14
Inspecting and Sharpening the
Blade
1. Raise cutting deck to highest position, shut the engine
off, and engage the parking brake. Block cutting deck to
prevent it from falling accidentally. On the
Groundsmaster 3500, secure cutting deck service latch.
2. Examine cutting ends of the blade carefully, especially
where the flat and curved parts of the blade meet
(Fig. 13-A). Since sand and abrasive material can wear
away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of
the blade, check the blade before using the machine. If
wear is noticed (Fig. 13-B), replace the blade; refer to
Removing the Cutter Blade, page 13.
Danger
If the blade is allowed to wear, a slot will form
between the sail and flat part of the blade
(Fig. 13-C). eventually a piece of the blade may
break off and be thrown from under the housing,
possibly resulting in serious injury to yourself or
bystanders.
•
Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Always replace a worn or damaged blade.
Figure 13
3. Inspect cutting edges of all blades. Sharpen the cutting
edges if they are dull or nicked. Sharpen only the top of
the cutting edge and maintain the original cutting angle
to make sure of sharpness (Fig. 14). The blade will
remain balanced if same amount of metal is removed
from both cutting edges.
SHARPEN AT THIS
ANGLE ONLY
END VIEW
Figure 14
4. To check blade for being straight and parallel, lay blade
on a level surface and check its ends. Ends of blade
must be slightly lower than the center, and cutting edge
must be lower than the heel of the blade. This blade will
produce good quality of cut and require minimal power
from the engine. By contrast a blade that is higher at the
ends than the center, or if cutting edge is higher than the
heel, the blade is bent or warped and must be replaced.
5. Install blade, sail facing toward cutting deck, with
anti-scalp cup and blade bolt. Tighten blade bolt to
85–110 ft.-lb. (115–149 N
⋅
m).
Blade Stopping Time
The blades of the cutting deck are to come to a complete
stop in approximately 5 seconds after the cutting deck
engagement switch is shut down.
Note: Make sure the decks are lowered onto a clean section
of turf or hard surface to avoid thrown dust and debris.
To verify this stopping time, have a second person stand
back from the deck at least 20 feet and watch the blades on
one of the cutting decks. Have the operator shut the cutting
decks down and record the time it takes for the blades to
come to a complete stop. If this time is greater than 7
seconds, the braking valve needs adjustment. Call your
Toro Distributor for assistance in making this adjustment.
Servicing the Rear Roller
After every 800 hours or annually, the cutting unit
roller assemblies must be dis–assembled, inspected,
re–greased and re–assembled. Roller seals should be
replaced and bearings should be inspected and replaced
if necessary.
Disassembly
1. Remove mounting screws and nuts securing the scraper
to roller mounts (Fig. 15). Remove scraper and plates.
2. Remove mounting screws securing roller mounts to rear
of deck frame (Fig. 15). Remove roller mounts.
3. Remove the lower screws securing each end of roller to
roller mounts (Fig. 15).
