Tiller/Cultivatorwith Honda Engine

OWNER’S MANUAL

Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . .the lightweight wonder that’s Changingthe Way Americans Garden.®

Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Tillerweighs only 21 pounds. So it liftseasily, handles smoothly, tills andweeds precisely. And, unlike othersmall tillers, it features serpentine tinesthat churn soil to ten inches deep. Itcreates a soft, smooth seed bed, even inproblem soil.

Once you know how to use your tillercorrectly, we guarantee you’ll love it.So first, please read this manual. Itshows, step by step, how to use yourtiller safely. Plus, it shows how theMANTIS Border Edger can make lightwork of your edging needs.

If you have questions about any topicin this Manual or if you wish to orderMANTIS attachments, contact yourlocal authorized Mantis Dealer.

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Table of ContentsSafety Rules & Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Engine & Fuel Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Assembly and Mixing Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Getting to Your Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Tilling & Cultivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13Tine Positioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Using The Border/Edger Attachment . . . . . . . . .16

MANTIS Tiller Assembly Layout . . . . . . . . . . .17Engine Parts Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Limited Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Welcome to the World of Mantis Gardening

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Safety rules & warningsYou will notice throughout this Owners Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understandand obey these warnings for your own protection.

I. Special Safety Information

WARNING • DANGERATTENTION: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT

OUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED IT’S WARNING!! STAY ALERT!!

WARNING • DANGERTO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS, COMPLY WITH

THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONALINJURY, AND/OR EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

WARNING • DANGERIMPROPER USE OR CARE OF THIS TILLER

OR FAILURE TO WEAR PROPER PROTECTIONCAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIONAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.

II. Safety & Warnings

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WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals knownto the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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DON’T FUEL, REFUEL, ORCHECK FUEL WHILESMOKING, OR NEAR ANOPEN FLAME OR OTHERIGNITION SOURCE.

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY.CAUTION: WHENASSEMBLING THE HANDLES,MAKE SURE FUEL TANK FACESAWAY FROM OPERATOR. THISIS THE REAR OF THE TILLER,REFER TO ASSEMBLYINSTRUCTION ON PAGE 7.

CUTTING HAZARD; KEEPFEET AND HANDS AWAYFROM ROTATING TINES.

WEAR EAR AND EYEPROTECTION.

READ OWNER’S MANUALBEFORE USING TILLER, ORPERFORMING ANY REPAIROR MAINTENANCE. KEEPOWNERS MANUAL IN ASAFE PLACE.

DO NOT CARRY THE TILLERIN THIS POSITION.

WARNING • DANGERIF THE TILLER IS USED IMPROPERLY OR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED,

THE USERS RISK SERIOUS INJURY TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS TILLER.

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An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tillerare 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 yourresponsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read. Thelocation and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated on Page 27.

III. Safety Decal Information

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P/N 400620

P/N 400609

IV. Warnings - Do’sRead and understand the owner’s

manual. Pay particular attention to allsections regarding safety.

1. Always keep a firm grip on bothhandles while the tines are moving and/orthe engine is running. BE AWARE!! Thetines may coast after throttle trigger isreleased. Make sure tines have come to acomplete stop and engine is off beforeletting go of the tiller.

2. Always maintain a firm footing andgood balance. Do not overreach whileoperating the tiller. Before you start to usethe tiller, check the work area for obstaclesthat might cause you to lose your footing,balance or control of the machine.

3. Thoroughly inspect the area whereequipment is to be used and remove allobjects, which can be thrown by themachine.

4. Always keep area clear of children,pets, and bystanders.

5. Always stay alert. Watch what youare doing and use common sense. Do not

operate unit when fatigued.6. Always dress properly. Do not wear

loose clothing or jewelry, they might getcaught in moving parts. Use sturdy gloves.Gloves reduce the transmission ofvibration to your hands. Prolongedexposure to vibration can cause numbnessand other ailments.

7. While working, always wearsubstantial footwear and long trousers. Donot operate the equipment when barefootor wearing open sandals.

8. Always wear ear and eye protection.Eye protection must meet ANSI Z 87.1.To avoid hearing damage, we recommendhearing protection be worn wheneverusing the equipment.

9. To reduce fire hazard, keep theengine, and petrol/gas storage area free ofvegetative material and excessive grease.

10. Start the engine carefully,according to the manufacturer’sinstructions and with feet well away fromtool(s).

11. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws

tight to be sure the equipment is in safeworking condition.

12. Use extreme caution whenreversing or pulling the machine towardsyou.

13. Work only in daylight or goodartificial light.

14. Always be sure of your footing onslopes.

15. Exercise extreme caution whenchanging direction on slopes.

16. Always keep a safe distancebetween two or more people whenworking together.

17. Always inspect your unit beforeeach use and ensure that all handles,guards and fasteners are secure, operating,and in place.

18. Always maintain and examine yourTiller with care. Follow maintenanceinstructions given in manual.

19. Always store tiller in a shelteredarea (a dry place), not accessible tochildren. The tiller as well as fuel shouldnot be stored in a house.

V. Warnings - Don'tsDon’t use tiller with one hand.

Keep both hands on handles withfingers and thumbs encircling thehandles, while tines are moving,and engine is running.

Don’t overreach. Keep a goodfooting at all times.

Don’t run with the machine,walk.

Don’t work on excessivelysteep slopes.

Don’t attempt to clear tineswhile they are moving. Never tryto remove jammed material beforeswitching the engine off andmaking sure the tines havestopped completely.

Don’t allow children orincapable people to operate thistiller.

Don’t operate while underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.

Don’t attempt to repair thistiller. Have repairs made by aqualified dealer or repairman. Seethat only original Mantis parts areused.

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WARNING • DANGERHANDLE FUEL WITH CARE, IT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. FUELING A HOT ENGINE OR NEAR AN IGNITION

SOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.

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Always use fresh gasoline. Stalegasoline can cause damage.

Always store fuel in containersspecifically designed for thispurpose.

Always pull starter cord slowlyuntil resistance is felt. Then pull cordrapidly to avoid kickback andprevent arm or hand injury.

Always operate engine with sparkarrestor installed and operatingproperly. The use of spark arrestormufflers is required by law in thestate of California (Section 4442 ofthe California Public ResourcesCode), as well as in other states ormunicipalities. Federal laws apply onfederal lands.

Stop the engine whenever youleave the machine.

Allow the engine to cool beforestoring in any enclosure.

If the fuel tank needs to bedrained, this should be doneoutdoors.

Don’t fuel, refuel or check fuelwhile smoking, or near an openflame or other ignition source. Stopengine and be sure it is cool beforerefueling.

Don’t leave the engine runningwhile the tiller is unattended. Stopengine before putting the tillerdown or while transporting fromone place to another.

Don’t refuel, start or run thistiller indoors or in an improperlyventilated area.

Don’t run engine when electricalsystem causes spark outside the

cylinder. During periodical checksof the spark plug, keep plug a safedistance from cylinder to avoidburning of evaporated fuel fromcylinder.

Don’t check for spark withspark plug or plug wire removed.Use an approved tester.

Don’t crank engine with sparkplug removed unless spark plugwire is disconnected. Sparks canignite fumes.

Don’t run engine when the odorof gasoline is present or otherexplosive conditions exist.

Don’t operate the unit ifgasoline is spilled. Clean up spillcompletely before starting engine.

Don’t operate your tiller if thereis an accumulation of debris aroundthe muffler, and cooling fins.

Don’t touch hot mufflers,cylinders or cooling fins ascontact may cause serious burns.

Don’t change the enginegovernor setting or over speed theengine.

VI. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Do’s

VII. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Don’ts

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Your MANTIS Tiller comes partiallyassembled. You must install only thehandlebars, the carrying handle, and thetines. This will take just a few minutes ifyou follow the directions.

First, take all items out of thecarton. But do not remove the cardboardfrom around the Tiller’s base.

The list at the right, shows the parts thatcome with your tiller. Check to make sureyou have them.

The bag of hardware is in the plastic bagcontaining the Owner’s Manual and Video.

To assemble your MANTIS Tiller,you’ll need two 7/16" wrenches. Wesuggest that you install all nuts and boltsonly “finger tight” — that is, one-half toone full turn — until you’ve completedassembly. The nuts are self locking, butyou must use a wrench to tighten themcompletely.

4039

8

42

20,21,55

12

653

Assembly

WARNING•DANGERIMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TILLER

CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ALLINSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONSCONTACT OUR FACTORY AT

1-800-366-6268OR AN AUTHORIZED

MANTIS DEALER

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Quantity Description *Key #

1 Upper Handle Assembly 21 Upper Handle Throttle Side Assembly 12 Lower Handles 61 Pair Tiller/Cultivator Tines 39,401 Engine Assembly (includes Fender

Guard & Worm Gear Transmission) 20,21,551 Handle Brace 81 Plastic Carrying Handle 421 Bag of Hardware Containing:2 Cap Screws 474 Lock Nuts 482 Bolts (3” long) 492 Tine Retaining Pins 412 Handle Clamps 511 Throttle Clips 132 Bolts 522 Knobs 53

*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the PartsLayout on page 18.

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Assembly (continued)

HOW TO ASSEMBLELOWER HANDLES

To identify part numbers, seepages 6 and 18.

1. Use the protective cardboardsleeve to stabilize your tiller. Standthe engine assembly (#21) up.(Picture 1)

2. Lay the handle parts withineasy reach. You’ll need one of thehandle clamps (#51) and one of thelower handles (#6). Note that thelower handles have a short leg onone end.

3. Fit the handle clamp along theoutside of the short leg. Line up theholes on the clamp and the leg.

4. Choose one of the two 3-inchbolts (#49). Slide it through the firstset of holes — near the elbow wherethe lower handle curves. (Picture 2& 3)

5. Now slide the other lower

handle onto the 3-inch bolt. Fitthe other clamp onto this otherhandle’s short leg. Add a nutand tighten finger tight.(Picture 3)

6. Locate the worm gearhousing. It starts just above —and extends down through —the tiller’s red fender guard.You’ll notice that there’s arecessed channel on either side ofthe housing’s top. (Picture 4.)

7. Take the lower handles thatyou’ve just put together. Slide theminto the two recessedchannels.(Picture 5.)

Make sure you insert them from the rear of the tiller . . . so thatthe bolt fits along the back of thehousing.

8. Slide the second 3-inch boltthrough the second set of holes inthe short legs. Add a nut and tightenfinger tight.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5

NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT ISAPPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1-1/2 TURNS.

WARNING • DANGERREMOVE TINES BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.

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Assembly (continued)

How to AssembleUpper Handles andCarrying Handle

1. Lightly squeeze the lowerhandles (#6) toward one anotherso that they line up with the twosmaller holes on the carryinghandle (#42). Then slide thecarrying handle over and downthe lower handles. It will restabout four to six inches above thefender. (Picture 1)

2. Gently pull the lowerhandles out to their originalposition.

3. Attach the upper handleassembly (#1) – the handle withthe throttle cable and ground wire– onto the right lower handle, andsecure with the handle knob (#53).(Picture 2 and 3)

Note: If throttle handle ismounted on the left, it will notfold down as completely as whenmounted on the right.) Be sureyou have proper throttlemovements and that the throttlecable is not wrapped or twistedaround the handle bar. Squeezetrigger and let go.

THIS MUST BE DONEBEFORE STARTING THEENGINE.

4. Follow the same steps toinstall the other upper handleonto the other lower handle.(Picture 3)

5. Use the clip (#13) to securethe throttle cable and wire inplace on the lower handle.(Picture 4)

6. Now install the HandleBrace. Line it up with the holeson the upper handles. Then inserta Cap Screw and a Lock Nut oneither side (Picture 5)

7. Use a wrench to tighten CapScrews and Lock Nuts.

8. Now use wrench to tightenall nuts and bolts firmly andsecurely.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Make sure you have installedthe handles properly. Whenyou stand behind your tiller,holding the handles, the gastank is facing away from you,on the front side of the engine.

Picture 3Picture 2

Picture 1

Picture 4 Picture 5

WARNING: Improper throttle installation can causetines to rotate unexpectedly .

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Assembly (continued)

WARNING • DANGERFUEL IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HANDLE IT WITH

CARE. KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES. DO NOTSMOKE WHILE FUELING YOUR EQUIPMENT.

Assembling the Tinesfor Tilling

1. Remove the cardboard fromaround your Tiller’s base.

2. Slide the tines onto the axleshafts. The “D” hole goes on theoutside.

3. Make sure you’ve installedthe tines properly for tilling.Liken the tines to your fingers.When your palm faces theground, your fingers curl down.Stand behind the Tiller and holdyour hand next to the tines. Dothe tine blades curl down, as yourfingers do? If so, they are in thetilling position. (To switch to thecultivating position, see page 12.)

4. To secure each tine to theaxle, insert a tine retaining pin.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Before you use your MANTIS Tiller, read the Safety Rules & Warnings on pages 3-5.

IMPORTANT NOTE:Before starting yourHonda/Mantis Tiller, add thepremeasured (3.4 oz.) bottle ofHonda 4 -cycle engine oil. SeeHonda Engine Manual fordetails.

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IMPORTANT NOTE:Check the oil level in the engine before each use. Place the tiller on a level surface and rotate it forward until it rests onit’s gas tank. Remove the oil fill cap and make sure the oil is tothe top (about to overflow). If oil is low, top it off with 10W-30before using. See your Honda Engine Manual for details.

Never use starting fluids as they will cause permanent engine damage. Using them will void the warranty.Before you use the tiller, read the Safety & Warning rules on pages 3-6.

WARNINGAVOID ACCIDENTAL

BLADE ENGAGEMENT

DO NOT SQUEEZE THETHROTTLE TRIGGER

WHEN STARTING.

MAINTAIN PROPER IDLESPEED ADJUSTMENT

(2500-3100 RPM)

TO START YOURTILLER FOR THEFIRST TIME:First, fill the fuel tank with theproper amount of gasoline (Usebranded 89 octane (R+M+2)unleaded gasoline or gasohol—maximum 10% ethyl alcohol, or15% MTBE, no methyl alcohol.)

Mantis Tiller StartingInstructions (Honda 22ccengine)

Cold Engine3. Place the o/I switch into the I“start/on” position. (Picture 1)

2. Choke the engine (or closethe choke. Move choke to theforward position.) (Picture 2)

3. Push primer bulb 6 times.(Picture 3)

4. Pull grip slowly until you feelresistance then pull briskly.(Picture 4)

5. Once the engine is running,slowly push the choke leverback to the run position—theengine will continue to run.(Picture 5)

Warm Engine1. Push ignition switch to I“start/on” position.

2. Pull grip slowly until you feelresistance then pull briskly.Make sure the choke is in theopen, or run, position.NOTE: When the choke isclosed, never pull the cord morethan four or five times. Over-pulling may cause flooding.

Follow these steps wheneveryou are starting the engine“cold”, or when the engine hasrun dry and you have just addedfuel. Remember, always useshort, brisk pulls. Don’t give thecord a long, forceful yank. And,do not let the cord snap backinto the starter housing.

How to Stop theEngine

Simply push the o/I “stop/start” switch to “o” (Picture 6).

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Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6

Picture 1

Picture 2 Picture 3

Starting ! !

This will stop the engine instantly.If it should ever fail to do so, justpull out the choke button. Theengine will stop at once.

About the ChokeThe choke controls the amount of

air drawn into the engine. Your tillerwill run only if the choke is open.

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A Special Feature (withthe idle set properly andthe engine running)

Even when the engine isrunning, the tines won’t turnunless you press the throttle leveron the handlebars. And, whenyou release the throttle lever, thetines will stop.

WARNING • DANGERIF ENGINE DOES NOT STOP WHEN SWITCH IS PUT IN THE STOP POSITION, RELEASE THE

THROTTLE, ALLOW ENGINE TO IDLE. PUT THE TILLER DOWN, AND SLIDE THE CHOKE LEVERFORWARD TO THE COLD START (CLOSED) POSITION.

CHECK AND RETURN IGNITION SWITCH TO ON POSITION BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AGAIN.

Additional Information

Walk it.

Once your tiller is running,you can “walk” it to yourgarden. Just press the throttlelever gently and let the tiller“tip-toe” across your yard on itstines. It won’t hurt your lawn ordriveway. (Picture 1)

Carry It.

Make sure the engine is off.Then use one hand to grasp theconvenient carrying handle. Usethe other hand to hold thehandlebars. (Picture 2) Then liftyour tiller and carry it to yourgarden. Since it weighs only 21pounds, it won’t strain yourmuscles or tire you out!

Take It for a Ride.

You can easily transport yourMANTIS Tiller to a friend’s orrelative’s house. Just empty thefuel tank. (This is crucial.)Then stow your Tiller in thetrunk of your car or truck. It fitseasily. And you can put it inand take it our without strainingyour back.

How to get your tiller to your garden

A Tip for ExtendingYour Engine’s Life

After you start the engine, letyour tiller warm up for two to threeminutes before you use it. Then,before you put your tiller away, letit idle for a minute to give theengine a chance to cool down.

OperationWith engine running, and both

hands on the handles, press thethrottle lock out button (Picture 4),then squeeze the throttle triggergradually to increase the enginespeed and engage the tines.

NOTE: This step must berepeated each time your tillertrigger is released.

NOTE: Once the throttle triggeris squeezed, you can release thelockout button (Picture 5).

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

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Picture 4 Picture 5

Tilling/Cultivating

How about a family-size vegetable garden?

Nowadays many gardenersprefer small gardens —especially in the suburbs, wherespace is at a premium. But, ifyou’re fortunate enough to own alarge lot, you can create a biggergarden — a half acre or more.Here’s how:

1. First, hire someone with atractor or big tiller to breakground for you. This is a one-time-only investment that’s wellworth the small cost.

2. Then, use your Tiller tobreak up any remaining clumpsof soil or sod. Unlike a tractor orbig tiller, your MANTIS Tiller isa precision tool. It will pulverizeyour soil into a smooth seed bed.

Your MANTIS TillerMakes Weeding aPleasure!

As a tiller, your MANTISTiller works the soil down to 10”(25.4 cm) deep. But, as acultivator, it gently cultivates thesurface, only 2" to 3" (5.09 cm to7.62 cm) deep.

First, you must switch the tinesto the weeding position. Thistakes less than a minute.

Then, your MANTIS Tiller’ssharp “tine teeth” will slice upthose pesky weeds, burying themas you go along. And, since thetines in this position won’t digtoo deep, they won’t hurt yourplants’ precious root systems.

The result? Your Tiller willcut your weeding time in half,and turn a tiresome chore into apleasure.

How to Switch FromTilling to CultivatingPosition

1. Make sure your Tiller ofoff.

2. Remove the retaining pinsfrom the tines.

3. Remove the tines from theaxle.

4. Place the right-side tine ontothe left-side axle. Place the leftside tine onto the right-side axle.The “D” hole should be to theoutside.

5. Here is how to make sureyou’ve installed the tinesproperly. Stand behind the Tillerand hold your hand, palm up,next to the tines. Do the tinepoints curl up, as your fingersdo? If so, they are in the correctcultivating position. (See photoson Page 13)

6. Reinsert the pins.

WARNING • DANGERIF YOUR TINES GET JAMMED OR ENTANGLED, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AT ONCE.

REMOVE THE OBSTRUCTION WHILE THE ENGINE IS OFF. NEVER TRY TO REMOVE AN OBSTRUCTION WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.

SERIOUS INJURY CAN RESULT.

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Picture 1 Picture 2

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Now You’re Ready toCultivate or Weed.

Guide your Tiller where youwant to weed and start it up. Pullyour Tiller backward slowly, thenlet it move forward a bit, in agentle rocking motion. Watch itslice, shred, and bury thoseweeds!

Got tough weeds? Lighten yourpressure on the throttle to slowyour Tiller down. Then work backand forth until your Tiller chopsup the weeds. It’s easy andeffective!

Remember, any tiller willtangle in tall grass, stringy vines,or super-big weeds. So, if youhave a “backyard jungle,” first usea knife, pruner, or brush cutter tochop up the overgrowth. If thetines become tangled anyway,turn the engine off completelybefore trying to clear them.

The optional tine Detangler(Item #1322) will clear tines in ajiffy. Contact your localauthorized Mantis dealer.

Your Mantis Tiller WillWeed Between NarrowRows!

Your Mantis Tiller is aprecision weeder that easily fits intight places. So don’t be afraid toweed anywhere: between plantsand shrubs; in corners; againstfences; on raised beds; in widerows; even in very narrow rows.Your Mantis Tiller weeds six* tonine inches wide. So you can runit in a tightly planted gardenwithout damaging your delicate

Cultivating

Tilling PositionTine teeth point in the same

direction as the rotation of thetine; or toward the front of theTiller, away from the operator.

Cultivating PositionTine teeth point in the

opposite direction as the rotationof the tine. Tines point towardthe back of the tiller, or towardthe operator.

plants. That’s good news forsuburban gardeners, who oftenhave to plant rows close together!

*With optional Planter Furrower attachment (Item #62222.)

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Maintenance

How to Check the Grease Level Inside theWorm Gear Housing

When we built your MANTIS Tiller, we lubricated theworm 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 almostto 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 wormgear housing. (Picture 1) To purchase Mantis grease, contactyour local authorized Mantis dealer.

Please do not overfill. Too much grease can create pressure,which could cause seals to fail or the clutch to slip.

Picture 1

How to Reseat theFlange

At some point, you may findthat the tines won’t turn whenyou press the throttle. This maymean the engine isn’t sitting allthe way down on the worm gearhousing.

Perhaps you’ve been usingyour Tiller for several years.The flange bolt (Key #12, page18) may have come loose andlifted the engine up.

If this happened you’ll noticea gap between the bottom of theengine flange (Key #43, page18) and the top of the worm gearhousing. (Picture 2)

To fix this, loosen the flangebolt. Take the engine off theworm gear housing. Notice thehex head on top of the driveshaft (Key #22, Page 18). Insidethe flange housing, you’ll findthe clutch drum (Key #57, Page18). Make sure the hex head

lines up with the clutch druminside the flange housing.

Then put the engine back on theworm gear housing. Make surethe plastic carrying handle is notunder the engine.

If you’ve followed these stepsproperly, there will be no gapbetween the engine flange and theworm gear housing. (Picture 3)Make sure you tighten the flangebolt! Picture 2 … Note how the engine

doesn’t sit all the way down on thetransmission.

Picture 3… Note how theengine sits all the way down onthe transmission.

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Storage

WARNING • DANGERDO NOT STORE IN AN AREA

WHERE FUEL FUMES MAY ACCUMULATEAND REACH A FLAME OR SPARK.

Each fall, or before you store your Mantis Tillerfor 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 containingethanol or MTBE can start to go stale in 30 days.And, since stale fuel has a high gum content, it canclog the carburetor, this, in turn, will restrict fuelflow. Therefore, when you’re ready to store yourTiller, or will not be using it for more than 2weeks, drain the fuel tank completely.2. Next, restart the engine to make sure no fuel isleft in the carburetor. Then, run the engine until itstops. This will prevent gum deposits, forminginside of the carburetor and possible enginedamage.3. Disconnect spark plug wire and remove thespark plug. Slowly pull the starter cord once.4. Inspect the spark plug, and if necessary, clean it.It your need to replace it, buy a NGK-CR5H5B. 5 Install the spark-plug, but leave the spark-plugwire disconnected. 6. Clean the air filter.7. Clean dirt, grass and other materials from theentire machine.8. Wipe the tines with oil or spray them with WD-40, to prevent rusting.9. Oil the throttle cable and all visible movingpart. (Don not remove the engine cover.)

You may store your Mantis Tiller with the handlesupright as in Picture 1 or with the handles foldeddown, as in Picture 2.

Picture 1

Picture 2

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Your MANTIS Tiller has beendesigned and built to accept awide range of MANTIS TillerAttachments to increase itsusefulness in your lawn andgarden. And, all MANTIS TillerAttachments have been designedfor quick and easy attachment tothe Tiller or Engine.

The Border Edger (Item #3222)

The most popular attachment,the Border Edger can be used tocut clean, neat edges alongwalkways, or around trees, shrubs,and garden beds.

The Border Edger has twoparts: a wheel and a hardenedsteel blade, with pointed tines.

How to Install theBorder Edger

The following instructions referto “right” and “left” axles.Assume that you’re standingbehind your Tiller, as you wouldfor tilling and cultivating.

Some areas of your yard mayharbor roots and otherunderground obstructions. Inplaces like this you’ll want toedge your borders shallowly (1”to 2” deep). Here’s how to installthe Border Edger for shallowedging:

1. First remove yourtilling/cultivating tines.

2. Then slide the edger’s wheelonto the right axle.

3. Now slide the Edger bladeonto the left axle. The blade’sangled face should hit the groundwhen you spin the blade forward.

4. Insert retaining pins on both

left and right axles.

Around walkways and gardenbeds, you’ll want to edge moredeeply (3” to 4” deep). Here’show to install the Border Edgerfor that purpose:

1. Remove thetilling/cultivating tines.

2. Slide the Edger’s blade ontothe right axle. The blade’s pointedface should hit the ground whenyou spin the blade forward.

3. Slide the wheel onto the leftaxle.

4. Insert retaining pins on bothsides.

How to Use theBorder Edger

1. Position your MANTIS Tillerso that the Edger blade is rightalong the garden edge and thewheel is outside (on the lawn, onthe sidewalk, wherever). (Picture1)

2. Start your Tiller and pullyour MANTIS backward alongthe garden edge. (Picture 2)

The Border Edger CanHandle SpecialProjects!

1. Install the Edger for deepedging, as directed above. Thenuse it to cut sod strips.

2. Edge and weed at the sametime! Just attach the Edger bladeon one axle and a Tiller tine onthe other axle, “Mix and match”blades; don’t be afraid to experiment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:If you do a lot of edging, you’llappreciate the MANTIS WheelSet (Item#9222.) It gives youadded stability, for even easierhandling.

To order the Wheel Set, or any Mantis Attachment, contactyour local authorized Mantisdealer.

Using the Border Edger Attachment

Picture 1

Mantis Tiller Assembly

17

18

Mantis Tiller AssemblyKEY # QTY MATERIAL

34 1 431 TINE SHAFT35 2 430 WORM GEAR THRUST

WASHER36 2 432 WORM GEAR BEARING37 2 434 BEARING38 2 435 BEARING SEAL RETAINER39 1 438RA TINE ASSY - RT40 1 438LA TINE ASSY - LT41 2 418-1 TINE RETAINING HAIR PIN42 1 400133 CARRYING HANDLE43 1 400139 ENGINE FLANGE44 1 400609 TINE LABEL45 1 458 ROLLER BEARING46 1 4058 MANTIS LABEL47 2 410 CAP SCREW 1/4-20 X 1" LG.48 4 972 LOCK NUT 1/4 - 2049 2 470 1/4-20 X 3.25 BOLT50 2 140 BOLT 1/4 - 20 X 3/8" LG.51 2 377 HANDLE CLAMP52 2 400509 BOLT53 2 400510 KNOB54 2 400230 PLUG55 1 400010 TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY56 1 400132 BEARING57 1 400138 CLUTCH DRUM58 1 400134 GAS TANK GUARD59 2 400512 M5 X 13 - SELF TAPPING BOLT60 4 400511 M6 X 12 - FLANGED BOLT

* Also in Key #55

KEY # QTY MATERIAL

1 1 400256 TRIGGER HANDLEASSM. RH

2 1 400255 HANDLE ASSM. LH6 2 400224 LOWER HANDLE -

FOLD DOWN7 1 400620 LABEL8 1 148 HANDLE BRACE12 1 910502 10-32 X 3/4 -

FLANGED BOLT13 2 478 THROTTLE CLIP20 1 465 FENDER GUARD21 1 400905 ENGINE ASSY - 31CC

HONDA22* 1 468 DRIVE SHAFT23 1 466 WORM GEAR

HOUSING24 1 436 GASKET25 1 437A HOUSING COVER26 4 651 RD. HD. SELF

TAPPING SCREW27 1 423 ROLLER BEARING28 2 425 WORM BEARING RACE29 1 424 WORM THRUST

BEARING30 1 422 WORM SHAFT31 1 426 WORM DISK32 1 428 RETAINING RING33 1 429 WORM GEAR

19

Notes

Limited Warranty Information for Mantis Tiller

MANTIS extends only to the originalconsumer purchaser a limited warranty againstdefects in material and workmanship for aperiod of two years from date of purchase.This warranty covers all portions of theMANTIS Tiller.

MANTIS will repair or, at its option, replaceany defective part or parts of the product freeof charge. In the event of a defect ormalfunction, the purchaser must return theproduct to an authorized MANTIS dealer.

MANTIS assumes no responsibility in theevent that the product was assembled or used incontravention of any assembly, care, safety, oroperating instructions contained in the Owner’sManual; was not used with reasonable care; orwas used for other than normal and intendedpurposes.

MANTIS MAKES NO EXPRESSWARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONEXCEPT THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN. THEDURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY,INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY ANDFITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ISLIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THEEXPRESS WARRANTY. MANTISDISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR INDIRECTAND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOWLIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIEDWARRANTY LASTS AND/OR DO NOTALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONOF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES, SO THAT ABOVE LIMITATIONSAND EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TOYOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOUSPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAYALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARYFROM STATE TO STATE.MANTIS1028 Street RoadSouthampton , PA 18966(215) 355-9700

Specifications, descriptions, and illustrative material in this literature are as accurate as known at the time of publication, but are subject to change without notice.

©2005 Mantis, Div. of Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc. P/N 401726 08/05