Balancing The Blade; Installing The Blade; Removing The Blade; Sharpening The Blade - Toro 22163 Operator's Manual

Figure 30
1. Sail
2. Flat part of the blade
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade
before the cutting season begins. During the year, file
down any small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
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

Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly
padded glove. Remove the blade bolt, accelerator, and
the blade (Figure 29).

Sharpening the Blade

File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Figure 31A) and inner cutting edge radius
(Figure 31B). The blade will remain balanced if you
remove the same amount of material from both cutting
edges.
Figure 31
1. Sharpen at this angle only. 2. Maintain the original radius
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
here.

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 32).
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,
and the blade bolt. Torque the blade bolt to 60
ft-lb (82 N⋅ ⋅ ⋅ m).
2. Return the mower to its operating position.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
19
Figure 32