Toro Groundsmaster 300 Series Service Manual page 384

Inspecting and Sharpening Blade
1. Raise cutting unit to highest position, shut the engine
off and engage parking brake. Block cutting unit to
prevent it from falling accidentally.
2. Examine cutting ends of the blade carefully, espe-
cially where the flat and curved parts of the blade meet.
Since sand and abrasive material can wear away the
metal that connects the flat and curved parts of the
blade, check the blade before using the machine. If any
wear is noticed, replace the blade: refer to Removing
Cutter Blade.
WARNING
If the blade is allowed to wear, a slot will form
between the sail and flat part of the blade.
Eventually, a piece of the blade may break off
and be thrown from under the housing, pos ­
sibly resulting in serious in ury to yourself or
bystander.
3. Examine cutting edges of all blades. Sharpen the
cutting edges if they are dull or nicked. Sharpen only the
top side of the cutting edge and maintain the original
cutting angle to assure sharpness. The blade will remain
balanced if same amount of metal is removed from both
cutting edges.
4. To check blade for being straight and parallel, lay
blade on level surface and check its ends. Ends of blade
must be slightly lower than the center, and cutting edge
must be lower than heel of the blade. This blade will
produce good quality-of-cut and require minimal power
from the engine. By contrast, a blade that is higher at
the ends than the center, or cutting edge higher than the
heel of the blade is warped or bent and must be re-
placed.
5. To install the blade, ,assemble parts in reverse order,
and make sure the blade sail is facing up. Tighten blade
bolt to a torque of 85 to 110 ft-lb.
Repairs
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Figure 7
Figure 8
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Groundsmaster 300 Series