Mantis 7263 User manual

Tiller/Cultivator
with 4 Stroke Engine
OWNER’S MANUAL
Motobêche-bineuse
à moteur 4 temps
MANUEL D’UTILISATION
Gartenfräse/Hacke
mit Viertaktmotor
BEDIENERHANDBUCH
Original Instructions
Traduction des instructions originales
Übersetzung der Originalanleitung

Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . . the
lightweight wonder that’s changing the
way we garden.
Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Tiller
weighs only 24 pounds (11 kg). So it
lifts easily, handles smoothly, tills and
weeds precisely. And, unlike other small
tillers, it features serpentine tines that
churn soil to 25 cm 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 rst, 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 authorised Mantis ofce.
Table of contents
Safety rules & warnings ................... 3-5
Safety labels ...........................3-4
Engine & fuel warnings ....................5
Assembly and mixing fuel ...............6-10
Starting ................................11
Additional information ....................12
Getting to your garden ....................12
Tilling & cultivating ...................13-14
Tine positioning .........................14
Maintenance ............................15
Storage ................................16
MANTIS Tiller assembly layout ............17
Parts assemblies .........................18
Troubleshooting .........................19
Welcome to the world of
Mantis gardening
2

Safety rules & warnings
You will notice throughout this owners manual safety rules and important notes. Make sure you understand and
obey these warnings for your own protection.
I. Special safety information
WARNING • DANGER
ATTENTION: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT
OUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
HEED IT’S 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
PROTECTIONCAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION AND ALL
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
WEAR HEARING AND EYE PROTECTION.
II. Safety & warnings
! !
!
DON’T FUEL, REFUEL, OR
CHECK FUEL WHILE SMOKING,
OR NEAR AN OPEN FLAME OR
OTHER IGNITION SOURCE.
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 7.
CUTTING HAZARD; KEEP FEET
AND HANDS AWAY FROM
ROTATING TINES.
WEAR EAR AND EYE
PROTECTION. DO NOT OPERATE TILLER
INDOORS OR IN POORLY
VENTILATED AREA
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.
An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tiller
are the warning and information labels found on various parts of the
tiller. These labels must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is
your responsibility to replace these labels when they become hard to read. The
location and part numbers (P/N) of these labels are illustrated on Page 17.
III. Safety label information
P/N 400620
P/N 400609
3
!!
! !

WARNING • DANGER
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 - do’s
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 jewellery, 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/fuel 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).
11. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws
tight to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
12. Use extreme caution when
reversing or pulling the machine
towards you.
13. Work only in daylight or good
articial light.
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 and ensure that all handles,
guards and fasteners are secure,
operating, and in place.
18. Always maintain and examine
your Tiller with care. Follow
maintenance instructions given in
manual.
19. 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.
SPECIFICATION:
GUARANTEED SOUND
POWER LEVEL Model 7263 .61 Kw Max 7000 min-1 9.5 kg
83
dB
LWA
dB
97
LWA
dB
93
LWA
4
!!

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 overreach. Keep a good
footing at all times.
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.
Don’t allow children or
incapable people to operate this
tiller.
Don’t operate while under the
inuence of alcohol or drugs.
Don’t attempt to repair this
tiller. Have repairs made by a
qualied dealer or repairman. See
that only original Mantis parts are
used.
WARNING • DANGER
HANDLE FUEL WITH CARE, IT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. FUELLING A HOT ENGINE OR NEAR AN IGNITION
SOURCE CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Always use fresh petrol. Stale
petrol can cause damage.
Always store fuel in containers
specically designed for this purpose.
Always pull starter cord slowly
until resistance is felt. Then pull cord
rapidly to avoid kickback and prevent
arm or hand injury.
Always operate engine with spark
arrestor installed and operating
properly.
Stop the engine whenever you
leave the machine.
Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
If the fuel tank needs to be
drained, this should be done outdoors.
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
refuelling.
Don’t leave the engine running
while the tiller is unattended. Stop
engine before putting the tiller
down or while transporting from
one place to another.
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
odour of petrol is present or other
conditions exist.
Don’t operate the unit if petrol
is spilled. Clean up spill completely
before starting engine.
Don’t operate your tiller if there
is an accumulation of debris around
the exhaust, and cooling ns.
Don’t touch the hot exhaust,
cylinders or cooling ns as
contact may cause serious burns.
Don’t change the engine
governor setting or over speed the
engine.
VI. Engine/fuel warnings - do’s
VII. Engine/fuel warnings - don’ts
5
! !

Your MANTIS Tiller comes partially
assembled. You must install only the
handlebars, the carrying handle, and the
tines. This will take just a few minutes if
you 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 at the right, shows the parts that
come with your tiller. Check to make sure
you have them.
The bag of hardware is in the plastic bag
containing the Owner’s Manual and DVD.
To assemble your MANTIS Tiller,
you’ll need two 7/16” (11 mm) spanners/
wrenches. We suggest that you install all
nuts and bolts only “nger tight”
— that is,
one-half to one full turn — until you’ve
completed assembly. The nuts are self
locking, but you must use a spanner/
wrench to tighten them completely.
40 39
8
42
20,21,55
1
2
6
53
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, YOUR LOCAL AUTHORISED
MANTIS OFFICE.
Quantity Description *Key No.
1 Upper handle assembly 2
1 Upper handle throttle side assembly 1
2 Lower handles 6
1 Pair tiller/cultivator tines 39,40
1 Engine assembly (includes fender
guard & worm tear transmission) 20,21,55
1 Handle brace 8
1 Plastic carrying handle 42
1 Bag of hardware containing:
2 Cap screws 47
4 Lock nuts 48
2 Bolts 3” (7.62 cm) 49
2 Tine retaining pins 41
2 Handle clamps 51
1 Throttle clips 13
2 Bolts 52
2 Knobs 53
*These numbers are the same numbers shown on the parts layout
on page 17.
6
! !

Assembly (continued)
HOW TO ASSEMBLE
LOWER HANDLES
To identify part numbers, see
pages 6 and 18.
1. Use the protective cardboard
sleeve to stabilise your tiller. Stand
the engine assembly (no. 21) up.
(Picture 1)
2. Lay the handle parts within easy
reach. You’ll need one of the handle
clamps (no. 51) and one of the lower
handles (no. 6). Note that the lower
handles have a short leg on one end.
3. Fit the handle clamp along the
outside of the short leg. Line up the
holes on the clamp and the leg.
4. Choose one of the two 3-inch
(7.62 cm) bolts (no. 49). Slide it
through the rst set of holes — near
the elbow where the lower handle
curves. (Picture 2 & 3)
5. Now slide the other lower
handle onto the 3-inch
(7.62 cm) bolt. Fit the other
clamp onto this other handle’s
short leg. Add a nut and tighten
nger tight. (Picture 3)
6. Locate the worm gear
housing. It starts just above
— and extends down through
— the tiller’s red fender guard.
You’ll notice that there’s a
recessed channel on either side
of the housing’s top. (Picture 4.)
7. Take the lower handles that
you’ve just put together. Slide them
into the two recessed channels.
(Picture 5.)
Make sure you insert them
from the rear of the tiller . . . so that
the bolt ts along the back of the
housing.
8. Slide the second 3-inch
(7.62 cm) bolt through the second set
of holes in the short legs. Add a nut
and tighten nger tight.
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5
NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT IS
APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1-1/2 TURNS.
7

8
WARNING • DANGER
REMOVE TINES BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
AND MAKING ADJUSTMENTS.
Assembly (continued)
How to assemble upper
handles and carrying
handle
1. Lightly squeeze the lower
handles (no. 6) toward one
another so that they line up with
the two smaller holes on the
carrying handle (no. 42). Then
slide the carrying handle over and
down the lower handles. It will
rest about 10 to 15 cm above the
fender. (Picture 1)
2. Gently pull the lower handles
out to their original position.
3. Attach the upper handle
assembly (no. 1) – the handle with
the throttle cable and ground wire
– onto the right lower handle, and
secure with the handle knob (no.
53).
(Picture 2 and 3)
Note: If throttle handle is
mounted on the left, it will not
fold down as completely as when
mounted on the right.)
Be sure you have proper throttle
movements and that the throttle
cable is not wrapped or twisted
around the handle bar. Squeeze
trigger and let go.
THIS MUST BE DONE
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE.
4. Follow the same steps to
install the other upper handle onto
the other lower handle. (Picture 3)
5. Use the clip (no. 13) to
secure the throttle cable and wire
in place on the lower handle.
(Picture 4)
6. Now install the handle brace.
Line it up with the holes on the
upper handles. Then insert a cap
screw and a lock nut on either
side (Picture 5)
7. Use a spanner/wrench to
tighten cap screws and lock nuts.
8. Now use spanner/wrench to
tighten all nuts and bolts rmly
and securely.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Make sure you have installed
the handles properly. When you
stand behind your tiller, holding
the handles, the fuel tank is
facing away from you, on the
front side of the engine.
Picture 3
Picture 2
Picture 1
Picture 4 Picture 5
WARNING: Improper throttle installation can cause
tines to rotate unexpectedly .
!
!!

9
Assembly (continued)
Assembling the tines
for tilling
1. Remove the cardboard from
around your Tiller’s base.
2. Slide the tines onto the axle
shafts. The “D” hole goes on the
outside. (Picture 1)
3. Make sure you’ve installed the
tines properly for tilling. Liken the
tines to your ngers. When your
palm faces the ground, your ngers
curl down. Stand behind the Tiller
and hold your hand next to the tines.
Do the tine blades curl down, as
your ngers do? If so, they are in
the tilling position. (To switch to the
cultivating position, see page 14.)
4. To secure each tine to the axle,
insert a tine retaining pin.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before starting your
4 Stroke/Mantis Tiller, add the
premeasured (80ml) bottle of
4 stroke engine oil. See 4 Stroke
Tiller Engine Manual and
information below for details.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before you use your
MANTIS Tiller, read the
Safety Rules & Warnings
on pages 3-5.
Checking the oil level in
the engine’s oil sump
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before
using your new Mantis 4-Stroke
Tiller for the rst time, it is important
to check the oil level in the engines
oil sump. The bottle of oil supplied
with this machine holds 80 ml of the
correct grade of engine oil. The sump
of the engine holds
80 ml of oil.
Please follow the notes below for
full instructions how to check the
oil level in the engine.
How to ll the engines oil sump
before using your new Mantis
Tiller:
1. Rock the tiller forward so that it
rests on its fuel tank.
2. Remove the grey sump plug
and top up the oil using the correct
type of oil so that it is level with the
inner rst thread of the sump plug.
(Picture 2)
Oil type 10W/40 or 20W/40 can
be used if the specied grade is
unavailable.
Picture 1
Picture 2
WARNING • DANGER
FUEL IS EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. HANDLE IT WITH
CARE. KEEP AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES. DO NOT
SMOKE WHILE FUELLING YOUR EQUIPMENT.
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 3-6.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Check the oil level in the engine before each use. If oil is low,
top it off with 10W-30 before using. See your 4 Stroke Tiller
Engine Manual and information above for details.
! !

10
High pull force Handle locked in place
Engine must be resting on a at surface on the fuel tank
This position does not allow
for a proper oil level reading
and may cause overlling.
Oil Overll Warning
Do not overll! Adding too much
or too little oil may cause damage
to the engine and void the warranty.
Overlling may cause:
1. Hard starting or a locked piston
- caused by excess oil in the
combustion chamber.
2. Poor engine performance and loss
of power
3. Excessive smoke coming from
the exhaust and around the engine
while running.
4. Oil leaking form the carburettor/
aircleaner.
5. Oil leaking from the exhaust.
Corrective Action
If you suspect the engine is
overlled the following procedure
should remove the excess oil from
the crankcase and valve cover.
If the engine is overlled, 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 fuel
tank and remove the oil ll cap/
dipstick. Use a catch basin for
any oil that overows 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
overows 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.
Assembly (continued)
Proper oil ll/level
check position

11
WARNING
AVOID ACCIDENTAL
BLADE ENGAGEMENT
DO NOT SQUEEZE THE
THROTTLE TRIGGER
WHEN STARTING.
MAINTAIN PROPER IDLE
SPEED ADJUSTMENT
(2500-3100 RPM)
TO START YOUR
TILLER FOR THE
FIRST TIME:
First, ll the fuel tank with the
proper amount of petrol (Use
branded 89 octane (R+M+2)
unleaded petrol or ethanol—
maximum 10% ethyl alcohol, or
15% MTBE, no methyl alcohol.)
Mantis Tiller starting
instructions
(4 Stroke 25cc engine)
Cold engine
1. Place the o/iswitch into the i
“start/on” position. (Picture 1)
2. Choke the engine (or close
the choke. Move choke up to the
closed position.) (Picture 2)
3. Push primer bulb 6 times.
(Picture 3)
4. Pull grip slowly until you
feel resistance then pull briskly.
(Picture 4)
5. Once the engine is running,
slowly push the choke lever
down to the run position—the
engine will continue to run.
(Picture 5)
Warm engine
1. Push ignition switch to i“start/
on” position.
2. Pull grip slowly until you
feel resistance then pull briskly.
Make sure the choke is in the
open, or run, position.
NOTE: When the choke is
closed, never pull the cord more
than four or ve times. Over-
pulling may cause ooding.
Follow these steps whenever you
are starting the engine “cold”,
or when the engine has run dry
and you have just added fuel.
Remember, always use short,
brisk pulls. Don’t give the cord a
long, forceful yank. And, do not
let the cord snap back into the
starter housing.
How to stop the engine
Simply push the o/i“stop/
start” switch to “o” (Picture 6).
This will stop the engine instantly.
Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6
Picture 1
Picture 2 Picture 3
Starting
If it should ever fail to do so, just
pull the choke up to the closed
position. The engine will stop at
once.
About the choke
The choke controls the amount of
air drawn into the engine. Your tiller
will run only if the choke is open.
! !

12
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 press the throttle lever
on the handlebars. And, when
you release the throttle lever, the
tines will stop.
WARNING • DANGER
I F 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 POSITION BEFORE STARTING ENGINE AGAIN.
Additional information
Walk it.
Once your tiller is running,
you can “walk” it to your
garden. Just press the throttle
lever gently and let the tiller
“tip-toe” across your yard on its
tines. It won’t hurt your lawn or
driveway. (Picture 1)
Carry it.
Make sure the engine is off.
Then use one hand to grasp the
convenient carrying handle.
Use the other hand to hold the
handlebars. (Picture 2) Then lift
your tiller and carry it to your
garden. Since it weighs only 24
pounds (11 kg), it won’t strain
your muscles or tire you out!
Take it for a ride.
You can easily transport your
MANTIS Tiller to a friend’s or
relative’s house. Just empty the
fuel tank. (This is crucial.)
Then stow your tiller in the boot
of your car or truck. It ts easily.
And you can put it in and take it
our without straining your back.
How to get your tiller to your garden
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, press the
throttle lock out button (Picture 4),
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.
NOTE: Once the throttle trigger
is squeezed, you can release the
lockout button (Picture 5).
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4 Picture 5
! !

13
Tilling/cultivating
How about a family-
size vegetable garden?
Nowadays many gardeners
prefer small gardens — especially
in the suburbs, where space is at a
premium. But, if you’re fortunate
enough to own a large plot, you
can create a bigger garden — a
half acre or more. Here’s how:
1. First, hire someone with
a tractor or big tiller to break
ground for you. This is a one-
time-only investment that’s well
worth the small cost.
2. Then, use your tiller to break
up any remaining clumps of soil
or sod. Unlike a tractor or big
tiller, your MANTIS Tiller is a
precision tool. It will pulverise
your soil into a smooth seed bed.
Your MANTIS Tiller
makes weeding
a pleasure!
As a tiller, your MANTIS
Tiller works the soil down to 10”
(25 cm) deep. But, as a cultivator,
it gently cultivates the surface,
only 2” to 3” (5 cm to 7.6 cm)
deep.
First, you must switch the tines
to the weeding position. This
takes less than a minute.
Then, your MANTIS 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.
How to switch from
tilling to cultivating
position
1. Make sure your tiller is off.
2. Remove the retaining pins
from the tines.
3. Remove the tines from the
axle.
4. Place the right-side tine onto
the left-side axle. Place the left
side tine onto the right-side axle.
The “D” hole should be to the
outside.
5. Here is how to make
sure you’ve installed the tines
properly. Stand behind the tiller
and hold your hand, palm up,
next to the tines. Do the tine
points curl up, as your ngers
do? If so, they are in the correct
cultivating position. (See photos
on Page 13)
6. Reinsert the pins.
WARNING • DANGER
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.
Picture 1 Picture 2
! !

14
Now you’re ready to
cultivate or weed.
Guide your tiller where you
want to weed and start it up. Pull
your tiller backward slowly, then
let it move forward a bit, in a
gentle rocking motion. Watch it
slice, shred, and bury those weeds!
Got tough weeds? Lighten your
pressure on the throttle to slow
your tiller down. Then work back
and forth until your tiller chops up
the weeds. It’s easy and effective!
Remember, any tiller will
tangle in tall grass, stringy vines,
or super-big weeds. So, if you
have a “backyard jungle,” rst use
a knife, pruner, or brush cutter
to chop up the overgrowth. If the
tines become tangled anyway, turn
the engine off completely before
trying to clear them.
The optional tine Detangler
(Item no. 1322) will clear tines
in a jiffy. Contact your local
authorised Mantis ofce.
Your Mantis Tiller will
weed between narrow
rows!
Your Mantis Tiller is a
precision weeder that easily ts in
tight places. So don’t be afraid to
weed anywhere: between plants
and shrubs; in corners; against
fences; on raised beds; in wide
rows; even in very narrow rows.
Your Mantis Tiller weeds 15cm to
23 cm wide. So you can run it in
a tightly planted garden without
damaging your delicate plants.
Cultivating
Tilling position
Tine teeth point in the same
direction as the rotation of the
tine; or toward the front of the
tiller, away from the operator.
Weeding position
Tine teeth point in the opposite
direction as the rotation of the tine.
Tines point toward the back of the
tiller, or toward the operator.
That’s good news for suburban
gardeners, who often have to
plant rows close together!
*With optional Planter tines
attachment (Item no. 6222.)

15
Maintenance
How to check the grease level inside the
worm gear housing
When we built your MANTIS Tiller, we lubricated the worm
gear housing thoroughly.
It is imperative that you inspect the grease level once a year.
Simply remove the cover plate on the worm gear housing.
(Picture 1) Then check to make sure the grease comes almost
to the top of the housing. If it doesn’t, add lithium no. 0 grease
(Item M9985.) This is the only way to add grease to the worm
gear housing. (Picture 1) To purchase Mantis grease, contact
your local authorised Mantis ofce.
Please do not overll. Too much grease can create pressure,
which could cause seals to fail or the clutch to slip.
Picture 1
How to reseat the ange
At some point, you may nd
that the tines won’t turn when you
press the throttle. This may mean
the engine isn’t sitting all the way
down on the worm gear housing.
Perhaps you’ve been using your
tiller for several years. The ange
bolt (Key no. 12, page 16) may
have come loose and lifted the
engine up.
If this happened you’ll notice
a gap between the bottom of the
engine ange (Key no. 43, page
16) and the top of the worm gear
housing. (Picture 2)
To x this, loosen the ange
bolt. Take the engine off the worm
gear housing. Notice the hex head
on top of the drive shaft (Key no.
22, page 16). Inside the ange
housing, you’ll nd the clutch
drum (Key no. 57, page 16).
Make sure the hex head lines up
with the clutch drum inside the
ange housing.
Then put the engine back on the
worm gear housing. Make sure the
plastic carrying handle is not under
the engine.
If you’ve followed these steps
properly, there will be no gap
between the engine ange and the
worm gear housing. (Picture 3)
Make sure you tighten the ange
bolt!
Picture 2 … Note how the engine
doesn’t sit all the way down on the
transmission.
Picture 3… Note how the
engine sits all the way down on
the transmission.

16
Storage
WARNING • DANGER
DO NOT STORE IN AN AREA WHERE FUEL FUMES MAY
ACCUMULATE AND REACH A FLAME OR SPARK.
Each autumn, or before you
store your Mantis Tiller for any
long period, be sure to take these
measures:
1. Do not store your Tiller with
fuel still in it. Even under ideal
conditions, stored fuel containing
ethanol or MTBE can start to go
stale in 30 days. And, since stale
fuel has a high gum content, it can
clog the carburettor, this, in turn,
will restrict fuel ow. Therefore,
when you’re ready to store your
Tiller, or will not be using it for
more than 2 weeks, drain the fuel
tank completely.
2. Next, restart the engine to make
sure no fuel is left in the carburettor.
Then, run the engine until it stops.
This will prevent gum deposits,
forming inside of the carburettor and
possible engine damage.
3. Disconnect spark plug wire and
remove the spark plug. Slowly pull
the starter cord once.
4. Inspect the spark plug, and if
necessary, clean it. If you need to
replace it, buy a NGK-CMR5H.
5. Install the spark plug, but leave
the spark plug wire disconnected.
6. Clean the air lter as described in
your 4 Stroke Tiller Engine Manual.
7. Clean dirt, grass and other
materials from the entire machine.
8. Wipe the tines with oil or spray
them with WD-40, to prevent rusting.
9. Oil the throttle cable and all
visible moving parts. (Do not
remove the engine cover.)
10. Replace the fuel lter.
11. Check the grease level in the
worm gear housing as described on
page 15.
12. Order new parts to replace any
that are badly worn or broken. Just
call 1-800-366-6268 and ask for a
local authorized Mantis or 4 Stroke
Tiller dealer.
13. Store your Tiller in an upright
position in a clean, dry place. You
can store with the handles in an
extended position or folded down.
14. To fold the handles, follow these
easy steps: Loosen the handle knobs
(#40) then fold the handles forward.
Tighten knob securely. Your handles
are now folded and ready to store in
a smaller area.
15. Do you have fuel left over from
last season? Dispose of it properly.
Buy fresh oil and petrol next season.
16. Remove Tilling Tines or
attachments and lightly oil tine shaft
at least once a year.
You may store your Mantis Tiller
with the handles upright as in
Picture 1 or with the handles folded
down, as in Picture 2.
Picture 1
Picture 2
IMPORTANT
It is important to store your 4 Stroke Mantis
Tiller in an upright position. Laying the Tiller
on its side will cause the oil to leak out of the
engine through the air cleaner case.
IMPORTANT
Avoid any orientation that places the top cover
(engine head) down -this may allow oil from the
crankcase to enter the combustion chamber and
cause hard starting or a locked piston.
! !
! !
! !

17
Mantis Tiller assembly

18
Mantis Tiller assembly
KEY QTY MATERIAL
34 1 431 TINE SHAFT
35 2 430 WORM GEAR THRUST
WASHER
36 2 432 WORM GEAR BEARING
37 2 434 BEARING
38 2 435 BEARING SEAL RETAINER
39 1 438RA TINE ASSY - RT
40 1 438LA TINE ASSY - LT
41 2 418-1 TINE RETAINING HAIR PIN
42 1 400315 CARRYING HANDLE
43 1 400130 ENGINE FLANGE
44 1 400609 TINE LABEL
45 1 458 ROLLER BEARING
46 1 4058 MANTIS LABEL
47 2 410 CAP SCREW 1/4-20 X 1” LG.
48 4 972 LOCK NUT 1/4 - 20
49 2 470 1/4-20 X 3.25 BOLT
50 2 140 BOLT 1/4 - 20 X 3/8” LG.
51 2 377 HANDLE CLAMP
52 2 400509 BOLT
53 2 400523 KNOB
54 2 400230 PLUG
55 1 400010 TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY
56 1 400132 BEARING
57 1 400131 CLUTCH DRUM
60 4 400511 M6 X 12 - FLANGED BOLT
* Also in Key no. 55
KEY QTY MATERIAL
1 1 400257 TRIGGER HANDLE
ASSM. RH
2 1 400255 HANDLE ASSM. LH
6 2 400224 LOWER HANDLE -
FOLD DOWN
7 1 400620 LABEL
8 1 148 HANDLE BRACE
12 1 910502 10-32 X 3/4 -
FLANGED BOLT
13 2 478 THROTTLE CLIP
20 1 430213 FENDER GUARD WITH LABELS
21 1 400911 ENGINE ASSY - 25CC
4 Stroke
22* 1 468 DRIVE SHAFT
23 1 466 WORM GEAR
HOUSING
24 1 436 GASKET
25 1 437A HOUSING COVER
26 4 651 RD. HD. SELF
TAPPING SCREW
27 1 423 ROLLER BEARING
28 2 425 WORM BEARING RACE
29 1 424 WORM THRUST
BEARING
30 1 422 WORM SHAFT
31 1 426 WORM DISK
32 1 428 RETAINING RING
33 1 429 WORM GEAR

19
Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Remedy
1. Tines don’t turn when throttle – Engine is not seated properly on the gear housing. – Re-install engine following the instructions
is depressed
2. Engine fails to start – “o/i” switch is in “o” position. – Move switch to “i”.
– No fuel in tank. – Fill Tank.
– Fuel lter clogged. – Replace lter.
– Fuel line clogged. – Clean fuel line.
– Spark plug shorted or fouled. – Install new spark plug.
– Spark plug is broken – Replace spark plug.
(cracked porcelain or electrodes broken)
– Ignition lead wire shorted, – Replace lead wire or attach to spark plug.
broken or disconnected from spark plug.
– Ignition inoperative – Contact your Mantis Service Department.
– Diaphragm clogged – Replace diaphragm
3. Engine hard to start – Water in petrol. – Drain entire system and rell with fresh fuel.
– Engine under or over choked. – If ooded by over choking, proceed according to
instructions in operation section. If under choked,
move choke lever to closed position and crank two
or three times.
– Gasket leaks (carburettor or cylinder base gasket). – Replace gaskets.
– Weak spark at spark plug. – Contact your Mantis Service Department.
4. Engine misses – Dirt in fuel line or carburettor. – Remove and clean.
– Spark plug fouled, broken or incorrect gap setting. – Clean or replace spark plug – set gap to
(.024-.028 in.) 0.6-0.7 mm
– Weak or intermittent spark at spark plug. – Contact your Mantis Service Dept.
5. Engine lacks power – Air lter clogged. – Clean or replace air lter.
– Mufer clogged. – Clean carbon from mufer.
– Spark Arrestor Clogged. – Clean Spark Arrestor
– Poor compression. – Contact your Mantis Service Department.
6. Engine overheats – Air ow obstructed – Clean ywheel cylinder ns and screen.
7. Engine noisy or knocking – Spark plug in incorrect heat range. – Replace with plugs specied for engine.
– Bearings, piston ring or cylinder walls are worn. – Contact your Mantis Service Department.
8. Engine stalls under load – Engine overheats. – Remove dust and dirt from between ns

20
Please Call us First!
If you are having any trouble with any Mantis product,
please call us. Ask for the Customer Service Dept. Usually,
we can solve most problems over the phone.
If you need to return a product – call rst
Very few customers ever need to return a Mantis product,
but just in case you have to …here are some simple
instructions that will help us serve you quicker and better.
Please clean the product if it has been used. (Drain the tank
and remove dirt from machine).
Give us as much information as possible, so that we can
help you as quickly as possible.
Please provide information requested on form and send the
completed form with your product..
Tines Guaranteed
Our tines not only work better
than the rest: they’re also
guaranteed for life against
breakage. If any tine breaks in
normal use, send the broken
tine back to us and we’ll send
you a replacement tine under
warranty.
Five-year Warranty
All components of the Mantis
Tiller/Cultivator are warranted
for a period of ve full years
from the date of purchase. If
any part fails to work because
of defects in materials or
workmanship, we will repair
or replace the part under
warranty to you.
Lifetime Service
If you ever need Mantis parts,
we’ll get them right out to
you. If a major repair is ever
required, we’ll do it quickly
and reasonably.
Please have this information
when you call:
1. Date of purchase
2. Date machine was rst used
3. Serial Number, located on
top of engine
4. Customer number, if
available
Limited warranty
information for Mantis tiller
Mantis extends only to the
original consumer purchaser
a limited warranty against
defects in material and
workmanship for a period
of ve years from date of
purchase. This warranty
covers all portions of the
Mantis Tiller.
Mantis will repair or, at its
option, replace any defective
part or parts of the product
free of charge. In the event
of a defect or malfunction,
the purchaser must return the
product to Mantis.
Mantis assumes no
responsibility in the event that
the product was assembled
or used in contravention of
any assembly, care, safety,
or operating instructions
contained in the Owner’s
Manual; was not used with
reasonable care; or was used
for other than normal and
intended purposes.
Mantis makes no express
warranties or representation
except those contained
herein. The duration of any
implied warranty, including
merchantability and tness for
a particular purpose, is limited
to the duration of the express
warranty. Mantis disclaims
all liability for indirect and/or
consequential damages.