Toro 74352 Operator's Manual page 24

Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Fig. 26). Measure from a level surface to the
cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Fig. 26). Note
this dimension.
m–8120
A
3 3
Figure 26
2. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.
3. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the
blades at the same position as in step 1. The difference
between the dimensions obtained in steps 1 and 2 must
not exceed 1/8 inch (3 mm). If this dimension exceeds
1/8 inch (3 mm), the blade is bent and must be replaced.
Refer to Removing the Blades, and Installing the Blades
on 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 nut, small flat washer, blade, and large
flat washer from the spindle shaft (Fig. 27).
A
A
3
4
3
5
m–8170
1. Sail area of blade
2. Blade
3. Flat washer, small
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the
blade (Fig. 28). Maintain the original angle. The blade
retains its balance if the same amount of material is
removed from both cutting edges.
1. Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 29). If the blade stays in a horizontal
position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the
blade is not balanced, repeat the sharpening procedure
on the heavier side until the blade is balanced.
1
1. Blade
Installing the Blades
1. Install the large flat washer and the blade onto the
spindle shaft (Fig. 27).
24
6
2
Figure 27
4. Flat washer, large
5. Blade nut
6. Spindle shaft
1
Figure 28
2
Figure 29
2. Balancer
1
m–1854
m–1855