MODEL 7945 Operator’s Manual and Safety Instructions for Tiller/Cultivator OPERATOR’S/PARTS MANUAL Rev.
Welcome to the World of Mantis Gardening Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s Changing the Way Americans Garden.® ATTENTION MANTIS PRODUCT OWNERS! Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Tiller weighs only 22 lbs. (Model 7945). So it lifts Get maintenance tips for your Mantis easily, handles smoothly, tills and weeds precisely. And, unlike other small tillers, product on our web site it features serpentine tines that churn soil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft, at www.mantis.
Safety Rules & Warnings You will notice throughout this Operator’s Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these warnings for your own protection. I. SPECIAL SAFETY INFORMATION Attention: This symbol points out our important safety instructions. When you see this symbol, heed it’s warning!! Stay alert!! To reduce the potential for accidents, comply with the safety instructions in this manual.
If the tiller is used improperly or safety precautions are not followed, the users risk serious injury to themselves and others. Read and understand this manual before attempting to operate this tiller. IV. WARNINGS - DOS Read and understand the owner’s manual. Pay particular attention to all sections regarding safety. 1. Always keep a firm 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.
Safety Rules & Warnings V. WARNINGS - DON’TS Don’t use tiller with one hand. Keep both hands on handles with fingers and thumbs encircling the handles, while tines are moving, and engine is running. Don’t run with the machine, walk. Don’t work on excessively steep slopes. Don’t attempt to clear tines while they are moving. Never try to remove jammed material before switching the engine off and making sure the tines have stopped completely.
Assembly Picture of Model 7945 T21 T20 T46 Improper assembly of this tiller can result in serious injury. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully. If you have any questions, contact our factory at 1-800-366-6268 or an authorized Mantis dealer. Bag Contents T40 T12 T39 T9 T41 T11 T4 T42 T15 T2 T1 T14 T3 T15 T42 T13 T11 T7 T14 T9 T7 T12 If your tiller comes with a kickstand, your box will also include: Key Qty.
Assembly LET’S BEGIN • With the box upright, open the box and remove the tine box and the loose parts that are at the top of the tiller box. Do not remove any other parts in the box. • Lay the box on one side and open the bottom flaps. • Return the box to an upright position (as shown) and pull the box straight up. • Leave the engine and throttle handle in the cradle to assist in the assembly. • Lay everything out so you can easily identify the parts (see parts image and list on page 6).
Assembly (Continued) UPPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY 7a • Lightly squeeze the lower handles (T3) toward one another so that they line up with the two smaller holes on the carrying handle (T10). Then slide the carrying handle over and down the lower handles. It will rest about four to six inches above the fender. • Gently pull the lower handles out to their original position. 8 9 • Lift the upper handle until it lines up with the lower handle. • Insert carriage bold (T42) from outside in.
Assembly (Continued) TINE ASSEMBLY 1 2 3 • Remove the unit from the cardboard cradle and lay the unit on its side. • You’ll need the 2 Tines and the 2 retaining pins. 4 5 • Attach the Tine so that the circular hole slides onto the axle first. • You will notice that one side of the Tine has a circular hole while the other has a “D” shaped hole. 6 • When the axle protrudes from the other side it will line up perfectly with the “D” shaped hole.
4-Cycle Tiller Fueling & Starting 4-CYCLE TILLER FUELING AND OIL ONLY ENGINE FEATURES IMPORTANT! It is normal for your 4 stroke engine to smoke for the first minute or two of operation, however it is not necessary for this to occur every time. This is a result of the oil being pulled through the engine for lubrication. • Rock the tiller forward so that it rests on the fuel tank. • It is important to position the Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller as shown in Figure 1 so the oil will properly fill the crankcase.
4-Cycle Tiller Fueling & Starting 4-CYCLE TILLER STARTING ONLY WHAT TO DO JUST IN CASE Cold Starting If you follow the normal starting procedure, you should have no problem starting your tiller. But, just in case you do have problems, here’s what to do. • First, make sure the start/stop switch, located on the throttle handle, is in the start position, which is indicated by the “I” symbol. • Close the choke by moving the choke lever to the “Closed” position. Make sure the O/I switch is on “I” (start).
4-Cycle Tiller Fueling & Starting (Continued) Just straighten out the line. Reconnect. Then follow the normal starting procedure. If fuel drips too freely, the line may be disconnected from the fuel filter. You’ll find the fuel filter inside the fuel tank. Just re-attach the line to the filter, and put the filter back in the tank. Then follow the normal starting procedure. 6. Install the spark plug carefully, by hand, to avoid crossthreading. SPARK PLUG CHECK 9.
4-Cycle Tiller Operation If engine does not stop when switch is put in the stop position, release the throttle, allow engine to idle. Put the tiller down, and slide the choke lever to the cold start (closed) position. Have product serviced before using. A SPECIAL FEATURE Figure 1 tiller away, let it idle for a minute to give the engine a chance to cool down.
4-Cycle Tiller Operation (Continued) The operator of this tiller is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to himself, other people or their property. 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.
4-Cycle Tiller Transportation & Storage 4-CYCLE TILLER TRANSPORTATION Transporting your Tiller is easy. It’s light enough and easy to carry using the carrying handle as seen in Figure 1. Or, with it running, you can walk it by gently squeezing the throttle until it moves at a comfortable pace. Your tiller is easily transported in the back of a car or truck. Be sure to empty the fuel tank (This is crucial)! Then stow your tiller in the trunk of your car or truck.
4-Cycle Tiller Maintenance Your 4 Cycle Tiller will require some basic maintenance to keep it performing year after year. If you are storing your tiller for the season or longer than 30 days it is very important to empty the fuel tank to prevent engine damage. Undoubtedly, you will be putting your tiller through rigorous use. Check engine oil level, air filter and fuel filter.
4-Cycle Tiller Maintenance (Continued) IMPORTANT: AIR FILTER MAINTENANCE A wet or dirty air filter can affect the way your engine starts, performs, and wears. So, it’s a good idea to check your air filter once a month. If you work in dusty soil, or if you want to be on the safe side — check your filter more often (for instance, before each use). But be sure to replace it at least once a year, in the spring or fall.
4-Cycle Tiller Maintenance (Continued) HOW TO RESEAT THE FLANGE Figure 1 Figure 2 At some point, you may find 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. Or perhaps you’ve removed the engine for use with our hedge trimmer attachment, then replaced it. In either case, the flange bolt may have come loose and lifted the engine up.
Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy 1. Tines don’t turn when throttle is depressed • Engine is not seated properly on the gear housing. • Re-install engine following the instructions on page 18 “How to reseat the flange”. 2. Engine fails to start • O/I switch is in “O” position. • No fuel in tank. • Fuel strainer clogged. • Fuel line clogged. • Spark plug shorted or fouled.
Engine Maintenance Schedule ENGINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE REGULAR SERVICE Each First Every 3 Every 6 Every Every 2 PERIOD (3) use month months months year years Perform at every or or or or or indicated month or 10 hrs 25 hrs 50 hrs 100 hrs 300 hrs operating hour interval, whichever comes first.
4-Cycle Tiller Assembly T15 T4 T14 T21 T1 T14 T47 2T 2 T15 T48 T 49 T50 T9 9 T51 T10 T12 T43 T42 9T 9 T13 T12 T3 T22* T42 T8 T14 T18 T7 T11 T7 T16 16 20 T20 17 44 T44 41 T41 T23 23 34 T36 36 T34 38 37 T38 T36 36 T37 33 T33 35 T35 T38 38 39 T39 T41 41 37 T37 T27 27 T28 28 T30 30 T45 45 T40 40 32 T32 35 T35 29 T29 46 T46 24 T24 31 T31 25 T25 T26 26 Contact us at www.mantis.
Operator’s Manual T40 Handle Clamp M6 Jam Nut Throttle Clip Carry Handle Bolt 1/4-20 X 3” Knob, Two Prongs, Female Acorn Nut 1/4-20 Two-Way Lock Nut 1/4-20 X 1.
EMISSION CONTROL WARRANTY STATEMENT FOR MANTIS YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS The California Air Resources Board, The United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA) and JIANGSU LINHAI POWER MACHINERY GROUP CORP , are pleased to explain the emission control system warranty on your 2014 model year small off-road engine. In the United States and California new small off-road engines must be designed built and equipped to meet the State’s stringent anti smog standards.
LIMITED WARRANTY MANTIS extends this limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years under normal usage for residential purposes and two (2) years under normal usage for commercial purposes, from the date of purchase by the original purchaser. MANTIS will repair or replace, at its option, any part or parts of the product found to be defective in material or workmanship during the warranty period.
