Abstract: A mower deck including a shroud having a top, a discharge opening, first and second sides, the discharge opening located adjacent the second side and a peripheral skirt defining an open bottom, a plurality of cutting blades mounted to the shroud, each blade on a corresponding vertical drive shaft so as to cut plants and convey the clippings generated thereby from the first side to the second side and through the discharge opening, the drive shaft located closest to the discharge opening being provided with an impeller blade oriented at an angle to the corresponding cutting blade and adapted to direct the flow of cut plants toward the second side and through the discharge opening. The shroud also includes intake ports and a baffle which facilitates the flow of air and clippings from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A mulching bar for a turf maintenance machine having a rotating flail reel includes an elongate body substantially triangular in cross section including a base, an upright portion and an inclined portion having lower and upper edge margins, the lower edge margin forming a blade edge with the base, the upper edge margin having a lip projecting beyond the upright portion, the mulching bar adapted to intercept cut or processed particles generated or collected by the rotating reel of the machine and to direct those particles into the reel for more complete comminution and eventual deposition upon the turf.

Abstract: An equipment carrier for a vehicle having a dump box and a tailgate framed by a pair of vertical stake pockets includes a carrier portion with a generally L-shaped cross section including a vertical rear wall joined to a horizontal floor, the rear wall having side edges framed by vertically projecting supports, each support having a laterally projecting pivot pin, and a bumper member secured to the back wall to separate the carrier portion from the tailgate of the vehicle, the carrier also including a pivot bracket portion having a pair of L-shaped pivot members, each member having a leg portion adapted to be inserted into one of the stake pockets, and a rearwardly extending portion having a slot adapted to pivotally retain one of the pivot pins of the carrier portion therein, and further having a keeper pin for retaining the pivot pins within the slots. As the dump box of the vehicle is raised, the carrier portion is lowered so that the floor rests on the ground.