Mantis 7222E Owner’s Manual

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

OF L4NTIS GARDENTNGr.

Here's your new Mantis Titler/Cuhivator . 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, fills and

weeds precisely. And, unlike other

small tillers, it features serpentine tines that chum soil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft, smooth seed bed, even in problem soil.

Once you know how to use your tiller correctl}; 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 ManOs 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 InformaOon ................. 11

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

Getting to Your Garden ................. 1.3

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

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

CulOvating ........................... 16

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

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

Trouble Shooting & Specifications ...... 23_24

Service Maintenance Guide ............ 2 ;25

Using The Border/Edger Attachment . . 26

Mantis Tiller Assembly Layout ...... : , ;_27

Engine Parts Assemblies .............. 28_29 4

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

The Mantis Promise ................... 31

Limited _Varranty Information . .......... 32

SAFE_ RULES & WARNINGS

ou will notice throughout this Owners Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes, Make sure you

derstand and obey these warnings for your own protection.

I. Special Safety Information

II. Safety & Warnings

& WARNING: TheEogineExhaust from this product contains chemicals known

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

Decal Information An important part of _:hesafety system incorporated in this

IMPORTANT ENGINE INFORMATION:

ENGINE FAMILY: SEHO24UB24RD

DISPLACEMENT: 21,2cc THIS ENGINE MEETS U,S,EPA PHi AND 1995-

1998 CALIFORNIA EMISSION REGULATIONS

FOR ULGE ENGINE& REFER TO OWNER'S MANUAL FOR MAINTENANOE SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS,

KJORllTZ CORP. A98

tiller are the warning and information decals found on various

parr of the tiller. These decals must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is your responsibility to replace these decals d

when they become hard to read. The location and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated on Page 27.

P/N 488M

CUTJtNGHAZARD; DO NOTCARRYTHE READOWNER'SMANUAl. DON'TFUEL REFUEL, KEEPFEETAND TILLERIN THiS BEFOREUSINGTILLER,OR ORCHECKFNEt HANDSAWAYFROM POSITION PERFORMINGANYREPAIR WNILESMOKING,OR ROTATINGTINES. DR MAINTENANCEKEEP NEARANOPENFLAME

ENIgGIONCONTROL-_ Theemission control

sys_emfor this engineis EM

(Engine Modification).

Io_ateg on E_gine, MAKESUREFUEL L_,NK EXAMPLEONLY, FACESOPERATOR.[HIS iS

information on label THEREAROFTHETILLER, variesby FAMILY) REFERTO ASSEMBLY

CAUTION: WHEN ASSEMBLINGTHEHANDLES,

INSTRUCTIONONPAGE7.

OWNER'SMANUAL tN A OR OTHERiGNiTiON SAFEPLACE. SOURCE.

INCORRECTASSEMBLY• WEAR EARAND EYE

PROTECTION,

50:t

MIX UNLEADEDGAS WITH 2 CYCLE50:1

OIL,

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 ancgior 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 _Br

obstacles that might cause you to lose your footing, balance or

control of the machine.

3. Always keep area clear of

children, pets, and bystanders

4. Always stay alert. Watch

what you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate unit when fatigued.

5o Always dress properly. Do

not wear loose clothing or

jewelry, they roight 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. Wear non-skid foot

wear to ensure secure and proper footing.

6. Always wear ear and eye

protection. Eye protection must meet ANSI Z 87A. To avoid

hearing damage, we recommend

hearing protection be worn whenever using the equipment.

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

8_Always inspect your unit

before each use and ensure that

all handles, guards and fasteners are secure, operating, and in place.

9° Always maintain and

examine your Tiller with care. Follow maintenance instructions

given in manual.

10. Always store titler in a sheltered area (a dry place), not

accessible tofhildren. The tilter d as well as Nel should not he

stored in a house.

_,_W_rnings ° Don*ts

Don't use tiller with one hand

eep both hands on handles with

_'ingers and tlmmbs encircling the handles, while tines are

moving, and engine is running.

Don't overreach. Keep a good

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 Ones 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.

Engine/Fuel Warnings

Always use flesh gasoline in

the fuel mixture. Stale gasoline

Dan Cause damage.

Always pull starter cord

slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull cord rapidly to avoid kickback and prevent arm or

- Do's

Always operate engine with spark arrestor installed and operating properl> The use of

spark arrestor muftters is required by law in the state of

California (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources

Code), as wei1 as in other states

_Io Engine/Fuel Warnings - Don'ts

Don't flue!, retiael or check fuel

while smoking, or near an open flame or other ignition source.

Stop engine and be sure it is cool

Don't leave the engine running

while the tiller is unattende& Stop

engine before putting the tiller

down or while transporting f?om

one place to another.

_ Don't refuel, start or run this

ller indoors or in an improperly

ventilated area

Don't run engine when

electrical system causes spark

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

Don't check for spark with

spark ping 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.

or municipalities. Federal taws

apply on federal lands.

Don't run engine when the

odor of gasoline is present or other explosive conditions exisL

Don't operate the uni_ if

gasoline is spilled. Clean up spill completely before starting engine.

Don't _pera_e your tiller if

there is an accumulation of debris

around the muffler_ and cooling

flus.

Don't touch hot mufflers.

cylinders or cooling [_ns as comact may cause sermns burns.

ASSEMBLY

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 tbltow 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 and Video.

To assemble your Mantis "Filler, you'll

need two 7116" wrenches or two adjustable wrenches. We suggest that you

install all nuts and bolts only "finger fight" -- that is, one-half to one full

turn- until you've completed assembly. The nuts are self locking, but yon must use a wrench to tighten

them completely.

Quantity

1 1

2 1

*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the Parts

Layout on page 27.

Description *Key # Upper Handle Without Throttle 5

Upper Handle With Throttle 4 Lower HanOes 6

Pair Tiller!Cuhivator Tines 46/47 Engine Assembly (includes Fender

Guard & Vv_rm Gear Transmission) 7 Handle Brace 8

Plastic Carrying Handle 49

Bag of Hardware Containing:

4 Cap Screws t 1 6 Lock Nuts 12

2 Bolts (3" tong) 23 2 Tine Retaining Pins 48 2 Handle Clamps 22

1 Throttle Clip i5

ASSEMBLY (continued)

_OW TO ASSEMBLE

LOWER HANDLES

I_9 idemify part numbers, see.

pages 6 and 27.

1. Use the protective

cardboard sleeve to stabilize

your tiller. Stand the engine

assembly (#7) up,

2. Lay the handle parts within easy reach. You'll need one of the hanNe clamps (#22) 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 ctamp 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 (#23), Slide it through the

rstl se t of holes -- near the elbow

here 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 handteg 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 1 and 2, Page 8)

8. Slide the second 3-inch bolt

through the second set of holes in the short legs. Add a nut and

_ighten finger tight.

Picture 1

NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT IS

APPROXIMKFELY 112 TO 1-t/2 TURNS.

Picture 4 Picture 5

Picture 2

ASSEMBLY ¢continue )

HOW TO ASSEMBLE

UPPER HANDLES &

P_STIC CARR_IN G 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 (#49) Then

slide the carrying handle over and down the lower handles. It

will rest about _mr to six inches above the engine. (Picture 1)

2. Gently pull the lower handles out to their original

position.

3. Slide the upper handle (#5)

the one with tile throtde

cable and wire _ into either

lower handle. (Choose the lower handle you prefer, depending on

which hand, right or left, you'd rather use to press the throttle.) Use a Cap Screw (#11) and a

Lock Nut (#12) to secure the upper handle in place.

(Picture 2). Be sure you have

proper throttle movements

and _hat, the throtde 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 aW doubt, remove air filter and visually check that the throttle triangle

hits both the idle screw and the gull open stop. THIS MUST BE

DONE BEFORE STAR-HNG THE ENGtNE.

4. Follow the same steps to

install the other upper handle

onto the other lower handle. (Picture 3)

5. Use the clip (#15) 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 and a Lock

Nut on either side (Picture 5)

7. Use a wrench to 0ghten

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, hMding the handles, you should face the gasoline tank.

WANNING: Improper throttle irlstaHation carl cause

tines to rotate unexpectedly °

Picture 1

Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5

ASSEMBLY €continued)

_ssembling the Tines

for Tilling

1. Remove the _:ardboard trom around your Tiller_ base.

2. Slide the tines omo the axle shafts. The "D" hole goes

on the outside.

3. Make sure you've installed the tines properly [br tilling.

When your palm laces the ground, your fingers curt down.

Stand behind the Tiller and hold your hand next to the

tines_ Do the fine blades cuff

down. as your fingers do? If so, they are in ihe ti_ling position.

(To switch to the cultivating

poNtion, see page 15. )

4. "Ib secure each tine to the

xle, insert atine retaining pin.

iMPORTANT NOTE:

Mantis Tiller, read the

Mixing Fuel

Your Mantis Tiller is powered by a

commercial two stroke, air cooled engine which requires a [:uel mixture of gasoline and lubricating oil.

Use a mixm_v 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.)

Here's how to mix the oil

with the gas:

l. Pour 1/2 of the gasoline

into a safe container_ Do not mix the fuel and oil in the engine

[uel tank.

2. Add 2.6 ounces of two-

cycle engine oil to the gasoline and mix Then add the rest of

the gasoline_

Need pre-measured engine oil?

Contact your local authorized Mantis dealer.

Remember ,.,

*Always mix lwo-cycle oil with

gasoline before fueling your tiller. Never. ever run your Tiller ot] gasoline alone. This

will rum your engine and void all warranties.

on pages 3-5.

3 Screw the cap onto the

gasoline can. Then swirl the can to blend the oil and gas.

4. Carefully pour the [iael mix

into the _iller's tuel tank After putting the fuel tank's cap back

on. wipe up any spilled fuel

from tank and gasoline can.

*Always use a clean gas can and

always use unleaded gas.

*Never try 1o mix the oil and

gasoline m 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 _.mleaded gasoline.

iMPORTANT:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Two stroke fuel separates and ages. Do not mix more than you

wilt use in a month. Using old

fuel can cause difficult starting or engine damage. Shake fuel oil/gasoline mixture. I[ yon

container to thoroughly mix fuel do not, your engine will before each use. Do not attempl snffer rapid, permanent to run your engine on gasoline damage. And you wilt vni d

only, use proper fuel nnxtnie. [he engine warranty.

Do Not use old or stale oi]igasnline mixture°

Always use the proper

STARTING

To Start Tiller for

the First Time:

.1. Fill the fuel tank with the

proper oiUgasoline mixture.

(See preVious section.)

2. Hand tighten the gasoline

cap just until it's snug.

3. Place the start/stop switch

into the "start" position.

(Picture 1)

4. Pull out the choke button on choke.

to close the engine Choke. 7. Push in the Choke button (Picture 2) to open the Choke (Picture 5)

5. Locate the purge bulb on 8. Then pu!! the starter cord

the upper right of the engine, in again. The engine should start

front of (he fuel tank. (See .....

Picture 3) It sends fnel into the

carburetor, for easy starting. Press the purge bulb until you see fuel flow through the Ctear

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 _hel line, stop pressing! (Picture 3)

6. Pull the starter cord

(Picture 4) slowly until resistance is felt. Then give the

recoil starter cord a tew short,

brisk pulls until the engine fires.

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 tbur or five dines. Overpulling :may cause flooding.

Also, bear in mind that, when the engine fires, it only coughs

or sputters, and wi!l not run

and run. Let the engine warm up two to three minutes betore using.

Follow these steps whenever

you are starting the engine "cold",

or when the engine has run dry and you have just added Jh& Remember; alwqs use short, brisk

pulls. Don't give the cord a tong,

jbrceJh! yank. And, & not _et the

cord snap bach inw the starter housing.

Picture 4

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.

Picture 5

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

+ 22 hidden pages