Maintaining The Cutting Blade - Toro 20789 Operator's Manual

Maintaining the Cutting Blade

Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts
cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass blades
like a dull blade.
1. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank; refer to steps 1
through 4 of Emptying the Fuel Tank on page 21.
2. Remove the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 9).
3. If a grass bag is on the lawn mower, close the door in
the lawn mower housing and remove the bag.
4. Tip the lawn mower onto its left side (Fig. 23).
IMPORTANT: Move the blade as little as possible to
avoid future starting problems.
Figure 23
1. Blade
2. Accelerator
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 24A). Because sand and abrasive material can wear
away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of
the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. If
you notice a slot or wear (Figs. 24B and 24C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 19.
973
3. Blade bolt
1. Sail
2. Flat part of 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.
Removing the Blade
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly padded
glove. Remove the blade bolt, the lock washer, the
accelerator, and the blade (Fig. 23).
POTENTIAL HAZARD
A worn or damaged blade could break and a
piece of blade could be thrown into operator's
or bystander's area.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
A thrown piece of blade could cause serious
personal injury or death to operator or
bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Fig. 25). The blade will remain balanced if
you remove the same amount of material from both
cutting edges.
19
1
1
2
1
3
4
270
Figure 24
3. Wear
4. Slot formed