401764 xp tiller-cultivator lr.pdf

Tiller/Cultivatorwith 4 Stroke Engine

OWNER’S MANUAL

401764 XP Tiller-Cultivator_manual 5/18/10 10:51 AM

Here’s your new MANTIS XP Tiller…the lightweight wonder that is makinggardening easier.

Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS XPTiller weighs only 34 pounds and islike no other. So it lifts easily, handlessmoothly, tills and weeds precisely.And, unlike other small tillers, itfeatures dual serpentine tines that churnsoil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft,smooth seed bed, even in problem soil.

It’s bigger than a mini tiller and betterthan a bigger tiller!

Once you know how to use your tillercorrectly, we guarantee you’ll love it.So first, please read this manual. Itshows, step by step, how to use yourtiller safely.

If you have questions about any topicin this Manual, or for the name of your local dealer, call 1-800-366-6268toll free, Monday – Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Eastern Time.

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Table of ContentsSafety Rules & Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5Safety Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Engine & Fuel Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-9Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Getting to Your Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Tilling & Cultivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-14Tine Positioning and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17MANTIS XP Tiller Assembly Layout . . . . . . . .18Limited Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Welcome to the World of Mantis® XP Gardening


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Safety Rules & WarningsYou will notice Safety Rules and Important Notes throughout this Owners Manual. Make sure you understandand obey these warnings for your own protection.

I. Special Safety Information

WARNING • DANGERATTENTION: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUTOUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL, HEED IT’S WARNING!! STAY ALERT!!

WARNING • DANGERTO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS, COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONALINJURY, AND/OR EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

WARNING • DANGERIMPROPER USE OR CARE OF THIS TILLER

OR FAILURE TO WEAR PROPER PROTECTIONCAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES FOR SAFE OPERATIONAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.

WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.

II. Safety & Warnings

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WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals knownto the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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DON’T FUEL, REFUEL, ORCHECK FUEL WHILESMOKING, OR NEAR ANOPEN FLAME OR OTHERIGNITION SOURCE.

INCORRECT ASSEMBLY.CAUTION: WHENASSEMBLING THE HANDLES,MAKE SURE FUEL TANK FACESAWAY FROM OPERATOR. THISIS THE REAR OF THE TILLER,REFER TO ASSEMBLYINSTRUCTION ON PAGE 7.

CUTTING HAZARD; KEEPFEET AND HANDS AWAYFROM ROTATING TINES.

WEAR EAR AND EYEPROTECTION.

DO NOT OPERATE TILLERINDOORS OR IN POORLYVENTILATED AREA

DO NOT REACH YOURFINGERS AND\ORHANDS IN BETWEENTHE TINE BLADES

ALWAYS REMOVE THEOUTER TINES BEFOREREMOVING THEINNER TINES

READ OWNER’S MANUALBEFORE USING TILLER, ORPERFORMING ANY REPAIROR MAINTENANCE. KEEPOWNERS MANUAL IN ASAFE PLACE.

DO NOT CARRY THE TILLERIN THIS POSITION.

WARNING • DANGERIF THE TILLER IS USED IMPROPERLY OR SAFETY PRECAUTIONSARE NOT FOLLOWED, THE USERS RISK SERIOUS INJURY TOTHEMSELVES AND OTHERS. READ AND UNDERSTAND THISMANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS TILLER.

! ! WARNING • DANGEROPERATION OF THIS EQUIPMENT MAY CREATE SPARKS THAT

CAN START FIRES AROUND DRY VEGETATION. A SPARKARRESTOR IS INSTALLED. THE OPERATOR SHOULD CONTACT

LOCAL FIRE AGENCIES FOR LAWS OR REGULATIONSRELATING TO FIRE PREVENTION REQUIREMENTS.

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An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tillerare 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 yourresponsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read. The

location and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated below.

III. Safety Decal Information

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P/N 400634

P/N 400631

P/N 400635

IV. Warnings - Do’s Read and understand the owner’smanual. Pay particular attention to allsections regarding safety. 1. Always keep a firm grip on bothhandles while the tines are moving and/orthe engine is running. BE AWARE!! Thetines may coast after throttle trigger isreleased. Make sure tines have come to acomplete stop and engine is off beforeletting go of the tiller. 2. Alwaysmaintain a firm footing andgood balance. Do not overreach whileoperating the tiller. Before you start to usethe tiller, check the work area for obstaclesthat might cause you to lose your footing,balance or control of the machine. 3. Thoroughly inspect the area whereequipment is to be used and remove allobjects, which can be thrown by themachine. 4. Always keep area clear of children,pets, and bystanders. 5. Always stay alert. Watch what youare doing and use common sense. Do not

operate unit when fatigued. 6. Always dress properly. Do not wearloose clothing or jewelry, they might getcaught in moving parts. Use sturdy gloves.Gloves reduce the transmission ofvibration to your hands. Prolongedexposure to vibration can cause numbnessand other ailments. 7. While working, always wearsubstantial footwear and long trousers. Donot operate the equipment when barefootor wearing open sandals. 8. Alwayswear ear and eye protection.Eye protection must meet ANSI Z 87.1.To avoid hearing damage, we recommendhearing protection be worn wheneverusing the equipment. 9. To reduce fire hazard, keep theengine, and petrol/gas storage area free ofvegetative material and excessive grease. 10. Start the engine carefully,according to the manufacturer’sinstructions and with feet well away fromtool(s). 11. Keep all nuts, bolts and screwstight to be sure the equipment is in safe

working condition. 12. Use extreme caution whenreversing or pulling the machine towardsyou. 13. Work only in daylight or goodartificial light. 14. Always be sure of your footing onslopes. 15. Exercise extreme caution whenchanging direction on slopes. 16. Always keep a safe distancebetween two or more people whenworking together. 17. Always inspect your unit beforeeach use and ensure that all handles,guards and fasteners are secure, operating,and in place. 18. Always maintain and examine yourtiller with care. Follow maintenanceinstructions given in manual. 19. Always store tiller in a shelteredarea (a dry place), not accessible tochildren. The tiller as well as fuel shouldnot be stored in a house.20. Always remove the outer set of tinesbefore removing the inner set of tines.


V. Warnings - Don'ts Don’t use tiller with one hand.Keep both hands on handles withfingers and thumbs encircling thehandles, while tines are moving, andengine is running.

Don’t overreach. Keep a goodfooting at all times.

Don’t run with the machine,walk.

Don’t let others operate tillerwithout proper training.

Do not stand in front of tiller

when tines are rotating.

Don’t work on excessively steepslopes.

Don’t attempt to clear tines whilethey are moving. Never try to removejammed material before switchingthe engine off and making sure thetines have stopped completely.

Don’t allow children or incapablepeople to operate this tiller.

Don’t operate while underthe influence of alcohol or drugs.

Don’t attempt to repair this tiller.

Have repairs made by a qualifieddealer or repairman. See that only original Mantis®

parts are used.

Don’t operate tiller with tineshaving the 3 rods extending from endwithout having second set of tinesattached. Failure to have tines inplace will damage tine assembly.

Do not reach you fingers and\orhands in between the tine blades.

Do not attempt to remove theinner tines before removing the outer tines.

WARNING • DANGERHANDLE 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.

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Always use fresh gasoline. Stalegasoline can cause damage.

Always store fuel in containersspecifically designed for thispurpose.

Always pull starter cord slowlyuntil resistance is felt. Then pull cordrapidly to avoid kickback and preventarm or hand injury.

Always operate engine with sparkarrestor installed and operatingproperly. The use of spark arrestormufflers is required by law in thestate of California (Section 4442 ofthe California Public ResourcesCode), as well as in other states ormunicipalities. Federal laws apply onfederal lands.

Stop the engine whenever youleave the machine.

Allow the engine to cool beforestoring in any enclosure.

If the fuel tank needs to bedrained, this should be doneoutdoors.

Don’t fuel, refuel or check fuelwhile smoking, or near an openflame or other ignition source. Stopengine and be sure it is cool beforerefueling.

Don’t leave the engine runningwhile the tiller is unattended. Stopengine before putting the tillerdown or while transporting fromone place to another.

Don’t refuel, start or run thistiller indoors or in an improperlyventilated area.

Don’t run engine when electricalsystem causes spark outside thecylinder. During periodical checks

of the spark plug, keep plug a safedistance from cylinder to avoidburning of evaporated fuel fromcylinder.

Don’t check for spark withspark plug or plug wire removed.Use an approved tester.

Don’t crank engine with sparkplug removed unless spark plugwire is disconnected. Sparks canignite fumes.

Don’t run engine when the odorof gasoline is present or otherexplosive conditions exist.

Don’t operate the unit ifgasoline is spilled. Clean up spill

completely before starting engine.

Don’t operate your tiller if thereis an accumulation of debris aroundthe muffler, and cooling fins.

Don’t touch hot mufflers,cylinders or cooling fins ascontact may cause serious burns.

Don’t change the enginegovernor setting or over speed theengine.

Don’t attempt to remove sparkplug while engine is hot. Removinga spark plug from a hot engine cancause irreparable damage to theengine and will void your warranty.

VI. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Do’s

VII. Engine/Fuel Warnings - Don’ts

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Your MANTIS® XP Tiller comespartially assembled. Full assembly willtake just a few minutes if you followthe directions.

First, take all items out of thecarton. But do not remove thecardboard from around the Tiller’sbase.

The list at the right, shows the partsthat come with your tiller. Check tomake sure you have them.

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

To assemble your MANTIS Tiller,you’ll need two 7/16" and one 3/8"wrenches or sockets. We suggest thatyou install all nuts and bolts only“finger tight” — that is, one-half toone full turn — until you’vecompleted assembly. The nuts areself locking, but you must use awrench to tighten them completely.

Assembly

WARNING•DANGERIMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TILLERCAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ALLINSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONSCONTACT OUR FACTORY AT

1-800-366-6268

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Quantity Description *Key #

1 Upper Handle Assembly 2 1 Upper Handle Throttle Assembly 1 2 Lower Handles 6 1 Engine Assembly (includes Fender Guard, Worm Gear Transmission & Tines) 20, 21, 39, 40, 55, 66, 67 1 Carrying Handle 42 1 Handle Brace 8 1 Bag of Hardware Containing: 2 Bolts (1” long) 47 4 Lock Nuts 48 2 Bolts (3” long) 49 2 Handle Clamps 51 1 Throttle Cable Clip 13 2 Round Head, Square Neck Bolts 52 2 Handle Knobs 53 1 Kickstand Assembly 69 1 Kickstand Top Bracket with 3/8” Bolts** 70*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the PartsLayout on page 18.

**If applicable.

1

26

49

13

51

52

53

48

47

42

70

69

8

20 21 39 40 55 66 67


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Assembly (continued)

HOW TO ASSEMBLELOWER HANDLES

To identify part numbers, seepages 6 and 18.

1. Open the protective cardboardsleeve, but leave the engine assembly(#21) in this cradle to stabilize itduring assembly. (Picture 1)

2. Lay the handle parts within easyreach. You’ll need one of the handleclamps (#51) and one of the lowerhandles (#6). Note that the lowerhandles have a short leg on one end.

3. Fit the handle clamp along theoutside of the short leg. Line up theholes on the clamp and the leg.

4. Choose one of the two 3-inchbolts (#49). Slide it through the firstset of holes — near the elbow wherethe lower handle curves. (Picture 2)

5. Now slide the other lowerhandle onto the 3-inch bolt. Fit the

other handle clamp onto this otherhandle’s short leg. Add a nut (#48)and tighten finger tight. (Picture 3)

6. Locate the worm gear housing.It starts just above – and extendsdown through – the tiller’s red fenderguard. You’ll notice that there’s arecessed channel on either side of thehousing’s top. (Picture 4.)

7. Take the lower handles thatyou’ve just put together. Slide theminto the two recessedchannels.(Picture 5.)

Make sure you insert them fromthe rear of the tiller (gasoline tankfaces away from the operator)... sothat the bolt fits along the back ofthe housing.

8. Slide the second 3-inch boltthrough the second set of holes in theshort legs. Add a nut and tightenfinger tight.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5

NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT ISAPPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1-1/2 TURNS.


WARNING • DANGERREMOVE TINES BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.

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How to AssembleKickstand, UpperHandles andCarrying HandleNOTE: If your Mantis® XPwas supplied with akickstand, please start atline 1. If not, please startwith the assembly of thecarry handle in line 3 below.

1. Locate the kickstand topbracket (#70). Note that thedistance between the channelsis narrower on one end of thebracket than the other. Placethe kickstand top bracket ontothe kickstand assembly (#69)so the end where the channelsare closer together pointsaway from the foot of thekickstand (Picture 1). Alignthe bolt holes and insert two3/8” bolts through the holes inthe top bracket and screwthem into the bottom bracketby hand.

2. Lightly squeeze thelower handles (#6) toward oneanother so they line up withthe channels in the top bracketof the kickstand and slide theassembly down the lowerhandles until the foot of thekickstand is about 2" from theends of the lower handles(Picture 2).

3. Again, lightly squeezethe lower handles (#6) towardone another so they line upwith the 2 holes in the carryhandle (#42). Then slide the

carry handle and thekickstand assembly down atthe same time until thekickstand comes to a stop(Picture 3).

4. Gently pull the lowerhandles out to their originalposition.

5. Attach the upper handlethrottle side assembly (#1) –the handle with the throttlecable and ground wire – ontothe right lower handle with ashoulder bolt (#52), and securewith the handle knob (#53).(Picture 4) Be sure you haveproper throttle movementsand that the throttle cable isnot wrapped or twistedaround the handle bar.Locate the red lockout buttonlocated on the throttle handle(Picture 5). Press the redlockout button and squeezethe throttle lever and let go.

THIS MUST BE DONEBEFORE STARTING THEENGINE.

6. Follow the same steps toinstall the other upper handleonto the other lower handle.Does not show other handleinstallation.

7. Use the clip (#13) tosecure the throttle cable andwire in place on the lowerhandle. (Picture 6)

8. Now install the HandleBrace (#8). Line it up with theholes on the upper handles.

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Picture 1 Picture 2

Picture 3 Picture 4

Picture 5 Picture 6


WARNING: Improper throttleinstallation can causetines to rotateunexpectedly.!


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WARNING • DANGERFUEL IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HANDLE IT WITH CARE. KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITIONSOURCES. DO NOT SMOKE WHILE FUELING

YOUR EQUIPMENT.

! !WARNING: CHECK OIL LEVEL

Running the engine with a low oil level can causeengine damage. Overfillingthe engine with oil canlead to oil leaking andsmoking/oil from the muffler

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Never use starting fluids asthey will cause permanentengine damage. Using them

will void the warranty. Beforeyou use the tiller, read theSafety & Warning rules on

pages 3-6.

Checking the Oil Level inthe Engine’s Oil SumpIMPORTANT NOTE: Before usingyour new Mantis 4-Stroke Tiller forthe first time, it is important tocheck the oil level in the engines oilsump. The bottle of oil supplied withthis machine holds the correct gradeof engine oil.

Please follow the notes below forfull instructions how to check theoil level in the engine.

How to fill the engines oil sumpbefore using your new MantisTiller:

1. Rock the tiller forward so thatit rests on its fuel tank.

2. Remove the grey sump plugand top up the oil using the correcttype of oil so that it is level with theinner first thread of the sump plug.(Picture 1)

Picture 1

IMPORTANT NOTE:Before starting your 4Stroke/Mantis® Tiller, add thepremeasured bottle of 4 strokeengine oil supplied with yourtiller. See 4 Stroke Tiller EngineManual and information belowfor details.

IMPORTANT NOTE:Before you use your MANTISTiller, read the Safety Rules &Warnings on pages 3-5.

IMPORTANT NOTE:Check the oil level in theengine before each use. If oil islow, top it off with 10W-30before using. See your 4 StrokeTiller Engine Manual andinformation above for details.

Picture 7

Then insert a Cap Screw (#47) and aLock Nut (#48) on either side (Picture 7)

9. Use a wrench to tighten Cap Screwsand Lock Nuts.

10. Now use wrench to tighten all nutsand bolts firmly and securely.

IMPORTANT NOTE:Make sure you have installed thehandles properly. When you standbehind your tiller, holding the handles,the gas tank is facing away from you,on the front side of the engine.

Max. 3.4 oz (100ml)


TO START YOURTILLER FOR THEFIRST TIME:First, fill the fuel tank with theproper amount of gasoline (Usebranded 89 octane (R+M+2)unleaded gasoline or gasohol—maximum 10% ethyl alcohol, or15% MTBE, no methyl alcohol.)

Mantis® XP TillerStarting Instructions(4 Stroke 35cc engine)

Cold Engine 1. Place the o/I switch into theI “start/on” position. (Picture 1) 2. Choke the engine (or closethe choke. Move choke to theclosed position.) (Picture 2) 3. Push primer bulb 6 times.(Picture 3) 4. Pull grip slowly until youfeel resistance then pull briskly.(Picture 4) 5. Once the engine is running,slowly push the choke lever downto the run position—the enginewill continue to run. (Picture 5)Follow these steps whenever youare starting the engine “cold”, orwhen the engine has run dry andyou have just added fuel.Remember, always use short,brisk pulls. Don’t give the cord along, forceful yank. And, do notlet the cord snap back into thestarter housing.

Warm Engine 1. Push ignition switch to I“start/on” position.

2. Pull grip slowly until youfeel resistance then pull briskly.Make sure the choke is in theopen, or run, position.

NOTE: When the choke isclosed, never pull the cord morethan four or five times. Over-pulling may cause flooding.

How to Stop the Engine Simply push the o/I “stop/ start”switch to “o” (Picture 6). This willstop the engine instantly. If itshould ever fail to do so, just pullthe choke up to the closedposition. The engine will stop at once.

About the Choke The choke controls the amountof air drawn into the engine. Yourtiller will run only if the choke is open.

WARNINGAVOID ACCIDENTAL BLADE

ENGAGEMENT

DO NOT SQUEEZE THE THROTTLETRIGGER WHEN STARTING.

MAINTAIN PROPER IDLE SPEEDADJUSTMENT (2500-3100 RPM)

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WARNING • DANGERIF 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 FORWARD TO THE COLD START (CLOSED)

POSITION. CHECK AND RETURN IGNITION SWITCH TO ON POSITIONBEFORE STARTING ENGINE AGAIN.



Starting

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IMPORTANT!It is normal for your 4 stroke engine to smoke for the first minute or two ofoperation, however it is notnecessary for this to occurevery time. This is a result ofthe oil being pulled throughthe engine for lubrication.

WARNINGDO NOT OPERATE IN A CLOSED

OR CONFINED AREA

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A Special Feature (with the idle set properlyand the engine running) Even when the engine isrunning, the tines won’t turnunless you squeeze the throttlelever on the handlebars. And,when you release the throttle lever,the tines will stop.

A Tip for ExtendingYour Engine’s Life After you start the engine, let yourtiller warm up for two to threeminutes before you use it. Then,before you put your tiller away, let itidle for a minute to give the engine achance to cool down.

Operation With engine running, and bothhands on the handles, press the

throttle lock out button (Picture 1),then squeeze the throttle triggergradually to increase the enginespeed and engage the tines.

NOTE: This step must berepeated each time your tillertrigger is released.

How to get your tiller to your gardenNOTE: Once the throttle triggeris squeezed, you can release thelockout button (Picture 2).

Walk it. Once your tiller is running, youcan “walk” it to your garden. Justsqueeze the throttle lever gentlyand let the tiller “tip-toe” acrossyour yard on its tines. It won’thurt your lawn or driveway.(Picture 3)

Carry It. Make sure the engine is off.

Then use one hand to grasp theconvenient carrying handle. Usethe other hand to hold thehandlebars. (Picture 4) Then liftyour tiller and carry it to yourgarden. Since it weighs only 30pounds, it won’t strain yourmuscles or tire you out!

Take It for a Ride. You can easily transport yourMANTIS® XP Tiller to a friend’sor relative’s house. Just empty thefuel tank. (This is crucial.) Thenstow your Tiller in the trunk ofyour car or truck. It fits easily.And you can put it in and take itout without straining your back.

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Additional Information

Picture 3 Picture 4

Picture 1 Picture 2

Picture 5

WARNINGNEVER CARRY YOUR TILLER ASTHE PERSON IN PICTURE 5 ISDOING. IF YOU DO, YOU WILLSUFFER SERIOUS INJURY.

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WARNINGNEVER TRANSPORT TILLER WITHGAS IN FUEL TANK IN TRUNK OFCAR OR TRUCK FOR THIS COULD

CAUSE EXPLOSION OR FIRE

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Tilling

WARNING • DANGERIF 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.

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TillingNow You’re Ready toUse Your MANTIS® XPTiller.If you’ve seen other tillers, your

MANTIS Tiller may surprise you.It tills best when you pull itbackward! You see, when you pullyour MANTIS Tiller backward,you give extra resistance to the

tines, so they dig deeper. (Picture 1)

What’s more when you go backward, youerase your footprints. So your soil stayslight and fluffy. With other tillers, bycontrast, you walk right over the soilyou’ve just tilled, packing it down, so it’sless plantable.

Run Your MANTIS XP Tillerlike a Vacuum Cleaner. Place your Tiller at the head of the rowor area you want to till. Start it up. Thenuse an easy rocking motion. First, pullyour Tiller backward. Then use an easyrocking motion. Again, pull your Tillerbackward. Then, let it move forward just alittle bit. Then pull it backward again.This will help you till deeper.

Keep repeating these steps until you’vetilled an entire row. Start again on thenext row. It’s much like running avacuum cleaner! (Picture 2)

You Can Even Control Depth.For Deeper Tilling:

Move your Tiller slowly back and forth,as you would a vacuum cleaner. Work thesame area over and over until you’ve dugto your desired depth. (Picture 3)

For Shallow Tilling:

Switch the tines to the cultivatingposition. (See page 13 to learn how.) Thenmove your Tiller quickly over your soilsurface.

For Big Weeds or Tough Roots:

Let your Tiller rock back and forth overthe tough spot, until the tines slicethrough the weed or root.

Your MANTIS XP TillerHandles Special Tilling Projects. Want to turn part of your lawn into acolorful flower border? Your MANTIS XPTiller makes it easy! Just run your Tillerback and forth until the sod begins tobreak up. Then continue tilling. YourTiller will chop the clumps of sod untilthey’re fine. Then, it will work them intothe soil. Pretty soon, you’ll have a soft,fresh planting bed.

WARNING • DANGERTHE OPERATOR OF THIS TILLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

ACCIDENTS OR HAZARDS OCCURRING TO HIMSELF, OTHER PEOPLE OR THEIR PROPERTY.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

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How about a family-size vegetable garden? Nowadays many gardenersprefer small gardens —especially in the suburbs, wherespace is at a premium. But, ifyou’re fortunate enough to own alarge lot, you can create a biggergarden — a half acre or more.

Your MANTIS XPTiller Makes Weeding a Pleasure! As a tiller, your MANTIS XPTiller works the soil down to 10”(25.4 cm) deep. But, as acultivator, it gently cultivates thesurface, only 2" to 3" (5.09 cm to7.62 cm) deep. First, you must switch the tinesto the weeding position. This

takes less than a few minutes. Then, your MANTIS XPTiller’s sharp “tine teeth” willslice up those pesky weeds,burying them as you go along.And, since the tines in thisposition won’t dig too deep, theywon’t hurt your plants’ preciousroot systems. The result? Your Tiller will cutyour weeding time in half, and turna tiresome chore into a pleasure.

How to Switch FromTilling to CultivatingPosition To switch between tilling andcultivating, you will simply movethe tines from one side of thetiller to the other. When the tines are in thetilling position, they will appearas shown in Picture 1. Whenrunning, the tines rotate to thefront of the tiller and the pointsof the tines will contact theground first, allowing it toaggressively cut and break thesoil for tilling. When the tines are in thecultivating position, they willappear as shown in Picture 2. Inthis position, when the tines rotate,the long flat part of the teeth willcontact the ground first for a lessaggressive cultivating action. 1. First, you will need tounderstand that your Mantis XPhas an inner and an outer set oftines on each side of the tiller asshown in Picture 3

2. Make sure the tiller isturned off. 3. Remove the retaining pinsfrom the outer set of tines (Picture4) and remove the outer tines. 4. Only after you have removedthe outer set of tines, then removethe retaining pins from the innertines and remove the retainingpins from the inner tines andremove the inner tines from thetransmission axle (Picture 5) 5. Place the right-side set ofinner tines onto the left-side. The"D" shaped hole should be to theoutside. Make sure the tineretaining pin is installed. Repeatfor the other side 6. Place the right side set ofouter tines onto the left-side axle.The "D" shaped hole should beto the outside and insert the tineretaining pin. Repeat for theother side. Your Mantis XP tiller also hasthe ability to till or cultivate ateither a 9" or 16" width. Thetiller is sent to you set up for 16".To run the tiller at a 9" width,simply remove the inner andouter tines as noted above. Thenjust put the outer tines back ontothe transmission axel and securewith a retaining pin on each side.

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Tilling

WARNING • DANGERDO NOT REACH YOUR FINGERS

AND\OR HAND BETWEEN THE TINE BLADES.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE INNER SET OF TINES UNTIL YOU HAVE FIRST REMOVED THE

OUTER SET OF TINES.

IMPORTANTTo change the tines on your 4 Stroke Mantis® XP Tiller,

rotate the handles forward andallow tiller to rest on the engine.

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Picture 4 Picture 5Picture 2 Picture 3Picture 1

Inner Tines

Outer Tines

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Now You’re Ready toCultivate or Weed. Guide your tiller where youwant to weed and start it up. Pullyour Tiller backward slowly, thenlet it move forward a bit, in agentle rocking motion. Watch itslice, shred, and bury those weeds!

Got tough weeds? Lighten yourpressure on the throttle to slowyour Tiller down. Then work backand forth until your Tiller chops upthe weeds. It’s easy and effective!

Your Mantis® XP Tiller Can Weed BetweenNarrow Rows! Your Mantis XP Tiller is aprecision weeder that can easily fitin tight places. So don’t be afraidto weed anywhere: between plantsand shrubs, in corners, againstfences, on raised beds, in widerows, even in very narrow rows.Your Mantis XP Tiller weeds six*to nine inches wide. So you canrun it in a tightly planted gardenwithout damaging your delicateplants. That’s good news for

suburban gardeners, who oftenhave to plant rows close together!

*With optional Planter Furrower attachment.(Item #6222)

To do this you must take off thetine assemblies (both sides) andreplace with only the outer set oftines. Do not operate with only theinner set of tines. Damage willoccur using this set of tines.

Cultivating

Cleaning the Tines

Tilling PositionTine teeth point in the same

direction as the rotation of thetine; or toward the front of theTiller, away from the operator.

Cultivating PositionTine teeth point in the

opposite direction as the rotationof the tine. Tines point toward theback of the tiller, or toward theoperator.

The installed weed reducer willhelp, but remember, any tiller willtangle in tall grass, stringy vines, orsuper-big weeds. So, if you have a“backyard jungle,” first use a knife, pruner, or brush cutter to chop up the overgrowth. Ifthe tines become tangled anyway,turn the engine off completelybefore trying to clear them.

From time to time, you may wantto remove the tines to get themcompletely clean. To do this, pleasefollow steps 1-4 as noted under“How to Switch From Tilling toCultivating Position” on page 13.Then, you can remove any weeds,stones, or mud from the tines. Asalways, please be sure to remove theouter tines before removing the inner

tines. Also, do not reach your fingersand\or hand in between the tineblades. When finished, simply returnthe tines to their starting positions.

The optional Tine Detangler(Item #1322) will clear tines in ajiffy. Contact your local authorizedMantis® dealer or call 1-800-366-6268 to order.

Handles

Fuel Tank

Tine Rotation

Tine Teeth

Handles

Fuel Tank

Tine Rotation

Tine Teeth

FrontBack FrontBack


15

MaintenanceHow to Check the Grease LevelInside the Worm Gear Housing When we built your Mantis® XP tiller, we addedgrease to properly lubricate the transmission for thefirst 10 hours of operation. As part of the regularmaintenance of your tiller, it is imperative that you inspect the grease level and add grease ifnecessary. This will help your tiller give you years of excellent usage.

You will need to add grease with a grease gunusing the fitting at the front of the transmission(Picture 1). You should add grease through thisfitting after the first 10 hours of operation andthen every 50 hours of use. To add grease throughthe grease fitting:

1. Make sure the tiller is turned off and removethe tines.

2. Place the tiller front side down on an elevatedsurface and remove the 4 screws holding thetransmission cover (Picture 2).

3. Remove the transmission cover and gasket.Inspect the grease level. If it is below the edge of thegear housing, you will need to add grease. If it isalready flush with this edge, you do not need to addgrease. DO NOT OVERFILL. Too much grease cancreate pressure which can cause seals to fail or theclutch to slip.

4. If grease is needed, remove the protective capfrom the grease fitting, attach the grease gun, andslowly add grease until the level is flush with theedge of the transmission (Picture 3).

5. Return the grease fitting protective cover, gasket,and transmission cover with the 4 original screws.

In between adding grease with the grease gun, youshould inspect the grease level after approximately10 hours of operation. If grease is needed, you canadd grease directly to the opening in the transmissionusing Mantis item number 9985.

Picture 1 Picture 2

Picture 3

WARNINGPREMATURE TRANSMISISSION FAILURE CAN OCCUR IF

PROPER GREASE LEVEL IS NOT BE MAINTAINED

! !


What to do Just in Case… At some point, you may find thatthe tines won’t turn when yousqueeze the throttle. This may meanthe engine isn’t sitting all the waydown on the worm gear housing.

Perhaps you’ve been using yourTiller for several years. The flangebolt (Key #12, Page 18) may havecome loose and lifted the engine up.

If this happened you’ll notice agap between the bottom of theengine flange (Key #43, Page 18)and the top of the worm gearhousing. (Picture 3)

To fix this, loosen the flange

bolt. Take the engine off the wormgear housing. Notice the hex headon top of the drive shaft (Key #22,Page 18). Inside the flange housing,you’ll find the clutch drum (Key#57, Page 18). Make sure the hexhead lines up with the clutch druminside the flange housing.

Then put the engine back on the

worm gear housing. Make sure theplastic carrying handle is not underthe engine.

If you’ve followed these stepsproperly, there will be no gap betweenthe engine flange and the worm gearhousing. (Picture 4) Make sure youtighten the flange bolt!

16

Check the Air Filter Often A wet or dirty air filter canaffect the way your engine starts,performs, and wears. So, it’s agood idea to check your air filteronce a month.

If you work in dusty soil, or ifyou want to be on the safe side —then check your filter more often(for instance, before each use).But be sure to replace it at leastonce a year, in the spring or fall.

How to Check, Clean andChange the Air Filter 1. The air filter is held in theair cleaner in a black housing onthe side of the tiller, behind thegas tank cap.

2. Squeeze the two locking tabsat the rear of the air cleaner cover(Picture 1) and swing the covertowards the front of the engine toopen it

3. The air filter is the darksponge like material on the insideofthe air cleaner. Check whether itis soiled or moist.

4. If the air filter needs to becleaned or no longer fits properly,simply remove it by carefullypeeling it out of the air cleaner

(Picture 2)

5. To clean the air filter

a. Clean the filter element inwarm soapy water, rinse andallow to dry thoroughly. Or,clean in a non-flammablesolvent and allow to dry.

b. Dip the filter element in cleanengine oil, then squeeze out allexcess oil. The engine willsmoke when started if too muchoil is left in the element

c. Wipe dirt from the air cleanerbody and cover, using a moistrag. Be careful to prevent dirtfrom entering the carburetor.

6. Insert your clean filter insidethe air cleaner.

IMPORTANT! Make sure thefilter is "seated" properly in thecover. The filter must fit snuglyinside the opening that holds thefilter in place. Installing thefilter incorrectly will causeengine damage and void thewarranty. Fit the cover back

over the air cleaner and snapthe two locking tabs.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

A dirty air cleaner will restrictair flow to the carburetor,reducing engine performance.If you operate the engine in verydusty areas, clean the air filterelement more often thenspecified in the Maintenancesection.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Operating the engine without anair filter element, or with adamaged air filter element, willallow dirt to enter the engine,causing rapid engine wear. Thistype of damage is not coveredby the Limited Warranty.

Note:Please check the lip on the AirCleaner Cover. If the lip is chippedor cracked, it should be replaced.This will prevent dirt from beingingested through the carburetorinto the inside of the engine.

Picture 1 Picture 2

Maintenance

Picture 3. Note how the engine doesn’t sit allthe way down on the transmission.

Picture 4. Note how the engine sits all the waydown on the transmission.


Each fall, or before you storeyour Mantis® XP Tiller for anylong period, be sure to take thesemeasures:

1. Do not store your Tiller withfuel still in it. Even under idealconditions, stored fuel containingethanol or MTBE can start to gostale in 30 days. And, since stalefuel has a high gum content, it canclog the carburetor, this, in turn,will restrict fuel flow. Therefore,when you’re ready to store yourTiller, or will not be using it formore than 2 weeks, drain the fueltank completely.

2. Next, restart the engine to makesure no fuel is left in the carburetor.Then, run the engine until it stops.This will prevent gum deposits,forming inside of the carburetor andpossible engine damage.

3. Disconnect the spark plugwire and remove the spark plug.Slowly pull the starter cord once.

4. Inspect the spark plug, and ifnecessary, clean it. If you need toreplace it, buy a NGK-CMR5H.

5 Install the spark plug, butleave the spark plug wiredisconnected.

6. Clean the air filter as described inyour 4 Stroke Tiller Engine Manual.

7. Clean dirt, grass and othermaterials from the entire machine.

8.Wipe the tines with oil or spraythem with WD-40, to prevent rusting.

9. Oil the throttle cable and allvisible moving parts. (Do notremove the engine cover.)

10. Check the grease level in theworm gear housing as described onpage 15.

11. Order new parts to replaceany that are badly worn or broken.Just call 1-800-366-6268 and askfor a local authorized Mantis or 4Stroke Tiller dealer.

12. Store your Tiller in an

upright position in a clean, dryplace. You can store with thehandles in an extended position orfolded down.

13. To fold the handles, followthese easy steps: Loosen thehandle knobs (#53) then fold thehandles forward. Tighten knobsecurely. Your handles are nowfolded and ready to store in asmaller area.

14. Do you have fuel left overfrom last season? Dispose of itproperly. Buy fresh oil andgasoline next season.

15. Remove Tilling Tines orattachments and lightly oil tineshaft at least once a year.

You may store your MantisTiller with the handles upright asin Picture 1 or with the handlesfolded down, as in Picture 2.

17

StorageWARNING • DANGER

DO NOT STORE IN AN AREA WHERE FUEL FUMES MAYACCUMULATE AND REACH A FLAME OR SPARK.

Picture 1 Picture 2

! !

IMPORTANTIt is important to store your 4 Stroke Mantis Tiller in an uprightposition. Laying the Tiller on its side will cause the oil to leak out

of the engine through the air cleaner case.

! !Do not store the tillerlying flat on its front,

back, or side.


12

43

60

56

57

61

62

21

4863

47

7 8

47

41

6741

40

44

68

50

66

41

41

46

20

39

64

65

23

70

69

#

18

Mantis® XP Tiller Assembly

ITEM QTY. PART # DESCRIPTION / REMARKS

1 1 400257 TRIGGER HANDLE ASSM. RH2 1 400255 HANDLE ASSM. LH6 2 400224 LOWER HANDLE -FOLD DOWN7 1 400633 LABEL, BRACE FRONT8 1 400306 HANDLE BRACE12 1 910502 10-32 X 3/4 - FLANGED BOLT13 2 478 THROTTLE CLIP20 1 400312 FENDER GUARD21 1 400916 ENGINE ASSY – 35CC 4 STROKE22* 1 468 DRIVE SHAFT23 1 400301 WORM GEAR HOUSING24 1 436 GASKET25 1 437A HOUSING COVER26 4 651 RD. HD. SELF TAPPING SCREW27 1 423 ROLLER BEARING28 2 425 WORM BEARING RACE29 1 424 WORM THRUST BEARING30 1 422 WORM SHAFT31 1 426 WORM DISK

ITEM QTY. PART # DESCRIPTION / REMARKS32 1 428 RETAINING RING33 1 429 WORM GEAR 34 1 431 TINE SHAFT35 2 430 WORM GEAR THRUST WASHER36 2 432 WORM GEAR BEARING37 2 434 BEARING SEAL38 2 435 BEARING SEAL RETAINER39 1 400328 TINE ASSY - OUTER RIGHT40 1 400327 TINE ASSY - OUTER LEFT41 4 418-1 TINE RETAINING HAIR PIN42 1 400315 CARRYING HANDLE43 1 400307 ENGINE ADAPTER44 1 400631 TINE LABEL45 1 458 ROLLER BEARING46 1 4058 MANTIS LABEL47 2 410 CAP SCREW 1/4-20 X 1" LG.48 4 972 LOCK NUT 1/4 - 2049 2 470 1/4-20 X 3” BOLT50 2 M9452 BOLT 1/4 - 20 X 1/2" LG.

ITEM QTY. PART # DESCRIPTION / REMARKS51 2 377 HANDLE CLAMP52 2 400509 BOLT53 2 400510 KNOB54 2 400230 PLUG55 1 400302 TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY56 1 400132 BEARING57 1 400308 CLUTCH DRUM60 4 400529 M6 X 33MM - FLANGED BOLT 61 1 400524 RETAINING RING62 1 400310 THROTTLE STOP HONDA 35CC63 1 400634 LABEL WARNING64 1 400313 DUST CAP FOR GREASE FITTING65 1 400300 GREASE FITTING66 1 400330 TINE ASSY. INNER RIGHT67 1 400329 TINE ASSY. INNER LEFT68 2 4092 WEED RECYCLER69# 1 410158 KICKSTAND LEG ASSY.70# 1 410113 HARDWARE FOR KICKSTAND71 2 400635 LABEL, XP TINE WARNING

* ALSO IN KEY #55 – 400302# IF APPLICABLE

71


19

400332

Spare Parts

1. Set of two inner tines

2. Set of two outer tines

400331

400333

3. Set of four tines (inner and outer)

66

66

39

39

40

40

67

67

p/n p/n

p/n

NOTES: _________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________


20

MANTIS® XP TILLER LIMITED WARRANTY

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.

P/N 401764 4 /10Printed in USA

MANTIS extends this limited warranty against defects in materialand workmanship for a period of five (5) years for normalresidential purposes and two (2) years for commercial use from thedate of purchase, to the first retail purchaser and each subsequentowner, during the warranty period. This warranty covers allportions of the MANTIS XP TILLER.

MANTIS will repair or replace, at its option, any part or parts of theproduct proven to be defective in material or workmanship undernormal usage during the warranty period. Warranty repairs andreplacements will be made without charge for parts or labor. Allparts replaced under warranty will be considered as part of theoriginal product, and any warranty on the replaced parts will expirecoincident with the original product warranty. If you think yourMANTIS XP TILLER is defective in material or workmanship, youmust send it, along with your proof of purchase (sales receipt) to:

Mantis1028 Street RoadSouthampton, PA 18966

You are responsible for pickup and delivery charges; the productmust be returned to us postage paid.

MANTIS assumes no responsibility in the event that the product wasnot assembled or used in compliance with any assembly, care, safety,or operating instructions contained in the Owner’s Manual oraccompanying the product; was not used with reasonable care orrequires replacement or repair due to accidents or lack of propermaintenance; or was misused, altered, used for other than normal or

intended purposes. This warranty does not cover damage due tonormal wear and tear.

You must maintain your MANTIS XP TILLER by following themaintenance procedures described in the owner’s manual. Such routine maintenance,whether performed by you or a dealer, is at your expense.

MANTIS MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES ORREPRESENTATIONS EXCEPT THOSE CONTAINED HEREIN.THE DURATION OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY, INCLUDINGMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULARPURPOSE, IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTENLIMITED WARRANTY. MANTIS DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FORINDIRECT, INCIDENTAL AND/OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGESIN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OF THE MANTIS PRODUCTSCOVERED BY THIS WARRANTY. SOME STATES DO NOTALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIEDWARRANTY LASTS AND/OR DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSIONOR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES, SO THAT ABOVE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONSMAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOUSPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHERRIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATES TO STATE.

MANTIS1028 Street RoadSouthampton, PA 18966(215) 355-9700

© 2010 Mantis, Division of Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.


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