Operation Manual

19
blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. If you
notice a slot or wear (Figs. 25B and 25C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 19.
270
1
1
1
2
3
4
A
B
C
Figure 25
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins. During the year, file down any
small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
Danger
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s or
bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Removing the Blade
1. Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly
padded glove.
2. Remove the blade bolt, the lock washer, the accelerator,
and the blade (Fig. 24).
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original cutting
angle (Fig. 26A) and inner cutting edge radius (Fig. 26B).
The blade will remain balanced if you remove the same
amount of material from both cutting edges.
153
1
m4783
2
AB
Figure 26
1. Sharpen at this angle only 2. Maintain the original
radius here
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Fig. 27).
1007
Figure 27
Note: You can also check the balance using a commercially
manufactured, blade balancer.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward, file that end
(not the cutting edge or the end near the cutting edge).
The blade is properly balanced when neither end drops.
Installing the Blade
1. Install a sharp, balanced Toro blade, an accelerator, a
lock washer, and a blade bolt.
Note: The sail part of the blade must point upward
(toward the top of the lawn mower housing).
2. Torque the blade bolt to 50 ft-lb (68 Nm).
3. Return the lawn mower to its upright position.
4. Connect the wire to the spark plug.