Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an idle, recommended cool-down period (RCDP) for a prime mover of a grounds maintenance vehicle. Delaying engine shutdown until after expiration of the RCDP allows engine components to adequately cool. In some embodiments, systems and methods may provide a quantitative indication of the time remaining in the RCDP, while other embodiments may notify an operator that a re-start of the engine is necessary to continue cool-down.

Abstract: A flow control baffle for a turf mower having a plurality of mower blades carried within a mower deck. The flow control baffle includes a foot wall section which extends from near a side discharge opening into the cutting chamber. The foot wall may be curved and may be movable to define a volute section of variable width. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle includes a panel wall and a foot wall, which are connected together and movable relative to other portions of the mower deck. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle is movable and selectively positioned within the cutting deck in order to optimize mower performance in view of location operating conditions. In one embodiment, the air flow control baffle defines sacrificial wear surfaces within the mower deck at locations of otherwise high wear.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly for a turf mower having a resilient deflector and a frame connecting the deflector to a mower deck proximate to a side discharge outlet. The frame includes one or more extension elements which engage the deflector. In one embodiment the extension elements are captured within pockets defined within the deflector. The pivoting frame mass facilitates a quick recovery to a guarded condition after the deflector rises in contact with an obstruction. Additionally, the frame mass allows the deflector to maintain an upright, unguarded orientation without additional biasing forces which is useful, for example, during a machine loading operation.

Abstract: A tilting chair comprising: a support board integrating its seat and back support to be elastically transformable backwards when a user puts pressure onto its back support; a frame that further consists of: a back support part tightly, horizontally coupled at the external surface of the back support, a pair of rear legs extended from both left and right sides of the back supporting part downwards to the floor, a pair of feet bent at edges of the rear legs and extended forwards along the floor surface, a pair of front legs extended upwards from the front edges of the feet, a seat front side support part bent and extended to face at both upper ends of the front legs to support front portion of the seat, and a seat rear side support part interconnecting the center of the rear legs to support the rear portion of the seat; and flanges and coupling units respectively assembled at the external surface of the back support part and at the lower surface of the seat, to thereby make a user feel comfortable because a bac

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower, wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. A neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. An OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.

Abstract: An operator control system for a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided wherein the control system includes two opposing and preferably upwardly extending and converging hand grips each having a corresponding drive control lever associated therewith. Each drive control lever may have at least a portion that is parallel to a grip axis of its respective hand grip. Further, each drive control lever may have a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the corresponding grip axis such that the drive control lever remains substantially parallel to its respective hand grip throughout its travel. In some embodiments, a neutral lock is provided to permit locking of each drive control lever in at least one position, e.g., a neutral position. Secondary levers such as operator presence control (OPC) levers may also be included. In one embodiment, an OPC lever is associated with each hand grip.