Toro 74282 Operator's Manual page 50

Figure 67
1. Cutting Edge
2. Curved Area
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area
(Figure 67).
If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in
this area (Figure 67), immediately install a new blade.
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Figure 68). Measure from a level surface
to the cutting edge, position A, of the blades
(Figure 68). Note this dimension.
Figure 68
1. Measure here from blade
to hard surface
2. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.
3. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of
the blades at the same position as in step 1 above.
The difference between the dimensions obtained in
steps 1 and 2 must not exceed 1/8 inch (3 mm). If
this dimension exceeds 1/8 inch (3 mm), the blade
is bent and must be replaced; refer to Removing the
Blades and Installing the Blades.
3. Wear/slot Forming
4. Crack
2. Position A
A blade that is bent or damaged could break
apart and could seriously injure or kill you or
bystanders.
• Always replace bent or damaged blade with
a new blade.
• Never file or create sharp notches in the
edges or surfaces of blade.
Removing the Blades
Blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the
blade is out of balance or 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.
Contact with a sharp blade can cause serious
injury.
Wear gloves or wrap sharp edges of the blade
with a rag.
1. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded
glove.
2. Remove the blade bolt, spring disk and blade from
the spindle shaft (Figure 71).
Sharpening the Blades
When sharpening blade, pieces of blade could
be thrown and cause serious injury.
Wear proper eye protection when sharpening
blade.
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends
of the blade (Figure 69). Maintain the original angle.
The blade retains its balance if the same amount of
material is removed from both cutting edges.
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