Little Wonder Tiller-Cultivator User Manual

Tiller/Cultivator

OWNER’S MANUAL

Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that “Makes Gardening Easier.”

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. So first, please read this manual. It shows, step by step, how to use your tiller safely. Plus, it shows how the MANTIS Border Edger can make light work of your edging needs.

If you have questions about any topic in this Manual, or if you wish to order MANTIS Attachments, contact your local authorized Mantis dealer.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Rules & Warnings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3-5

Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Engine & Fuel Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Assembly and Mixing Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9

Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

What to Do Just in Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

Getting to Your Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Tilling & Cultivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-16

Tine Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

Cultivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-20

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21-22

Trouble Shooting & Specifications . . . . . . .23-24

Service Maintenance Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Using The Border/Edger Attachment . . . . . . . .26

MANTIS Tiller Assembly Layout . . . . . . . . . . .27

Engine Parts Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Limited Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . .32

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MANTIS GARDENING!

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.

FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL

INJURY, AND/OR EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

WARNING • DANGER

IMPROPER USE OR CARE OF THIS TILLER

OR FAILURE TO WEAR PROPER PROTECTION

CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION

AND ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.

II. Safety & Warnings

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

! !

PRODUCT EMISSION DURABILITY

The 300 hour emission durability compliance period is the time span selected by the manufacturer certifying the engine emissions output meets applicable emissions regulations, provided that approved maintenance procedures are followed as listed in the Maintenance Section of this manual

P/N 400620

P/N 4043

DON’T FUEL, REFUEL, OR CHECK FUEL WHILE SMOKING, OR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME OR OTHER IGNITION SOURCE.

MIX UNLEADED GAS WITH 2 CYCLE 50:1 OIL.

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY.CAUTION: WHEN ASSEMBLING THE HANDLES, MAKE SURE FUEL TANK FACES OPERATOR. THIS IS THE REAR OF THE TILLER, REFER TO ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION ON PAGE 7.

CUTTING HAZARD; KEEP FEET AND HANDS AWAY FROM ROTATING TINES.

WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION.

READ OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE USING TILLER, OR PERFORMING ANY REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE. KEEP OWNERS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE.

DO NOT CARRY THE TILLER IN THIS POSITION.

IV. Warnings - Do’s

Read and understand the owner’s manual. Pay particular attention to all sections regarding safety.

1. Always keep a firm grip on

both handles while the tines are moving and/or the engine is running. BE AWARE!! The tines may coast after throttle trigger is released. Make sure tines have come to a complete stop and engine is off before letting go of the tiller.

2. Always maintain a firm footing and good balance. Do not overreach while operating the tiller. Before you start to use the tiller check the work area for obstacles that might cause you to lose your footing, balance or control of the machine.

3. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to be used and remove all objects, which can be thrown by the machine.

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

5. Always stay alert. Watch what you are doing and use common

sense. Do not operate unit when fatigued.

6. Always dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, they might get caught in moving parts. Use sturdy gloves. Gloves reduce the transmission of vibration to your hands. Prolonged exposure to vibration can cause numbness and other ailments.

7. While working, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

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

9. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, and petrol/gas storage area free of vegetative material and excessive grease.

10. Start the engine carefully, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with feet well away from tool(s).

11. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

12. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you.

13. Work only in daylight or good artificial light.

14. Always be sure of your footing on slopes.

15. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

16. Always keep a safe distance between two or more people when working together.

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

18. Always maintain and examine your Tiller with care. Follow maintenance instructions given in manual.

19. Always store tiller in a sheltered area (a dry place), not accessible to children. The tiller as well as fuel should not be stored in a house.

WARNING • DANGER

IF 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.

! !

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.

III. Safety Decal Information

EMISSION CONTROL --

The emission control system for this engine is EM (Engine Modification).

Emission Control Label located on Engine.

EXAMPLE ONLY, information on label varies by FAMILY).

IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION ENGINE FAMILY EMISSION COMPLIANCE PERIOD: 300 HOURS

THIS ENGINE MEETS U.S. EPA PH2 AND 2005 -

2006 CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS

FOR SOREs. REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANCE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS.

: 4EHXS.0214KI DISPLACEMENT :

21.2cc

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.

Don’t allow children or incapable people to operate this tiller.

Don’t operate while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Don’t attempt to repair this tiller. Have repairs made by a qualified dealer or repairman. See that only original Mantis parts are used.

WARNING • DANGER

HANDLE 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.

! !

Always use fresh gasoline in the

fuel mixture. Stale gasoline can cause damage.

Always store fuel in containers specifically designed for this purpose.

Always pull starter cord slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull cord rapidly to avoid kickback and

prevent arm or hand injury.

Always operate engine with spark arrestor installed and operating properly. The use of spark arrestor mufflers is required by law in the state of California (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code), as well as in other states or municipalities. Federal

laws apply on federal lands.

Stop the engine whenever you

leave the machine.

Allow the engine to cool before

storing in any enclosure.

If the fuel tank needs to be drained, this should be done outdoors.

Don’t

fuel, refuel or check fuel while smoking, or near an open flame or other ignition source. Stop engine and be sure it is cool before refueling.

Don’t

leave the engine running while the tiller is unattended. Stop engine before putting the tiller down or while transporting from one place to another.

Don’t

refuel, start or run this tiller indoors or in an improperly ventilated area.

Don’t

run engine when electrical system causes spark

outside the cylinder. During periodical checks of the spark plug, keep plug a safe distance from cylinder to avoid burning of evaporated fuel from cylinder.

Don’t

check for spark with spark plug or plug wire removed. Use an approved tester.

Don’t

crank engine with spark plug removed unless spark plug wire is disconnected. Sparks can ignite fumes.

Don’t

run engine when the odor of gasoline is present or other explosive conditions exist.

Don’t

operate the unit if gasoline is spilled. Clean up spill completely before starting engine.

Don’t

operate your tiller if there is an accumulation of debris around the muffler, and cooling fins.

Don’t

touch hot mufflers, cylinders or cooling fins as contact may cause serious burns.

Don’t change the engine governor setting or over speed the engine.

VI. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Do’s

VII. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Don’ts

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. But do not remove the cardboard from around the Tiller’s base.

The list at the right, shows the parts that come with your tiller. Check to make sure you have them.

The bag of hardware is in the plastic bag containing the Owner’s Manual.

To assemble your MANTIS Tiller, you’ll need two 7/16” wrenches or two adjustable wrenches. We suggest that you install all nuts and bolts only “finger tight”

— that is, one-half to one full turn — until you’ve completed assembly. The nuts are self locking,

but you must use a wrench to tighten them 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

! !

Quantity Description *Key #

1 Upper Handle Assembly 2 1 Upper Handle Throttle Side Assembly 1 2 Lower Handles 3 1 Pair Tiller/Cultivator Tines 26/27 1 Engine Assembly (includes Fender

Guard & Worm Gear Transmission) 8, 7, 42 1 Handle Brace 5 1 Plastic Carrying Handle 29 1 Bag of Hardware Containing: 2 Cap Screws 34* 4 Lock Nuts 35 2 Bolts (3” long) 36 2 Tine Retaining Pins 28 2 Handle Clamps 38 1 Throttle Clips 6 2 Bolts 39 2 Knobs 40

*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the Parts Layout on page 27.

8,7,42

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 (#8) up.

2. Lay the handle parts within easy reach. You’ll need one of the handle clamps (#38) and one of the lower handles (#3). 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. Choose one of the two 3-inch bolts (#36). Slide it through the first set of holes — near the elbow where the lower handle curves. (Picture 2)

5. Now slide the other lower

handle onto the 3-inch bolt. (Picture 3.) Fit the other clamp onto this other handle’s short leg. Add a nut and tighten finger tight.

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

7. Take the lower handles that you’ve just put together. Slide them into the two recessed channels.

Make sure you insert them from the rear of the tiller (gasoline tank faces the operator) . . . so that the bolt fits along the back of the housing. (Picture 5)

8. Slide the second 3-inch bolt through the second set of holes in the short legs. Add a nut and tighten finger tight.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4 Picture 5

NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT IS

APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1-1/2 TURNS.

ASSEMBLY (continued)

WARNING • DANGER

REMOVE TINES BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE UPPER HANDLES & PLASTIC CARRYING HANDLE.

1. Lightly squeeze the lower handles (#3) toward one another so that they line up with the two smaller holes on the carrying handle (#29). 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. Attach the upper handle assembly (#1) – the handle with the throttle cable and ground wire – with the handle knob (#40) and 1 round head bolt

(#39)

(Picture #2).

Be sure you have proper throttle movements and that the throttle cable is not wrapped or twisted around the handle bar. Squeeze trigger and let go.

The triangle must click in both directions. If there is any doubt, remove air filter and visually check that the throttle triangle hits both the idle screw and the full open stop. THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.

4. Follow the same steps to install the other upper handle onto the other lower handle. (Picture 3)

5. Use the clip (#6) to secure the throttle cable and wire in place on the lower handle. (Picture 4)

6. Now install the Handle Brace. Line it up with the holes on the upper handles. Then insert a Cap Screw (#34) and a Lock Nut (#35) on either side (Picture 5)

7. Use a wrench to tighten Cap Screws and Lock Nuts.

8. Now use wrench to tighten all nuts and bolts firmly and securely.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Make sure you have installed the handles properly. When you stand behind your tiller, holding the handles, you should face the gasoline tank.

Picture 3Picture 2

Picture 1

Picture 4 Picture 5

WARNING: Improper throttle installation can cause

tines to rotate unexpectedly .

ASSEMBLY (continued)

WARNING • DANGER

FUEL IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HANDLE IT WITH

CARE. KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES. DO NOT

SMOKE WHILE FUELING YOUR EQUIPMENT.

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. (To switch to the cultivating position, see page 15.)

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

IMPORTANT NOTE:

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

Here’s how to mix one gallon of fuel:

1. Pour 1/2 gal. of the gasoline into a safe container. Do not mix the fuel and oil in the engine fuel tank.

2. Add 2.6 ounces of twocycle engine oil to the gasoline and mix. Then add the rest of the gasoline.(1/2 gal.)

3. Screw the cap onto the gasoline can. Then swirl the can to blend the oil and gas.

4. Carefully pour the fuel mix into the tiller’s fuel tank. After putting the fuel tank’s cap back on, wipe up any spilled fuel from tank and gasoline can.

IMPORTANT:

Two stroke fuel separates and ages. Do not mix more than you will use in a month. Using old

fuel can cause difficult starting or engine damage. Shake fuel

container to thoroughly mix fuel before each use. Do not attempt to run your engine on gasoline only, use proper fuel mixture.

Need more pre-measured engine oil? Contact your local authorized Mantis Dealer.

Remember …

•Always mix two-cycle oil with

gasoline before fueling your tiller. Never, ever run your tiller on gasoline alone. This will ruin your engine and void all warranties.

•Always use a clean gas can and

always use unleaded gas.

•Never try to mix the oil and

gasoline in the engine fuel tank.

•Always mix oil and gas in the

proper proportions: 2.6 ounces of two-cycle engine oil to one gallon of unleaded gasoline.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do Not use old or stale

oil/gasoline mixture. Always use the proper oil/gasoline mixture. If you do not, your engine will suffer rapid, permanent damage. And you will void the engine warranty.

Mixing Fuel

Your MANTIS Tiller is powered by a commercial two stroke, air cooled engine which requires a fuel mixture of gasoline and lubricating oil.

Use a mixture of 50 parts unleaded regular gasoline and 1 part two-stroke MANTIS oil (50:1.) Use branded 89 octane (R+M+2) unleaded gasoline or gasohol (maximum 10% ethyl alcohol, or 15% MTBE, no methyl alcohol.)

1 gallon

2.6 oz. bottle of Mantis 50:1 2-cycle engine oil

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 3-5.

WARNING

AVOID ACCIDENTAL

BLADE ENGAGEMENT

DO NOT SQUEEZE THE

THROTTLE TRIGGER

WHEN STARTING.

MAINTAIN PROPER IDLE

SPEED ADJUSTMENT

(2500-3100 RPM)

! !

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

STARTING

To Start Your Tiller for the First Time:

1. Fill the fuel tank with the proper oil/gasoline mixture. (See previous section.)

2. Hand tighten the gasoline cap just until it’s snug.

3. Place the o/

I switch into

the

I “start” position. (Picture 1)

4. Pull the choke button all the way out, to completely close the choke. (Picture 2)

5. Locate the purge bulb on the upper right of the engine, in front of the fuel tank. (See Picture 3) It sends fuel into the carburetor, for easy starting. Press the purge bulb until you see fuel flow through the clear fuel return line. Since you’re starting “cold,” you may need to press six to eight times. As soon as fuel starts flowing through the clear fuel line, stop pressing! (Picture 3)

6. Don’t press the throttle trigger during the starting of the engine.

7. Pull the starter cord (Picture 4) until resistance is felt. Then give the recoil starter cord a few

brisk pulls until the engine fires. Note: Pull the starter cord about 12" to 18". During cold starting, you may

need to pull at least three or four times before the engine

fires.

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.

8. Push the choke button in, all the way, to open the choke. (Picture 5)

9. Then pull the starter cord again. The engine should start and run. Let the engine warm up two to three minutes before using.

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.

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