A few minutes of maintenance can prevent hours of frustration. Use this checklist to get started!
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Check The Tines
If your Mantis Tiller tines were dirty or wet when you last used your tiller, you may need to clean and lubricate them. If you can easily remove the tines from the transmission axle, you’re in good shape. If not, clear any dirt or tangled vegetation, and spray the tine axle with a light, lubricating oil, like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. This will loosen and dissolve any rust so that you can easily remove the tines. Once off and cleaned up, examine the tines for signs of wear or broken teeth. If you need to replace the tines, now is the perfect time order a new set.
Start The Engine
If you ran your tiller dry at the end of last season, you should be ready to go this season. If not, now is a good time to be sure that your gas tiller will start when you’re ready to go. Properly remove any old fuel mix from the tank, and add some fresh fuel mix. (Remember, fuel and fuel mix requirements differ for 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines) Go through the normal starting procedure. When your engine starts, you know you’ll be ready for the first day of the season. If you have more than six weeks before you’ll be running your tiller again, empty the tank and run the engine dry. Read this important information about ethanol fuel.
Check The Air Filter
A few weeks before the beginning of the season is a great time to replace a dirty air filter. This is one preventative measure that is quick, easy, and inexpensive and, it will pay big dividends later.
