Clean Mower Housing; Blade - Toro 20709 Operator's Manual

3. Install spark plug by hand, then torque to
180 in.–lbs. (15 ft.–lbs.) (20 N m) (Fig. 4).
4. Reconnect spark plug wire when maintenance is
completed.

Clean Mower Housing

A clean mower housing provides the best cutting
performance. Check for grass build-up and clean after
each use.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire (Fig. 4).
2. Run engine dry or remove gas with hand pump.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly
explosive and under certain conditions can
cause personal injury or property damage.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Tipping mower may cause fuel leakage
from carburetor or fuel tank.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Avoid fuel spills by running engine dry or
remove gas with hand pump, never siphon.
3. Tip mower onto right side (Fig. 21).
4. Scrape built-up grass clippings and dirt from
mower housing with a hardwood scraper.
5. Tip mower upright.
6. Reconnect spark plug wire when maintenance is
completed.
7. Fill fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline/oil mix.
13

Blade

A straight, sharp blade provides maximum cutting
performance. Regularly inspect and sharpen blade.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Blade is sharp.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Contact with sharp blade can cause serious
personal injury.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Wear gloves or wrap sharp edges of the
blade with a rag.
Blade Straightness
1. Disconnect spark plug wire (Fig. 4).
2. Measure the distance from the bottom edge of
the mower housing to the blade tip (Fig. 22).
Rotate the blade 180 and measure to other blade
tip.
Note: If measurements are not within 1/8
inch (3.2 mm), blade should be
replaced. If, after blade replacement,
the measurements are still not within
1/8 inch (3.2 mm), the crankshaft
should be checked for straightness by
your Authorized Toro Service Dealer.
Blade Removal
1. Remove the blade nut (Fig. 23).
2. Remove the blade from the blade driver
(Fig. 23).
3. Examine blade cutting edges for nicks, cutting
angle and sharpness. Sharpen or replace if
necessary.