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 (Figure 38).
Figure 38
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, the
accelerator, the anti-scalp cup, and the blade
nuts. The sail of the blade must point toward
the top of the lawn mower housing for proper
installation. Torque the blade nuts to 15 to 27
ft-lb (20 to 37 Nm).
Operating the lawn mower without the
accelerator in place can cause the blade
to flex, bend, or break, resulting in
serious injury or death to the operator or
bystanders.
Do not operate the lawn mower without
the accelerator.
2. Return the lawn mower to its upright position.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Cleaning
Cleaning under the Lawn
Mower Housing
To ensure the best performance, keep the
underside of the lawn mower housing clean. Be
especially careful to keep the kickers free of debris
(Figure 39).
Figure 39
1. Kickers
Washing Method
1. Position the lawn mower on a flat concrete or
asphalt surface near a garden hose.
2. Start the engine.
3. Hold the running garden hose at handle level
and direct the water to flow on the ground just
in front of the
right
rear tire (Figure 40).
Figure 40
1. Right rear wheel
Note:
The blade will draw in water and wash
out clippings. Let the water run until you no
longer see clippings being washed out from
under the housing.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts
to stop.
5. Turn off the water.
6. Start the lawn mower and let it run for a few
minutes to dry out the moisture on the lawn
mower and its components.
Scraping Method
If washing does not remove all debris from under
the lawn mower, scrape it clean.
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