Abstract: A chipper vacuum shredder system and apparatus includes a chipper mechanism, a shredder mechanism and a vacuum mechanism carried by a mobile platform. The vacuum mechanism is coupled to a passage having a nozzle. The nozzle includes an adjustable baffle structure for varying the velocity of air flow for delivering yard waste to the chipper-shredder mechanism. The mobile platform includes a bellcrank height adjusting mechanism which varies the height of the nozzle over a surface to be vacuumed, thereby increasing performance on varying surface conditions, particularly when used in conjunction with the adjustable baffle structure. An adjustable deflector is coupled to an exhaust portion of the vacuum mechanism for directing a stream of air to move yard waste and the like as desired. The chipper system is accessed through a cone-shaped inlet through which branches to be chipped can be inserted.

Abstract: A riding mower chassis frame comprises a pair of identical beams extending along the chassis at its opposite sides. A one-piece channel-shaped member bridges the beams near the rear of the chassis to give the frame rigidity, provide for laterally swingable connection to the frame of a rear axle on which steerable wheels are mounted, and serve as a pan in which movable weights are carried. A platform mounted on the rear of the frame, for carrying interchangeable accessories, is swingable to and from a horizontal load carrying position about a transverse axis at the rear of the frame. An automatically engaging releasable latch on the platform cooperates with another frame member that bridges across the beams.

Abstract: A unitized frame for a self-propelled lawn mower and fabricated from stamped sheet steel and steel beams welded together. The frame includes a stamped sheet steel component having a forward end that includes an upwardly and forwardly inclined portion which forms an operator's footrest and having a pair of downwardly extending side portions formed integrally therewith to form front wheel axle supports. The sheet steel component also forms an intermediate stepped portion that forms a transmission mounting, and it also has a rearward stepped portion forming an engine mounting. The unitized frame also includes a rear wheel mounting member welded to and between the rear ends of the pair of steel beams; the rear wheels mounting member is of generally U-shaped cross-section fabricated sheet steel and on which can be pivotally mounted a pair of rear steerable wheels about a fore-and-aft extending axis.