10
Operator’s Manual
Fuel is extremely flammable. Handle it with
care. Keep away from ignition sources. Do not
smoke while fueling your equipment
Do not operate the engine in a confined
space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
Avoid accidental blade engagement.
Do not squeeze the throttle trigger when starting. Main
-
tain proper idle speed adjustment (2500-3100 rpm)
WARNING • DANGER
ALTERNATIVE FUELS, SUCH AS E-15 (20% ETHANOL), E-85 (85% ETHANOL)
OR ANY FUELS NOT MEETING HONDA REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED
FOR USE IN GASOLINE ENGINES. USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY CAUSE
PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, LOSS OF POWER, OVERHEATING, FUEL VAPOR
LOCK AND UNINTENDED MACHINE OPERATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, IMPROPER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY ALSO CAUSE
PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF FUEL LINES, GASKETS, CARBURETORS AND
OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS.
!
!
4-Cycle Tiller Fueling & Starting
4-CYCLE TILLER FUELING AND OIL ONLY
• 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. Failure to do so
will cause engine damage.
• Remove the oil plug.
• Pour in 2.7 fl. oz. of approved,
4-cycle engine oil.
• Always check the oil level before each use. The oil level should
reach the inner first thread of the reservoir. Do not overfill.
• Replace the oil plug.
• Then return the unit to the upright position and put the kickstand
down.
Fueling your Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator is easy. Unscrew the gas
cap and fill the tank about four-fifths of the way up with 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. And remember, always drain the gas when
transporting the unit from one location to another.
4-CYCLE TILLER STARTING ONLY
Starting the engine for the first time, or “cold
starting”, is easy.
• 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
up position.
• Press the primer bulb approximately 6 times until he bulb is filled
with gas. Once it is filled, press it two more times.
• Pull the starter cord lightly until you feel resistance and then give it
a short, brisk pull. Your tiller should start immediately. Do not pull
the cord all the way out and do not let it snap back into the starter
housing.
• Once it is running, open the choke. Ensure the lever is fully down
• To stop the engine, simply push the start/stop switch to the
stop position “O.”
• To start a warm engine, follow the same procedure. Except now you
can leave the choke lever in the down position and there is no need
to pump the primer bulb.
• Before using the tiller, let the engine run for a minute to warm up.
And before shutting it down, let the engine run briefly to
cool down.
OFF
ON
Switch
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Check the oil level in the
engine before each use. If
oil is low see your 4 Stroke
Tiller Engine Manual and
information above for
details.
Never use starting fluids as
they will cause permanent
engine damage. Using them
will void the warranty. Before
you use the tiller, read the
Safety & Warning rules on
pages 3-5.
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.
Figure 1
