Mantis Tiller Maintenance Tips & How-To Instructions

Make sure the extension cords are in good condition before use. Based on the total length of cord that you are going to use, check the chart below to make sure the cord meets the correct minimum cord gauge (AWG) requirements. IMPORTANT NOTE: Using an undersized cord, a larger number cord gauge (AWG) than recommended in the chart, will cause a loss in power and overheating of the tiller. Using a smaller number cord gauge (AWG), than recommended in the chart, is acceptable.

We want to help you keep your Mantis Tiller running at peak performance for many years to come. Here are a few simple maintenance tips to help you.

Part	Maintenance	Frequency
Air Filter	Clean Replace	Daily or every 4 hours use Every 3 months or 90 hours use
Fuel	Drain Drain	End of season When stored for longer than 30 days
Fuel Strainer	Inspect Replace	Monthly Yearly
Spark Plug	Inspect Replace	Monthly Yearly
Carburetor	Empty Fuel Rebuild	Every 25-30 days Every 300 hours of use
Exhaust Port	Inspect/Clean	Before every use
Muffler Screen	Inspect/Clean	Yearly
Transmission	Check Grease Level	Yearly

When ordering parts for your Mantis 2-cycle tiller, you may need to locate the SV number of your engine. The SV number is located between the gas tank & the carburetor, behind the gas line, on a black and silver tab on the silver engine housing.

It will consist of the letters “SV,” a number and another letter.
Examples: SV4A, SV4B1E.

When ordering parts for your Mantis Honda-powered 4-cycle tiller, you may need to locate the GX number of your engine. The GX number is located on top the engine above the pull start.

It will consist of the letters “GX” and numbers.
Example: GX25

View Deluxe 2-Cycle video. Or scroll down to view other 2-cycle step-by-step instructions.

Here’s how to check or replace the Air Filter.

Here’s how to check or replace the Fuel Strainer.

The fuel strainer allows a steady flow of clean fuel to go to the carburetor by straining out any sediment that has entered the fuel tank. It is located inside the fuel tank and can be accessed by removing the fuel tank lid and pulling out the fuel line through the fill hole.

The strainer should be changed whenever it is hard to the touch or creases to allow fuel to reach the carburetor.

Stale fuel will shorten the life of the fuel strainer!

Here’s how to check or replace the Spark Plug.

NGK and Champion spark plugs are the only recommended spark plugs to be utilized in Echo engines. The use of the correct type, brand, and heat range of a spark plug is of paramount importance in today’s emission certified engines. Never uses spark plug manufacturers cross-reference charts. Cross-reference charts are approximations and may recommend spark plugs that are as much as 1-2 heat ranges out of the recommended heat range.

The plug will depend upon the SV number of your engine; the gap will be the same for each engine – .024-.028.

The SV number of your engine is located between the gas tank and the carburetor, behind the gas line, on a black and silver tab on the silver engine housing. It will consist of the letters “SV,” a number and another letter. Sample: SV4A, SV4B1E.

SV5C1BPM8YCJ6Y

Engine	NGK	Champion (Equivalent)
SV5C	BPM8Y	CJ6Y
SV5Ci (F/S)	BPM8Y	CJ6Y
SV4B1E	BPM7Y	CJ8Y
SV4B	BPM7Y	CJ8Y
SV4A	BPM7Y	CJ8Y
SV4	BPM7Y	CJ8Y
SV2AE	BPM6	CJ8

Here’s how to locate and check the grease level of your Tiller transmission.

In accordance with current EPA Regulations and CARB requirements, limiter caps have been installed on the high and low screws of the carburetor. Removal of these caps by anyone other than an authorized Mantis dealer will void your warranty.

Replacement carburetor, rebuild kits and gasket/diaphragm kits are available. Please contact us directly.

To order parts, you will need the SV# of the engine.

All cooling fins must be kept clear in order for the engine to operate efficiently.

The Muffler Screen is also known as the Spark Arrestor. It is a small screen layered within the muffler system in accordance with current EPA requirements. This screen is in place to catch all burned off carbon deposits.

By virtue of the parts function, it can get clogged with the same carbon deposits it is created to catch. Once clogged, the screen must be cleaned or replaced for efficient operation of the engine.

Do not clean Spark Arrestor with anything flammable!

If your engine bogs down under a full load, your muffler screen (spark arrestor) may be clogged and not allowing the engine to breathe properly.

Additionally, if you find the starter rope hard to pull, it could be because the muffler screen (spark arrestor) is clogged.

Directions for cleaning the muffler screen for your specific engine can be found in your owner’s manual. Here are some basic instructions:

• Lift engine off of the transmission by loosening the brass colored screw located at the base
  of the clutch case.
• Remove the spark plug.
• Remove the red cylinder cover.
• Remove the muffler cap.
• The muffler screen (spark arrestor) will be layered beneath the muffler cap
• Clean or replace the muffler screen (spark arrestor) with carburetor cleaner, using a soft brushNote: If the screen remains plugged after attempts at cleaning it, it must be replaced
• Reassemble the muffler, the cylinder cover, and replace the engine onto the transmission

Because of the design of the blades (tines) and the light weight of the machine, the tiller digs into the soil by using resistance. The Mantis tiller is designed to be used in a fashion very similar to running a vacuum cleaner. Its not necessary to continuously walk backward, many users find it comfortable to stand in one spot, allow the tiller to walk forward and then slowly pull it backwards, allowing it to dig into the soil. Then go forward at a different angle and pull it back again. If you prefer, it will also work to walk slowly backward the length of your garden. By tilling this way, you dont have to walk through your freshly tilled soil.

Clean air filters will assist in ensuring optimum performance for your Mantis Gas Tiller. The filters do not clean very well and once dirt infiltrates the fibers of the air filter, the possibility of your engine seizing from dirt ingestion increases. Our air filters are available in a package of six (Part Number M9994).

Tilling/cultivating tines are guaranteed for life against breakage. If your tines are broken, please contact our customer service department to obtain a replacement.

If your tilling/cultivating tines are bent or worn and you wish to replace them, you will find them on our Tiller Accessories page. Or call us toll-free at 1.800.366.6268 to purchase new ones.

After each use, remove and clean the tines. Then spray both the tines and the tine shaft with WD-40 or some other light lubricant to protect them from rust. This will also prevent the tines from “freezing” onto the tine shaft.

Your fuel filter should be replaced every 3 months or 100 hours of use.

No, you cannot; you must use lithium 0 weight grease, double-zero weight is too free-flowing and may not lubricate the gears properly.

There may be some dirt or debris in your pawl catcher assemply causing them to stick. Remove the 4 screws on the starter assembly and lift it off the tiller. Looking down on the tiller, on top of the flywheel, you will see a gold-colored dish with 2 black levers inside.The levers are called pawl catchers. Use a piece of 80-grit sandpaper and slide it under each pawl. Move the pawl back and forth 10-12 times. This will clean the debris out and smooth the pawls. Replace the starter assembly.

Most likely the engine has come unseated properly from the transmission. Check the base of the engine to make sure it is sitting all the way down on the transmission and the gold colored bolt is secure.

You may not have enough oil in your gas mixture to properly lubricate the engine. Always make sure you use the proper 50:1 mixture ratio; that is 2.6 ounces of oil to 1 gallon of 89 octane or higher gasoline. Convenient, pre-measured bottles of premium 2-cycle engine oil are available via our online shopping. Also, there may be a buildup of dirt or debris on the cooling fins of the engine; make sure they are kept clean.

Your air filter or your spark arrestor (muffler screen) may be clogged and not allowing the engine to breathe properly. This will cause it to act as if the choke is on and bog down under a load. Replace your air filter and check the muffler screen to make sure it is clean.

We recommend cleaning the air filter daily or after every 4 hours of use. It should be replaced every 3 months or 100 hours of use.

Most likely the coil is not bad on your machine. It is rare that a coil can fail because it is completely sealed and electronic. The coil is a very low sparking one and can only be properly tested with a 3-point ignition tester. You will not see or feel a spark by grounding the plug. We recommend having the coil tested by your local Mantis dealer.

You may have to clean the carburetor of old fuel or replace the gaskets and diaphragms. If the tiller is stored with even a small amount of old fuel (older than 30 days) in the tank, it can clog the carburetor and cause deterioration of the gaskets and diaphragms.

Drain out the old fuel and dispose of it properly. Once the fuel tank is empty, push the primer bulb on your tiller 7 or 8 times to clear out any fuel in the carburetor. Empty the fuel tank again. Next, mix fresh fuel in the correct ratio and fill the fuel tank. Push the primer bulb 11 or 12 times to pull the fresh fuel through the carburetor and let the tiller sit for about thirty (30) minutes. Then press the primer bulb an additional 11 to 12 times to flush out any residue. You should now be able to start your tiller using the standard starting procedure.

If parts are needed, they are available factory-direct by calling 1.800.366.6268.

Note: Do not use carburetor cleaner. Doing so will void Echo engine manufacturer warranty.