Inspecting The Blades; Removing The Blades - Toro 74402 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 (Figure 38 ). If the edges
are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen
the blades; refer to Sharpening the Blades.
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area
(Figure 38 ). If you notice any damage, wear, or
a slot forming in this area (item 3 in Figure 38 ),
immediately install a new blade.
Figure 38
1. Cutting edge
2. Curved area
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward
and backward (Figure 39 ). Measure from a level
surface to the cutting edge, position A, of the
blades (Figure 39 ). Note this dimension.
Figure 39
3. Wear/slot forming
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. 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.
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 bolt, curved washer, blade stiffener,
and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 40 ).
Figure 40
1. Sail area of blade
2. Blade
3. Curved washer
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends
of the blade (Figure 41 ). Maintain the original
angle. The blade retains its balance if the same
amount of material is removed from both cutting
edges.
30
4. Blade bolt
5. Blade stiffener