200704 compost me111 - mantisdealer.co.ukmantisdealer.co.uk/docs/en_gb/4000-00-14.pdf · 10 3 5 4 2...
TRANSCRIPT
CComposomposTT--TTwinwin®
TM
Benutzerhandbuch DEManuel d’instructions FROwner’s manual GB
Welcome to the world of Mantis gardening!Here’s your new Mantis ComposT-Twin...theunique dual-chamber composter that willmake gardening easier for you.
With your new ComposT-Twin, you’ll alwayshave a place to throw your kitchen scraps,leaves and grass clippings...and you’ll havea constant supply of the rich, nutrient-filledcompost your garden loves.
Once you know how to assemble and useyour ComposT-Twin correctly, we guaranteeyou’ll love it. So first, please read thismanual and watch the enclosed assemblyvideo. They show, step by step, how toassemble your machine and how to get thebest results.
Safety rules & warningsYou will notice throughout this owner’s manual safetyrules and important notes. Make sure you understandand obey these warnings for your own protection.
An important part of the safety systemincorporated in this composter isthe information label found on thedoor of the composter. This labelmust be replaced in time; it is yourresponsibility to replace this labelwhen it becomes hard to read. Thelocation of this label, part number(P/N 200600), is illustrated on page42.
Table of contentsSafety rules & warnings .......................................... 41Safety labels ............................................................. 41Box contents ............................................................ 42Support frame assembly ......................................... 44Support frame assembly layout ............................. 44Support frame parts list .......................................... 45Drum parts list ......................................................... 48Drum assembly layout ............................................. 49Drum assembly ........................................................ 50Maintenance instructions ....................................... 55Using your ComposT-Twin ...................................... 55The right mix of materials ...................................... 56Using compost ......................................................... 57Troubleshooting tips ............................................... 58Limited warranty information ................................ 59
Safety label identification
Warnings• Check and tighten all of the 2” bolts (part no.
200500) on the frame assembly every two months.• Keep childen away from the ComposT-Twin.• Remove the drum from the frame before relocating
the unit.• Do not overload the ComposT-Twin. Maximum
load is 600 pounds.
Mantis customer serviceIf you have any difficulty following the assemblyinstructions, contact your Mantis representation forassistance. We welcome your feedback as we strive tobuild quality and ease of use into all ofour gardening products.
WARNING:
CAUTION:
(4.87 m)
Place the ComposT-Twin on smooth level ground.
Remove the ComposT-Twin door when emptying compost.
Keep hands and loose clothing away from gears when turning the ComposT-Twin.
Balance the load inside the chambers before you release the handles.
WARNING:
41
GB
SAFETY WARNINGATTENTION: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT
OUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR
ACCIDENTS, COMPLY WITH THE SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
s! s!
42
GB
Box
cont
ents
All
of
the
Co
mp
osT
-Tw
inp
arts
,in
clu
din
gsh
eet
met
al,
fram
etu
bin
g,
pla
stic
end
cap
s,an
dh
ard
war
e,ar
ep
acke
din
thre
eb
oxe
s.R
efer
toth
ed
iag
ram
sb
elo
wfo
rth
eco
nte
nts
of
each
bo
xan
dth
ep
arts
lists
on
the
follo
win
gp
ages
.
Saf
ety
lab
el
43
GB
Larg
epa
rts,
boxe
s1-
3
Hard
war
epa
rts
bag
(par
tN
o.20
0517
)
KEY
NO
.D
ESC
RIP
TIO
NQ
TYP/
NA
SSEM
BLY
1“C
”sh
aped
low
ersu
pp
ort
220
0100
Fram
e2
Sho
rtsp
acer
(lo
wer
sup
po
rt)
220
0101
Fram
e3
Up
per
sup
po
rtw
ith
axle
220
0102
Fram
ero
dg
uid
es4
Lon
gsp
acer
(up
per
sup
po
rt)
220
0103
Fram
e5
Axl
ero
d2
2001
15Fr
ame
6C
entr
esu
pp
ort
wh
eel
220
0107
Fram
e7
Gea
r4
2001
05Fr
ame
8H
and
le1
2001
08Fr
ame
13En
dca
p2
2002
04D
rum
14D
ivid
er1
2002
01D
rum
15B
reat
her
cap
420
0220
Dru
m16
Bre
ath
ersc
reen
420
0221
Dru
m17
Do
or
220
0207
Dru
m18
Do
or
op
enin
g,
220
0203
Dru
m2n
dp
anel
19D
rum
1st
pan
el2
2002
16D
rum
20D
rum
3rd
pan
el2
2002
11D
rum
21D
rum
4th
pan
el2
2002
24D
rum
22Th
read
edro
d4
2002
02D
rum
KEY
NO
.D
ESC
RIP
TIO
NQ
TYP/
NA
SSEM
BLY
9Pl
asti
cg
rip
120
0109
Fram
e10
Push
cap
nu
t1
2001
10Fr
ame
11Sp
rin
gp
in4
2001
06Fr
ame
122”
lon
gsh
ou
lder
bo
lt8
2005
00Fr
ame
(51
mm
)23
Mes
hsc
reen
220
0222
Dru
m24
Latc
hes
420
0223
Dru
m25
Aco
rnn
ut
820
0504
Dru
m26
No.
8se
lf-ta
ppin
gsc
rew
(for
brea
ther
)4
651
Dru
m27
No
.10
scre
w20
2005
06D
rum
28N
o.
10fl
atw
ash
er20
2005
08D
rum
29K
eps
nu
t20
2005
09D
rum
30N
o.
10sh
ou
lder
scre
w12
2005
10D
rum
31N
o.
10n
ylo
nin
sert
lock
nu
t12
2005
11D
rum
321/
4”(6
mm
)fl
atw
ash
er4
2005
12D
rum
(fo
rth
read
edro
ds)
33D
isp
osa
ble
red
pro
tect
ive
430
0316
Dru
mco
ver
10
923
24
11
27
32
29
28
30
2625
12
31
33
Assembly of the ComposT-Twin is divided into two major sub-assemblies:
The ComposT-Twin is easiest to assemble with TWO PEOPLE sharing and coordinating the work. Allow 4-6 hoursto assemble the entire composter.
Begin with the support frame assembly.
Tools needed for Support Frame Assembly: Hammer or rubber mallet and 3/4” (19 mm) spanner.
Find a large, shaded area outside your house or in your garage to assemble the support frame. DO NOTASSEMBLE THE SUPPORT FRAME IN YOUR LIVING ROOM, AS YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET IT THROUGH THE DOOR WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!
SAFETY WARNING
THE DIMENSIONS OF THE ASSEMBLEDSUPPORT FRAME ARE 35” (89 cm) HIGH X 56” (142 cm)
LONG X 41” (104 cm) WIDE. BE SURE TO ASSEMBLE THESUPPORT FRAME IN A GARAGE OR OPEN AREA WHEREYOU WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE IT EASILY ONCE YOU ARE
FINISHED.
s! s!
44
Support frame assembly layout
Support frame and drum
Tools needed for assembly of ComposT-Twin
4 Hammer or rubber mallet4 3/8” (10 mm) spanner4 3/4” (19mm) spanner4 Regular screwdriver (flat head)4 7/16” (11 mm) spanner4 Phillips screwdriver (cross head)4 7/16” (11 mm) socket spanner4 Wheel bearing grease
GB
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QTY PART NO. 1 “C” shaped lower support 2 2001002 Short spacer (lower support) 2 2001013 Upper support with 2 200102
axle rod guides4 Long spacer (upper support) 2 2001035 Axle rod 2 2001156 Centre support wheel 2 200107
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QTY PART NO. 7 Gear 4 2001058 Handle 1 2001089 Plastic grip 1 20010910 Push cap nut 1 20011011 Spring pin 4 20010612 2” (51 mm) long 8 200500
shoulder bolt
1
4
2
14
12
3
11
1
76
5
8
910
5
10
3
5 42
8
7
1211
6
1
9
Place second “C” shaped lower support ina position where the long legs of the tubing arediagonally opposite each other, as shown. Fasten theother end of the short spacer to the second “C”shaped lower support. Repeat this step on the otherside.
Parts for the supportframe assembly
Long legs of the tubing are opposite each otherStep 2
Step 3 Close-up
Step 1
Gather the parts you willneed to assemble the supportframe.
Fasten one end of the short spacer (key No.2) to “C”shaped lower support (key No.1) with 2” shoulder bolt(key No.12). Finger tighten - do not completely tightennuts and bolts.
45
GB
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QTY PART NO. 1 “C” shaped lower support 2 2001002 Short spacer (lower support) 2 2001013 Upper support with 2 200102
axle rod guides4 Long spacer (upper support) 2 2001035 Axle rod 2 2001156 Centre support wheel 2 2001077 Gear 4 2001058 Handle 1 2001089 Plastic grip 1 20010910 Push cap nut 1 20011011 Spring pin 4 20010612 2” (51 mm) long 8 200500
shoulder bolt
46
Place upper supports (key No.3) in a position wherethe smaller leg of the upper support slides into thewider leg of the lower support, and the wider leg ofthe upper support slides into the smaller leg of thelower support, as shown. Slide the ends of the uppersupport tubing fully into and over the lower supportsection. Repeat this step on the other end.
Fasten the long spacers (key No.4) to the uppersupport on both sides using 2” (51 mm) shoulderbolts (key No.12). Tighten fully.
Slide plastic grip (key No.9) over the handle(key No.8). Be sure that pin hole is on theopposite end of the handle.
Place the push cap nut (key No.10) over the handleand tap it on with a hammer or rubber mallet. Puthandle assembly aside for now.
Slide together
Step 4 Step 5
Step 6 Step 7Pin hole
9
8
10
Slide one end of the axle rod (key No.5) into the axlerod guide of the upper support assembly. Slide one gear (key No.7), one centre support wheel
(key No.6), and another gear onto the axle rod in theorder shown.
Step 8 Step 9
7 6 7
GB
Make sure that the gear pin opening faces the pinhole in the axle rod tubing. Repeat these steps 8-10for the second axle rod.
Gear pin opening
Step 10 Step 11
Pin hole in axlerod
Slide the other end of the axle rod through thecorresponding guide so that the axle rod is supportedby the guides.
Choose the corner for the handle (this decision isentirely up to you). Place the end of the handleassembly inside the axle rod at that corner, and alignthe holes of the handle and axle rod. Gently drivespring pin (key No.11) through the holes using ahammer or rubber mallet.
Drive the spring pins through the holes in the threeother corners of the frame. The spring pin shouldextend an equal amount on each side of the axle rod.Line up the pin opening in the gear (key No.7) withthe corresponding pin and slide the gear over it.Repeat this step with each gear. TIGHTEN ALL NUTSAND BOLTS SECURELY.
Place the frame on level ground, where you want thecomposter to be located in your garden. Lubricate thefour axle rod guide sections with wheel bearinggrease.
SAFETY WARNINGA SLANTED OR UNEVEN POSITION CAN MAKE THELOADED COMPOSTER UNSTABLE AND HARDER TO
TURN. BE SURE TO PLACE THE SUPPORT FRAME ONLEVEL GROUND
s! s!
Step 12 Step 13
Step 14
The support frame for yourMantis ComposT-Twin is ready!
47
GB
Small partsclose-up
Step 15
48
Parts for the drumassembly
Gather the parts you will need to assemble the ComposT-Twin drum.
Now, you will assemble the ComposT-Twin Drum:
Tools needed for Drum Assembly:
3/8” (10 mm) spanner Regular screwdriver (flat head)7/16” (11 mm) spanner Phillips screwdriver (cross head)7/16” (11 mm) socket spanner
GB
KEY NO. DESCRIPTION QTY PART NO. 13 End cap 2 20020414 Divider 1 20020115 Breather cap 4 20022016 Breather screen 4 20022117 Door 2 20020718 Door opening, 2nd panel 2 20020319 Drum 1st panel 2 20021620 Drum 3rd panel 2 20021121 Drum 4th panel 2 20022422 Threaded rod 4 20020223 Mesh screen 2 20022224 Latches 4 20022325 Acorn nut 8 20050426 No. 8 self-tapping screw (for breather) 4 65127 No. 10 screw 20 20050628 No. 10 flat washer 20 20050829 Keps nut 20 20050930 No. 10 shoulder screw 12 20051031 No. 10 nylon insert lock 12 200511
nut 32 1/4” (6 mm) flat washer 4 200512
(for threaded rods)33 Disposable red protective 4 300316
cover
13 14
19
1820 21
17 22
1615
23
30 24
28
25
2729
32
26
33
31
20
3225
21
2415
1817 19
14
3031
2226 16 28 29 27 23 13 30
31
30
31
49
Drum
asse
mbl
yla
yout
GB
KEY
NO
.D
ESC
RIP
TIO
NQ
TYPA
RT
NO
.13
End
cap
220
0204
14D
ivid
or
120
0201
15B
reat
her
cap
420
0220
16B
reat
her
scre
en4
2002
2117
Do
or
220
0207
18D
oo
ro
pen
ing
,2n
dp
anel
220
0203
19D
rum
1st
pan
el2
2002
1620
Dru
m3r
dp
anel
220
0211
21D
rum
4th
pan
el2
2002
2422
Thre
aded
rod
420
0202
23M
esh
scre
en2
2002
2224
Latc
hes
420
0223
KEY
NO
.D
ESC
RIP
TIO
NQ
TYPA
RT
NO
.25
Aco
rnn
ut
820
0504
26N
o.8
self
-tap
ping
scre
w(f
orbr
eath
er)
465
127
No
.10
scre
w20
2005
0628
No
.10
flat
was
her
2020
0508
29K
eps
nu
t20
2005
0930
No
.10
sho
uld
ersc
rew
1220
0510
31N
o.
10n
ylo
nin
sert
lock
1220
0511
nu
t32
1/4”
(6m
m)
flat
was
her
420
0512
(fo
rth
read
edro
ds)
33D
isp
osa
ble
red
pro
tect
ive
430
0316
cove
r
19 18 20 21
There are two different types of ribs on the panels: one rib is straight, the other is clip-shaped.Place panels on a flat ground surface with the ribs facing up, in the following order:
The two slots of the drum 1st panel (key No.19) should be next to the door opening (key No.18).
The clip-shaped rib of the 2nd panel (key No.18), door opening, should face the 1st panel.
The 4 latch holes of the drum 3rd panel (key No.20) should be next to the flat rib of the 2nd panel.
The clip-shaped rib of the drum 4th panel (key No.21) should be next to the drum 3rd panel.
Place the drum’s 1st panel in a position where thestraight rib is facing the door panel’s clip-shaped rib.Align outside edges to align holes. Slide the clip-shapedrib of the door panel over the straight rib of the drum’s1st panel, matching up the holes. If necessary, tap intoplace with a hammer or rubber mallet.
Fasten panels usingscrew (key No. 27), flatwashers (key No. 28 andKeps nut (key No.29).Tighten screws using3/8” (10 mm) spannerand a flat headscrewdriver.
Step 16
Step 17
Step 18
SAFETY WARNINGUSE OF A HAMMER ON DRUM PANELS MAYDAMAGE PAINT. COVER PANEL EDGE WITH
A CLOTH BEFORE USING HAMMER.
s! s!
1st panel has 2 doorslots
2nd paneldoor opening
3rd panel has4 latch holes 4th panel has
one clip-shapedrib
50
Clip-shaped rib
Attach 3rd and 4th panels the same way to completethe first chamber assembly. Assemble the sheet metalpanels for the second chamber using the sameprocedure.
Position mesh screen (key No. 23) onto the vent holeof the end cap. Affix it using the #10 shoulder screw(key No. 30 and the #10 locking nut (key No. 31).Repeat this step with the second end cap.
Step 19 Step 20
GB
Correct assembly of the body of the first chamber isvery important. Beginning at the arrow located insidethe end cap, position the rib of the 1st panel (key No.19) in the alignment slot. Bend the panelscounterclockwise with ribs inside (the vent opening inthe end cap should be across from the door opening,2nd panel (key No. 18)).
Continue to fit the edge of the sheet metal into theopening formed by the inside edge of the end cap andvertical ribs to form the chamber. Overlap the lastjoint and align the slots. Fasten the last joint usingshoulder bolts (brass coloured, key No. 30), nyloninsert lock nuts (key No. 31), Phillips head screwdriverand 3/8” (10 mm) spanner.
Step 21
Step 22
51
Vent hole
First panel(key No.19)
Door opening(key No.18)
SAFETY WARNINGDO NOT TIGHTEN BOLTS - THEY SHOULD
SPIN FREELY! SLOTS WILL ACCOMMODATE THEEXPANSION OF MATERIAL DURING
TEMPERATURE CHANGES
s! s!
Find the two sets of mounting holes on the drum’s 3rd panel (key No. 20) of the first chamber.Attach latches (key No. 24) to the panel using screws(key No. 27), flat washer(key No. 28) and Keps nut(key No. 29), as shown.
To attach the door latch (key No. 24), make sure thatthe hook part of the latch is pointing up towards thedoor panel.
Place the four threaded rods inside the sheet metalchamber, and into the four round openings found in the
end caps.
Step 23
Step 25
Step 24
Step 26
SAFETY WARNINGUSE CARE IN HANDLING THE THREADED RODS. BESURE TO USE THE DISPOSABLE RED PROTECTIVECOVERS FOR YOUR SAFETY IN ASSEMBLING THE
COMPOSTER.
s! s!
GB
Pick up the sheet metal assembly ofthe second chamber and place it ontop of the divider to align with thedoor of the first chamber.
Overlap the last joint and align the slots.Fasten the last joint using shoulder bolts(brass coloured, key No. 30), nylon insertlock nuts (key No. 31), Phillips headscrewdriver and 3/8” (10 mm) spanner.
Step 32Step 33 Step 34
52
Bend the assembly with the ribsinside and fit the edge of thesheet metal into the openingformed by the inside edge of thedivider and the vertical ribs. Dooropenings should be located sideby side.
The divider has the words “DOOR” printed on theinside. Line up the words with the door openingpanel. Pick up the divider and guide it so thethreaded rods slip through the four openings in thedivider.
Fit the rim of the divider over the open edge of thesheet metal chamber, tapping to secure in place.
Holding the threaded rods and the endof the chamber, tilt the chamber on itsside. Thread an acorn nut onto theexposed thread on the outside of the end cap. Repeat this step with all four threaded rods.
Step 27 Step 28
Step 30
Step 29
Place the disposable redprotective covers (key No.33) on one end of eachthreaded rod.
Holding the threaded rods andthe end of the chamber, lift thechamber to rest on the end caponce more.
Step 31
GB
Find the two sets of mounting holes on the drum’s 3rdpanel (key No. 20) of the second chamber. Attach latches(key No. 24) to the panel using screws (key No. 27), flatwasher (key No.28) and nut (key No. 29), as shown. Makesure that the hook part of the latch is pointing up towardsthe door panel.
Step 35
Step 36
Remove the disposable red protectivecovers from the end of each threadedrod and discard.
53
Position the second end cap over the open end of thedrum assembly, so the four round openings align withthe four threaded rods, and making sure that the venthole lines up with the vent hole in the other end cap. Fit the end cap rim over the edge of the sheet metalassembly, making sure that the threaded rods slipthrough the end cap holes.
Step 37
Place 1/4” flat washer (key No. 32) over eachthreaded rod and thread an acorn nut (key No. 25)onto the end of each rod. Tighten acorn nuts using7/16” (11 mm) socket spanner.
On the support frame, check axle rod gears and middle wheels; be sure thatpins are inside of the pin openings of
the gears, and that the wheels are in the middle of theaxle rods.
Check the door position before placing the drum onthe bottom support frame. The door openings shouldbe on the same side of the bottom frame as thehandle, and latches should be on the bottom part ofthe door opening.
Step 38
Step 39
Step 40
GB
Your ComposT-Twin is now completelyassembled! Please read operating
instructions before use.Close door using latches.
Step 45
Put self-tapping screw (key No. 26) into the cavity in the middle of the breather cap. Be sure thatthe screw’s tip is coming out of the hole. Place thebreather screen (key No.16) on the front side of thedoor, covering the round opening.
Position thebreather cap (keyNo. 15) onthe inside of the door (key No.17), over thebreather screen.Place the tip of thecap’s boss inside thehollow part of thescreen’s boss. Holdbreather cap andattach these twoparts with self-tapping screw usingPhillips headscrewdriver. Apply some pressure on the screw head tostart thread cutting operation. Repeat this step andassemble breathers at all four locations.
Hold door horizontally and fit door hooks through theopenings above the door panel. Close the doors onthe drum to cover door opening and check theposition of the breather screens.
Step 42
Step 44
54
Lift the drum assembly and position on the bottomframe. Adjust gears and middle wheels so that gearteeth mesh with the corresponding end cap teeth, andthe middle divider edge fits into the middle wheelgroove.
SAFETY WARNINGCOMPOSTER DRUM IS VERY HEAVY -
BE CAREFUL WHEN LIFTING. AT LEASTTWO PEOPLE ARE NEEDED TO LIFT DRUM AND POSITION
ON SUPPORT FRAME.
s! s!
Step 41
Step 43
Step 46
1. Unlatch both latches
2. Open door slightly
3. Slide door up into thedrum and rotate.
4. Pull to remove door.
5. Do not bend the doorhooks while removing thedoor.
ComposT-Twin Panel
DOORCLOSED
Door Hook
TO REMOVE DOOR:
To open, slide door upand rotate - then pull to
remove
Hooks
GB
After emptying finished compost from a chamber, rinse theinside throroughly with a garden hose. Occasionally, check thebreather screens in the doors to make sure they do notbecome clogged.
Do not use any chemicals or chemically-based products in theComposT-Twin. Chemicals are corrosive to the galvanized steeldrum
During the winter months, if you are not adding materials toyour CompostTwin, you may wish to cover the unit with acomposter cover (item No. 201104 from your Mantisrepresentation) or tarpaulin for additional protection.
At the beginning of each season, be sure to:
4 Lubricate the four axle rod guides with a wheel bearing-type grease.
4 Check all screws and bolts for tightness.
Maintenance instructions
Step 47
55
How to use your new ComposT-Twin
Once a day, turn the handle to rotate the ComposT-Twin barrel about five times. When the tumbler mixesand aerates your material, it builds up a heat core forfast decomposition.
You can use a thermometer (P/N 201101*) and amoisture meter (P/N 201103*) to check how yourbatch is “cooking”! * these products are available from your Mantis representation.
If you want to, add compost activator to speed up thedecomposition process. Close the door, and do notdisturb this chamber. When you have more refuse orscraps to compost, just begin filling the second drum.
Step 48 Step 49
Step 50 Step 51
Fill the first drum with your mix of organic leftoversand garden scraps. For the fastest composting, fill thechamber at least 2/3 full. See the next section for moreinformation on getting the right mix of materials.
GB
CarbonCarbon-rich materials aregenerally brown or yellow anddry. These include:
Fallen leaves
Dried plant prunings like spentannuals and perennials
Wood ashes
Straw or hay
Shredded black & white paper
Wood shavings
Sawdust
NitrogenHigh-nitrogen “green” materials are also essential; withoutthem, your compost won’t heat up.Nitrogen enables the micro-organismsto break down the carbon materials.For nitrogen, use:
Fresh leafy prunings from flowers,hedges and shrubs
Over-ripe fruit and vegetables
Fresh grass clippings
Salad scraps from the kitchen
Coffee grounds & tea bags
Egg shells (rinsed & crushed)
Hair trimmings
Fresh farm animal manure
Do not addCharcoal or coal ash
Meat or dairy-related materials orshortenings
Bones, fat or meat
Pet droppings
Pesticide-treated plants and grassclippings
Pressure-treated wood scraps andsawdust
Poison sumach and poison ivy
Grain-derived foods
Keeping the right ratio of carbon to nitrogen is animportant factor in successful composting. Ideally, themix should be:
30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogenA 30:1 mixture breaks down fast (“hot” compost); adifferent ratio may take several months to finish (“slow”composting).
Shredding or breaking up coarse materials will alsospeed up decomposition. Use any of the materials on thefollowing page for composting, just be sure to maintainthe proper C/N ratio.
In several weeks (depending on the mix, mosturecontent and temperature) you should be able to useyour first batch of compost. be sure to remove thedoor before turning the barrel and emptying thecompost chamber.
Now, you can use this chamber for your daily scrapsand let the second chamber finish the process ofdecomposition.
The right mix of materials
Step 52 Step 53
Step 54
56
GB
Using your compostNo gardener ever suffered from having a surplus of compost. Well-finished compost can beused at any time, in any season, and in anyamount. Here are a few ways you’ll enjoy anever-ending supply of compost:
Dig it into the top 4” (10 cm) of vegetable andflower beds in spring. This will establish a goodhumus level and mineral balance in your soil andprovide the nutrients that your plants need.Later, in mid-season, mix compost with soil as aside dressing along vegetable rows or alongflower plants.
In established plantings of perennials, where youwant to condition the soil and increase fertilitywithout uprooting the plants, work compostliberally into the top 4” (10 cm) of soil.
Compost also makes a fine mulch. In spring,spread a 3” to 4” (7.5 - 10 cm) layer around trees,shrubs, perennials, fruit trees and berries. Themulch will prevent soil moisture fromevaporating, suppress weeds, and supplynutrients and humus as it slowly works into thesoil.
Lawns also benefit from compost. With a MantisTiller, work 1” (2.5 cm) or more of compost intothe soil before seeding a new lawn (or beforerepairing a patch of old lawn). To help soilorganisms thrive, you can top-dress anestablished lawn with up to 1/2” (1 cm) of compost. If you are using aspreader, be sure to screen sift the compost first.
Screened compost also makes an excellentpotting soil for houseplants as well as pottedpatio plants. Mix one part compost to three partsrich soil, and top-dress with an inch of compost.When you water the container, the nutrients willbe carried down into the soil from the top-dressing.
Once you start making compost, your garden will thrive as never before!
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Troubleshooting Tips
Problem
Bad odour (like rotteneggs or spoiled food)
Bad odour (strongammonia, pond scum)
Insect pests
Insect pests
Pile not breaking down
Pile not breaking down
Pile not breaking down
Pile heats up, then stops
Cause
Inappropriate foodscraps
Anaerobic pile
This is not necessarily aproblem.
Too dry, not mixedproperly
Insufficient nitrogen
Pile is too dry
Poor aeration
Poor aeration
Solution
Remove and discard any impropermaterials (meats, dairy, etc.)
Turn materials, mixing in dry leaves, strawor wood chips. Check the breather caps inthe doors for proper drainage.
Not all insects in a compost pile are“pests”; the compost ecosystem includesa host of helpful invertebrates, includingmillipedes, centipedes, worms, ants - evensnails and slugs, among others.
Make sure food materials are thoroughlymixed in. Hot piles will destroy or determost insects, such as grubs and other larvae (maggots). Moisten pile ifnecessary; moist piles deter bees andwasps. Wood chips and woody materialstaken from rotted wood piles or municipalmulch piles may contain termites and/or carpenter ants.
Add grass, manure, kitchen scraps, orother natural nitrogen sources.
Add water, turn chamber, and check moisture level until pile is moist, but notwet; should feel like a sponge throughout.
Start turning and mixing materials moreoften.
Hot piles need lots of fresh oxygen; turnmaterials as pile starts to cool down. Itmight be necessary to add an additionalnitrogen source periodically.
Sometimes things go wrong - even with composting. Most composting problems stem from alack of moisture, too much moisture, a nitrogen imbalance, or poorly managed food scraps.Fortunately, all of these problems have a fairly simple solution. Below you will find a numberof commonly encountered symptoms, their causes and their cures.
Source: Easy Compost, Beth Hanson, Ed.
LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATIONFOR THE MANTIS COMPOST-TWIN
Mantis extends only to the original consumer purchaser a limited warrantyagainst defects in materials andworkmanship for a period of two years fromdate of purchase. This warranty covers allportions of the MANTIS ComposT-Twin.
Mantis will repair or, at its option, replaceany defective part or parts of the productfree of 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 orused in contravention of any assembly,care, safety, or operating instructions contained in the Owner’s Manual; was notused with reasonable care; or was used forother than normal and intended purposes.
MANTIS MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIESOR REPRESENTATION EXCEPT THOSECONTAINED HEREIN. THE DURATION OFANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDINGMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE, IS LIMITED TO THEDURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY.MANTIS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FORINDIRECT AND/OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES. SOME COUNTRIES DO NOTALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG ANIMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS AND/ OR DONOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION ORLIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THATABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS MAYNOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVESYOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOUMAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICHVARY FROM COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.
MANTIS
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.
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©Mantis200704 11/00
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