Inspecting The Blades; Removing The Blades - Toro 71429 Operator's Manual

Inspecting the Blades

1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower on
page 32.
2. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig. 33). If the edges are not
sharp or have nicks, remove the blades and sharpen
them; refer to Sharpening the Blades on page 31.
Figure 33
1. Cutting edge
2. Curved area
3. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area (Fig. 33).
If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this
area (Fig. 33), immediately install a new blade.

Removing the Blades

1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower on
page 32.
2. Carefully tip the mower over.
3. Remove the bolt, curved washer, and blade (Fig. 34). A
block of wood may be wedged between the blade and
the mower to lock the blade when you are removing the
bolt.
1
2
3
m-151
3. Wear/slot forming
31
4
2
1
Figure 34
1. Bolt
2. Curved washer
4. Inspect all parts. If damage is noticed, install new parts.
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the
blade (Fig. 35). Maintain the original angle. The blade
retains its balance if the same amount of material is
removed from both cutting edges.
1
Figure 35
1. Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 36). 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 of the back
side of the blade. Repeat this procedure until the blade
is balanced.
1
Figure 36
1. Blade
Installing the Blades
1. Install the blade, curved washer (cupped side toward
blade), and bolt (Fig. 34).
3
m-1796
3. Blade
4. Spindle
m-1854
2
m-1855
2. Balancer