Removing The Blades - Toro 74310 Operator's Manual

4. Lower the mower deck into operating position. Refer
to Lowering the Mower Deck to the Operating Position
(page 21).
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Move the speed control lever to the neutral position
to stop the machine.
2. Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, stop the
engine, and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3. Rotate one blade as shown inFigure 65.
4. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge
at position A of the blade (Figure 65). Note this
dimension.
G025243
Figure 65
1. Measure here from blade
to hard surface
5. Rotate the opposite end of the blade to position A.
6. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of
the blade at the same position as in step 3 above.
The difference between the dimensions obtained in
steps 3 and 5 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.
7. Repeat the previous steps for the opposite blade.
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.
2. Position A

Removing the Blades

Note: Make note of the red colored blade position. From
the normal user position, it is located on the right-hand side.
Blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is
out of balance or 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.
1. Lift the mower deck and secure in the raised position.
Refer to Raising the Mower Deck into Service Position
(page 20).
2. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove.
3. Remove the blade, washer, and blade bolt that secures
the blade and blade driver (Figure 66).
1. Blade bolt— torque to 85-110 ft-lb (115-149 N-m).
2. Washer
3. Shear bolts—torque to 80–100 in-lb (922-1130 N-cm)
4. Blade driver
5. Lock nuts
4. Remove the blade driver from the existing blade
(Figure 66).
Sharpening the Blades
WARNING
When sharpening blades, pieces of a blade could be
thrown and cause serious injury.
Wear proper eye protection when sharpening
blades.
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of
the blade (Figure 67). Maintain the original angle. The
blade retains its balance if the same amount of material
is removed from both cutting edges.
50
Figure 66