Toro 74701 Operator's Manual page 23

Checking for Bent Blades
1. Stop the engine, set the parking brake, remove the key,
and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the spark
plug(s).
2. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Fig. 19). Measure from a level surface to the
cutting edge of the blades (Fig. 20). Note this
dimension.
Figure 19
Figure 20
3. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward. Measure
from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at
the same position as in step 2 above. The difference
between the dimensions obtained in steps 2 and 3 must
not exceed 1/8 in. (3 mm). If this dimension exceeds
1/8 in. (3 mm), the blade is bent and must be replaced;
refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades,
page 24.
Warning
A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart
and could seriously injure or kill you or
bystanders.
Always replace bent or damaged blade with a
new blade.
Never file or create sharp notches in the edges
or surfaces of blade.
Removing the Blades
The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the
blade is out of balance, or the blade is bent. To ensure
optimum performance and continued safety conformance of
the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades.
Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may
result in non-conformance with safety standards.
Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove.
Remove the blade bolt, stiffener, and blade from the spindle
shaft (Fig. 21).
2
m–1078
3
4
1. Sail area of blade
2. Blade
m–2539
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the
blade (Fig. 22). Maintain the original angle. The blade
retains its balance if the same amount of material is
removed from both cutting edges.
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 23). 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 the end of the
sail area only (Fig. 21). Repeat this procedure until the
blade is balanced.
23
Figure 21
3. Stiffener
4. Blade bolt
1
Figure 22
1. Sharpen at original
angle
1
m–5161
m–1854