Abstract: A multi-purpose turf machine (100) used primarily as a triplex turf mower includes a system for attaching an “operating unit” (e.g., a turf cutting unit) to a traction vehicle (102); and for moving the operating units, e.g., a pair of front cutting units (108a), between a working position and a transport position, the system utilizing a single actuator (224) to provide both vertical lifting as well as “wing-like” pivoting motion. The attachment system includes a female A-frame member (132) attached to the front cutting units (108a) and a mating male A-frame member (202) movably connected to the frame (101) of the vehicle (102). The machine (100) additionally includes a belt drive system to power the cutting units (108). The belt drive system provides correct belt tension between a driving pulley (230, 236) located on the vehicle (102) and a driven pulley (124) located on the end of each cutting unit (108) when the cutting units are in the working position.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a cutting unit joint (22) which can be located between a lift arm (18) and a cutting unit (20). Cutting unit joint (22) includes a four-bar linkage preferably including pairs of pivoting links (46 and 48) which create a "virtual pull point" at any desired location. With regard to one embodiment, a cutting unit (20), the virtual pull point is even located below ground, when the cutting unit (20) is generally level. This configuration reduces or eliminates cutting unit "bobbing." In another embodiment, in connection with a cutting unit (20'), the virtual pull point is located roughly at the centerline of the reel, to maintain a good "seal" between the cutting unit (20') and a lift arm supported grass basket (52'). Another aspect of the present invention relates to a self-contained damper (76) connected to lift arm (18), the damper (76) resisting upward movement at a velocity or frequency consistent with cutting unit "bobbing.

Abstract: A steering operating unit joint (22) for connecting an operating unit (20) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). Operating unit (20) can be a reel-type turf cutting unit. Cutting unit joint (22) preferably includes a pivot knuckle (50) having a snout (66), suitably secured to the free end of lift arm (18); and a snout receiver (94) suitably secured to cutting unit (20). A pair of resilient elements (100) is interposed between snout (66) and snout receiver (94). Elements (100) act between snout (66) and snout receiver (94) to resist "yawing" of cutting unit (20), whereby cutting unit (20) can be automatically straightened once it is raised to its transport position. During transport, cutting unit (20) is maintained in a straight and level orientation so that the turf is not gouged when the cutting unit (20) is lowered to its operating position "on the fly.