Tiller/Cultivator
Motobêche-bineuse
Operator’s Manual and Safety Instructions for
MAN 430091
Rev . A 1-09-15
MODEL 7990
MODÈLE 7990
Tiller/Cultivator
Manuel de l'utilisateur et consignes de
sécurité pour la motobêche-bineuse
OPERATOR’S/PARTS MANUAL
MANUEL DE L'UTILISATEUR / PIÈCES DÉTACHÉES
Welcome to the World of Mantis Gardening
Here’s your new MANTIS® XP Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s Changing
the Way Americans Garden.
Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS XP Tiller weighs only 35 lbs. (Model 7990). 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
®
ATTENTION MANTIS PRODUCT OWNERS!
Get maintenance tips for your Mantis
product on our web site
at www.mantis.com
soft, smooth seed bed, even in problem soil.
It’s bigger than a mini tiller and better than a bigger tiller!
Once you know how to use your tiller correctly, we guarantee you’ll love it. So rst, please read this manual. It shows, step by
step, how to use your tiller safely.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Thank you for purchasing this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product. You have purchased a world class product, one of the best designed and built anywhere.
This machine comes with Operation and Safety instructions, Parts and Service instructions and Engine instructions. The useful life and good service you receive
from this machine depends to a large extent on how well you read and understand these manuals. Treat your machine properly , lubricate and adjust it as instructed,
and it will give you many years of reliable service.
Your safe use of this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product is one of our prime design objectives. Many safety features are built in, but we also rely on your good
sense and care to achieve accident-free operation. For best protection, study the manuals thoroughly. Learn the proper operation of all controls. Observe all
safety precautions. Follow all instructions and warnings completely. Do not remove or defeat any safety features. Make sure those who operate this machine
are as well informed and careful in its use as you are.
See a Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. dealer for any service or parts needed. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. service ensures that you continue to receive the best
results possible from Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. products. You can trust Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. replacement parts because they are manufactured with
the same high precision and quality as the original parts.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. designs and builds its equipment to serve many years in a safe and productive manner. For longest life, use this machine only as
directed in the manuals, keep it in good repair and follow safety warnings and instructions. You’ll always be glad you did.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
1028 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966-4217
PHONE (800) 366-6268 • FAX (215) 956-3855
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES & WARNINGS
Special Safety Information .................................................3
Safety & Warnings .............................................................3
Safety Decal Information ...................................................3
Warning Dos ......................................................................4
Warning Don’ts ..................................................................5
Engine/Fuel Warning Dos ..................................................5
Engine/Fuel Warning Don’ts ..............................................5
ASSEMBLY ............................................................................6
Lower Handle ....................................................................7
Kickstand ...........................................................................8
Upper Handle Assembly ....................................................9
This Operator’s / Parts Manual is part of the machine. Suppliers of both new and
second-hand machines must make sure that this manual is provided with the machine.
FUELING & STARTING
4-Cycle Fueling & Oil Only ..............................................10
4-Cycle Starting Only .......................................................10
4-Cycle Corrective Action ................................................ 11
OPERATION ....................................................................11-13
TRANSPORTATION .............................................................14
STORAGE ............................................................................14
MAINTENANCE ..............................................................14-17
TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................18
MANTIS TILLER ASSEMBLY & PARTS LIST .................19-20
LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION ................BACK PAGE
3Contact us at www.mantis.com
Safety Rules & Warnings
You will notice throughout this Operator’s Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these
warnings for your own protection.
I. SPECIAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Attention: This symbol points out our
important safety instructions.
When you see this symbol,
heed it’s warning!! Stay alert!!
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.
II. SAFETY & WARNINGS
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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
Cutting hazard; keep
feet and hands away
from rotating tines.
P/N 430057
P/N 400631
Do not reach your
ngers and\or hands
in between the tine
blades
Always remove the
outer tines before
removing the inner
tines
P/N 400635
4 Operator’s Manual
Don’t operate
indoors
Do not carry the
tiller in this position.
Don’t fuel, refuel,
or check fuel while
smoking, or near an
open ame or other
ignition source.
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.
Incorrect assembly.
Caution: when assembling
the handles, make sure
fuel tank faces away from
operator. This is the rear of
the tiller, refer to assembly
instruction on page 8-9.
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.
IV. WARNINGS - DOS
Read and understand the owner’s manual.
Pay particular attention to all sections
regarding safety.
1. Always keep a rm 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 rm 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 applicable CE
requirements. To avoid hearing damage,
we recommend hearing protection be
worn whenever using the equipment.
9. To reduce re 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).
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight
11.
to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
Use extreme caution when reversing
12.
or pulling the machine towards you.
13. Work only in daylight or good
articial light.
Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start res around dry vegetation. A spark
arrestor is installed. The operator should contact
local re agencies for laws or regulations relating
to re prevention requirements.
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. Keep all knobs, nuts, bolts and
screws tight to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
18. Always visually inspect to see that
the tools are not worn or damaged.
Before using your tiller, replace worn or
damaged elements and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
19. Always maintain and examine your
Tiller with care. Follow maintenance
instructions given in manual.
20. 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.
21. Always keep in mind that the operator
or user is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
22. Always remove the outer set of tines
before removing the inner set of tines.
5Contact us at www.mantis.com
Safety Rules & Warnings
V. WARNINGS - DON’TS
Don’t use tiller with one hand. Keep
both hands on handles with ngers and
thumbs encircling the handles, while
tines are moving, and engine
is running.
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.
Handle fuel with care, it is highly ammable. Fueling a hot engine or near an ignition source can
cause a re and result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.
VI. ENGINE/FUEL WARNINGS - DOS
Always use fresh gasoline. Stale gasoline
can cause damage.
Always store fuel in containers
specically designed for this purpose.
Always add fuel before starting
the engine.
Always replace all fuel tank and
container caps securely.
Don’t allow children or people unfamiliar
with these instructions to use the
machine. Local regulations can restrict
the age of operator.
Don’t let others operate tiller without
proper training.
Don’t operate while under the inuence
of alcohol or drugs.
Don’t attempt to repair this tiller. Have
repairs made by a qualied dealer or
repairman. See that only original Mantis
parts are used.
Always pull starter cord slowly until
resistance is felt to avoid kickback and
prevent arm or hand injury.
Always operate engine with spark
arrestor installed and operating properly.
The use of spark arrestor mufers is
required by law in the state of California
(Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code), as well as in other
Don’t overreach. Keep a good footing at
all times.
Don’t stand in front of tiller when tines
are rotating.
Don’t operate tiller with tines having the
3 rods extending from end without having
second set of tines attached. Failure
to have tines in place will damage tine
assembly.
Do not reach your ngers and\or hands
in between the tine blades.
Do not attempt to remove the inner tines
before removing the outer tines.
states or municipalities. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
Stop the engine whenever you leave
the machine and before refueling. Allow
the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure. Replace worn or damaged
parts for safety.
If the fuel tank needs to be drained, this
should be done outdoors.
VII. ENGINE/FUEL WARNINGS - DON’TS
Never pick up or carry a machine while
the engine is running.
Don’t fuel, refuel or check fuel while
smoking, or near an open ame 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 the engine when
carrying out maintenance and cleaning
operations, when changing tools and
when being transported by means other
than under its own power.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or
add fuel while the engine is running or
when the engine is hot.
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.
Do not attempt to start the engine if
fuel is spilled, but move the machine
away from the area of spillage and avoid
creating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors have dissipated.
6 Operator’s Manual
Don’t operate your tiller if there is an
accumulation of debris around the
mufer, and cooling ns. To reduce the
re hazard, keep the engine and fuel
storage area free of vegetative material
and excessive grease.
Don’t touch hot mufers, cylinders
or cooling ns as contact may cause
serious burns.
Don’t change the engine governor
setting or over speed the engine.
Don’t attempt to remove spark plug while
engine is hot. Removing a spark plug
from a hot engine can cause irreparable
damage to the engine and will void your
warranty.
Don’t use starter uids as they will cause
permanent engine damage.
Assembly
Picture of Model 7990
T40
T14
T11
T67
T10
T6
T15
T7
T2
T20 T52T21
T66
T39
T8
OIL
T59
T1
T60
WHAT COMES IN THE BOX
Key Qty. Part No. Description
T21,
T20,T52
T10 1 Loop Handle, Right Half
T11 1 Loop Handle, Left Half
T14 1 Foam Grip
T6 1 Lower Handle with Plug, Right
T7 1 Lower Handle with Plug, Left
T16 2 Bolt 1/4-20 X 3.25”
T48 6 1/4-20 Two-Way Lock Nut
T15 1 Carry Handle with Grip
T49 4 1/4-20 X 1.125” Hex Head Cap Screws
T1 1 Trigger Handle Assembly, 4-Cycle Engine,
T2 1 Handle Assembly, Left
T8 1 Handle Brace
T53 2 Knob, Two Prongs, Female
T42 2 Carriage Bolt, 1/4-20 X 2.25”
T47 2 Acorn Nut
T13 2 Throttle Clip
T39 1 Tine Assembly, Outer Right
T40 1 Tine Assembly, Outer Left
T66 1 Tine Assembly, Inner Right
T67 1 Tine Assembly, Inner Left
T41 4 Tine Retaining Pins
T59 1 Kickstand, Stand Assembly
T60 1 Kickstand, Bracket and Hardware
Oil 1 400208 4-Cycle Oil 3.4oz
1 Engine Assembly (includes Fender Guard &
Worm Gear Transmission)
Right
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.
Bag Contents
T14
T41
T49
T13
T59
T53
T16
T42
T47
T48
T60
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
TO ASSEMBLE THE TILLER
Prior to removing the contents and assembling, it is important to:
• Have a clean work area
• Make sure all necessary
tools are handy
• You will need a 7/16”
crescent wrench
• A ratchet wrench with
an extension
• A 7/16” socket
• A 3/8” socket or
crescent wrench
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Assembly
LET’S BEGIN
• With the box upright, open the box and remove insert.
• Remove second cardboard insert and all loose parts
that are at the top of the tillers cradle.
• Lay the box on the side and open the bottom aps.
• Return the box to an upright position and pull the box
straight up.
• Right throttle handle attached to tiller assembly with
installed tines will be in the box cradle.
• Lay everything out so you can easily identify the parts
(see parts image and list on page 6).
LOWER HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1
• For ease of assembly and stability it
is important that you keep the engine
assembly in its cardboard cradle.
4
2 3
• Open cradle by pulling sides apart. • Slide the foam grip onto the right
loop handle.
5 6
• Line up the holes of the right loop
handle with the holes of the lower
right handle.
• Slide the two 3.25” bolts through
the hole.
• Position this assembly onto the
recessed channels below the engine.
8 Operator’s Manual
• Slide the lower left handle onto
the bolts.
LOWER HANDLE ASSEMBLY (CONTINUED)
Assembly (Continued)
7
• Slide the left loop handle into the
foam grip and right loop handle.
10
• Use the 7 /16” wrenches and socket
to tighten the rest of the handle bolts.
8
• Slide loop handle through bolts
and over top lower left handle,
then take two lock nuts and
fasten them nger tight.
11
9
• Place the carry handle between the
lower handles and line up the holes
• Place two of the 1.125” bolts through
holes with hex head on inside of carry
handle and with two lock nuts fasten
them tight with wrench and socket.
®
• At this point, your Mantis
should look like this when lower
handle assembly is complete.
XP Tiller
KICKST AND ASSEMBLY
1
2
• Position the kickstand bracket
just above the bend of the lower
handles. The stamped arrow
should be pointing up.
• Position the kickstand under the
lower handles, line up the holes
and thread the kickstand bracket
bolts into the kickstand.
• Tighten with the 3/8” crescent
wrench.
3
• Your Mantis
look like this when lower
handle assembly and
kickstand is complete.
®
XP Tiller will
9Contact us at www.mantis.com
Assembly (Continued)
UPPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1
• Lift the upper handle until it lines up
with the lower handle.
•
Insert carriage bold (T42) from outside in.
• Screw on knob (T12) and fully tighten
the knob at the pivot point.
3
• Follow the same steps to install the
other upper handle onto the other
lower handle.
• Use the clip (T9) to secure the throttle
cable and wire in place on the lower
handle.
2
• Cap the exposed bolt with an acorn
nut (T13) and tighten with your 7/16”
wrench until snug. Do not over tighten.
4
• Now install the handle brace. Line it up with the holes
on the upper handles. Then insert a cap screw (T15)
and a lock nut (T14) on either side.
• Use a wrench to tighten cap screws and lock nuts.
• Now use wrench to tighten all nuts and bolts rmly and
securely.
7990
Improper Throttle installation can cause tines to rotate unexpectedly.
10 Operator’s Manual
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Make sure you have installed the handles properly.
When you stand behind your tiller, holding the handles,
the fender warning label should face you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before you use your MANTIS Tiller, read the
Safety Rules & Warnings on pages 3-5
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Be sure you have proper throttle movements and that
the throttle cable is not wrapped or twisted around the
handle bar. Hold down the lockout lever, fully squeeze
the throttle trigger and let go. The throttle triangle must
click in both directions. If there is any doubt, remove
air lter 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.
Mantis® XP Tiller Fueling & Starting
MANTIS® XP TILLER FUELING AND OIL ONLY
IMPORTANT!
It is normal for your 4 stroke engine to smoke for the rst
minute or two of operation, however it is not necessary
for this to occur every time. This is a result of the oil being
pulled through the engine for lubrication.
• Rock the tiller forward so
that it rests on its front loop
handle.
• It is important to position the
Mantis® XP Tiller as shown
in Figure 1 so the oil will
properly ll the crankcase.
Failure to do so will cause
engine damage.
• Remove the oil plug.
• Pour in the bottle of pre-measured (3.4 oz) Mantis approved,
4-cycle engine oil.
• Always check the oil level before each use. The oil level
should reach the inner rst thread of the reservoir. Do not
overll.
• Replace the oil plug.
• Then return the unit to the upright position and put the
kickstand down.
Fueling your Mantis® XP Tiller/Cultivator is easy. Unscrew the
gas cap and ll the tank about four-fths of the way up with 89
octane unleaded gasoline. And remember, always drain the
gas when transporting the unit from one location to another.
Figure 1
MANTIS® XP TILLER STARTING ONLY
Starting the engine for the rst time, or “cold starting”, is easy.
• First, make sure the start/stop switch, located on
the throttle handle, is in the start position, which
is indicated by the “I” symbol.
• Close the choke by moving the choke lever to the
up position.
• Press the primer bulb approximately 6 times until
he bulb is lled with gas. Once it is lled, press it
two more times.
• Pull the starter cord lightly until you feel resistance and then give it
a short, brisk pull. Your tiller should start immediately. Do not pull
the cord all the way out and do not let it snap back into the starter
housing.
•
Once it is running, open the choke. Ensure the lever is fully down
• To stop the engine, simply push the start/stop switch to the
stop position “O.”
• To start a warm engine, follow the same procedure. Except now you
can leave the choke lever in the down position and there is no need
to pump the primer bulb.
• Before using the tiller, let the engine run for a minute to warm up.
And before shutting it down, let the engine run briey to
cool down.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Check the oil level in the
engine before each use. If
oil is low see your 4 Stroke
Tiller Engine Manual and
information above for
details.
Never use starting uids 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.
OFF ON
Switch
Do not operate the engine in a conned
space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
! !
ALTERNATIVE FUELS, SUCH AS E-15 (20% ETHANOL), E-85 (85% ETHANOL)
OR ANY FUELS NOT MEETING HONDA REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED
FOR USE IN GASOLINE ENGINES. USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY CAUSE
PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, LOSS OF POWER, OVERHEATING, FUEL VAPOR
LOCK AND UNINTENDED MACHINE OPERATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, IMPROPER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY ALSO CAUSE
PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF FUEL LINES, GASKETS, CARBURETORS AND
OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS.
Fuel is extremely ammable. Handle it with
care. Keep away from ignition sources. Do not
smoke while fueling your equipment
WARNING • DANGER
Avoid accidental blade engagement.
Do not squeeze the throttle trigger when starting. Main-
tain proper idle speed adjustment (2500-3100 rpm)
11Contact us at www.mantis.com
Mantis® XP Tiller Fueling & Starting
CORRECTIVE ACTION
If you suspect the engine is
overlled the following procedure
should remove the excess oil from
the crankcase and valve cover.
If the engine is overlled, oil will
enter the crankcase and it does
not simply pour out of the oil ll
opening. The excessive oil has
to be pumped out as the engine
runs. Checking the oil level and
draining any excess between
multiple 30 second running
intervals will bring the oil back to
the proper level.
1. Place the engine on a level
surface resting at on the front
loop handle and remove the
oil ll cap/dipstick. Use a catch
basin for any oil that overows
from the oil ll opening.
2. Replace the oil ll cap/
dipstick and run the engine
for approximately 30 seconds
then repeat step one. Continue
steps 1 & 2 until oil no longer
overows when the oil ll cap/
dipstick is removed.
3. Once the oil level is corrected
the engine may continue
to smoke while running for
several minutes while the
residual oil burns off.
Mantis® XP Tiller Operation
A SPECIAL FEATURE
(With the idle set properly and the engine
running)
Even when the engine is running, the
tines won’t turn unless you squeeze the
throttle trigger on the handlebars. When
you release the throttle trigger, the tines
will stop
.
A TIP FOR EXTENDING
YOUR ENGINE’S LIFE
After you start the engine, let your tiller
warm up for two to three minutes before
you use it. Then, before you put your
tiller away, let it idle for a minute to give
the engine a chance to cool down.
OPERATION
With engine running, and both hands
on the handles, hold down the throttle
lockout trigger (Figure 1), then squeeze
the throttle trigger gradually to increase
the engine speed and engage the tines.
NOTE: This step must be repeated each
time your tiller trigger is released.
MANTIS® XP TILLER PROPER OIL FILL/
LEVEL CHECK POSITION
This position does
not allow for a
proper oil level
reading and may
cause overlling.
Engine must be resting on a at surface on
the fuel tank
Figure 1
If 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 lever to the cold start (closed) position. Have product serviced before using.
12 Operator’s Manual
Read the instructions carefully. Be
familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment.
NOW YOU’RE READY TO USE
YOUR MANTIS TILLER.
If you’ve seen other tillers, your MANTIS XP
Tiller may surprise you. It tills best when you
pull it backward! You see, when you pull your
MANTIS XP Tiller backward, you give extra
resistance to the tines, so they dig deeper.
(Figure 1)
In addition, when you go backward, you erase
your footprints. So your soil stays light and
uffy. With other tillers, by contrast, you walk
right over the soil you’ve just tilled, packing it
down, so it’s less plantable.
RUN YOUR MANTIS TILLER
LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER
Place your Tiller at the head of the row or
area you want to till. Start it up. Then use
an easy rocking motion. First, pull your Tiller
backward. Then use an easy rocking motion.
Again, pull your Tiller backward. Then, let
Mantis® XP Tiller Operation (Continued)
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
it move forward just a little bit. Then pull it
backward again. This will help you till deeper.
Keep repeating these steps until you’ve tilled
an entire row. Start again on the next row. It’s
much like running a vacuum cleaner! (Figure 2)
You Can Even Control Depth.
For Deeper Tilling:
Move your Tiller slowly back and forth, as you
would a vacuum cleaner. Work the same area
over and over until you’ve dug to your desired
depth. (Figure 3)
For Shallow Tilling:
Switch the tines to the cultivating position.
(See page 13 to learn how.) Then move your
Tiller quickly over your soil surface.
For Big Weeds or Tough Roots:
Let your Tiller rock back and forth over the
tough spot, until the tines slice through the
weed or root.
Your MANTIS XP Tiller Handles Special
Tilling Projects:
Want to turn part of your lawn into a colorful
ower border? Your MANTIS XP Tiller makes
it easy! Just run your Tiller back and forth until
the sod begins to break up. Then continue
tilling. Your Tiller will chop the clumps of sod
until they’re ne. Then, it will work them into
the soil. Pretty soon, you’ll have a soft, fresh
planting bed.
WARNING
! !
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE HANDLE KNOBS ARE
SECURE BEFORE STARTING YOUR MANTIS TILLER.
If 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.
YOUR MANTIS XP TILLER MAKES
WEEDING A PLEASURE!
As a tiller, your MANTIS XP Tiller works the soil
down to 10” (25.4 cm) deep. But, as a cultivator,
it gently cultivates the surface, only 2” to 3”
(5.08 cm to 7.62 cm) deep.
First, you must switch the tines to the weeding,
cultivating position. This takes less than a
minute.
The operator of this tiller is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to himself,
other people or their property.
Then, your MANTIS XP Tiller’s sharp “tine teeth”
will slice up those pesky weeds, burying them as
you go along. And, since the tines in this position
won’t dig too deep, they won’t hurt your plants’
precious root systems.
The result? Your Tiller will cut your weeding time
in half, and turn a tiresome chore into a pleasure.
13Contact us at www.mantis.com
Mantis® XP Tiller Operation (Continued)
HOW TO SWITCH FROM TILLING TO CULTIVATING POSITION
1. First, you will need to understand that
your Mantis® XP Tiller has an inner and
an outer set of tines on each side of the
tiller as shown in Figure 1.
2. Make sure the tiller is turned off.
3. Remove the retaining pins from the
outer set of tines (Figure 2) and
remove the outer tines.
4. Only after you have removed the outer
set of tines, then remove the retaining
pins from the inner tines and remove
the inner tines from the transmission
axle (Figure 3)
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
5. Place the right-side set of inner tines
onto the left-side. The “D” shaped
hole should be to the outside. Make
sure the tine retaining pin is installed.
Repeat for the other side
6. Place the right side set of outer tines
onto the left-side axle. The “D” shaped
hole should be to the outside and
insert the tine retaining pin. Repeat for
the other side.
Your Mantis® XP Tiller also has the
ability to till or cultivate at either a 9” or
16” width. The tiller is sent to you set
up for 16”. To run the tiller at a 9” width,
simply remove the inner and outer tines
as noted above. Then just put the outer
tines back onto the transmission axle and
secure with a retaining pin on each side.
DO NOT reach your ngers and/or
hand between the tine blades.
DO NOT attempt to remove the
inner set of tines until you have
rst removed the outer set of tines.
Inner Tines
Outer Tines
IMPORTANT:
To change the tines on your Mantis
XP Tiller, push the tiller forward and
allow it to rest on the loop handle.
Tilling Cultivating
®
Handles Handles
Tine
Rotation
Tine Teeth
Back
Front
To set them for tilling, attach the tines
so the points of the blades face forward
- away from the operator. The tines’
points will contact the ground rst.
Tine
Rotation
Tine Teeth
Back
Front
For cultivating, reverse the tines
so that the points of the tines face
backward - toward the operator. Now
the long at part of the tine’s blade
will contact the ground rst.
14 Operator’s Manual
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