Abstract: A vehicle, such as a lawn mower or garden tractor, includes an engine attached to a frame. The frame includes several wheels including two driven wheels. A first axle shaft is attached to the first driven wheel. A second axle shaft attached to the second driven wheel. The vehicle has a transmission for transmitting power from the engine to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft for driving the first and second wheels. The transmission includes a differential for accommodating different lengths of travel between said first wheel and said second wheel, such as when the vehicle makes a turn. The differential includes a ring gear supported by the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. A first planet gear is supported on the first planet shaft. The first planet shaft is attached to the ring gear. Similarly, a second planet gear supported on a second planet shaft. The second planet shaft is also attached to the ring gear.

Abstract: A neutral centering spring mechanism (71) is provided for a variable displacement hydrostatic pump (25) of the type of which control of the displacement occurs in response to rotation of a control shaft (101;101'). Disposed about the control shaft is a pair of preferably identical actuator members (111,113), each of which is in engagement with a pin (115) such that clockwise rotation of the control shaft rotates one actuator member (111) while counter-clockwise rotation of the control shaft rotates the other actuator member (113). Each actuator member defines a movable stop surface (131,137), which are in engagement with fixed stop surfaces (133,139). A single torsion spring member (121) surrounds the actuator members, biasing both actuator members toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle is disclosed of the type having a central manifold (13) and right and left motor axle assemblies (15, 17). Each motor axle assembly includes a fluid motor (35) and a speed reduction gear set (51). The manifold defines a pair of aligned openings (81R, 81L) and disposed therein is a pair of elongated brake actuation members (83R, 83L), each member being axially moveable in its opening away from a central reference plane (RP). A cam means (95) defines right and left cam surfaces (107R, 107L) engaging the brake actuation members. Movement of the cam means forces the actuation members axially outward, until each engages friction pad (109), providing braking of a reaction plate (115) between the friction pad and a back up plate (119). The disclosed braking arrangement is simple and inexpensive, and achieves braking upstream of the reduction gear set, thus requiring less braking torque than would be required in the case of a conventional wheel brake. Also disclosed is an embodiment (FIG.