Inspecting The Blades; Removing The Blades - Toro 74704 Operator's Manual

Before Inspecting or Servicing the Blades
Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO,
and move the motion control levers to the brake position.
Stop the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s).

Inspecting the Blades

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig. 26). If the edges are not
sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades;
refer to Sharpening the Blades, page 26.
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area (Fig. 26).
If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this
area (item 3 in Fig. 26), immediately install a new
blade.
Figure 26
1. Cutting edge
2. Curved area
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Fig. 27). Measure from a level surface to the
cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Fig. 27). Note
this dimension.
m–8120
A
3 3
Figure 27
2. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.
2
1
3
m–151
3. Wear/slot forming
A
A
3
3. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the
blades at the same position as in step 1. 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
on page 25.
Warning
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

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 nut, small flat washer, blade, and large
flat washer from the spindle shaft (Fig. 28).
4
3
5
m–8170
1. Sail area of blade
2. Blade
3. Flat washer, small
25
6
2
Figure 28
4. Flat washer, large
5. Blade nut
6. Spindle shaft
1