Operator's Manual
30
Important Refer to your engine operator’s manual for additional maintenance procedures.
Caution
If you leave the key in the ignition switch, someone could accidently start the engine and
seriously injure you or other bystanders.
Remove the key from the ignition and disconnect the wire from the spark plug(s) before you do
any maintenance. Set the wire aside so that it does not accidentally contact the spark plug.
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.
Danger
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.
Before Inspecting or Servicing the
Blades
Disengage the blade control (PTO) and set the parking
brake. Turn the ignition key to off. Remove the key and
disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s).
Inspecting the Blades
1. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig 32). If the edges are not
sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades.
Refer to Sharpening the Blades on page 31.
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area (Fig. 32).
If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in
this area (item 3 in Fig. 32), immediately install a new
blade.
1
2
3
m–151
Figure 32
1. Cutting Edge
2. Curved Area
3. Wear/slot Forming
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Fig. 33). Measure from a level surface to
the cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Fig. 34).
Note this dimension.