Toro 30551 User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
FORM NO. 3323-578
MODEL NO. 30551—90001 & UP
62” SIDE DISCHARGE CUTTING DECK
®
©The Toro Company—2000

Forword 2
Table of Contents 2
Safety 3
Symbol Glossary 6
Specifications 9
Adjusting Height-of-Cut 10
Before Operating 10
Adjusting the Rollers & Gage Wheel 11
Check the Lubricant in the Gear Box 11
Operating Instructions 13
Grass Deflector 13
Tension Spring Adjustment 13
Maintenance 14
Grease Bearings, Bushings and Gear Box 14
Troubleshooting 15
Separating the Cutting Unit from
the Traction Unit 16
Mounting the Cutting Unit to
the Traction Unit 16
Servicing Castor Arm Bushings 17
Servicing the Castor Wheels and Bearings 17
Checking for a Bent Blade 18
Replacing the Cutter Blade 18
Checking the Sail and Sharpening
the Cutter Blade 19
Correcting Cutting Unit Mismatch 20
Replacing the Grass Deflector 21
Adjusting the Idler Pulley 21
Adjusting Cover Latches 22
Replacing the Drive Belt 22
Model and Serial Numbers 23
2
Forword
The 62” cutting deck has advanced concepts in engineering, design and safety; and if maintained properly,
will give excellent service.
Certain information in this manual is emphasized. DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION identify personal
safety related information. IMPORTANT identifies mechanical information demanding special attention. Be
sure to read this directive because it deals with the possibility of damaging a part or parts of the machine.
NOTE identifies general information worthy of special attention.
Table of Contents

Training
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
3. Never mow while people, especially children, or
pets are nearby.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people or their property.
5. Do not carry passengers.
6. All drivers should seek and obtain professional
and practical instruction. Such instruction
should emphasize:
•the need for care and concentration when
working with ride-on machines;
• control of a ride on machine sliding on a
slope will not be regained by the application
of the brake. The main reasons for loss of
control are:
–insufficient wheel grip;
–being driven too fast;
–inadequate braking;
–the type of machine is unsuitable for its
task;
–lack of awareness of the effects of
ground conditions, especially slopes;
Preparation
1. While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open
sandals.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which may be thrown by the machine.
3. WARNING—Petrol is highly flammable.
•Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
•Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke
while refueling.
•Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol
while the engine is running or when the
engine is hot.
•If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start
the engine but move the machine away from
the are of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until petrol vapors have
dissipated.
•Replace all fuel tanks and container caps
securely.
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are
not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and bolts in sets to preserve
balance.
6. On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Before attempting to start the engine, disengage
all blade attachment clutches and shift into
neutral.
4. Do not use on slopes of more than:
•Never mow side hills over 5°
•Never mow uphill over 10°
•Never mow downhill over 15°
5. Remember there is no such thing as a “safe”
3
Safety

slope. Travel on grass slopes requires particular
care. To guard against overturning:
•do not stop or start suddenly when going up
or downhill;
•engage clutch slowly, always keep machine
in gear, especially when travailing downhill;
•machine speeds should be kept low on
slopes and during tight turns;
•stay alert for bumps and hollows and other
hidden hazards;
•never mow across the face of the slope,
unless the lawnmower is designed for this
purpose.
6. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment.
•Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
•Limit loads to those you can safely control.
•Do not turn sharply. Use care when
reversing.
•Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights
when suggested in the instruction handbook
.
7. Watch out for traffic when crossing or near
roadways.
8. Stop the blades rotating before crossing surfaces
other than grass.
9. When using any attachments, never direct
discharge of material toward bystanders nor
allow anyone near the machine while in
operation .
10. Never operate the lawnmower with defective
guards, shields or without safety protective
devices in place.
11. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Operating the engine at
excessive speeds may increase the hazard of
personal injury.
12. Before leaving the operator's position:
•disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments;
• change into neutral and set the parking
brake;
• stop the engine and remove the key.
13. Disengage drive to attachments, stop the engine,
and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)or remove
the ignition key
•before cleaning blockages or unclogging
chute;
•before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;
•after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs
before restarting and operating the
equipment;
•if the machine starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
14. Disengage drive to attachments when
transporting or not in use.
15. Stop the engine and disengage drive to
attachment
•before refueling;
•before removing the grass catcher;
•before making height adjustment unless
adjustment can be made from the operator's
position.
16. Reduce the throttle setting during engine runout
and, if the engine is provided with a shutoff
valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion of
mowing.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
2. Never store the equipment with petrol in the
tank inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or spark.
3. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4

4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer, battery compartment and petrol storage
area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be
done outdoors
8. On multi-bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
9. When machine is to be parked, stored or left
unattended, lower the cutting means unless a
positive mechanical lock is used.
5

6
Symbol Glossary
Caustic liquids,
chemical burns to
fingers or hand
Poisonous
fumes or toxic
gases, asphyxiation
Electrical shock,
electrocution High pressure fluid, injection
into body
High pressure
spray, erosion of
flesh
High pressure
spray, erosion of
flesh
Crushing of
fingers or hand,
force applied from
above
Crushing of
toes or foot, force
applied from above
Crushing of
whole body,
applied from
above
Crushing of
torso, force
applied from side
Crushing of fingers
or hand/, force
applied from side
Crushing of
whole body Crushing of head, torso and
arms
Cutting of
fingers or hand Cutting of footCrushing of leg, force applied
from side
Severing of
fingers or hand,
mower blade
Severing of
toes or foot,
mower blade
Severing of
toes or fingers,
rotary mower
blade
Cutting or
entanglement of
foot, rotating auger
Severing of
foot, rotating
knives
Severing of
fingers or hand,
impeller blade
Dismember-
ment, front engine
mower in forward
motion
Dismember-
ment, front engine
mower in rearward
motion
Severing of
fingers or hand,
engine fan
Whole body entanglement,
implement input drive line Fingers or hand entangle-
ment, chain
drive
Hand & arm
entanglement,
belt drive
Thrown or flying
objects, whole
body exposure
Thrown or
flying objects,
face exposure
Thrown or flying
objects, rotary
mover
Runover/back-
over, vehicle Machine tipping, riding
mower
Machine rollover,
ROPS (rear
engine mower)
Stored energy
hazard, kickback
or upward motion
Hot surfaces,
burns to fingers
or hands
Explosion Fire or open
flame
Secure lifting
cylinder with locking
device before getting
in hazardous area
Do not step on
loading platform
if PTO is connect-
ed to tractor &
engine is running
Do not step Wait until all
machine comp-
onents have
completely
stopped before
touching them
Shut off engine
& remove key
before perform-
ing maintenance
or repair work
Stay a safe
distance from
the machine
Stay clear of
articulation area
while engine is
running
Do not open
or remove safety
shields while
engine is
running
Riding on this
machine is allowed
only on a passen-
ger seat & only if the
driver’s view is not
hindered

7
Fasten seat
belts Safety alert triangle Outline safety alert symbol Read operator’s manual Fire, open light and smoking
prohibited
Eye protection
must be worn
Consult technical
manual for proper
service
procedures
Hearing
protection must
be worn
Caution, toxic
risk
Head protection
must be worn Flush with water Engine Transmission Hydraulic systemFirst aid
Oil Coolant (water) Intake air Exhaust gas Pressure Level indicator Liquid level
Brake system
Disengage
Filter Temperature Failure/
Malfunction Start switch/ mechanism On/start Off/stop Engage
Plus/increase/
positive polarity Minus/decrease/ negative polarity Horn Battery charging condition Hourmeter/ elapsed operating
hours
Fast Slow Continuous
variable, linear
Volume empty Volume full Machine travel
direction,
forward/
rearward
Control lever
operating
direction, dual
direction
Control lever
operating
direction, multiple
direction
Clockwise
rotation Counter-clock- wise rotation Grease lubrication
point
Oil lubrication
point Lift point Jack or support point Draining/
emptying Engine lubricat- ing oil Engine
lubricating
oil pressure
Engine lubricating
oil level Engine lubricating oil filter
Engine lubricating
oil temperature Engine coolant Engine coolant pressure Engine coolant filter Engine coolant temperature Engine intake/ combustion air
Engine intake/com-
bustion air pressure
Engine intake/air
filter

8
Engine start Engine stop Engine failure/
malfunction Engine rotational speed/frequency Choke Primer (start aid) Electrical preheat (low temperature
start aid)
n/min
Transmission
oil
Transmission
oil pressure Transmission oil temperature Transmission
failure/malfunctionClutch Neutral High Low Forward
NHLF
Reverse Park First gear Second gear
Third gear (other #'s
may be used until the
maximum # of forward
gears is reached.)
Hydraulic oil Hydraulic oil
pressure
Hydraulic oil
level
RP 2 31
Hydraulic oil
filter Hydraulic oil temperature Hydraulic oil failure/malfunction Fuel level
Parking brake Fuel Fuel filter Fuel system
failure/malfunction
Lock Unlock Differential lock 4-Wheel drive Power Take-OffDiesel fuel Unleaded fuel Headlights
Cutting unit,
lower Cutting unit,
hold Cutting unit, float
Cutting unit Cutting unit,
raise
Power Take-Off,
rotational speed Blade cutting element Blade cutting element, height
adjustment
Cutting unit,
transport
position
Cutting unit,
raise to transport
position
Cutting unit,
lower to transport
position
Attachment
lower Attachment raise Spacing distance Snow thrower, collector auger Traction
Above working
temperature
range
Drilling Manual metal
arc welding Manual Water pump Keep dry Weight Do not dispose in the garbage CE logo

Width of Cut: 1.56 m.
Height of Cut: Adjustable from 25 to 102 mm) in
13 mm increments.
Blade Tip Speed: 4,718 m/min. @ 3250 engine
rpm.
Cutter Blades: Three heat-treated steel blades, each
4.8 mm thick and 55 mm long.
Unit Drive System: PTO-driven gear box transmits
power through a “AA” section belt to all blade
spindles.
Castor Wheels:
Front—203 mm diameter pneumatic wheels with
greaseable roller bearings. (Inflation 207–345 kPa)
Rear—152 mm diameter hard rubber wheels with
greaseable roller bearings.
Optional Equipment:
62” Front Baffle Kit: Part No. 99-5151 (For Dry
Conditions)
Leaf Mulcher: Model 30792
Leaf Mulcher Discharge Plate: Part No. 57-0700
High Lift Blades: Part No. 77-6710
Grass Collection System: Model 30506 Blower Kit
used with Model 30504 Hopper Kit or Model 30505
Dump Kit.
Note: Model 30505 only fits Models 30223, 30224,
30225,30230 and 30243. Model 30504 only fits;
Models 30223, 30230 and 30225.
Phenolic Caster Wheels: Part No. 27-1050 use with
Spanner Part No. 69-8980 or order Part No. 40-0370
Caster Fork and 3/4” bolts Part No. 328-9.
9
Specifications

Adjusting Height-of-Cut
The height of cut is adjustable from 2.5 to 10 cm in
1.25-cm increments, by adding or removing an
equal number of spacers from the front and rear
castor forks. The height-of-cut chart below gives the
combinations of spacers to use for all height-of-cut
settings.
Height-of-Cut Chart
Height-of-Cut Spacers Below Castor Arm
Setting Front Rear
2.5 cm 0 0
3.7 cm 1 1
5.0 cm 2 2
6,3 cm 3 3
7.5 cm 4 4
8.7 cm 5 5
10.0 cm 6 6
Start the engine and raise the cutting unit so the
height of cut can be changed. Stop the engine after
raising the cutting unit.
Front Castor Wheels
1. Remove the tensioning cap from the spindle
shaft and slide the spindle out of the front castor
arm. Remove the washer from the spindle shaft.
Slide spacers onto the spindle shaft to get
desired height of cut, then slide a washer onto
the shaft.
2. Push castor spindle through front castor arm,
install other thrust washer and remaining
spacers onto spindle and install tensioning cap
to secure assembly.
Figure 1
1. Front castor wheel
2. Tensioning cap
3. Spacers
4. Thrust washers
Rear Castor Wheels
1. Remove the tensioning cap from the spindle
shaft.
Figure 2
1. Rear castor wheel
2. Tensioning cap
3. Spacers
4. Thrust washers
Note: The rear castor fork assembly does not
need to be removed from castor arm to change
height of cut.
10
Before Operating
1
1
3
3
2
2
4
4
4
4

2. Remove or add “C”-shaped spacers at the
narrow portion of the spindle shaft, below the
castor arm, to get desired height of cut. Make
sure thrust washers—not the spacers—contact
the top and bottom of the castor arm.
3. Install the tensioning cap.
4. Assure all four castor wheels are set at same
height of cut.
Adjusting the Rollers & Gage
Wheel
Note: If the cutting unit is to be used in the 2.5- or
3.75 cm height-of-cut setting, cutting unit rollers
must be repositioned in the top bracket holes.
To adjust front roller (Fig. 3):
1. Remove the capscrew and nut securing the
roller shaft to the cutting unit bracket (Fig. 3).
2. Slide the shaft out of the lower bracket holes,
align the roller with the top holes and install the
shaft.
3. Secure the roller shaft to the cutting unit bracket
with a capscrew and nut.
Figure 3
1. External roller
2. Roller shaft
To adjust the front gage wheel (Fig. 4):
1. Remove the capscrew and nut securing the gage
wheel to the cutting unit brackets.
2. Align the roller and spacer with the top holes in
the brackets and secure with a capscrew and
nut.
Figure 4
1. Gage wheel
To adjust the rear (internal) rollers (Fig.
5):
1. Remove the cotter pins securing the roller shafts
to the brackets on the underside of the deck.
2. Slide the shafts out of the lower bracket holes,
align the rollers with the top holes and install
the shafts.
3. Install cotter pins to secure the assemblies.
Figure 5
1. Internal rollers
Check the Lubricant in the Gear
Box
The gearbox is designed to operate on SAE 80-90
wt. gear lube. Although the gear box is shipped with
lubricant from the factory, check the level before
11
1
12
1

operating the cutting unit.
1. Position the machine and cutting unit on a level
surface.
2. Remove the check plug from the side of the
gear box and make sure lubricant is up to
bottom of the hole (Fig. 6). If the level of
lubricant is low, remove the fill plug on top of
the gear case and add enough lubricant to bring
it up to bottom of the hole in the side.
Figure 6
1. Filler plug
2. Check plug
12
1
2

Grass Deflector (Fig 7)
Figure 7
1. Grass deflector
2. Springs
Tension Spring Adjustment
For best performance, adjust spring tension so
cutting unit bounce on uneven turf is minimal and
the deck does not ride heavily over flat terrain. If
scalping occurs or the cut is uneven from side to
side, there may too much weight on the deck and
weight may have to be transferred to the traction
unit, i.e., increased spring tension.
By contrast, if too much weight is transferred to the
traction unit, the deck will bounce excessively and
the cut will be uneven. If the cutting unit does not
perform properly, adjust as follows:
1. Stop the machine on a level surface, set the
parking brake, fully raise the cutting unit, turn
the ignition key to OFF and remove the key
from the switch.
2. Remove the hair pin cotter from clevis pin
securing spring end to spring cover and remove
clevis pin. Align the top spring end hole with
the new hole selected in the spring cover, insert
the clevis pin and secure it with the hairpin
cotter.
3. Resume operations. If further adjustments are
required, repeat the procedure.
13
Operating Instructions
The grass deflector is a safety device that diverts
grass and other foreign objects being discharged
downward. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND
THAT THE DEFLECTOR BE IN ITS NORMAL
OPERATING POSITION WHENEVER THE
CUTTING UNIT IS ENGAGED. NEVER
OPERATE THE CUTTING UNIT WITH THE
DEFLECTOR REMOVED FROM THE
CUTTING UNIT OR WITH IT ITED/BLOCKED
IN A RAISED POSITION. IF YOU DO, THE
BLADES COULD THEN THROW DEBRIS A
CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE WITH
SUFFICIENT FORCE TO CAUSE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DAMAGE PROPERTY. If the grass
deflector is damaged, repair or replace the affected
parts.
Note: The deflector is spring loaded into its
downward normal operating position but the
operator can temporarily swing it out of the way to
facilitate loading in a trailer or other manuevers.
WARNING
Counterbalance spring(s) are in tension when
the deck is in the lowered position. Always
raise the deck before adjusting or removing
the springs.
CAUTION
2
1

Grease Bearings, Bushings and
Gear Box (Fig. 8-10)
1. The cutting unit has bearings and bushings that
must be lubricated, and these lubrication points
are: front castor spindle bushings (Fig. 8); front
and rear castor wheel bearings (Fig. 8); right
and left lift arm pivot pins (Fig. 9); blade
spindle bearings (Fig. 10) and right and left ball
joints (Fig 10).
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
2. Position machine and cutting unit on a level
surface and lower the cutting unit. Remove the
check plug from the side of the gear box (Fig.
11) and make sure lubricant is up to the bottom
of the hole. If the lubricant’s level is low,
remove the fill plug on top of the gear case and
add SAE 80-90 weight gear lube until the level
is up to the bottom of the hole.
Figure 11
1. Filler plug
2. Check plug
3. Drain plug
14
Maintenance
1
2
3

15
Troubleshooting
UNIT WILL NOT CUT OR CUTS POORLY
Inspect Cutter
Blades
Inspect Spindle
Bolts
OK OK OK OK
OK
OK
Loose or BrokenLoose or Broken
Loose or Broken
Broken
Broken
Loose
Dull or Bent
Loose or Broken
Loose or Broken
OK
OK
Inspect Cutter
Deck Belts
Inspect Gear Box
Pulley
Inspect Gear Box
Shafts
Sharpen or
Replace
Retorque
115–149 Nm
Tighten or
Replace
Tighten or
Replace Replace
Inspect Pulley on
Engine Output
Shaft
Inspect P.T.O.
Shaft
Inspect P.T.O.
Pulley
Inspect P.T.O.
Belt
Replace Replace Tighten or
Replace
Tighten or
Replace

Separating the Cutting Unit
from the Traction Unit
1. Position the machine on a level surface, raise
the cutting unit, engage the parking brake, be
sure the traction pedal is in neutral position,
PTO lever in OFF position, shut engine OFF
and remove the key from the switch.
2. Disconnect the counterbalance from the traction
unit, remove the lockpins from the brackets,
separate the spring tension assemblies from the
brackets and lay them down on the deck.
Loosely secure the lockpins to the brackets to
prevent losing them (Fig. 12).
Figure 12
1. Lockpin
2. Bracket
3. Spring tension assembly
3. Position the machine on a level surface, lower
the cutting unit to the floor, move the lift lever
to the float position, shut the engine off and
engage the parking brake.
4. Remove the capscrews and locknuts securing
the ball joint mounts to the castor arms on the
cutting unit.
Figure 13
1. Castor arm
2. Ball joint mount
5. Roll the cutting unit away from the traction unit
separating the male and female sections of the
PTO shaft.
Figure 14
1. PTO shaft
Mounting the Cutting Unit to the
Traction Unit
1. Position the machine on a level surface and shut
the engine off.
2. Move the cutting unit into position in front of
the traction unit.
16
Do not start the engine and engage the PTO
lever when the PTO shaft is not connected to
the gear box on the cutting unit. If the engine
is started and the PTO shaft is allowed to
rotate, serious injury could result.
DANGER
Counterbalance springs are in dension when
the deck is in its lowered position. Always
raise the deck before adjusting or removing
the springs.
CAUTION
1
1
1
2
3
2

3. Slide the male PTO shaft into the female PTO
shaft.
4. Move the lift lever to the FLOAT position.
Push the lift arms down until the holes in the
ball joint mounts line up with the holes in the
castor arms.
5. Secure the ball joint mounts to the castor arms
with capscrews and flange nuts.
6. Raise the cutting unit and place blocks under it
to prevent it from failing during assembly.
7. Connect the counterbalance to the traction unit
brackets with lock pins.
8. Remove the blocks from under the cutting unit.
Make final counterbalance adjustments under
actual cutting conditions; refer to Tension
Spring Adjustment, p 13.
Servicing Castor Arm Bushings
The castor arms have bushings pressed into the top
and bottom portion of the tube which, after many
hours of operation, will wear. To check the
bushings, move the castor fork back and forth and
from side to-side. If the castor shaft is loose inside
the bushings, bushings are worn and must be
replaced.
1. Raise the cutting unit so its wheels are off the
floor and block it so it cannot accidentally fall.
2. Remove the tensioning cap, spacers and thrust
washers from the top of the castor spindle.
3. Pull the castor spindle out of the mounting tube.
Allow the thrust washers and spacer to remain
on the bottom of the spindle.
4. Insert the pin punch into the top or bottom of
the mounting tube and drive the bushing out of
the tube (Fig. 15). Also drive the other bushing
out of the tube. Clean the inside of the
mounting tube to remove any dirt.
Figure 15
1. Front castor arm tube
2. Bushings
5. Apply grease to the inside and outside of new
bushings. Using a hammer and flat plate, drive
the bushings into the mounting tube.
6. Inspect the castor spindle for wear and replace it
if it is damaged.
7. Push the castor spindle through the bushings
and mounting tube. Slide the thrust washers
and spacer(s) onto the spindle. Install the
tensioning cap on the spindle to retain all parts
in place.
Servicing the Castor Wheels
and Bearings
The castor wheel rotates on a high-quality roller
bearing and is supported by a spanner bushing.
Even after many hours of use, if the bearing was
kept well-lubricated, bearing wear will be minimal.
However, failure to keep the bearing lubricated will
cause rapid wear. A wobbly castor wheel usually
indicates a worn bearing.
1. Remove the locknut from the capscrew holding
the castor wheel assembly between the castor
fork. Grasp the castor wheel and slide the
capscrew out of the fork.
2. Pull the spanner busing out of the wheel hub.
3. Remove a bushing from the wheel hub and
allow the bearing to fall out. Remove the
17

bushing from the opposite side of the wheel
hub.
4. Inspect the bearing, spanner bushing and the
inside of the wheel for wear. Replace defective
parts.
5. To assemble the castor wheel, push a bushing
into the wheel hub. Slide the bearing into the
wheel hub. Push the other bushing into the
open end of the wheel hub and captivate the
bearing inside the wheel hub.
6. Carefully slide the spanner through the bushings
and the wheel hub.
7. Install the castor wheel assembly between the
castor fork and secure it in place with a
capscrew, washers and a locknut.
8. Lubricate the castor wheel bearing through the
grease fitting, using No. 2 general purpose
lithium base grease.
Figure 16
1. Castor wheel
2. Capscrew & locknut
3. Bushing (2)
4. Spanner bushing
5. Roller bearing
6. Washer (2)
Checking for a Bent Blade
1. Position the machine on a level surface, raise
the cutting unit, engage the parking brake, be
sure the traction pedal is in the neutral position,
the PTO lever in the OFF position, shut off the
engine, remove the key from the switch and
disconnect the wires from the spark plugs.
Block the cutting unit to prevent it from falling
accidentally.
2. Rotate the blade until the ends face forward and
backward. Measure from inside of the cutting
unit to the cutting edge at front of blade
(Fig. 17), and remember this dimension.
Figure 17
3. Rotate the opposite end of the blade forward.
Measure between the cutting unit and the
cutting edge of blade at the same position as in
step 2. The difference between dimensions
obtained in steps 2 and 3 must not exceed 32
mm. If dimension exceeds 32 mm, replace the
blade because it is bent: refer to Removing
Cutter Blade.
Replacing the Cutter Blade
The blade must be replaced if a solid object is hit,
the blade is out-of-balance or if the blade is bent.
Always use genuine TORO replacement blades to
be sure of safety and optimum performance. Never
use replacement blades made by other
manufacturers because they could be dangerous.
1. Position the machine on a level surface, raise
the cutting unit, engage the parking brake, be
18
Do not try to starighten a blade that is bent, and
never weld a broken or cracked blade. Always use
a new blade to assure safety.
WARNING

sure the traction pedal is in neutral position, the
PTO lever in the OFF position, shut off the
engine, remove the key from the switch and
disconnect wires from spark plugs. Block the
cutting unit to prevent it from falling
accidentally.
2. Grasp the end of blade using a cloth or thickly
padded glove. Remove the blade bolt,
flatwasher, cup and blade from spindle shaft.
Figure 18
1. Blade bolt
2. Flatwasher
3. Cup
3. Install the blade-sail facing toward the cutting
unit- with the cup, flatwasher and blade bolt.
Tighten the blade bolt to 115–149 Nm
Checking the Sail and
Sharpening the Cutter Blade
Two areas must be considered when checking and
servicing the cutter blade: one area is the sail, the
other is the cutting edge. Both the cutting edges and
the sail, which is the turned up portion opposite the
cutting edge, contribute to a good quality-of-cut.
The sail is important because it pulls grass up
straight, thereby producing an even cut. However,
the sail will gradually wear down during operation,
and this condition is normal. As the sail wears
down, the quality-of-cut will degrade somewhat,
although the cutting edges are sharp. The cutting
edge of the blade must be sharp so the grass is cut
rather than torn. A dull cutting edge is evident when
tips of the grass appear brown and shredded.
Sharpen the cutting edges to correct this condition.
1. Position the machine on a level surface, raise
the cutting unit, engage the parking brake, be
sure the traction pedal is in neutral position, the
PTO lever in the OFF position, shut engine
OFF, remove the key from the switch and
disconnect wires from spark plugs. Block the
cutting unit to prevent it from falling
accidentally.
2. Examine the cutting ends of the blade carefully,
especially where the flat and curved parts of the
blade meet (Fig. 19 A). 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 mower. If wear is noticed
(Fig. 19 B), replace the blade.
Figure 19
1. Flat part of blade
2. Sail
3. Sail
4. Wear
5. Wear
6. Slot formed
3. Examine the cutting edges of all blades.
Sharpen the cutting edges if they are dull or
nicked. Sharpen only the top of the cutting edge
and maintain the original cutting angle to make
sure of sharpness (Fig. 20). The blade will
remain balanced if same amount of metal is
removed from both cutting edges.
19
B
A
C
12
3
5
4
6

Figure 20
1. Sharpen at this angle only
Note: Remove the blades and sharpen them on a
grinder: refer to Removing Cutter Blades, steps 2
and 3. After sharpening the cutting edges, reinstall
the blade with the cup, flatwasher and blade bolt.
Blade sails must be on top of blade. Tighten the
blade bolt to 115–149 Nm.
Correcting Cutting Unit
Mismatch
If one cutter blade cuts lower than the others,
correct as follows:
1. Lower the cutting unit onto a level surface,
engage the parking brake, be sure the traction
pedal is in neutral position, the PTO lever in
the OFF position, shut engine OFF, remove the
key from the switch and disconnect wires from
spark plugs. Make sure tire pressure is equal on
all tires.
2. Raise the height-of-cut to the 4 in. position:
refer to Adjusting Height Of Cut, p 10.
3. Rotate blades so the tips line up with one
another. Tips of the adjacent blades must be
within 3 mm If tips are not within 3 mm of each
other, proceed to step 10 and add shims between
spindle housing and bottom of the cutting unit.
4. Check to make sure front height-of-cut pins are
resting properly on frame cushions. If pins are
not resting properly, place a shim or shims
under cushion to raise it for proper alignment.
5. Position all three blades in the “A” position
(Fig. 21) and measure from level surface to the
bottom of the tip end of each blade (Fig. 22).
Figure 21
6. Note measurement attained at “A”, rotate blades
to the“B” position (Fig. 21), measure distance
of all blades to level surface and note
dimensions (Fig. 22).
Figure 22
1. Measure from blade tip to level surface
7. Rotate blades to the “C” position, measure and
note distance measured (Fig. 21, 22).
8. Compare measurements at various positions. All
dimensions must be equal within 6 mm from
any two adjacent blades. The difference
between dimensions of all three blades must not
exceed 9.5 mm. If difference exceeds
specifications, go to step 9.
9. Remove the capscrews, flatwashers and
locknuts from outer spindle in the area where
shims must be added. To raise or lower the
20
If the blade is allowed to wear, a slot will
form between the sail and the flat part of the
blade (Fig. 19 C). Eventually a piece of the
blade may break off and be thrown from
under the housing, possibly resulting in
serious injury to yourself or to bystanders.
DANGER