Servicing The Cutting Blades - Toro 74253 Operator's Manual

2. Check the distance between the two large washers,
it needs to be 10-1/2 inches (26.7 cm) for 60 inch
mower decks or 11–1/2 inches (29.2 cm) for 72 inch
mower decks (Figure 74).
3. Adjust this distance, by loosening the spring jam
nut and turning the nut in front of each spring
(Figure 74). Turning the nut clockwise will shorten
the spring; counter-clockwise will lengthen the
spring.
4. Lock the nut into position by tightening the spring
jam nut (Figure 74).
Figure 74
1. 10-1/2 inch (26.7 cm)
between the large washers
for 60 inch mower decks
2. Front nut
3. Spring jam nut
4. Front swivel
5. Swivel jam nut

Servicing the Cutting Blades

Maintain sharp blades throughout the cutting season
because sharp blades cut cleanly without tearing or
shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns
grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and
increases the chance of disease.
Check the cutter blades daily for sharpness, and for any
wear or damage. File down any nicks and sharpen the
blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn,
replace it immediately with a genuine Toro replacement
blade. For convenient sharpening and replacement, you
may want to keep extra blades on hand.
6. Lift nut
7. Front support arm
8. Large washer
9. 11–1/2 inch (29.2 cm)
between the large washers
for 72 inch mower decks
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.
Inspect and check the blades every 8 hours.
Before Inspecting or Servicing the
Blades
Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade
control (PTO), and set the parking brake. Turn the
ignition key to Off. Remove the key.
Inspecting the Blades
Service Interval: Before each use or daily
1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 75). If the edges
are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the
blades. Refer to Sharpening the Blades.
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area
(Figure 75). If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot
forming in this area (Figure 75), immediately install a
new blade.
52