Abstract: A mower deck automatic leveling system includes actuators that adjust the position of the mower deck at a plurality of different locations between the mower deck and vehicle frame at the selected cutting height, and sensors that calibrate the actuators by measuring the distance to a ground surface at a plurality of different locations on a mower deck at the selected cutting height.

Abstract: A mower deck automatic leveling system includes actuators that adjust the position of the mower deck at a plurality of different locations between the mower deck and vehicle frame at the selected cutting height, and sensors that calibrate the actuators by measuring the distance to a ground surface at a plurality of different locations on a mower deck at the selected cutting height.

Abstract: A mower deck hillside adjustment system includes an angle sensor such as an inertial measurement unit mounted to the mower deck for measuring the angle of the mower deck on the roll axis. The angle from the sensor is used to command a left actuator and a right actuator to raise or lower the left side or right side of the mower deck respectively so each side of the mower deck is at the same height to compensate for tire squat and eliminate step cuts.

Abstract: A mulch kit control lever includes a handle pivotably mounted to a support plate with a tension spring connecting the handle to the support plate and urging the handle to pivot to either a mulching position or a side discharge position relative to the support plate. The tension spring is connected before the mulch kit control lever is installed on the mower deck. A retainer slides in a slot in one of the support plate and the handle preventing over-travel of the handle past the mulching position and the side discharge position.

Abstract: A mower deck level adjuster includes a pair of draft links connected to a frame of a grass mowing machine and pivotable to a plurality of different cutting heights using a foot pedal or hand lever for raising and lowering the mower deck. A pair of adjuster brackets may be attached to the pair of draft links and to a pair of deck brackets on the mower deck. Each adjuster bracket may be pivotable to a plurality of different positions relative to the draft links to secure the mower deck at a level position.

Abstract: Each zero turning radius mower steering lever module includes a one-piece plastic housing independently mounted on a grass mowing machine frame member. A central passage extends through each housing, and a steering arm bracket may be positioned in the central passage and pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot axis. A steering arm may be attached to an upper end of the steering arm bracket, and a hydrostatic transmission linkage and a damper linkage attached to a lower end of the bracket.

Abstract: Each zero turning radius mower steering lever module includes a one-piece plastic housing independently mounted on a grass mowing machine frame member. A central passage extends through each housing, and a steering arm bracket may be positioned in the central passage and pivotably mounted on a horizontal pivot axis. A steering arm may be attached to an upper end of the steering arm bracket, and a hydrostatic transmission linkage and a damper linkage attached to a lower end of the bracket.

Abstract: A multiple pivot rollover protection structure includes a pair of primary pivot assemblies and a pair of shipping pivot assemblies. The primary pivot assemblies provide a plurality of different operating positions for the upper ROPS legs, and a generally vertical shipping configuration for the upper ROPS legs extending downwardly alongside and not behind a rear mounted engine. The shipping pivot assemblies provide a generally vertical operating position for each of the intermediate ROPS legs and a generally horizontal shipping configuration for each of the intermediate ROPS legs extending rearwardly alongside and not behind the rear mounted engine. A spring loaded plunger is engageable between each upper ROPS leg and intermediate ROPS leg. A latch may be provided between each of the upper ROPS legs and the intermediate ROPS legs to hold the spring loaded plunger in a disengaged position.

Abstract: A material collection system tube fastener includes a mounting rod attached to a material collection system tube. The mounting rod has a first end inserted into a bushing at a first end of a side discharge outlet on a multi-blade mower deck, and a second end engaging a hook at a second end of the side discharge outlet. The mounting rod may pivot in the bushing to move the material collection system tube toward and away from the side discharge outlet.

Abstract: A mower deck level adjuster includes a pair of draft links connected to a frame of a grass mowing machine and pivotable to a plurality of different cutting heights using a foot pedal or hand lever for raising and lowering the mower deck. A pair of adjuster brackets may be attached to the pair of draft links and to a pair of deck brackets on the mower deck. Each adjuster bracket may be pivotable to a plurality of different positions relative to the draft links to secure the mower deck at a level position.

Abstract: A mower deck discharge chute includes a flexible member attached with a hinge to a multi-blade mower deck, and a drive belt tunnel through the flexible member that an attachment drive belt passes through when the flexible member is pivoted up to a generally vertical position. The attachment drive belt may be on a single plane to engage a drive sheave on the multi-blade mower deck, a driven sheave on the belt driven attachment, and an idler.

Abstract: A front attachment lift mechanism includes a front hitch weldment connectable to a lawn tractor frame and having a pair of side plates for supporting a front attachment. A hitch arm extends upwardly and rearwardly on each side of the frame. A rear weldment includes a pair of rear brackets connected by support bars to each other. Each rear bracket has an upper portion connectable to one of a pair of lift arms on a lawn tractor, and a forward end extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper portion. A wireform assembly is connected between each of the hitch arms and the forward end of one of the rear brackets.

Abstract: A multiple pivot rollover protection structure includes a pair of primary pivot assemblies and a pair of shipping pivot assemblies. The primary pivot assemblies provide a plurality of different operating positions for the upper ROPS legs, and a generally vertical shipping configuration for the upper ROPS legs extending downwardly alongside and not behind a rear mounted engine. The shipping pivot assemblies provide a generally vertical operating position for each of the intermediate ROPS legs and a generally horizontal shipping configuration for each of the intermediate ROPS legs extending rearwardly alongside and not behind the rear mounted engine. A spring loaded plunger is engageable between each upper ROPS leg and intermediate ROPS leg. A latch may be provided between each of the upper ROPS legs and the intermediate ROPS legs to hold the spring loaded plunger in a disengaged position.

Abstract: A mower deck discharge chute includes a flexible member attached with a hinge to a multi-blade mower deck, and a drive belt tunnel through the flexible member that an attachment drive belt passes through when the flexible member is pivoted up to a generally vertical position. The attachment drive belt may be on a single plane to engage a drive sheave on the multi-blade mower deck, a driven sheave on the belt driven attachment, and an idler.

Abstract: A zero turn mower light system includes a pair of light assemblies, each light assembly mounted to a motion control lever. Each light assembly moves fore and aft with a motion control lever during a ZTR mower turn such that one light assembly directs a light beam into the direction of a ZTR mower turn before the other light assembly. Each light assembly may include a light housing and a mounting pad between the light housing and the motion control lever.

Abstract: A mower deck gauge wheel support includes a one-piece sheet metal bracket mounted to a mower deck, having a sleeve mounted thereto outside a skirt of the mower deck, a wheel shaft inserted through the sleeve, and a J-pin having a first end that engages the wheel shaft at a desired cutting height, and a second end that is engaged by and retained by a coil spring within the bracket.

Abstract: A material collection system tube fastener includes a mounting rod attached to a material collection system tube. The mounting rod has a first end inserted into a bushing at a first end of a side discharge outlet on a multi-blade mower deck, and a second end engaging a hook at a second end of the side discharge outlet. The mounting rod may pivot in the bushing to move the material collection system tube toward and away from the side discharge outlet.

Abstract: A mower deck side discharge chute mounting includes a wire form hinge having a first leg, a second leg that is collinear with the first leg, and an intermediate mounting portion attached directly to a multi-blade mower deck between the first leg and the second leg. A side discharge chute pivots on the wire form hinge and can be installed or removed from the wire form hinge only if the chute is in a raised position relative to the mower deck.

Abstract: A mower deck side discharge chute mounting includes a wire form hinge having a first leg, a second leg that is collinear with the first leg, and an intermediate mounting portion attached directly to a multi-blade mower deck between the first leg and the second leg. A side discharge chute pivots on the wire form hinge and can be installed or removed from the wire form hinge only if the chute is in a raised position relative to the mower deck.