Abstract: A self-propelled, walk-behind traction vehicle includes a power source, a pair of drive wheels and an improved operator-manipulated drive control mechanism for selectively coupling the drive wheels to the power source in a manner that allows the operator to control propulsion and steering of the vehicles. The drive control mechanism includes a friction drive unit having a pair of reversible, variable speed transmissions associated with respective ones of the drive wheels for selectively coupling the drive wheels to the power source. The control mechanism further includes a pair of independently swingable control handles configured to be gripped by the operator and operably coupled to respective ones of the transmissions so that the speed and direction of rotation of each of the drive wheels is controlled by swinging a respective one of the handles.

Abstract: An automatic tensioner to be used with a drive train of a self-propelled mower for drivingly connecting a ground wheel to the mower transmission, wherein the tensioner includes tensioning mechanism, which may be constructed as a spring biased idler arm having an idler member rotatably mounted thereon, to apply a tensioning force against the flexible element of the drive. The tensioner further includes an anti-slackening assembly having an elongated takeup rod being pivotally coupled with the idler arm at one end thereof so that the takeup rod moves generally with the idler arm, as the arm moves in a tensioning direction and opposed slackening direction. The anti-slackening assembly also includes a swingable control tab having an aperture receiving the other end of the takeup rod.

Abstract: A variable speed friction drive apparatus for a lawn mower includes a pair of drive cones supported by a frame for rotational movement about a common first axis, and a pair of drums supported by carriages for rotation about axes transverse to the lengths of the carriages. Each carriage is supported on the frame for movement between a neutral position in which the associated drum is disengaged from either of the cones and a plurality of driving positions in which the drum engages either of the cones. A universal joint connects the rear end of each carriage to the frame for universal pivotal movement about the joint, and both ends of each carriage are independently biased toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A connecting member slidably couples an elongated, resilient rod to a movable frame of a variable speed friction drive mechanism. The member is elongated and has an elongated bore non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member which slidably receives the resilient rod. The member is selectively rotatable on the frame, and thus the restoring force of the rod adjustably positions the frame at any one of a number of preselected positions wherein the resilient rod is unstressed and in its normal configuration. The member provides means for precise, selective adjustment of the control linkage for the drive mechanism while preventing stress-related failure of the rod.

Abstract: A walk-behind rotary lawn mower having a sliding drawer type grass catcher box mounted directly on the rear part of the deck behind the engine and between the U-shaped handle and rear wheels. A cover fixedly mounted on the handle closes the top of the box. A vertical tube carries the cut grass-air mix from below the mower deck up to against the cover. The cover is provided with an integral arcuate chute for causing the cut grass-air mix to swirl around in the box so the grass can fall by gravity into the box. The tube, cover and box are a closed air system and the air is exhausted to the atmosphere through vents in the cover which face in directions away from a user positioned behind the mower. The tube, cover and box are constructed from air impermeable plastic, and the box can be lined with a conventional store-bought throwaway type plastic garbage or leaf collecting bag.

Abstract: In a rotary lawn mower the engine on the deck is completely shielded by an engine shroud, and the engine exhaust is below the mower deck.

Abstract: In a rear bagging mower the rear discharge is automatically closed by a door unless the bag is locked in grass catching position, and the bag and door cooperate with an engine kill switch so that the engine will run only if the door is closed or the bag in grass catching position.