Toro 30986 Operator's Manual page 45

Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Figure 58).
Figure 58
Figure 59
1. Measure from cutting edge to a level surface
2. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge,
position A, of the blades (Figure 59). Note this
dimension.
3. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.
4. 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.
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
Replace the blades if you hit a solid object or if the
blades are out of balance or 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. Hold the blade bolt with a wrench.
2. Remove the nut, blade bolt, curved washer, blade,
spacers, and thin washer from the spindle (Figure 60).
1. Blade
2. Blade bolt
3. Curved washer
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends
of the blade (Figure 61). Maintain the original angle.
The blade retains its balance if the same amount of
material is removed from both cutting edges.
45
Figure 60
4. Spacer
5. Thin washer
6. Nut