29
Removing the Blades
The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the
blade is out of balance, or the blade is bent. To ensure
optimum performance and continued safety conformance of
the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades.
Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may
result in non-conformance with safety standards.
Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove.
Remove the blade bolt, curved washer, and blade from the
spindle shaft (Fig. 35).
1
3
2
4
m–5160
Figure 35
1.
Sail area of blade
2.
Blade
3.
Curved washer
4.
Blade bolt
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the
blade (Fig. 36). Maintain the original angle. The blade
retains its balance if the same amount of material is
removed from both cutting edges.
m–1854
1
Figure 36
1.
Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 37). If the blade stays in a horizontal
position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the
blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the
sail area only (Fig. 35). Repeat this procedure until the
blade is balanced.
1
2
m–1855
Figure 37
1.
Blade
2.
Balancer
Installing the Blades
1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Fig. 35).
Important
The curved part of the blade must be
pointing upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure
proper cutting.
2. Install the curved washer (cupped side toward the
blade) and blade bolt (Fig. 35). Torque the blade bolt to
35–65 ft.-lb. (47–88 N
⋅
m).
Leveling the Mower from
Side-to-Side
The mower blades must be level from side to side. Check
the side-to-side level any time you install the mower or
when you see an uneven cut on your lawn.
1. Position the mower on a flat surface. Disengage the
PTO, set the parking brake, stop the engine, and remove
the key. Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the
spark plug(s).
2. Check the air pressure of all four tires. If needed, adjust
to the recommended inflation; refer to Tire Pressure,
page 27.
3. Set the height-of-cut at 3 in. (76 mm).
4. Carefully rotate the blade(s) from side to side (Fig. 38).
Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat
surface (Fig. 38). If both measurements are not within
3/16 in. (4.75 mm), an adjustment is required; refer to
steps 5 and 6.
