Abstract: A spreader cover for a hopper of a spreader includes one or more modular hard covers that may be arranged to fully cover the hopper. In an embodiment, the spreader cover also includes a plurality of linkages, each linkage connected to one of the one or more modular hard covers. In another embodiment, the spreader cover includes a plurality of slide mechanisms, each slide mechanism connected to one of the one or more modular hard covers. The spreader cover may optionally include an extended handle assembly to facilitate opening the spreader cover while an operator is standing on the ground. The extended handle assembly may have an opening position and a closing position in which an external handle is unable to rotate, and a rotating position in which the external handle may be rotated and secured to the side of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of incorporating a preformed shape into a rotational molded product by a method that comprises the steps of a) forming a first resin into an uncured preformed shape having perimeter edges; b) positioning the uncured preformed shape having perimeter edges against an inside wall of a rotational mold; c) adding a second resin into the rotational mold; heating and rotating the rotational mold to form the rotational molded product, wherein said second resin binds to the perimeter edges of the preformed shape and the preformed shape becomes cured. The invention also relates to a rotationally molded product that has a preformed shape made of a first resin incorporated into an object or vessel made of a second resin, wherein the preformed shape is integral with the object or vessel.

Abstract: A body comprising an internal cavity and a pair of support brackets mounted to a support brackets on opposite sides of the internal cavity. A drawer is engagable with the pair of support brackets for movement with the pair of support brackets from a closed position to an open position. A lid assembly comprising a lid is configured for selectively covering an inside of the drawer. A first latch is configured for moving between a first position for securing the lid to the body and a second position for securing the lid to the drawer, wherein in the first position the drawer moves with respect to the lid to the open position so that the inside of the drawer is exposed, and wherein in the second position the drawer moves with the lid toward the open position so that the drawer and the lid can be removed from the body.

Abstract: An off-road utility vehicle with a reconfigurable cargo bed with fore and aft sections joined to the vehicle. Each section has three walls and a floor. The fore section pivots with respect to the aft section between an open position and a closed position with the fore section on top of the aft section. In the closed position, the reconfigurable cargo bed is a container with an opening in the foremost side of the container. A movable bulkhead is provided that is adapted to close the opening of the foremost side of the container, as well as being repositionable to serve as an extended surface for hauling cargo, a work bench that extends from a side of the cargo bed, or as a divider in the center of the cargo bed.

Abstract: An off-road utility vehicle with a reconfigurable cargo bed with fore and aft sections joined to the vehicle. Each section has three walls and a floor. The fore section pivots with respect to the aft section between an open position and a closed position with the fore section on top of the aft section. In the closed position, the reconfigurable cargo bed is a container with an opening in the foremost side of the container. A movable bulkhead is provided that is adapted to close the opening of the foremost side of the container, as well as being repositionable to serve as an extended surface for hauling cargo, a work bench that extends from a side of the cargo bed, or as a divider in the center of the cargo bed.

Abstract: A grass catcher retaining device for a reel mower cutting unit includes a central support ring removably fastened to a loop projecting forwardly from a lift arm for the reel mower cutting unit. The central support ring may be pivotably mounted to the top of the grass catcher, and may have a gate that is spring biased to the closed position to engage a wireform loop extending forwardly from the lift arm that supports the reel mower cutting unit. Additionally, a rod may extend horizontally from the sides of a grass catcher and may be pivotably attached to the reel mower cutting unit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed that retains a grass catcher on a reel mower cutting unit. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate releasably holding a rod end of the grass catcher in a slot on the reel mower cutting unit. The latch plate pivots on a horizontal axis. A clip is fastened to the horizontal axis to lock the latch plate in either a locked position retaining the grass catcher or an unlocked position allowing removal of the grass catcher.

Abstract: A grass catcher retaining device is disclosed for a reel mower cutting unit. The retaining device includes a central support ring on the grass catcher and removably fastened to a loop projecting forwardly from a lift arm for the reel mower cutting unit. The central support ring may be pivotably mounted to the top of the grass catcher, and may have a gate that is spring biased to the closed position to engage a wireform loop extending forwardly from the lift arm that supports the reel mower cutting unit. Additionally, a rod may extend horizontally from the sides of a grass catcher and may be pivotably attached to the reel mower cutting unit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed that retains a grass catcher on a reel mower cutting unit. The latch mechanism includes a latch plate releasably holding a rod end of the grass catcher in a slot on the reel mower cutting unit. The latch plate pivots on a horizontal axis. A clip is fastened to the horizontal axis to lock the latch plate in either a locked position retaining the grass catcher or an unlocked position allowing removal of the grass catcher.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a work machine includes a fan housing which has a fan guard and a fan shroud defined therein. The fan housing includes a rotationally molded, hollow exterior shell structure. The exterior shell structure is filled with a filler material so as to enhance the structural rigidity and stiffness of the fan housing. The fan assembly of the present invention utilizes fewer components relative to fan assemblies which have heretofore been designed thereby decreasing costs and assembly time associated with the work machine.

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a control lever in a neutral or non-active position includes a lock mechanism having a locking pin and a locking bracket for receiving the locking pin. The locking bracket is secured to the control lever and prevents the lever from moving when the locking pin is engaged with the bracket. The control lever controls a work function of a work machine and the lock assembly prevents unintentional activation of the control lever.

Abstract: A non-metallic roof for a work machine includes a rotationally molded plastic structure which encloses and seals the top portion of an operator's station of the work machine. The roof includes grab rails and light sockets which are integrally molded into the structure. A plurality of metallic bars and cooperating threaded fasteners connect the roof to the operator's station. A closed cell foam material seals the juncture between the roof and the top portion of the operator's station.

Abstract: A pilot hydraulic system controller including a pilot controller valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to actuate a primary hydraulic system valve, a pilot controller lockout valve, and a detent control circuit for selectively energizing a detent solenoid coil connected to said pilot controller valve, the detent control circuit include a switch means for selectively disabling the detent solenoid coil when the pilot controller lockout valve is actuated to hydraulically disable the pilot controller, so as to prevent the detent solenoid coil from acting upon the pilot controller valve when the pilot controller is hydraulically disabled.