Removing The Blade; Inspecting The Blade; Sharpening The Blade; Balancing The Blade - Toro 20833 Operator's Manual

1. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank. Refer to
Emptying the Fuel Tank.
2. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side (Figure 30).
Important: Move the blade as little as possible
to avoid future starting problems.
Figure 30
1. Blade bolt and lock washer 3. Blade
2. Blade stiffener

Inspecting the Blade

Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Figure 31). Because 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 lawn
mower. If you notice a slot or wear (Figure 31), replace
the blade; refer to Removing the Blade.
Figure 31
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade
Note: For the best performance, install a new Toro
blade before the cutting season begins. During the year,
file down any small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
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

Operating the lawn mower without the blade
stiffener 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
blade stiffener.
1. Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly
padded glove.
2. Remove the blade bolt, the lock washer, the blade,
and the blade stiffener (Figure 30).
Note: Turn the blade bolt counterclockwise to loosen
it.

Sharpening the Blade

File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Figure 32) and inner cutting edge radius
(Figure 32). The blade will remain balanced if you
remove the same amount of material from both cutting
edges.
1. Sharpen at this angle only

Balancing the Blade

1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or a screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Figure 33).
16
Figure 32
2. Maintain the original radius
here