Abstract: A detection system for an agricultural header includes a belt that has at least one physical feature driven by a roller at a roller rotational speed. The detection system also includes a sensor that detects a physical feature as it passes the sensor during rotation of the belt. The detection system further includes a controller that receives a signal indicating a first pulse of a first time a physical feature passes the sensor during the rotation of the belt and a second pulse of a second time a physical feature passes the sensor during the rotation of the belt. The controller further determines a pulse frequency based on the first and second times and calculates a belt rotational speed based on the pulse frequency. The controller compares the belt rotational speed to the roller rotational speed and provides an output if the roller rotational speed exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A battery-operated electric hydrostatic utility tractor is disclosed. The utility tractor is a zero-emissions and more capable of powering work attachments to many chores. The tractor frame is supported by ground wheels and is configured to operative couple work accessories. The work accessory has a power connection to couple with an electric source or a pressurized hydraulic fluid carried by the utility tractor. A hydrostatic pump is configured to produce the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and includes an integrally contained transaxle for selectively providing a hydraulic motive force to a driveshaft for each of an opposed pair of drive wheels. An electric motor has an output axially aligned with an input shaft of the hydrostatic pump, for developing the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid by the hydrostatic pump. A plurality of battery compartments are compartments configured to receive a rechargeable battery to provide the electric source.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery unit which has a first battery pack and a second battery pack that is disposed above the first battery pack. The first battery pack includes a battery module; and a first battery case body and a first battery case cover that house the battery module. The second battery pack includes a battery module; and a second battery case body and a second battery case cover that house the battery module. The second battery case body houses a power shutdown portion configured to shut down an electric circuit of the battery unit; a cover removal restricting portion configured to restrict removal of the second battery case cover; and an interlock mechanism configured to disable release of the cover removal restricting portion unless the electric circuit is shut down by the power shutdown portion. The second battery case cover includes an opening accessible to the interlock mechanism.

Abstract: A battery tray assembly for a battery powered vehicle includes a tub having a bottom wall connected with a side wall. A side rail assembly is connected to the side wall of the tub. A lower impact rail is connected to the side rail assembly. The lower impact rail extends beyond the bottom wall of the tub. The lower impact rail is removably connected to the side rail assembly by a fastener.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. Controller assemblies and packaging for electronic control systems of electric motors utilized in utility vehicles or other power equipment are also disclosed. The controller assemblies are packaged for robust design and heat dissipation, while collectively housing the controllers, switches and sensors needed to operate multiple motors performing different functions, or the same function in serial.

Abstract: A swath tracking system for an off-road vehicle includes a control system with a processor and a memory. The control system is configured to receive a plurality of vehicle location points and a current vehicle state, wherein the current vehicle state comprises a current vehicle location, generate a planned vehicle path through one or more of the plurality of vehicle location points, generate a correction path from the current vehicle location to a point along the planned vehicle path ahead of the current vehicle location along a direction of travel, generate a blended path by blending the planned vehicle path and the correction path based at least in part on an assigned weight, wherein the assigned weight is based at least in part on a heading error, a distance between the current vehicle location and the planned path, or a combination thereof, and guide the off-road vehicle along the blended path.

Abstract: A combine header for a harvesting machine is provided with a frame and a cutter bar connected to a leading end of the frame. A conveying device connected to the frame conveys stalk material cut by the cutter bar. A drive device drives the cutter bar and the conveying device. First support wheels are connected to the frame at lateral ends of the combine header and support the combine header on the ground. The support wheels arranged underneath the combine header.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system for a mobile blower or a mobile sprayer. The drive system includes at least one flexible cable drive which connects a fan unit of the mobile blower or the mobile sprayer to a rotary power source to drive the fan. The present invention also provides mobile blowers and mobile sprayers including the drive system.

Abstract: A system of harvesting electrical power for use within a battery operated device includes a battery and a motor driven by the battery to impart rotational energy to a first shaft. The first shaft drives a multi-phase generator and produces output voltage signals with respectively untimed phase responses. A rectification circuit combines the voltage signals into a combined DC voltage output, and an inverter connected to the rectification circuit converts the DC voltage output to an AC voltage output. A battery charger connected to the inverter receives the AC voltage output for charging the battery. The harvested power includes power from voltage sources with unregulated, or untimed, phase responses.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multiengine harvester including the steps of operating the harvester in a first mode, operating the harvester in a second mode, and selecting less than all of the power absorbing loads to be driven. In the first mode, the harvester is operated using a first engine and a second engine to drive the plurality of power absorbing loads. In the second mode, the harvester is operated with the second engine being uncoupled from all of the power absorbing loads. In the selecting step, less than all of the power absorbing loads are selected to be driven dependent upon the sensed load on the first engine while operating in the second mode. The first engine is incapable of driving all of the power absorbing loads.

Abstract: A rotary cutter implement includes a carrier interface, a frame, and a mower deck including a ball joint interconnecting the mower deck with the frame. The ball joint enables freedom of movement of the mower deck with respect to the frame. A hydraulic motor is mounted on an upper surface of the mower deck and includes an output shaft extending through the mower deck. The hydraulic motor is adapted to operate under the influence of hydraulic fluid provided by the power machine. A rotary cutting blade is operably coupled to the output shaft and rotatable under the mower deck in response to operation of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A trunk shaker harvester includes a shaker assembly with four synchronized shaker drives. The shaker drives are mounted on a frame of trunk engagement members. The shaker drives include offset weights that are synchronized so that all are directed to the left or right side at the same time. However, the front and rear motors on each side of the drive rotate in the opposite direction so that the weights face toward or away from one another at the same time and cancel out longitudinal forces.

Abstract: A harvesting head (104) with conveyor drive system comprising a frame (106), on which are mounted a first conveyor deck (108) and a second conveyor deck (110) includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid flow control elements that are configured to reduce hydraulic fluid flow through at least one conveyor belt drive motor (124, 130) while shifting at least one conveyor deck (108, 110).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a harvesting conveyors module, particularly appropriate for sugar cane harvesting, comprising a lifting mechanism (1) arranged horizontally and able to be vertically moved; a base cutting mechanism (7); a deflector mechanism (6) arranged above the lifting mechanism (1) and configured to deflect and aid the displacement of cutted stems to a pulling mechanism (9), said pulling mechanism comprising conveyors, an upper conveyor (10) and a lower conveyor (11); a lifting roll (8) placed near to the lower end of the conveyors (10, 11); a transferring mechanism (12) appropriate to receive the stems from pulling mechanism (9) and transfer them to a chopper mechanism (13), said chopper mechanism (13) being arranged in sequence to the said transferring mechanism (12), and a stretcher mechanism (14) acts on the upper conveyor (10) of the pulling mechanism.

Abstract: A drive system of a battery powered riding lawn mower is provided. The drive system may include a battery system mountable to a frame, an electric drive motor and a cutting deck. The electric drive motor may be powered by the battery system and coupled with an axle and a wheel such that when the electric drive motor is powered, the electric drive motor is configured to provide rotation force to the wheel. The cutting deck maybe attached to the frame and powered by the battery system. The cutting deck may include at least one electric blade motor separate from the electric drive motor and configured to rotate at least one cutting blade rotatably mounted in the cutting deck.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for remote vegetation cutting, trimming and yard maintenance on adverse terrain. The adverse terrain vegetation cutting apparatus articulates to conform to adverse surface conditions and improve stability. Upon detecting instability the apparatus may automatically rotate to a more stable position.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower may include a first frame portion, a second frame portion, an articulated joint and a battery system. The articulated joint may couple the first frame portion to the second frame portion. The battery system may include a first battery and a second battery. The first and second batteries may be electrically connected in series and collectively coupled to a load. The first battery may be mounted to the first frame portion and the second battery may be mounted to the second frame portion.

Abstract: A harvesting head (104) with conveyor drive system comprising a frame (106), on which are mounted a first conveyor deck (108) and a second conveyor deck (110) includes a plurality of hydraulic fluid flow control elements that are configured to reduce hydraulic fluid flow through at least one conveyor belt drive motor (124, 130) while shifting at least one conveyor deck (108, 110).

Abstract: A lawnmower vehicle which is a working vehicle with an electromagnetic brake includes left and right electromagnetic brakes, a brake relay which is a common brake releasing unit, and an ECU. The ECU compares electricity supply states of the left and right electromagnetic brakes, and controls the brake relay to disconnect an electrical connection between a battery and the left and right electromagnetic brakes, and to brake left and right wheels when a difference in the electricity supply states compared by a comparator exceeds an allowable upper limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crop harvesting header configured for attachment to a mobile frame of a harvesting machine. The header has a cutter mechanism to cut crop material and a pair of laterally extending crop conditioner rolls to condition crop material cut by the cutter mechanism. The header includes a header power system having first and second main hydraulic motors and a belt and sheave drive configured to transmit power from the main hydraulic motors to the pair of conditioner rolls. The header also includes an auxiliary drive motor directly connected one of the conditioner rolls of the pair of conditioner rolls.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes an engine, an energy storage device, a motor/generator including an output shaft, an engine coupling, wherein, with the engine coupling disengaged, the motor/generator drives the output shaft, and with the engine coupling engaged, the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine drive the output shaft, a mower blade, a power take-off clutch, and a control unit configured to implement a first operating condition in which the engine coupling is disengaged, the engine is off, and the output shaft is driven by the motor/generator, and configured to implement a second operating condition in which the engine coupling is engaged, the engine is on, the output shaft is driven by the engine or both the motor/generator and the engine.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle all-wheel drive traction control system includes a primary wheel propelling the vehicle. A first motor rotates the primary wheel. A traction control system has a first portion communicating with the first motor to monitor either a first motor current demand or a rotational speed of the primary wheel or the first motor and generates a traction control value. A secondary wheel rotated by a second motor steers the vehicle in a vehicle non-slip condition. A traction control system second portion determines a secondary wheel steering angle value. A speed threshold limit stored in the traction control system compared to the traction control value generates a slippage occurrence message indicative of a primary wheel traction loss event. A second motor drive signal created by comparing the steering angle value and the slippage occurrence message energizes the second motor during the traction loss event.

Abstract: A riding mower includes two (left and right) mower blades, a mower deck, and two motors for rotating the mower blades. The mower blades are provided adjacent to each other, and one of the two mower blades is disposed obliquely in front of the other mower blade. In a plan view, the left mower blade is rotated clockwise and the right mower blade is rotated counterclockwise. A combined air flow is generated in the mower deck, and mowed grass is discharged to the outside of the mower deck together with the combined air flow. The rotational speed of the forward mower blade is set higher than the rearward mower blade. The speed of the air flow generated by the forward mower blade is higher than the rearward mower blade. The combined air flow is generated and the mowed grass is discharged rearward of the mower deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lawn mower (1), which has cutting width adjustment mechanism, cutter housings articulating mechanism and which provides convenient servicing and storage positions. The lawn mower (1) comprises a seat (3) defining an operator position, a front mounted cutting deck (8), and at least a first cutter bar enclosed in a first cutter housing (12) rotatable about a first vertical axle (Y1) and a second cutter bar enclosed in a second cutter housing (13) rotatable about a second vertical axle (Y2), a hinge mechanism for connecting footplates (6a-6b) to the lawn mower (1), a pivot support arm (5) for connecting a steering wheel (4) to the lawn mower (1), a movable arm (10) for lifting the lawn mower (1) to an upright position, the first and second axles (Y1, Y2) being spaced from each other by a transversal distance (d), wherein the transversal distance (d) between the axles (Y1, Y2) can be adjusted to increase or decrease.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crop harvesting header configured for attachment to a mobile frame of a harvesting machine. The header has a cutter mechanism to cut crop material and a pair of laterally extending crop conditioner rolls to condition crop material cut by the cutter mechanism. The header includes a header power system having first and second main hydraulic motors and a belt and sheave drive configured to transmit power from the main hydraulic motors to the pair of conditioner rolls. The header also includes an auxiliary drive motor directly connected one of the conditioner rolls of the pair of conditioner rolls.

Abstract: A robotic tree trimmer has a hydraulic system adapted to be mounted to a tractor and comprising an extendible vertical mast. A first hydraulic motor attached to the vertical mast and adapted to linearly extend and rotate the vertical mast 180 degrees around a first vertical axis. An extendible horizontal boom attached to a distal top end of the vertical mast and having an extension member on an end opposite the distal top end of the vertical mast; a second hydraulic motor attached to the extension member and used to rotate a trimming apparatus 360 degrees around a second vertical axis variably spaced from the first vertical axis by the extendible horizontal boom.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: A flail mower assembly includes a deck having a shaft rotatably connected to the deck. A flail drum is connected to the shaft and is co-rotatable with the shaft. A plurality of flail blade assemblies is independently rotatably connected to the flail drum to provide two degrees of freedom-of-rotation of each of the plurality of flail blade assemblies independent of a direction of drum rotation. First and/or second electric motors are connected to the deck and rotatably connected to the shaft. The shaft is rotated by an energized one of the first or second electric motors or both energized simultaneously. A load connected to the first and second electric motors when the first and second electric motors are de-energized reduces a rotational velocity of the flail drum.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an energy converting device that converts mechanical energy from the engine to electric energy. The vehicle also includes at least one subsystem powered by the electric energy from the energy converting device. The vehicle further includes a demand sensor that detects electrical demand from the subsystem. Also, the vehicle includes a controller that changes a speed range of the engine based on the electrical demand, which changes the operating voltage range output from the energy converting device. A method of operation of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a feeder house drivably coupled to a power source. The feeder house has a housing frame. A faceplate is pivotally coupled to the housing frame to facilitate a pivoting of the faceplate relative to the housing frame. A hydraulic cylinder has a first end connected to the housing frame and a second end coupled to the faceplate to facilitate movement of the faceplate relative to the housing frame. The hydraulic cylinder has a plurality of hydraulic ports for facilitating movement of the operating piston of the hydraulic cylinder, with at least a first hydraulic port of the plurality of hydraulic ports being connected in fluid communication with a hydraulic power system. A first accumulator containing a compressible gas charge is connected in fluid communication with the first hydraulic port of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A walk-behind mower includes a frame, and a cutting unit connected to the frame and at least one cutting element. Interchangeable power unit support assemblies are each adapted to support either a reciprocating engine or a battery unit. One of the power unit support assemblies is releasably connected to the frame. An electric motor is provided to displace the cutting element. An output voltage generated by either the reciprocating engine or the battery unit mounted on the power unit support assembly energizes the electric motor.

Abstract: A hybrid utility vehicle includes a tool-supporting frame and an electrical power source driven by an engine. Right and left rear wheels independently driven by permanent magnet electric motors and front wheels electrically steerable over a range of approximately 180 degrees operate under the control of a vehicle controller responsive to steering and speed input controls to provide zero turn radius operation with minimum slippage and tire scuffing. Space efficiency provided by the electric. steering and an electrically driven tool deck facilitate a variety of tool mounting configurations including a rear discharge deck with a chute passing under the vehicle frame between the driven wheels. An inverter connected to the electrical power source provides 110/220 volt output. The power source also functions as a high powered, high rpm, low noise starter motor.

Abstract: An electric drive mower includes an electric traction drive as well as electric drive to the cutting units carried on the mower. A hybrid electric drive system supplies electric power to these motors. The electric drive system includes a genset (an internal combustion engine driving an electrical power generating device such as an alternator) and a battery pack which supply the electric power to the electric motors either individually or jointly. A switch may be provided to permit all battery operation of the mower. A steering system having a non-powered pump is used to effect steering of the steerable wheel(s) of the mower to avoid having a heated oil damage the turf in the event of a leak. A crankshaft driven by a single electric drive motor is linked to all the cutting units through various crankarm and connecting rod linkages to lift and lower the cutting units in a timed manner.

Abstract: A turf maintenance vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an energy converting device that converts mechanical energy from the engine to electric energy. The vehicle also includes at least one subsystem powered by the electric energy from the energy converting device. The vehicle further includes a demand sensor that detects electrical demand from the subsystem. Also, the vehicle includes a controller that changes a speed range of the engine based on the electrical demand, which changes the operating voltage range output from the energy converting device. A method of operation of the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Abstract: A device includes a housing configured with a working element. The device further includes a motor configured for urging motion of the working element. The device further includes a power control module. The power control module is configurable for being in electrical connection with at least one of the motor, a first power source configuration and a second power source configuration. The first power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a battery assembly having a DC power output. The second power source configuration is configurable for being electrically connected to a power inverter, the power inverter configured for receiving an AC power and further configured for outputting a DC power to the second power source configuration. The motor receives power via the power control module from the first power source configuration and/or the second power source configuration.

Abstract: A hybrid electric lawnmower is described which includes a hybrid mower able to operate on two differing DC voltages. The mower presently described includes a hybrid controller operable to drive a permanent magnet electric motor on a high voltage and a low voltage wherein the operating may select either DC or AC operation representing the low voltage or high voltage. The dual voltage motor has separate windings on the rotor, both of the windings operable to drive the motor whether selected to operate on DC or on AC. The user operable selection of AC or DC reconfigures the dual windings on the rotor in either series or parallel configuration wherein low voltage operation places the windings in parallel relationship and high voltage operation places the windings in series relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle or equipment having a frame, a plurality of wheels, and an engine coupled to the frame. The engine includes a shaft. The vehicle or machine further comprising a first driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a first driven member driven in response to the first driving member, a transmission interconnecting the first driven member and at least one of the wheels, a second driving member coaxially coupled with the shaft, a second driven member driven in response to the second driving member, auxiliary equipment operable in response to the second driven member, and an alternator. The alternator includes a stator comprising a core and conductors disposed on the core, and a rotor coaxially coupled with the shaft. The rotor is operable to interact with the stator to produce electrical energy in the conductors.

Abstract: Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower having a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels supporting the frame, and an internal combustion engine outputting mechanical motion. An electrical generator is operably coupled with the internal combustion engine to output electrical energy in response to the mechanical motion. An electric wheel motor is operably coupled between the electrical generator and at least one of the plurality of ground engaging wheels to drive the ground engaging wheel in response to the electrical energy. A cutting device is supported by the frame. The cutting device is driven by the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an internal combustion engine and a generator operatively coupled to the engine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electrical power. A driven element such as a wheel is configured to be driven by an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to receive electrical power from the generator.

Abstract: Control section determines necessary acceleration of a transporting section in accordance with an actual transporting speed, and also determines a correction coefficient corresponding to the number of rotations of an engine from among correction coefficients having a characteristic of becoming closer to a value of one as the number of rotations of the engine increases. The control section multiplies the necessary acceleration by the correction coefficient to thereby provide corrected necessary acceleration, and controls rotation of a transporting drive motor in accordance with the corrected necessary acceleration. When the amount of electric power to be generated by a power generator driven by the engine has increased, the control section controls the opening of a throttle valve.

Abstract: An all-electric riding greens mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: A variable speed, reversible drive for rotating elements of a feeder and a header of an agricultural combine including a first rotatable power input, a second rotatable power input, and a planetary gear arrangement or set including a first rotatable input, a second rotatable input, and a rotatable output, the rotatable elements of the feeder and the header being connected to the rotatable output of the planetary gear arrangement for rotation thereby.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic or autonomous mower includes an internal combustion engine directly driving mowing structure such as a single blade or reel, or multiple blades or reels. Drive wheels are driven by one or more electric motors powered from a source including batteries and an engine-driven alternator. A controller connected between the wheel motors and the source and to a navigation system controls the wheel drive and steers the mower over a selected path. The mowing structure may be driven from the engine through a direct clutched or unclutched connection to the engine drive shaft, a belt drive, a hydraulic drive, or another similar direct drive arrangement which eliminates the limitations of an electric blade or reel drive.

Abstract: An electric riding mower which integrates an electric generator and inverter driven by an internal combustion engine, an operator/drive with an electric motor driving each of the two wheels and a mowing deck that has electric motors driving the cutting blades and a motor for raising/tilting the deck is disclosed. The generator is mechanically driven by the output shaft of an internal combustion engine to generate the electrical power for energizing the electric motors and the inverter. A computer in the master controller communicates with each of the controllers for the motors and the generator/inverter and processes the data necessary to co-ordinate the drives.

Abstract: An all-electric riding greens mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: Provided is an all-electric riding greens mower. The mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic or autonomous mower includes an internal combustion engine directly driving mowing structure such as a single blade or reel, or multiple blades or reels. Drive wheels are driven by one or more electric motors powered from a source including batteries and an engine-driven alternator. A controller connected between the wheel motors and the source and to a navigation system controls the wheel drive and steers the mower over a selected path. The mowing structure may be driven from the engine through a direct clutched or unclutched connection to the engine drive shaft, a belt drive, a hydraulic drive, or another similar direct drive arrangement which eliminates the limitations of an electric blade or reel drive.