Cleaning; Cleaning Under The Lawn Mower; Housing - Toro 22176 Operator's Manual

Figure 34
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
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 (Figure 33).
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its
original cutting angle (Figure 35A) and inner
cutting edge radius (Figure 35B). The blade will
remain balanced if you remove the same amount
of material from both cutting edges.
Figure 35
1. Sharpen at this angle only. 2. Maintain the original radius
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
here.
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 36).
Figure 36
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 lock washer, and the blade
bolt. The sail of the blade must point toward
the top of the lawn mower housing for proper
installation. Torque the blade bolt to 50 ft-lb
(68 N·m).
Operating the lawn 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 lawn mower without
the accelerator.
2. Return the lawn mower to its upright position.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

Cleaning

Cleaning under the Lawn
Mower Housing
To ensure the best performance, keep the
underside of the lawn mower housing clean. Be
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