The Mantis tiller is a gardening tool. It is a tiller, which is a type of lever that is connected to a boat's rudder post in order to provide leverage. Mantis tillers are known for being particularly lightweight, as they weigh merely 20 pounds. It is designed to be lightweight and convenient, but still strong enough to be able to till all the way through compacted soil and sod.
Serpentine Tines
One of the most notable features of the Mantis tiller is its serpentine tines, which are patented. Tines are prongs that are placed on the tiller. The tines aim to quickly break ground in order to start a new garden. The tines transform soil into a fine and soft texture, making it suitable for immediate planting. Once the garden is fully functioning, the Mantis tiller can be used to both weed and cultivate it.
Benefits
There are various benefits that are associated with using Mantis tillers. They are extremely lightweight and portable, and can be carried over to the garden with the use of merely just one hand. Their width is compact. The Mantis tiller is strong and powerful, and can break through the toughest types of soil, including clay. The tiller can also dig all the way deep into ground (as far down as 10 inches). It also is very quick to start up and operate in general.
Varieties
Apart from the two-cycle Mantis tiller, which is the standard option and weighs 20 pounds, there are various other popular tillers to consider. These tillers include the Mantis electric tiller (21 pounds), the Mantis four-cycle tiller (24 pounds) and the Mantis XP 16-inch tiller (30 pounds).
Features
All of the tillers that are manufactured by Mantis are equipped with the following features: indestructible gear boxes (one piece), tilling depth of 10 inches, tines that are guaranteed against breakage for life, compact storage with fold-down handles, reversible serpentine tines and a consumer warranty that lasts for five years.
Starting and Operating
Some of the starting and operating features of the Mantis tiller are recoil, the tines being able to spin up to 240 revolutions per minute (RPM) and also variable speed throttle. The Mantis electric tiller also has a feature called "push button".
Mantis Tiller Issues
The Mantis Tiller/Cultivator is a lightweight power tool used to cultivate soil in a garden or lawn for growing plants. The Mantis is not intended for breaking up compacted soil or for tilling land that hasn't been plowed. The tool weighs less than 20 pounds, which makes it ideal for cultivating or tilling plots that have already been broken up or are growing crops. Like any other tool, the Mantis is prone to a handful of problems and issues. Luckily, many of these issues can be resolved fairly easily.
Tine Issues
The tines are the spikes along the rotating blade; they kick up and scramble dirt beneath the machine. Manually set the tines in the correct direction depending on what you're trying to do. For digging deep troughs, the tines should be facing forward. For quick, shallow cultivation or for kicking up weeds, the tines should be facing backward. You can reverse the tines without tools; all you need to do is slide the pin that holds the tines to the axle out of place, then remove them, reverse them, reinstall them and put the pin back in. You should replace the tines every few years, as they'll gradually wear down and become less effective over time.
Starting Issues
Occasionally you may try to start your tiller and all you'll hear is a weak sputter. This could be because the fuel's low, so open the choke and check the little clear plastic bubble. You should see fuel. If there isn't any, then obviously you need to add some. To start the tiller, give the starter cord quick tugs until the engine starts. Never add fuel additives to the engine or starting fluid, as these could void your warranty if there happens to be a flaw that needs professional repair.
Filter Issues
A dirty of clogged air filter can make the engine run very roughly. Dirt and dust and grime will prevent air from entering the engine, reducing the oxygen needed to burn fuel. To check and clean the air filter, loosen and remove the wing nut on the air filter cover and lift up the lid to reveal it. You can either use a brush to clean it off or order a replacement from Mantis Garden Tools' website.