® Electric Tiller A NEW LL Electric Tiller E EA S SY TO U OWNER’S MANUAL
We l c o m e t o t h e Wo r l d o f M a n t i s G a rd e n i n g Here’s your new MANTIS Electric Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s “Changing the Way Americans Garden®.” Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Electric Tiller weighs only 21 pounds. So it lifts easily, handles smoothly, tills and weeds precisely. And, unlike other small tillers, it features serpentine tines that churn soil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft, smooth seed bed, even in problem soil.
S a f e t y R u l e s a n d Wa r n i n g s You will notice throughout this owners’ manual, Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these warnings for your own protection. A. Special Safety Information WARNING DANGER ATTENTION:THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT OUR IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL HEED ITS WARNING! STAY ALERT! WARNING DANGER TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCIDENTS, COMPLY WITH THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL.
C. Safety Decal Information An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tiller are the warning and information decals found on various parts of the tiller. These decals must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is your responsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read. The location and part numbers (P/N) of these decals are illustrated on Page 16 and 17. P/N 420601 CUTTING HAZARD; KEEP FEET AND HANDS AWAY FROM ROTATING TINES. D.
E. Warnings - Do’s Read and understand the owner’s manual. Pay particular attention to all sections regarding safety. 8. Always wear eye protection. Eye protection must meet ANSI Z 87.1. 1. Always keep a firm grip on both handles while the tines are moving. BE AWARE!! The tines may coast after the triggers are released. Make sure tines have come to a complete stop before letting go of the tiller. 9. Start the tiller carefully, according to the instructions on page 8. 2.
Assembly WARNING DANGER IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THIS TILLER CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT OUR FACTORY AT 1-800-366-6268 OR AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. A. Parts Your MANTIS Electric Tiller comes partially assembled. You must install only the handlebars, the handle brace, and the tines. This will take just a few minutes if you follow the directions. 62 54, 55 First, take all items out of the carton.
B. Lower Handle Assembly To identify part numbers, see page 5 and 17. 1. Use the protective cardboard sleeve to stabilize your tiller. Stand the motor assembly (#62) up. (Picture 1) 2. Lay the handle parts within easy reach. You’ll need one of the handle clamps (#19) and one of the lower handles (#10). 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 bolts (#20).
C. Upper Handle Assembly 1. Attach the upper handle assembly (#1) – the handle with the power cord – to the right lower handle (#10) and secure with the handle knob (#12). (Picture 1 and 2) 2. Follow the same steps to install the left upper handle onto the left lower handle. (Picture 3) 3. Use the clip (#18) to secure the power cord in place on the lower handle. (Picture 4) 4. Now install the Handle Brace (#14). Line it up with the holes on the upper handles.
D. Assemble the Tines for Tilling 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. 3. Make sure you’ve installed the tines properly for tilling. Liken the tines to your fingers. When your palm faces the ground, your fingers curl down. Stand behind the tiller and hold your hand next to the tines. Do the tine blades curl down, as your fingers do? If so, they are in the tilling position.
B. Getting Your Tiller to the Garden Walk it. Put the tiller in 1st speed; you can “walk” it to your garden. Just squeeze the triggers and let the tiller “tiptoe” across your yard on its tines. It won’t hurt your lawn or driveway. (Picture 1) Carry It. Make sure the power cord is unplugged from the extension cord. 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.
Tilling WARNING DANGER THE OPERATOR OF THIS TILLER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ACCIDENTS OR HAZARDS OCCURRING TO HIMSELF, OTHER PEOPLE OR THEIR PROPERTY. A. Now You’re Ready to Use Your MANTIS Electric Tiller If you’ve seen other tillers, your MANTIS Electric Tiller may surprise you. It tills best when you pull it backward! When you pull your MANTIS Electric Tiller backward, you give extra resistance to the tines, so they dig deeper. (Picture 1). What’s more, when you go backward, you erase footprints.
D. Your MANTIS Electric Tiller Handles Special Tilling Projects Want to turn part of your lawn into a colorful flower border? Your MANTIS Electric Tiller makes it easy! Just run your tiller back and forth until the sod begins to break up. Then continue tilling. Your tiller will chop the clumps of sod until they’re fine. Then, it will work them into the soil. Pretty soon, you’ll have a soft, fresh planting bed.
C. How to Switch From Tilling to Cultivating Position 1. Make sure your tiller is off and unplugged. 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.
U s i n g t h e B o rd e r E d ge r A t t a c h m e n t Your MANTIS Electric Tiller has been designed and built to accept a wide range of MANTIS Electric Tiller Attachments to increase its usefulness in your lawn and garden. And, all MANTIS Electric Tiller Attachments have been designed for quick and easy attachment to the tiller or Engine. blade’s pointed face should hit the ground when you spin the blade forward. (Picture 1) The Border Edger (Item #3222) 1.
Tro u b l e s h o o t i n g A. What to Do if Your Electric Tiller Stops Running 1. If nothing happens when you squeeze the triggers, make sure the tiller is plugged in or that the cord is not damaged. 2. If it still does not work, unplug the Electric Tiller from the power source. 3. Inspect the tines to make sure your tines are clear of rocks or debris. Clear any debris that may be preventing the tines from spinning. 4. Remove the tines to make sure all of the debris has been cleared. 5.
Maintenance A. How to Check the Grease Level Inside the Worm Gear Housing When we built your MANTIS Electric 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 #0 grease (Item M9985.) This is the only way to add grease to the worm gear housing.
Pa r t s E x p l o s i o n P/N 438LA DIRECTION Raised Hub Teeth point in a Clockwise Direction When you look at a Tine with the raised hub facing you and the teeth are pointing in a CLOCKWISE rotation, you have a LEFT HAND TINE. P/N 438RA DIRECTION Raised Hub Teeth point in a Counter Clockwise Direction When you look at Tine with the raised hub facing you and the teeth are pointing in a COUNTER CLOCKWISE rotation, you and a RIGHT HAND TINE.
Pa r t s L i s t 17 Key No. Part No. Qty. Description Key No. Part No. Qty.
MANTIS extends only to the original consumer purchaser a limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This warranty covers all portions of the MANTIS Electric 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 an authorized MANTIS dealer.
