Inspecting The Blade; Balancing The Blade; Installing The Blade; Removing The Blade - Toro 22168 Operator's Manual

Inspecting the Blade

Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and
wear, especially where the flat and the curved parts
meet (A). 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 mower. If you notice a slot or wear
(Figure 31B and C), replace the blade; refer to

Removing the Blade.

Figure 31
1. Sail
2. Flat part of the 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.
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a
piece of the blade could be thrown into the
operator's or bystander's area, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear
or damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Removing the Blade
1. Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a
thickly padded glove.
2. Remove the blade nuts, the anti-scalp cup, the
accelerator, and the blade (Figure 31).

Sharpening the Blade

File the top side of the blade to maintain its
original cutting angle (Figure 32A) and inner
cutting edge radius (Figure 32B). The blade will
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
remain balanced if you remove the same amount
of material from both cutting edges.
Figure 32
1. Sharpen at this angle only. 2. Maintain the original radius

Balancing the Blade

1. Check the balance of the blade by placing
the center hole of the blade over a nail or
screwdriver shank clamped horizontally in a
vise (Figure 33).
Figure 33
Note: You can also check the balance using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward,
file that end (not the cutting edge or the end
near the cutting edge). The blade is properly
balanced when neither end drops.

Installing the Blade

1. Install a sharp, balanced Toro blade, the
accelerator, the anti-scalp cup, and the blade
nuts. The sail of the blade must point toward
the top of the mower housing for proper
installation. Torque the blade nuts to 15 to 27
ft-lb (20 to 37 N•m).
Operating the mower without the
accelerator in place can cause the blade
to flex, bend, or break, resulting in
serious injury or death to the operator or
bystanders.
Do not operate the mower without the
accelerator.
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here.