How to Crank a Mantis Tiller

Using a tiller in a garden aerates the soil and promotes growth.

A Mantis tiller has many advantages over a larger model. It is lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight areas, turns easily and can still dig down a full 10 inches to break up stubborn soil. It weighs only 20 pounds, so that most anyone can use this tiller without stress on the back and arms. Mantis tillers can cultivate the soil and remove weeds between rows of flowers or vegetables for better growth.

Things You'll Need

• Mantis tiller
• 1 gallon of gas
• 2.6 oz. of two-cycle engine oil
• Gas can

Instructions

1. Pour a half-gallon of gas into a gas can, add 2.6 oz. of two-cycle engine oil, then add another half-gallon of gas. Close the cap on the gas can and shake it gently side to side for about two minutes.

2. Open the gas tank cap on the Mantis tiller and fill carefully with the gas and oil mixture. Replace the cap by screwing it on hand tight.

3. Stand at the rear of the tiller and turn the start/stop toggle switch to the start position. Pull the black choke button on the right side fully out to close the choke. Depress the gasoline purge bulb on the right side in front of the gas tank about six to eight times until you can see fuel in the gas line between the purge bulb and the gas tank. This shows that the engine is priming and receiving gasoline.

4. Grasp the black handle on the starter cord on the top right side of the engine and pull it fully three to four times until the engine fires. You will hear a coughing or sputtering sound but it will not crank.

5. Push the choke button all the way in. Pull the starter cord to start. It should start in one to two pulls. Let the engine idle for about three minutes before using.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are for a cold start when the tiller is cranking for the first time or when it has not been in recent use. For a warm crank, follow the same procedure but pull the starter cord only partially until the engine fires.

• If you spill gas on the tiller when you are filling the gas tank, wait for approximately five minutes before cranking the tiller to give the excess gas time to evaporate.

• Do not let go of the starter cord at the end of a pull and let it snap back into its housing. This can damage the automatic rewind function of the starter cord.

• A Mantis tiller will not run with the choke fully extended.

• Always wear shoes when using a Mantis tiller to protect feet from debris that can fly during ground preparation.

• If the off switch malfunctions, pulling the choke out will enact an emergency stop of a Mantis tiller.

References

• Little Wonder: Mantis Tiller/Cultivator Owner's Manual