Mantis ElectricTiller User Manual

O WNER’S MANUAL

Electric Tiller

Here’s your new MANTIS Electric Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s “Changing the Way Americans Garden®.”

Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Electric Tiller weighs only 21 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.

Welcome to the World of Mantis Gardening

Table of Contents

Safety Rules and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4

Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

Before You Begin Tilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Tilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

Tilling/ Cultivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Using the Border Edger Attachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Parts Explosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

The Mantis Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Electric Tiller

WARNING DANGER

ATTENTION:THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT OUR IMPOR TANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL

HEED ITS 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.

Safety Rules and Warnings

A. Special Safety Information

You will notice throughout this owners’ manual, Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these warnings for your own protection.

B. Safety and Warnings

WARNING DANGER

IF THE TILLER IS USED IMPROPERLY OR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE

NOT FOLLOWED,THE USERS RISK SERIOUS INJURY TO

THEMSEL VES AND O THERS.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING

TO OPERATE THIS TILLER.

Electric Tiller

C. Safety Decal Information

An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tiller are the warning and information decals found on various parts of the tiller. These decals must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is your responsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read. The location and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated on Page 16 and 17.

P/N 420600

CORRECT ASSEMBLY.

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.

DO NOT USE IF

ELECTRICAL CORDS ARE

DAMAGED OR BROKEN

DO NOT USE IF IN RAIN

OR WET CONDITIONS

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY.

P/N 420601

D. Important Extension Cord Information

1. Make sure the extension cords are in good condition before use.

2. Based on the total length of cord that you are going to use, check the chart to make sure the cord meets the correct minimum cord gauge (AWG) requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Using an undersized cord, a larger number cord gauge (AWG) than recommended in the chart, will

cause a loss in power and overheating of the tiller. Using a smaller number cord gauge (AWG), than recommended in the chart, is acceptable.

Extension Cord Chart (minimum cord gauge (AWG))

Length (feet) 1 to 25 26 to 50 51 to 100 101 to 150 Cord gauge (AWG) 18 16 14 12

Electric Tiller

E. 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. BE AWARE!! The tines may coast after the triggers are released. Make sure tines have come to a complete stop 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 eye protection. Eye protection must meet ANSI Z 87.1.

9. Start the tiller carefully, according to the instructions on page 8.

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

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

12. Work only in daylight or good artificial light.

13. Always be sure of your footing on slopes.

14. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

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

16. Always inspect your unit before each use and ensure that all handles, guards and fasteners are secure, operating, and in place. Be sure that all electrical cords are not damaged or broken.

17. Always maintain and examine your tiller with care. Follow maintenance instructions given in manual.

18. Always store tiller in a sheltered area (a dry place), not accessible to children.

F. Warnings - Don’ts

1. Don’t use tiller with one hand. Keep both hands on

handles with fingers and thumbs encircling the grips when the tines are moving.

2. Don’t overreach. Keep a good footing at all times.

3. Don’t run with the machine, walk.

4. Don’t work on excessively steep slopes.

5. Don’t attempt to clear tines while they are moving.

Never try to remove jammed material before unplugging the cord and making sure the tines have stopped completely.

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

7. Don’t operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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

9. Don’t run the tiller in rain or wet conditions.

Electric Tiller

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 DEALER.

Your MANTIS Electric Tiller comes partially assembled. You must install only the handlebars, the handle brace, 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 below, 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 Electric Tiller, you’ll need two 7/16" wrenches. We suggest that you install all nuts and bolts only “finger tight” — that is, onehalf to one full turn — until you’ve completed assembly. The nuts are self locking, but you must

use a wrench to tighten them completely.

Qty. Description *Key # 1 Upper Handle Assembly 7 1 Upper Handle Trigger Assembly 1 2 Lower Handles 10 1 Pair Tiller/Cultivator Tines 54/55 1 Motor Assembly (includes Fender

Guard, WormGear Transmission

& Complete Housing) 62** 1 Handle Brace 14 1 Bag of Hardware Containing: 2 Round Head Square Neck Bolts 16 4 Lock Nuts 17 2 Bolts (3" long) 20 2Tine Retaining Pins 53 2 Handle Clamps 19 2 Bolts (1" long) 13 2 Knobs 12 2 Cable Clamp 18

*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the Parts Layout on pages 16 and 17.

**This Key # is for assembly purposes only.

54, 55

A. Parts

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