60in, 62in, or 72in Rotary Mower

1. Position the machine on a level surface on the shop floor and lower the cutting unit.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

3. Set the cutting unit to a 127 mm (5 inch) height of cut.

4. Check and adjust the front and rear traction-unit tire pressure; refer to Operator’s Manual for pressure specifications.

5. Check for bent blades; refer to Checking for Bent Blades.

6. Rotate the blade on each spindle until the ends face forward and backward.

7. Measure from the floor to the front tip of the cutting edge.

8. Adjust the jam nuts securing the mower yokes/chains to the mower until the cutting unit is level (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Chain
   2. Yoke
   3. Jam nut
   4. Mower

Cutting unit pitch is the difference in height of cut from the front-to-back of the blade plane. A blade pitch of approximately 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch) is recommended (i.e., the back of the blade plane is 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch) higher than the front).

1. Set the cutting unit to the desired height-of-cut, move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

2. Rotate the center blade so that it points straight forward.

3. Using a short ruler, measure from the floor to the front tip of the blade.

4. Rotate the same blade tip to the rear and measure from the floor to the tip of the blade at the rear of the cutting unit.

5. Subtract the front dimension from the rear dimension to calculate the blade pitch.

6. Adjust the jam nuts securing the rear mower yokes/chains (Figure 5) to raise the rear of the cutting unit so that the blade pitch is set to 8 to 11 mm (5/16 to 7/16 inch).

The height-of-cut is adjusted from 2.5 to 15.8 cm (1 to 6 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments by relocating the stop pin into different hole locations.

1. With the engine running, push back on the cutting unit lift switch until the cutting unit is fully raised and release the switch immediately (Figure 6).

   

   Figure 6

   1. Stop pin

2. To adjust the height of cut, rotate the stop pin until the nub on it lines up with the slots in the holes in the height-of-cut bracket and remove it (Figure 6).

3. Select a hole in the height-of-cut bracket corresponding to the height-of-cut desired, insert the pin, and rotate it down to lock it in place (Figure 6).

   Note: There are 4 rows of hole positions (Figure 6). The top row gives you the height of cut listed above the pin. The second row down gives you the height listed plus 6 mm (1/4 inch). The third row down gives you the height listed plus 12 mm (1/2 inch). The bottom row gives you the height listed plus 18 mm (3/4 inch). For the 15.8 cm (6 inch) position there is only 1 hole, located in the second row. This does not add 6 mm (1/4 inch) to the 15.8 cm (6 inch) position.

4. Adjust the anti-scalp rollers and skids as required.

Mount the skids in the lower position when operating in height of cuts higher than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches) and in the higher position when operating in height of cuts lower than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches).

Note: On Guardian^® mowers, when the skids become worn, you can switch the skid to the opposite sides of the cutting unit, flipping them over. This will allow you to use the skids longer before replacing them.

1. Disengage the PTO and engagethe parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the screw at the front of each skid. There are 2 skids on Guardian mowers and 1 skid on side-discharge cutting units (Figure 7).

   

   Figure 7

   1. Screw
   2. Flange-head bolt
   3. Skid
   4. Nut

4. Remove the flange-head bolts and nuts from each skid.

5. Move each skid to the desired position and secure them with the flange-head bolts and nuts.

   Note: Only use the top or center sets of holes to adjust the skids. The bottom holes are used when switching sides on a Guardian mower, at which time they become the top holes on the other side of the cutting unit.

6. Torque the screw at the front of each skid to 9 to 11 N-m (80 to 100 in-lb).

Whenever you change the height-of-cut, adjust the height of the rear anti-scalp rollers.

1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. After adjusting the height-of-cut, adjust the rollers by removing the flange nut, bushing, spacer, and bolt (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

   1. Flange nut
   2. Bushing
   3. Anti-scalp roller
   4. Spacer
   5. Bolt

4. Select a hole so the anti-scalp roller is positioned to the nearest corresponding height-of-cut desired (Figure 9).

   

   Figure 9

   1. 38 mm (1-1/2 inches)
   2. 51 mm (2 inches)
   3. 63 mm (2-1/2 inches)
   4. 76 mm (3 inches) and higher

5. Install the flange nut bushing, spacer, and bolt. Torque to 54 to 61 N∙m (40 to 45 ft-lb) (Figure 8).

Mount the rollers in the lower position when operating in height of cuts higher than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches) and in the higher position when operating in height of cuts lower than 64 mm (2-1/2 inches).

1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the front of the machine and support it on jack stands.

4. Remove the fasteners securing each roller on your cutting unit and move the rollers up or down as desired; refer to Figure 10 through Figure 14 as applicable for your cutting unit.

   Note: You may need to remove the front roller for certain Groundsmaster 7200 and 7210 models.

   

   Figure 10

   All Cutting Units

   1. Front roller
   2. Roller shaft
   

   Figure 11

   Guardian mowers only

   1. Bolt
   2. Rear under-cutting unit roller
   3. Spacer
   4. Nut
   5. Bracket
   

   Figure 12

   Guardian mower only

   1. Bolt
   2. Front under-cutting unit roller
   3. Nut
   4. Bracket
   

   Figure 13

   Side-discharge cutting units only

   1. Bolt
   2. Chute-side roller
   3. Spacer
   4. Nut
   5. Bracket
   

   Figure 14

   Side-discharge cutting units only

   1. Bolt
   2. Roller shaft
   3. Under-cutting unit roller (2)
   4. Bracket

5. Install the fasteners as illustrated.

To maintain enough power for the machine and deck while mowing, operate the engine at the fast throttle position and adjust your ground speed for conditions. Decrease the ground speed as the load on the cutting blades increases. Increase the ground speed as the load on the blades decreases.

Alternate mowing direction to avoid making ruts in the turf over time. This also helps disperse clippings which enhances decomposition and fertilization.

To improve cut quality, use a slower ground speed.

If the cutting width of the cutting unit is wider than the mower you previously used, raise the cutting height to ensure that uneven turf is not cut too short.

Remove approximately 1 inch (25 mm) or no more than 1/3 of the grass blade when cutting. In exceptionally lush and dense grass, you may have to slow down the forward speed and/or raise the height-of-cut to the next higher setting.

Important: If cutting more than 1/3 of the grass blade off, or in sparse long grass or dry conditions, the use of flat sail blades is recommended to reduce air-borne chaff, debris, and deck drive component strain.

If the grass is ever allowed to grow slightly longer than normal, or if it contains a high degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than usual and cut the grass at this setting. Then cut the grass again using the lower, normal setting.

Clean clippings and dirt from the underside of the cutting unit after each use. If grass and dirt build up inside the cutting unit, cutting quality will eventually become unsatisfactory.

To reduce the risk of fire hazard, keep the engine, muffler, battery compartment, parking brake, cutting units, and fuel storage compartment free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease. Clean up any spilled oil or fuel.

Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season because a sharp blade cuts cleanly without tearing or shredding the grass blades. Tearing and shredding turns grass brown at the edges, which slows growth and increases the chance of disease. Check the blades daily for sharpness, and for any wear or damage. Sharpen the blades as necessary. If a blade is damaged or worn, replace it immediately with a genuine Toro replacement blade. Refer to Servicing the Cutting Blades.

The machine has grease fittings that must be lubricated regularly with No. 2 lithium grease. Bearings and bushings must be lubricated daily when operating conditions are extremely dusty and dirty. Dusty and dirty operating conditions could cause dirt to get into the bearings and bushings, resulting in accelerated wear. Lubricate the grease fittings immediately after every washing, regardless of interval specified.

1. Wipe the grease fittings clean so foreign matter cannot be forced into the bearing or bushing.

2. Pump grease into the fittings.

3. Wipe off excess grease.

Figure 16

Figure 17

Note: Bearing life can be negatively affected by improper wash down procedures. Do not wash the unit when it is still hot and avoid directing high-pressure or high volume spray at the bearings or seals.

1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 19). If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades. Refer to Sharpening the Blades (Sharpening the Blades).

4. Inspect the blades, especially the sail area (Figure 19). If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this area (Figure 19), immediately install a new blade.

   Danger

   If you allow the blade 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, possibly resulting in serious injury to you or bystanders.

   • Inspect the blade periodically for wear or damage.

   • Never try to straighten a blade that is bent or weld a broken or cracked blade.

   • Replace a worn or damaged blade.

   

   Figure 19

   1. Cutting edge
   2. Sail area
   3. Wear/slot forming
   4. Crack

1. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and backward (Figure 20). Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Figure 20). Note this dimension.

   

   Figure 20

   1. Measure here from blade to hard surface
   2. Position A

4. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.

5. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at the same position as in step 3 above. The difference between the dimensions obtained in steps 3 and 4 must not exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch). If this dimension exceeds 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade is bent and must be replaced; refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

   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.

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. Disengage the PTO, release the traction pedal, and engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove.

4. Remove the blade bolt, anti-scalp plate, and blade from the spindle shaft; refer to Figure 23 in Installing the Blades.

1. Sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 21). Maintain the original angle. The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

   

   Figure 21

   1. Sharpen at original angle

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 22). If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 23). Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

   

   Figure 22

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 23).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must point upward toward the inside of the cutting unit to ensure proper cutting.

2. Install the anti-scalp plate and blade bolt (Figure 23).

   

   Figure 23

   1. Spindle
   2. Sail area of blade
   3. Anti-scalp plate
   4. Blade bolt

3. Torque the blade bolt to 115-150 N⋅m (85-110 ft-lb).

If the cut is uneven across the cutting unit swath, correct it as follows:

1. Position the machine on a level surface.

2. Set the cutting unit to the desired height of cut, move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

3. Check and adjust front and rear traction-unit tire pressure; refer to the traction unit Operator’s Manual.

4. Check for bent blades.

5. Remove the covers from the top of the cutting units.

6. Rotate the blade on each spindle until the ends face forward and backward.

7. Measure from the floor to the front tip of the cutting edge.

8. Adjust the jam nuts securing the cutting unit yokes/chains to the mower until the cutting unit is level (Figure 24).

   

   Figure 24

   1. Front-mower yoke chain
   2. Rear-mower yoke chain
   3. Chain
   4. Yoke
   5. Jam nut
   6. Mower

1. Lower the cutting unit to the ground, move the throttle lever to the SLOW position, shut off the engine, engage the parking brake, and remove the key.

2. Remove the locknut, bolt, spring and spacer holding the deflector to the pivot brackets (Figure 25). Remove damaged or worn grass deflector.

   

   Figure 25

   1. Bolt
   2. Spacer
   3. Locknut
   4. Spring
   5. Spring installed
   6. Grass deflector
   7. Left-hand hook end of spring, place behind the cutting unit edge before installing bolt
   8. Right-hand hook end of spring

3. Place the spacer and spring between the replacement grass deflector brackets (Figure 25). Place the left hand J hook end of the spring behind the cutting unit edge.

   Note: Ensure that the left-hand hook end of the spring is installed behind the cutting unit edge before installing the bolt as shown in Figure 25.

4. Install the bolt and nut. Place the right-hand hook end of the spring around the grass deflector (Figure 25).

   Important: The grass deflector must be able to lower down into position. Lift the deflector up to test that it lowers into the full down position.