Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.

Abstract: A snow thrower having a power supply with a crankshaft operatively connected thereto is provided. The snow thrower further includes an impeller operatively connected to a first drive shaft. A first drive train operatively connects the crankshaft to the first drive shaft to provide a first rotational speed of the first drive shaft and impeller. An impeller speed adjustment assembly includes a second drive train that operatively connects the crankshaft to the first drive shaft to provide a second rotational speed of the first drive shaft and impeller therebetween, wherein the first and second rotational speeds of the first drive shaft and impeller are different.

Abstract: A high-efficiency lawn maintenance tool includes a frame and a deck attached to the frame. A plurality of ground engaging members are attached to the frame, and a power source is attached to one of the frame and the deck, wherein the power source is connected to a drive shaft that passes through the deck. A high-efficiency blade system is attached to the drive shaft. A controller is electrically connected to the power source, and the controller is configured to correlate the load and/or the mower groundspeed independent of an operator's control. Other examples include reduced operating speeds of the drive shaft and commensurate reduced tip speeds of a set of cutting blades.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, energy efficient blade assembly for use on lawn maintenance equipment and devices is provided. The blade assembly includes a shell and plurality of blades releasably attachable to the shell, wherein the shell is generally bowl-shaped. The blade assembly may also include a stabilizer ring that is positioned immediately adjacent to the shell for added structural rigidity and strength.

Abstract: A multiple-stage snow thrower having a housing, a power supply operatively connected to a plurality of drive shafts for rotating a plurality of stage assemblies. Each stage assembly of the multiple-stage snow thrower is configured to move snow either axially along the axis of rotation or radially away from the axis of rotation. The first stage assembly is configured to expel snow from the housing, thereby throwing the snow away from the snow thrower. The second, third, and fourth stages assemblies are configured to push the snow toward the longitudinal centerline of the housing and then rearwardly toward the first stage assembly.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire assembly includes a non-pneumatic tire. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner circumferential ring and an outer circumferential ring defining an annular space and a cylindrical space inside the inner circumferential ring. A plurality of partitions connect the circumferential rings within the annular space. A ground-contacting tread is located on the outer circumferential ring. A rim, including a plurality of pieces, is located within the cylindrical space. The non-pneumatic tire assembly further includes a hub that is removably connected to the rim.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: A clutch assembly attachable to a rotational output shaft of the engine, wherein the clutch assembly is configured to drive at least one implement of a lawn maintenance vehicle is provided. The clutch assembly includes a first pulley fixedly attached to the output shaft, a second pulley independently rotatable relative to the first pulley, and a belt extending between the first and second pulleys and an idler pulley that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clutch assembly further includes a third pulley directly connected with the second pulley, wherein rotation of the second pulley is directly transferred to the third pulley, and rotation of the third pulley provides an output rotation of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade assembly for attaching to a rotatable spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft is provided. The blade assembly includes a mounting member having a plurality of ends extending from a central bore that is configured to receive the spindle, motor, or engine crankshaft. Each end includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of caps. A locking mechanism is operatively connected to the mounting member, and each arm of the locking mechanism includes a pin. A cutting blade is removably attachable to each end of the mounting member and the cutting blade includes an indexing aperture and a plurality of keyhole apertures. Each pin of the locking mechanism is insertable and engageable with an indexing aperture of both the mounting member and the cutting blade for positively securing each cutting blade.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire with at least one annular band having an inner ring and a deformable outer ring, a plurality of generally flexible web-spokes connecting the inner ring to the outer ring and a ground contacting tread cap affixed to the annular band.

Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Abstract: A walk-behind working tool having a frame, a power source, and a handle attached to the frame is provided. The working tool includes at least one axle operatively connected to the frame and a pair of wheel assemblies connected to the axle. The wheel assemblies include a hub, a rim, a tire, and a flexible vibration dampening assembly that operatively connects the hub and rim, wherein the dampening assembly is configured to reduce the vibration transferred between the rim and hub and through the handle to the operator. The dampening assembly includes a plurality of elastic elements having a spring constant for smoothing out movement of the frame when the working tool is guided over rough or uneven ground.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.

Abstract: A clutch assembly attachable to a rotational output shaft of the engine, wherein the clutch assembly is configured to drive at least one implement of a lawn maintenance vehicle is provided. The clutch assembly includes a first pulley fixedly attached to the output shaft, a second pulley independently rotatable relative to the first pulley, and a belt extending between the first and second pulleys and an idler pulley that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The clutch assembly further includes a third pulley directly connected with the second pulley, wherein rotation of the second pulley is directly transferred to the third pulley, and rotation of the third pulley provides an output rotation of the clutch assembly.

Abstract: In a broad respect, vehicles that are capable of making a low- to zero-radius turn using the independent rotation of drive wheels and by turning the non-driving steerable structure or structures (such as wheels) with a steering input device (in some embodiments, the driving wheels also may be capable of being turned). This may be accomplished using a steering system, a speed control system and an integration device (together, a control system) that are configured to work together to provide correct steering in forward and reverse, and, in some embodiments, to reduce the speed of the outboard drive wheel of the vehicle when it enters an extreme turn under constant speed input. Different systems configured for use in such vehicles are included.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a track of a utility track vehicle is provided. The drive sprocket includes a pair of spaced-apart inner rings having a spacer fixedly attached between the inner rings. An adapter is attached to an outwardly-directed surface of one of the inner rings. A plurality of rods are attached in a spaced-apart manner about the outer peripheral edge of the inner rings. A guide ring is attached to each end of the rods in a perpendicular manner, wherein the guide rings are substantially parallel to the inner rings.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.