above and then had a deeper look and then found this one - maybe not a glamorous name but it has got wheels - http://www.thegreenreaper.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=619
and a 3.5hp engine.

Seems to me that there is only one to buy - unless its a huge pile of manure?

[tim]

Yes, indeed - & a surprisingly good price for such a machine?? However - this all started with a quest for a 'little old lady's machine'.
It then refined to a question of price. And developed to include noise & power. Etc.

It just shows the value of the net in sussing out the thing that suits you.

Wheels - driving wheels or transporting wheels? Big difference.
And if weight & handling are no problem, then go for an oldie like this? 4.5HP Wolesley. But, with due respect, NOT for a girl!

[kitty]

oi!i resemble that remark young tim!
i started this debate off by saying i wanted a machine for a weak and feeble woman-not a little old lady!!!
cheeky berhooger!


hang on-i cant type fer laughing!

[Roy Bham UK]

Not in the market myself - too skint, but I would like one with wheels when I do eventually get round to it.  Anyway followed the link above and then had a deeper look and then found this one - maybe not a glamorous name but it has got wheels - http://www.thegreenreaper.co.uk/ShowDetails.asp?id=619
 and a 3.5hp engine.

Seems to me that there is only one to buy - unless its a huge pile of manure?

Hi RC   I'm only looking at Tillers that I can lift into my small car and can be used quite easily in raised beds ie: till forward and backward no turning needed I think I could lift 14.5 kg=32lbs but not much more got to watch the heart strings.

Tim just thought of my first question, I would be interested to know if the Honda will till forward and backward ? but don't risk doing yourself any harm on my account as I can e-mail the manufacturer.

[Lady of the Land]

Merlins Mum

 I would be interested to hear what are the other two tillers on your short list are. My knowledge of tillers is nil except limited information about the mantis tiller. I have a rotivator but have recently thought a tiller would be very useful.
Thanks

[tim]

Roy - to the best of my knowledge, only the v expensive rotovators have reverse - because you couldn't manoeuvre them otherwise.

kitty - I thought that l-o-l sounded better than feeble! I should have included old gentlemen who need to carry the thing??

And L-o-L,  to my mind, a tiller is just an underpowered rorovator!!

[Merlins Mum]

Hi Lady
Well because I want to be able to lift whatever I get in and out of the car I had originally got a list of 2 - the Mantis and the Mountfield mini 200 cultivator, you can see my thread in basics on the Mountfield.  But then dd has asked about the Honda and I must say it looks good and I like the fact it is a 4 stroke so less noisy.  so this has now been added to the list.  but am still concerned about the weight.  I'm going to look at one next week hopefully so will know then whether I would be able to lift it OK

MM

[Dirkdigger]

Hi MM, according to the spec sheet about 16 kg dry weight. Comes with transport wheels and a carry handle on top. Hopefully going to look at one today. Will get back if they have one. Not purchasing today, local Mower shop( usually way over the top on prices). Will ask if they are prepared to price match though. Obviously adding whatever postage I would have to pay.

[Merlins Mum]

hi dd
I just can't imagine what 16kg would be like for putting in and out of the car.  Hopefully I will see one next week
Still be very interested to hear what you think today if you see one.

MM

[Roy Bham UK]

MM 16kg=35.27lbs so if you can  lift just a little over half a 56lb bag of spuds or maybe a medium size dog or a small medium sized grandchild (dry weight) you should be alright

[Roy Bham UK]

Hi MM, according to the spec sheet about 16 kg dry weight. Comes with transport wheels and a carry handle on top. Hopefully going to look at one today. Will get back if they have one. Not purchasing today, local Mower shop( usually way over the top on prices). Will ask if they are prepared to price match though. Obviously adding whatever postage I would have to pay.

DD I have looked at the Honda site and cannot see anything stating transport wheels supplied with the FG201 Tiller Have I got the wrong link?
http://www.honda.co.uk/garden/GardenStoreLookupServlet?hidActionDetail=GetTillerDetail&hidTillerID=8&hidCategoryID=1

[Dirkdigger]

Hi just got back from shopping. Been to look at the tiller, I think the Fg201 is enough for my size of plot. As far as the weight is concerned didn't feel very heavy. One site I looked at says it is only 14.5 kg, but lifted it didn't feel a monster. It has travelling wheels attached to the back which are removable. The link I posted to Honda allows you to download the Honda brochure its a pdf file.
Just looking at that same brochure in my hands it says folding handles, transit wheels as standard and carry handle for easy transport and storage. The man wasn't prepared to negotiate a price quoted me £390 for basic and with the attachments £510. Needless to say will buy online when I decide to purchase.
Glad I have seen the 3 Honda versions, other 2 much to big and heavy. I suffer from Myasthenia, so anything tooo heavy is out of the question anyway.
Hope this helps.
http://www.justhonda.co.uk/pages/product383.htm
from the brochure from Honda
• Efficient 1.9hp mini 4-stroke engine.
• Working width of 300mm and rotor
diameter of 230mm are ideal for light
duty or intricate work.
• Low vibration for comfort over long
periods of use.
• Folding handles, transit wheels as
standard and carry handle for easy
transport and storage.
• Recoil start requires up to 40% less
pull force than other tillers of this size.
• Optional lawn aerator, edger, and
de-thatcher also available – or sold
as a complete package.
• Increased fuel capacity with
easy access top-fill cap in
 

[Roy Bham UK]

Thanks for that Dirkdigger a couple more questions if I may Do you think it will fit in the back of a small car like my Daewoo Matiz hatchback? also did you ask if it can be used forward and backward motion like the Mantis  or and old fashioned lawnmower? if yes then I could use it in my small raised beds