® Tiller/Cultivator OWNER’S MANUAL
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MANTIS GARDENING! Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s “Changing the Way Americans Garden.”® Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Tiller weighs only 20 pounds. So it lifts easily, handles smoothly, tills and weeds precisely. And, unlike other small tillers, it features serpentine tines that churn soil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft, smooth seed bed, even in problem soil. Once you know how to use your tiller correctly, we guarantee you’ll love it.
SAFETY RULES & WARNINGS You will notice throughout this Owners Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these warnings for your own protection. I. Special Safety Information ! WARNING • DANGER ! ATTENTION: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT OUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, ! HEED IT’S WARNING!! STAY ALERT!! ! WARNING • DANGER ! TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS, COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
III. Safety Decal Information An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tiller are the warning and information decals found on various parts of the tiller. These decals must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is your responsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read. The location and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated on Page 27. P/N 488M CUTTING HAZARD; KEEP FEET AND HANDS AWAY FROM ROTATING TINES. DO NOT CARRY THE TILLER IN THIS POSITION.
V. Warnings - Don'ts Don’t use tiller with one hand. Keep both hands on handles with fingers and thumbs encircling the handles, while tines are moving, and engine is running. Don’t overreach. Keep a good footing at all times. Don’t run with the machine, walk. Don’t work on excessively steep slopes. Don’t attempt to clear tines while they are moving. Never try to remove jammed material before switching the engine off and making sure the tines have stopped completely.
ASSEMBLY ! ! WARNING • DANGER IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TILLER CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT OUR FACTORY AT 1-800-366-6268 OR AN AUTHORIZED MANTIS DEALER Your MANTIS Tiller comes partially assembled. You must install only the handlebars, the carrying handle, and the tines. This will take just a few minutes if you follow the directions. First, take all items out of the carton.
ASSEMBLY (continued) HOW TO ASSEMBLE LOWER HANDLES To identify part numbers, see pages 6 and 27. 1. Use the protective cardboard sleeve to stabilize your tiller. Stand the engine assembly (#21) up. 2. Lay the handle parts within easy reach. You’ll need one of the handle clamps (#51) and one of the lower handles (#6). Note that the lower handles have a short leg on one end. (Picture 1) 3. Fit the handle clamp along the outside of the short leg. Line up the holes on the clamp and the leg. 4.
ASSEMBLY (continued) HOW TO ASSEMBLE UPPER HANDLES & PLASTIC CARRYING HANDLE. 1. Lightly squeeze the lower handles (#6) toward one another so that they line up with the two smaller holes on the carrying handle (#42). Then slide the carrying handle over and down the lower handles. It will rest about four to six inches above the engine. (Picture 1) 2. Gently pull the lower handles out to their original position. 3.
ASSEMBLY (continued) Assembling the Tines for Tilling 1. Remove the cardboard from around your Tiller’s base. 2. Slide the tines onto the axle shafts. The “D” hole goes on the outside. 3. Make sure you’ve installed the tines properly for tilling. Liken the tines to your fingers. When your palm faces the ground, your fingers curl down. Stand behind the Tiller and hold your hand next to the tines. Do the tine blades curl down, as your fingers do? If so, they are in the tilling position.
STARTING ! WARNING ! To Start Your Tiller for the First Time: 1. Fill the fuel tank with the proper oil/gasoline mixture. (See previous section.) ! WARNING DANGER ! THE TINES SHOULD NOT MOVE AT IDLE. IF TINES MOVE, READJUST CARBURETOR ACCORDING TO “CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT” INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL OR SEE YOUR MANTIS DEALER, OTHERWISE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT. Starting Cold Engine 1. Move Stop Switch (Picture 1) to “START” position. 2.
STARTING (continued) NOTE: When the choke is closed, never pull the cord more than four or five times. Overpulling may cause flooding. Also, bear in mind that, when the engine fires, it only coughs or sputters, and will not run on choke.Follow these steps whenever you are starting the engine “cold”, or when the engine has run dry and you have just added fuel. Remember, always use short, brisk pulls. Don’t give the cord a long, forceful yank. And, do not let the cord snap back into the starter housing.
WHAT TO DO JUST IN CASE Picture 1 If you follow the normal starting procedure, you should have no problem starting your tiller. But, just in case you do have problems, here’s what to do. Make sure the start/stop switch is on “start.” You’d be surprised how many people forget to push the switch into the “start” position. If the switch was on “stop” when you pulled the cord, you may have flooded the engine. ! WARNING ! MAKE SURE THE START/STOP SWITCH IS IN THE STOP POSITION.
WHAT TO DO JUST IN CASE (continued) 2. Push in the choke button to open the choke. 3. Press the plastic bubble a few times. 4. Give the starter cord a few short, quick pulls. The engine should start and run. 5. If the engine does not start, then pull out the choke button to close the choke. Pull the starter cord four to five times. The engine should sputter or cough. 6. After the engine sputters, push the choke button in. Then pull the starter cord. The engine should start and run. 7.
TILLING ! WARNING • DANGER ! THE OPERATOR OF THIS TILLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR HAZARDS OCCURRING TO HIMSELF, OTHER PEOPLE OR THEIR PROPERTY. Now You’re Ready to Use Your MANTIS Tiller. Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 14 If you’ve seen other tillers, your MANTIS Tiller may surprise you. It tills best when you pull it backward! You see, when you pull your MANTIS Tiller backward, you give extra resistance to the tines, so they dig deeper.
TILLING/CULTIVATING ! WARNING • DANGER ! IF YOUR TINES GET JAMMED OR ENTANGLED, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AT ONCE. REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG WIRE THEN REMOVE THE OBSTRUCTION WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF. NEVER TRY TO REMOVE AN OBSTRUCTION WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. SERIOUS INJURY CAN RESULT. How about a family-size vegetable garden? Nowadays many gardeners prefer small gardens — especially in the suburbs, where space is at a premium.
CULTIVATING Now You’re Ready to Cultivate or Weed. Tilling Position Tine teeth point in the same direction as the rotation of the tine; or toward the front of the Tiller, away from the operator. Guide your Tiller where you want to weed and start it up. Pull your Tiller backward slowly, then let it move forward a bit, in a gentle rocking motion. Watch it slice, shred, and bury those weeds! Got tough weeds? Lighten your pressure on the throttle to slow your Tiller down.
MAINTENANCE Check the Air Filter Often A wet or dirty air filter can affect the way your engine starts, performs, and wears. So, it’s a good idea to check your air filter once a month. If you work in dusty soil, or if you want to be on the safe side — then check your filter more often (for instance, before each use). But be sure to replace it at least once a year, in the spring or fall. Clean or change it as needed. It is recommended to change the air filter yearly. 4.
MAINTENANCE (continued) How to Check the Grease Level Inside the Worm Gear Housing When we built your MANTIS Tiller, we lubricated the worm gear housing thoroughly. It is imperative that you inspect the grease level once a year. Simply remove the cover plate on the worm gear housing. (Picture 1) Then check to make sure the grease comes almost to the top of the housing. If it doesn’t, add lithium #0 grease (Item M9985.) This is the only way to add grease to the worm gear housing.
MAINTENANCE (continued) ! WARNING•DANGER ! REMOVE TINES BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS What to Do if Your Engine Idles Too High What if your engine runs too fast … or if the tines turn the instant you start the Tiller? You may need to adjust the idle screw (Key #31 under Carburetor on page 28) by itself right below the H and L screws. Gently turn it counterclockwise. You’ll know you’ve adjusted it correctly when the axles do not turn at low idle.
MAINTENANCE (continued) How to Reseat the Flange At some point, you may find that the tines won’t turn when you press the throttle. This may mean the engine isn’t sitting all the way down on the worm gear housing. Perhaps you’ve been using your Tiller for several years. Or perhaps you’ve removed the engine for use with our hedge trimmer attachment, then replaced it. In either case, the flange bolt (Key #36, page 29) may have come loose and lifted the engine up.
STORAGE ! ! WARNING•DANGER DO NOT STORE IN AN AREA WHERE FUEL FUMES MAY ACCUMULATE AND REACH A FLAME OR SPARK. Each fall — or before you store your Mantis Tiller for any long period — be sure to take these measures: 1. Do not store your Tiller with fuel still in it. Even under ideal conditions, stored fuel containing ethanol or MTBE can start to go stale in 30 days. And, since stale fuel has a high gum content, it can clog the carburetor, this, in turn, will restrict fuel flow.
STORAGE (continued) 10. Check the grease level in the worm gear housing, as described on page 18. 11. Order new parts to replace any that are badly worn or broken. Just call 1-800-366-6268 and ask for a local authorized Mantis dealer. 12. Store your Tiller, in an upright position, in a clean, dry place. You can store with the handles in an extended position or folded down. (Picture #1, preceding page) 13.
TROUBLE SHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy 1. Tines don’t turn when throttle is depressed Engine is not seated properly on the gear housing. Re-install engine following the instructions on page 20 (How to re-seat the flange). 2. Engine fails to start Start/Stop switch is in Stop position. No fuel in tank. Fuel strainer clogged. Fuel line clogged. Spark plug shorted or fouled. Spark plug is broken (cracked porcelain or electrodes broken) Ignition lead wire shorted, broken or disconnected from spark plug.
TROUBLE SHOOTING Problem 5. Engine lacks power. (continued) Cause Air filter clogged. Carburetor out of adjustment. Muffler clogged. Clogged exhaust ports. Spark Arrestor Clogged. Poor compression. 6. Engine overheats. Insufficient oil in fuel mixture Air flow obstructed Remedy Clean or replace air filter. See “Carburetor Adjustment”. Clean carbon from muffler. Remove muffler, rotate engine until the piston is at top of cylinder.
SERVICE MAINTENANCE GUIDE Area Maintenance Frequency Air Filter Clean Replace Clean Replace Check / Rebuild Replace Inspect / Clean Inspect / Clean Inspect / Clean Check Grease Inspect / Clean / Lubricate Inspect / Repair Inspect / Tighten / Replace Inspect / Replace Inspect / Replace Inspect / Replace Inspect / Replace Inspect / Replace Replace Check Clean Replace Daily or every 4 hrs. use Every 3 mths. or 90 hrs. use Every 3 mths. or 90 hrs. use 6 months or 270 hrs. use 6 months or 300 hrs.
USING THE BORDER EDGER ATTACHMENT Your MANTIS Tiller has been designed and built to accept a wide range of MANTIS Tiller Attachments to increase its usefulness in your lawn and garden. And, all MANTIS Tiller Attachments have been designed for quick and easy attachment to the Tiller or Engine. The Border Edger (Item #3222) The most popular attachment, the Border Edger can be used to cut clean, neat edges along walkways, or around trees, shrubs, and garden beds.
MANTIS TILLER ASSEMBLY * P/N 438LA DIRECTION Raised Hub Teeth point in a Clockwise Direction When you look at a Tine with the raised hub facing you and the teeth are pointing in a CLOCKWISE rotation, you have a LEFT HAND TINE. P/N 438RA DIRECTION Raised Hub Teeth point in a Counter Clockwise Direction When you look at Tine with the raised hub facing you and the teeth are pointing in a COUNTER CLOCKWISE rotation, you and a RIGHT HAND TINE.
SV-5CI ENGINE PARTS ASSEMBLIES CARBURETOR KEY PART NO NO QTY DESCRIPTION 12520013124 1 Carburetor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 12534405360 P005000620 12538108660 P005000600 A B A B ------------------12533942030 A A A A A 12537613120 12531649030 12531413930 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 KEY PART NO NO C1U-K54A Includes Items 1-32 Screw Ring Pump, Purge Base, Purge Diaphragm, Metering Gasket, Metering Diaphragm Body, Carburetor Not Available Separately Screw Pin, Metering Lever Lever, Mete
SV-5CI ENGINE PARTS STARTER, PAWL CATCHER & CLUTCH KEY PART NO NO FUEL TANK QTY DESCRIPTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A051000640 P022004610 P022004620 P022006500 P022004680 P022004690 P022004600 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 P022004990 17724611120 P022004660 P022004670 P022004700 P022004640 P022004630 90023804016 A052000150 P022004740 P022006510 P022002100 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 2 2 2 StarterAsy Includes Items 2-14 Spring, Pawl Return Pawl, Starter Case, Starter Spring, Rewind Drum, Starter Rope,
EPA / CALIFORNIA EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) and the Equipment Manufacturer are pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your EPA Phase II / C.A.R.B. Tier 2 model year 2000 and later small off road engine (SORE). New small off road engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet stringent EPA and C.A.R.B. anti-smog standards.
Notes: 31
LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION FOR MANTIS TILLER MANTIS extends only to the original consumer purchaser a limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This warranty covers all portions of the MANTIS Tiller. MANTIS will repair or, at its option, replace any defective part or parts of the product free of charge. In the event of a defect or malfunction, the purchaser must return the product to an authorized MANTIS dealer.
