Abstract: Utility vehicle transmission controls include a common pivot shaft extending transversely across at least part of the operator station. The common pivot shaft has an integral collar. A shift lever has a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion of the sleeve extending over the integral collar. A differential lock lever has a lower end with a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion extending over the integral collar adjacent the shift pivot so that the shift lever and differential lock lever independently pivot.

Abstract: Utility vehicle transmission controls include a common pivot shaft extending transversely across at least part of the operator station. The common pivot shaft has an integral collar. A shift lever has a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion of the sleeve extending over the integral collar. A differential lock lever has a lower end with a sleeve pivotably mounted on the common pivot shaft with a portion extending over the integral collar adjacent the shift pivot so that the shift lever and differential lock lever independently pivot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat slide locator for a seat mount assembly on a tractor, riding mower, or off-road utility vehicle. The seat slide locator has a first end, a second end, and a raised portion dimensioned to slidingly fit in a guide slot in the seat support. Each end has an aperture through which the seat securing member may be inserted. The seat slide locator provides a simple, economical component that helps maintain the seat securing members properly aligned and positioned so that the assembly can slide within the guide slot as the seat position is manually adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat slide locator for a seat mount assembly on a tractor, riding mower, or off-road utility vehicle. The seat slide locator has a first end, a second end, and a raised portion dimensioned to slidingly fit in a guide slot in the seat support. Each end has an aperture through which the seat securing member may be inserted. The seat slide locator provides a simple, economical component that helps maintain the seat securing members properly aligned and positioned so that the assembly can slide within the guide slot as the seat position is manually adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a discharge stopper unit for a mowing machine having a mower deck. The discharge stopper unit has a discharge stopper adapted to block a discharge opening in the mower deck and an arm connected to the discharge stopper. Preferably, the arm has a biasing member which produces a securing force on the discharge stopper.

Abstract: A device for suspending a mower cutting deck that includes a retention member connected with the frame of a vehicle. The retention member receives a linkage bridging the cutting deck and the frame. To receive this linkage, the retention member includes a channel having a top end through which the linkage is inserted and a bottom end in which the linkage seats when the deck and the frame are connected. A throat portion is provided between the top and bottom ends. The throat portion is laterally offset from the ends and provides an abutment which opposes inadvertent vertical movement of the linkage beyond the bottom end to substantially prevent it from moving out of the retention member. With this opposition, the deck can maintain its attachment with the frame of the vehicle while using a minimal amount of hardware.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a discharge stopper unit for a mowing machine having a mower deck. The discharge stopper unit has a discharge stopper adapted to block a discharge opening in the mower deck and an arm connected to the discharge stopper. Preferably, the arm has a biasing member which produces a securing force on the discharge stopper.

Abstract: A mower blade with a trailing sweeping edge that projects below the cutting edge serves to brush, cut particles deposited on the grass surface down between the grass blades and up into the air stream within the mower deck. As the cut particles are recirculated in the air stream, they are recut in a mulching action. The particles forced down between the grass blades reduce the amount of cut grass that has to be discharged. As a result, the amount of cut grass particles left on the lawn is reduced, thereby providing an improved appearance.

Abstract: A mechanism for improving the dispersal of clippings in a container that receives clippings from a chute extending upwardly from a mower deck. A V-shaped deflector is provided and is struck by a portion of the clippings stream exiting the chute such that clippings are directed to the side portions of the container and a portion of the clippings stream passes beneath the deflector and accumulates against a back wall of the container in the central portion of the container.

Abstract: A mechanism for suspending a mower deck from a vehicle, including a suspension member having a longitudinally extending axis and a laterally extending portion which supports the deck at a plurality of spaced locations. A structural member fixed with the vehicle includes an opening within which the suspension member is positioned. A position retainer is coupled with the suspension member and abuts the structural member for blocking the suspension member from shifting along its longitudinal axis out of the opening. Engagement of the suspension member within the opening of the structural member is the sole location at which the suspension member is connected to the vehicle. A removable blocking member is positioned adjacent the opening for generally blocking the suspension member from shifting laterally with respect to its axis and out of the opening. The opening is defined in a surface oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of the suspension member.

Abstract: An adjustable gauge wheel assembly is provided for use on rotary mower decks. The wheel and its axle are carried on an arm which is pivotally supported by a deck mounted bracket. The pivotal support is adapted to allow the arm to be shifted towards and away from the bracket. The axle includes a portion which protrudes through the arm for insertion into one of the plurality of vertically spaced openings in the bracket as the arm is shifted. The bracket therefore provides for vertical adjustment of the gauge wheel as well as a direct support against impact loadings encountered by the wheel. An over-center latch mechanism is provided to quickly and easily lock the arm in its adjusted position.

Abstract: A mower deck lift mechanism which includes a friction disk selectively pivotable into engagement with first and second pulleys of a double pulley jacksheave. A linkage coupled between the friction disk and the deck raises the mower deck when the friction disk engages and rotates with the first pulley, and lowers the deck when the friction disk engages and rotates with the second pulley. Neutral return mechanisms are provided for returning the friction disk to a neutral position when the operator releases a control and when the deck approaches its extreme raised or lowered positions. A cutting height preset mechanism is also provided.