Removing The Blade - Toro 71223 Operator's Manual

Maintenance
Inspecting the Blade(s)
1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the
Mower, page 33.
2. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig. 32). If the edges
are not sharp or have nicks, remove the blade(s)
and sharpen them; refer to Sharpening the
Blade(s), page 32.
3. Inspect the blade(s), especially the curved area
(Fig. 32). If you notice any damage, wear, or a
slot forming in this area (Fig. 32), immediately
install a new blade.
Figure 32
1. Cutting edge
2. Curved area

Removing the Blade

1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the
Mower, page 33.
2. Carefully tip the mower over.
3. Remove the bolt (5/8" wrench), curved washer,
retainer and blade (Fig. 33). A block of wood
may be wedged between the blade and the
mower to lock the blade when you are removing
the bolt.
4. Inspect all parts. If damage is noticed, install
new parts.
32
1
2
3
m–151
3. Wear/slot forming
4
Figure 33
1. Bolt
2. Retainer
3. Blade
Sharpening the Blade(s)
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both
ends of the blade (Fig. 34). Maintain the original
angle. The blade retains its balance if the same
amount of material is removed from both cutting
edges.
1
Figure 34
1. Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a
blade balancer (Fig. 35). If the blade stays in a
horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can
be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some
metal off the back side of the blade. Repeat this
procedure until the blade is balanced.
3
2
5
1
m–1886
4. Spindle
5. Curved washer
m–1854