Note: You can also check the balance using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward,
file that end (not the cutting edge or the end
near the cutting edge). The blade is properly
balanced when neither end drops.
Installing the Blade
1. Install a sharp, balanced Toro blade, the
accelerator, the anti-scalp cup, and the blade
nuts. The sail of the blade must point toward
the top of the lawn mower housing for proper
installation. Torque the blade nuts to 15 to 27
ft-lb (20 to 37 Nm).
Operating the lawn mower without the
accelerator in place can cause the blade
to flex, bend, or break, resulting in
serious injury or death to the operator or
bystanders.
Do not operate the lawn mower without
the accelerator.
2. Return the lawn mower to its upright position.
3. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Cleaning
Cleaning under the Mower
Housing
To ensure the best performance, keep the
underside of the mower housing clean.
Washing Method
1. Position the mower on a flat concrete or
asphalt surface near a garden hose.
2. Start the engine.
3. Hold the running garden hose at handle level
and direct the water to flow on the ground just
in front of the right rear tire (Figure 37).
Figure 37
1. Right rear wheel
Note: The blade will draw in water and wash
out clippings. Let the water run until you no
longer see clippings being washed out from
under the housing.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts
to stop.
5. Turn off the garden hose.
6. Start the mower and let it run for a few minutes
to dry out the moisture on the mower and its
components.
Scraping Method
If washing does not remove all debris from under
the mower, scrape it clean.
1. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug
(Figure 12).
2. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank. Refer to
Emptying the Fuel Tank and Cleaning the Fuel
Filter.
Tipping the mower may cause the fuel to
leak from the carburetor or the fuel tank.
Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly
explosive, and, under certain conditions,
can cause personal injury or property
damage.
Avoid fuel spills by running the engine
dry or by removing the gasoline with a
hand pump; never siphon.
3. Tip the mower onto its right side.
4. Remove the dirt and grass clippings with a
hardwood scraper. Avoid burrs and sharp
edges.
5. Return the mower to its operating position.
6. Fill the fuel tank.
7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
28