The Earthquake to get if you hate mixing fuel: a 4 stroke mini cultivator with a long warranty, for established gardens.
Amazon $344.51The Earthquake MC440 is the better tiller overall, rated 3.2 to 2.6. The Earthquake MC440 leads on warranty, value and width. The Mantis 7924 2-Cycle wins on depth. The Earthquake MC440 costs $42.48 less ($344.51 vs $386.99).
A lighter, cheaper Mantis for gardeners who don’t mind mixing fuel. The Honda powered 7940A is easier to live with for $54 more.
Mantis $386.99Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Earthquake MC440 for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty), value ($34.45 per inch of tilling width ($344.51, 10 in) vs $43 per inch of tilling width ($386.99, 9 in)) and width (10 in wide vs 9 in wide).
- Choose the Mantis 7924 2-Cycle for depth (10 in deep vs 8 in deep).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every cultivators tiller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Earthquake MC440 | Mantis 7924 2-Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 28 $34.45 per inch of tilling width ($344.51, 10 in) | 17 $43 per inch of tilling width ($386.99, 9 in) |
| Width 20% | 40 10 in wide | 30 9 in wide |
| Depth 15% | 50 8 in deep | 83 10 in deep |
| Features 15% | 25 adjustable width | 25 folding handle |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Earthquake MC440 | Mantis 7924 2-Cycle | |
|---|---|---|
| Tilling | ||
| Type | Cultivator | Cultivator |
| Tilling width | 10 in | 9 in |
| Tilling depth | 8 in | 10 in |
| Tine rotation | Forward | Forward |
| Reverse | No | No |
| Adjustable width | Yes | No |
| Engine or motor | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | Viper 40cc 4-cycle | Echo 21.2cc 2-cycle |
| Displacement | 40 cc | 21.2 cc |
| Electric start | No | No |
| CARB compliant | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Folding handle | - | Yes |
| Weight | 32 lb | 20 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
