Tine shaft removal for mantis 2 cycle tiller

Put the tiller in a vise clamping on the bottom of worm gear housing. Remove worm gear housing cover. Clamp the worm gear at the top with a vise grip (I think Kuya Jon is correct in that you could skip this step because the transmission won't move when unscrewing, but I did it anyway just in case). Put a pipe wrench on the left tine shaft and unscrew it like it was a normal bolt. It's in there tight and it will take some force. When I unscrewed mine, the left bearing seal retainer, left bearing seal, and left bearing all came out with it. I just needed to replace the seals. I went to the right side, and with a screw driver carefully pried out the retainer. Then it's easy to just pull out the right seal with your finger. Put a new right seal in and insert the right retainer. Make sure the retainer is facing the correct way. I used a block of wood to tap mine in once I had it positioned because I was afraid to hit the retainer with a hammer. Now I put the tine shaft back in while holding the worm gear with the vise grip. Screw the shaft as far as it will go by hand and then go the rest of the way with a pipe wrench. Now came the tricky part. The right bearing did not slide right in. There was some resistance. I had to use a 1/2" threaded pvc pipe (not sure it needs to be threaded but that's what worked for me) longer than the tine shaft that was sticking out. I slip the pipe over the shaft against the bearing and tapped with a hammer. This drove the bearing in all the way. It needs to go in far enough to leave room for the seal and retainer. The plastic pvc allowed for this. Now put the right seal in. If the outer edge of the seal is only flush with the housing you did not tap the bearing in far enough. I made this mistake on my first try and tried to force the retainer in. Take it from me. It won't work. You will end up ordering another retainer to replace the one you mangled. Once in properly I slid the retainer over the shaft and then put a washer over that to tap against. The block of wood doesn't work on this side because the shaft is in the way. I used my pvc pipe again to tap against the washer and, wala, it worked like a charm. I hope this helps someone. All the other posts really helped me. Thanks!

Hi! I had the same problem last month. Contacted Mantis customer support. Below is the info they gave me Removing Worm Gear Place transmission in a vise with housing cover facing up and drive shaft to the left. Clamp brass worm gear so it cannot move and turn the tine shaft counter clockwise to remove; the shaft is threaded into gear, not pressed. The tine shaft is one solid piece and has right-hand threads. As it comes out of the housing, the bearings, seals & retainers will fall out with the tine shaft. Removing the Worm Shaft Take out the retaining clip at the lower end of the transmission; remove the drive shaft from the top end of the transmission. Place a rod that is longer than the drive shaft into the top of the transmission. Tap gently, and the worm shaft will fall into the cavity of the transmission housing. Hope this helps.

The shaft is removed from the mantis by placing the lower part of the transmission housing into a vise then using a pipe wrench, placed on the shaft, and unscrewing just like a right hand threaded bolt. There is no need to clamp the gear in the center because the transmission only rotates in a clockwise direction. To reinstall the shaft requires to remove the grease cover 4 screws, clamp the gear with visegrips, then screw the shaft in a clockwise position just like tightening a regular bolt.

Frank
I also have a 2 cycle and need to remove the tine shaft . Had the same problem 3/4 years ago and found, I believe from Mantis support that it screws out. As I remember you lay it on its side and with a wrench on the flat portion you give it a quick rap. It gets alittle vague from here tho, don't remember which way. I am sure I wrote it all down, but have not found it yet. Best bet is to call Mantis support!
Good Luck
Rog