Abstract: A snowmobile construction wherein the components are laid out so as to improve the center of gravity of the snowmobile and position the major components so that they will exert a large portion of their weight on the drive belt. The snowmobile includes a built-up frame assembly that defines a cradle in which the engine is positioned and which drives the drive belt through a pair of transmissions. One of these transmissions is disposed within the frame assembly and in a casing carried by an opening in one side of the frame assembly. The snowmobile is steered by a steering shaft that extends across the top of the engine and through a space between the exhaust manifold of the engine and the engine so as to provide a compact assembly. The positioning of the transmission inboard of the frame permits the use of a forwardly positioned seat with foot rests disposed outwardly of the transmission but closely adjacent the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission utilized in a tractor that drives a mower attachment. The hydrostatic transmission includes a control shaft that is operated through a linkage system from a shift control lever. An adjustable detent operates directly on the control shaft for locking the control shaft in its neutral condition. The linkage system includes a lost motion connection so that the detent can operate without having to move the linkage system or the shift control lever.

Abstract: A garden tractor or lawn mower including a belt driven mower blade and an improved tensioning arrangement for the driving belt. The tensioner mechanism provides a first range of tensioning during normal driving loads and a second, more rigid range of tensioning when abnormal loads are encountered so as to reduce belt wear but insure that the belt will not jump off of the driving or driven pulleys.

Abstract: A improved stabilizer construction for a snowmobile wherein the front skis are supported for suspension movement and for steering by means of a scissors type link. The stabilizing arrangement includes a torsion bar that is affixed for rotation with the pivotal connection of the scissors linkage to the steering arm of the front skis.