Abstract: An agricultural machine for cutting standing products comprising a carrier vehicle to which there are connected at least one frontal working unit positioned, during work and when viewed in a direction of forward travel of the carrier vehicle, forward of said carrier vehicle, and at least two lateral working units positioned, during work, on each side of a working area of said frontal working unit(s) and situated behind said frontal working unit(s) and being connected to carrier arms which are articulated to the carrier vehicle and allow said lateral working units to be moved into at least one work position situated level with the front wheels of the carrier vehicle and into a folded transport position, and the carrier vehicle comprising a driver's cab that can be moved toward the front or toward the rear of said carrier vehicle.

Abstract: The invention discloses improvements to a feederhouse on an agricultural combine. These improvements include a pivoting faceplate between the header and feederhouse. The pivoting faceplate has faceplate position indicia to assist an operator in properly positioning the faceplate. The invention also includes a front drum adjustment mechanism, which use a cam with cam position indicia to properly position the front drum. There is also a stone roll mount plate permitting the proper adjustment of the stone roll relative to the feederhouse floor. There are also stone roll position indicia and a pointer to help position the stone roll.

Abstract: A rotary mower is mounted onto a skid steer loader through a four bar linkage on each side of a mower housing. The linkage is arranged to pivot relative to a mounting bracket on the skid steer loader and relative to a mower housing, with differential lengths between upper and lower sets of links of the four bar linkage. The upper link on each side of the mower is slidably connected to the mower housing to permit the mower housing to pivot a limited amount about a traverse axis during normal operation. The links include stop members that engage when the mower is raised a selected amount to stop relative movement between the links and also to shut off power to the motor driving the mower. The forward end of the housing has depending chains mounted with a channel and providing a shield.

Abstract: A mower including a mower deck having a cutting chamber therein; and a rotatable cutter head disposed within the cutting chamber for cutting in a sweep or cutting plane wherein the sweep or cutting plane of the cutter head is movable relative to the grass surface being cut so that it can adopt a number of operating positions. The cutting chamber has an inner wall which includes a first wall section adjacent the cutter head in the region of the cutting or sweep plane and a recess in an upper section of the inner wall above the cutting or sweep plane, there being a step between the first wall section and upper wall section of the inner wall.

Abstract: A suspension for supporting an implement on a vehicle includes a transversely extending pivot shaft secured to a frame of the vehicle and a support link swingably mounted on the pivot shaft at one end portion. A second end portion of the support link extends therefrom in a fore-and-aft direction. Two spaced-apart, fore-and-aft extending support arms are also swingably secured to the pivot shaft at one end portion and are connected at another end portion to opposite sides of the implement. A lift member is coupled to the frame of the vehicle at a first end portion and to the support link at a second end portion for swinging the link about the pivot shaft. A lost motion coupling is provided between a midportion of each of the two support arms and the second end portion of the support link. The lost motion coupling includes a pin and an oversized sleeve for receiving the pin.

Abstract: A windrow pickup attachment for a forage harvester having a crop processing device including an input opening for receiving crop material. The attachment includes a main frame positioned on the front of the forage harvester adjacent the input opening with a transverse reel and an auger conveyor mounted on the main frame for picking up crop material from the ground, consolidating it and conveying it to the forage harvester base unit via the input opening. An intermediate frame assembly is mounted on the forage harvester. The main frame of the attachment is pivotally mounted on the intermediate frame for rotation of the reel and conveyor about an axis extending in a generally for and aft direction to permit the position of the reel assembly to change from a home position under conditions where the ground is substantially level to left or right tilt positions in response to the contour of the ground.

Abstract: A mounting for a rotary broom on a skid steer loader has a bracket that is attached to a frame plate that mounts on the front attachment plate of the skid steer loader. The front attachment plate can be tilted about a horizontal axis through the use of a tilt cylinder on the skid steer loader. The bracket is in turn pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis adjacent the top of the frame plate, and the weight of the broom, and the mounting bracket tending to pivot the lower portion of the bracket toward the frame plate is counterbalanced by a pair of compression springs on the lower part of the bracket, which react force or movement loads back to the frame plate. In this way, the counterbalancing springs are kept low, out of sight, and out of the way.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for leveling the blade housing of a mower. The housing is suspended from the underside of a vehicle frame by pairs of connecting links pivotally connected to the housing and the frame. A pair of fixed plates, secured to opposite sides of the housing, are joined by pivotal connections to respective adjusting plates. The associated pairs of fixed and adjusting plates are provided with overlying slots which receive respective pins provided with locking structure which are selectively operable to lock the respective fixed and adjusting against movement relative to one another. At least one of the pins also extends through an aperture in a lift link. An operator-controlled lift lever is joined to a lift pin which passes through a slot in said lift link whereby actuation of the lift lever causes the housing to be raised or lowered.

Abstract: A rake arm assembly for supporting a finger wheel on a side delivery rake such as a V-rake. The rake arm assembly has a shaft journaled under a support frame for the finger wheels. One end of the shaft is attached to a rake arm and the other end to a crank arm. A torsion spring on the shaft applies a torque to the rake arm reducing the weight of the finger wheel on the ground over a wide vertical range so that the finger wheel stays in contact with the ground and rides over mounds without bending the fingers.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connection between a tractor and a trailing implement such as a mower includes a hitch arm at one end of the apparatus extending forwardly and pivotal so as to extend either inwardly or outwardly thus offsetting the apparatus across the rear of the tractor. The apparatus includes the drawbar hitch at the rear spaced across from the hitch arm for attachment to the mower so that the mower is offset to one side of the tractor. Two gear boxes and a drive shaft provide connection from the PTO of the tractor to the drive input of the mower. The offset hitch apparatus allows the mower to run in a ditch while the tractor remains on level ground.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a cutting mechanism, an operating device and a carrying beam connected to the cutting mechanism by an articulation. The operating device includes a retractable stop which limits the upwards pivoting of the carrying beam about a longitudinal axis of the articulation when the cutting mechanism is extending in a windrowing position and which is retracted to allow the cutting mechanism to be placed in a transport position. The retractable stop is set in place and retracted automatically by a control mechanism when the cutting mechanism is brought from a work position or from the windrowing position into the transport position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for latching together front and rear frame portions which are pivotal to expose the underside of a deck. The locking mechanism includes a lever, intermediate link and blocking member that provide an over-center feature for securing the locking mechanism in its latched mode. Pivoting of the lever lifts the front and rear frame portions to their proper orientation for being latched together by the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A brush cutting apparatus is mounted on an articulated boom assembly wherein the second boom member carries a pivot axis oriented orthogonally to the pivotal connections of the first and second boom members allowing generally vertical movement of the boom assembly. The articulated boom assembly preferably mounts a brush cutting head at the distal end of the second boom member to provide a greater range of flexibility and versatility in the operation of the brush cutting head. The orthogonal pivot axis is defined by a hydraulic rotary actuator carried in the central portion of the second boom member and enables the brush cutting head to be moved through an arcuate path generally parallel to the orientation of the second boom member as defined through a pivotal movement of the second boom member relative to the first boom member. The arcuate scything motion allows the cutting head to cover a greater range of ground for each pass of the prime mover while staying generally parallel to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for mowing, aerating and/or collecting includes a cultivation device, formed preferably as a mowing assembly, and disposed movable in a vertical direction relative to the frame, with guide elements disposed in front of and behind the cultivation device and adjustable relative to the cultivation device for setting the cutter level or the operating level of the cultivation device. In order to allow a uniform distance guide of the mowing assembly relative to the ground surface, even in case of an extremely uneven terrain, it is provided that the guide elements, disposed in front of and behind the cultivation device, are disposed at at least one common traverse. The traverse is disposed and swivelable in an upwardly aligned plane around a horizontally disposed axis, running perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine is provided having a hydraulically controlled header tilt adjustment mechanism that can be operated from the tractor seat of a towing vehicle. The tilt adjustment mechanism includes a hydraulic tilt circuit and a remotely operated control valve assembly connectable with the tilt circuit and another operating circuit of the harvester. The valve assembly is shiftable between a pair of alternative positions for communicating either the operating circuit or the tilt circuit with the towing vehicle's source of hydraulic pressure. Accordingly, a single source of pressurized fluid may be controlled from within the towing vehicle to alternatively operate either the header tilt mechanism or another function of the harvester, such as swinging of a pulling tongue from side-to-side for lateral positioning of the machine relative to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A gang mower, with a frame supported upon plurality of ground engaging wheels, a prime mover, and a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers. At least one of the reel-type mowers is secured to an arm member which is secured to and pivots about frame so that the reel-type mower may be moved from an operating position beneath the frame to a service position adjacent to the frame. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Further, electrically driven lift mechanisms move the reel-type lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. The pivot support includes a king pin secured to the frame. The king pin enables movement of a swing member. An arm secured to the swing member may be releasably secured in an operating position by a latch to the frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a connector for removably connecting a first piece of equipment to a second piece of equipment. The connector includes a rigid body having a back end and a front end. Means are provided at the back end of the body and are adaptable for slidable engagement in a vertical direction with the first piece of equipment. At least one axially translatable member is provided at the front end of the rigid body, with the translatable member being translatable between an insertion position and engagement position. The translatable member is adapted for engagement with the second piece of equipment when in the engagement position. A means is provided which is operable from a location away from the body for translating the translatable member between the insertion position and the engagement position.

Abstract: A rotary mower includes a housing which contacts a ground surface to be mowed, a blade mounted for rotation in the housing a motor mounted to the housing for driving the blade, and an actuator mechanism for disabling rotation of the blade when the housing is displaced a predetermined distance from the ground surface.

Abstract: A hitch attaches to a lawn tractor and draws two lawn mowers therebehind. The hitch includes a draw bar solidly mounted to the tractor, and a link for each towed mower, which mowers each include a bracket to the deck thereof. The links include plumbing tees perpendicularly arranged, so that universal joints are formed between the draw bar and the mowers. A third tee is provided at each bracket so that each mower may be individually tilted, as for enabling access to the underside while still ganged to the hitch. The draw bar, links, and third tee are made from readily available plumbing components. The resultant hitch is thus fabricated from readily available components, is durable, uncomplicated, and has wide flexibility in allowing for various attitudes of the mowers. This enables individual mowers to follow the contour of uneven terrain, turn in tight quarters while being towed, and to be temporarily tilted for access to the cutting blade and oil drain cock without requiring disassembly from the hitch.

Abstract: A cutting machine or harvesting machine which is intended to be connected to the hitch of a power-driven vehicle. According to the invention, during work, a connection device of the cutting machine connects the cutting mechanism to the hitching structure, and allows a displacement in the height of the cutting mechanism in relation to the hitching structure with the wheel able to pivot around an upwardly directed geometric axis.

Abstract: A farm machine and particularly a mower or harvester, which includes a load-lightening and lifting device having an elastically deformable element mounted parallel with a jack or lift cylinder. According to the invention, the farm machine includes a piston which is separated from a rod of the jack and the rod includes a stop against which the piston is intended to come to rest, such that in a first mode of operation (during work), the rod can slide in the cylinder without a stop of the rod touching the piston, which allows a normal operation of an elastically deformable element. In addition, in a second mode of operation (during transport), the piston is brought into contact with the stop of the rod under the action of the fluid of a feed source, to displace the rod in relation to the cylinder.

Abstract: A mid-mount type riding lawn tractor includes tractor frames, a mower unit disposed under the tractor frames, and a connection structure for vertically movably connecting the mower unit to the tractor frames. The connection structure includes support arms extending substantially longitudinally of the tractor frames, each of the support arms being pivotally connected at one end thereof to a lower position of one of the tractor frames, and at the other end to a portion of the mower unit, interlocking links each pivotally connected at one end thereof to a position of the mower unit closer than the portion of the mower unit to the position of connection between the support arm and the tractor frame, each of the interlocking links having a free end, and seesaw arms.

Abstract: An improved drive structure is provided for use between a lawn and garden type vehicle and a vertically adjustable belt driven, belly-mounted implement such as a rotary mower. The structure is usable with a standard length engine crankshaft which is mountable to project below the vehicle chassis and power the belt driven mower. It includes a stub shaft extension that is adapted to carry an electric clutch as well as a pulley for driving a belt entrained around the mower spindle pulleys. The extension permits positive power transmission to the drive pulley and also allows for it to be mounted substantially horizontal with the implement pulleys as they are shifted vertically in response to height of cut adjustments and/or variation in terrain. The extension further eliminates the need for jacksheave power relay arrangements commonly used to reduce the angles of drive belt entry and exit into and out of drive and driven pulleys.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for adjusting the height of a mower deck includes a pivotable lift handle, a toothed member carried by the vehicle, and a rod-like member pivotally carried by the lift handle. A first portion of the rod engages the toothed member for maintaining the lift handle and mower deck at selected positions. A second portion of the rod radially offset from the first portion defines the axis about which the rod pivots during operation. First and second arcuate slots receive the first and second portions of the rod. The arc of the first slot has its center at a first position within the second slot, and the arc of the second slot has its center at a first position within the first slot. A blocking member carried by the lift handle is abuttable with the rod for preventing the first portion from pivoting to the first position whereat the second portion can pivot out of the second slot.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a front mower driven by a self propelled all terrain vehicle to the rear of the mower and connected by an articulating hitch. The hitch includes a pair of spaced pivot mechanisms to allow the mower to pivot from front to rear relative to the all terrain vehicle and a third pivot mechanism to allow the mower to rotate about a horizontal axis from side to side such that the mower is driven by the all terrain vehicle, but is free to follow the contour of the ground being traversed by the apparatus independent of the all terrain vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending, raising and lowering the cutting deck beneath the frame of a riding lawn mower, comprising a pair of lifting arms having first ends rotatably secured to the frame and second ends secured to the cutting deck, rotation of the lifting arms effecting vertical movement of said cutting deck. A pedal operated lifting mechanism is provided, selectively operable by the user of the mower to rotate the lifting arms, thereby raising and/or lower the cutting deck. A suspending member is disposed through an opening in the frame above a portion of one lifting arm, said suspending member having a lower end secured to the lifting arm and an upper end disposed above the opening in the frame. A support member secured to the upper end of the suspending member engages the frame to limit downward movement of the suspending member and lifting arm, and is selectively adjustable by the user to adjust the cutting height of the deck.

Abstract: A rake component system consists of a tool bar frame member, a pair of rake assemblies, a pair of pivot heads for mounting the rake assemblies to the tool bar frame member, a lifting and lowering assembly, a three-point hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member and a pull-type hitch assembly mountable to the tool bar frame member. These components are shipped to a dealer or assembler in a knocked-down condition. When desired, the rakes and pivot heads are mounted to the tool bar frame member. Either the three-point hitch assembly or the pull-type hitch assembly is mounted to the tool bar frame member, depending upon the particular configuration desired. The lifting and lowering assembly, which consists of a linkage connected to the rake pivot heads and an extendible and retractable cylinder connected to the linkage, is then mounted to tool bar frame member.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a reel mower vehicle, having arm members coupled between a vehicle and a cutting unit, a lever member coupled with each arm member, and a hydraulic cylinder coupled the lever member. A hydraulic circuit actuates the cylinders for lifting the arm members and cutting units to a transport position. A variable restriction valve is provided for causing the cylinders to apply a downforce to the arm members and cutting units for securing the cutting units against the ground over irregular ground conditions, and is adjustable for varying the magnitude of the downforce.

Abstract: The present invention regards a rake trolley with adjustable working widths, suitable for three point hitch finger wheel hay rakes. The trolley includes a transverse frame member. A pair of rake arms are connected to a pair of movable heads or supports, and a raising and lowering assembly is interconnected between the frame member and each rake head. The raising and lowering assembly includes a linkage, with a connector member on each side of the linkage extending between the linkage and one of the rake heads. A hydraulic cylinder assembly is interconnected with the linkage for moving it between a first position in which the rake arms are pivoted to a lowered, or working position, and a second position in which the rake arms are pivoted to a raised, or transport, position. The connector members are adjustable in length, to accommodate connection of the rake heads to varying positions along the length of the frame member.

Abstract: A hinged safety shield for a crop cutting apparatus having a frame for attachment to a tractor. A transversely extended cutter bar is supported on the frame for pivotal movement between a lower, operating position and a raised, transport position. The safety shield is pivotally mounted at one end portion thereof to the frame. A hydraulic cylinder for pivotally moving the cutter bar also acts to raise the shield from a lower, shielding position to an upper position. The safety shield is held in the upper position while the cutter bar is lowered whereupon unrestricted access is gained to the cutter bar for repair and maintenance procedures.

Abstract: The header support linkage of a swather header on a support frame of a swather comprises a substantially vertical beam, an upper cross arm formed from a channel and a lower support cradle arm projecting outwardly from the bottom of the beam. A lower link projects from the frame forwardly to engage the lower part of the beam and is formed by an expandable cylinder to lift the header. An upper link extends from an upper part of the frame along the inside of the channel forming the upper arm. A cylinder extends from a lower part of the frame to a lever pivotally connected to the upper link providing a lost motion connection. An adjustable stop is provided between the upper link and the inside of the upper arm. A float spring is connected between an outer end of the upper arm and a vertically adjustable slide provided on the frame.

Abstract: A slope mower which can tilt a tractor body upslope about pivot points on the front and rear axles during operations on sloping terrain. The slope mower has a novel all geared powered belly mower and also has a novel mower lifting system. The slope mower also has a novel three point hitch attached to the tractor axle which allows for attaching utility devices but does not interfere with the tilting mechanism. The slope mower also has the ability to transfer engine power to the rear of the slope mower. Upon removal of the belly mower, a power take off is extended through both the front axle pivot point and the rear axle pivot point. This allows engine power to be transferred to a rear utility device without affecting the tilting ability of the slope mower. Reinforced caster wheels are attached to the belly mower.

Abstract: A hay raking and windrowing apparatus having a tool bar adapted to be attached to a prime mover and having a side delivery rake attached to one side thereof for raking hay rearwardly and inwardly and a second side delivery rake on the other side of the tool bar for also raking hay rearwardly and inwardly so that both side delivery rakes together produce a single windrow. A folding apparatus is provided on each end of the tool bar for hydraulically folding the rakes between a lowered field operative position and a raised transport position. Hydraulic cylinders are preferably used to move the rakes between the transport and operative positions thereof.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower comprises a grass cutting unit and a blade housing movable between a substantially horizontal mowing position and an upturned servicing position. The blade housing is suspended by a raising and lowering link mechanism having one end connected to the blade housing and the other end connected to a vehicle body. The blade housing, when raised, is pivotable backward about a connection thereof to the raising and lowering link mechanism, to expose cutting blades mounted therein. This servicing position is maintained by a prop link pivotally connected to one end to the raising and lowering link mechanism, and connectable at the other end to a bracket formed on the housing.

Abstract: A hitching apparatus is mounted on the forward end of a prime mover to permit the interchangeable connection of various implements. A pair of support members extend from the forward end of the tractor to support a rotatable cross member therebetween. A pair of slotted brackets are operably mounted on the ends of the cross member and connected to the support members via a pair of operable cylinders. Pins through the cross member correspond with the slots in the brackets to permit the cross member to rotate a predetermined amount with respect to the brackets. A shaft extending from the cross member is connected to an implement to raise and lower the implement upon rotation of the cross member.

Abstract: A mechanism for coupling a mower deck to a powered vehicle and having push arms pivotally connected to the vehicle between the front wheels of the vehicle and coupled to the front portion of the deck for pushing the deck in front of the vehicle. A member or outrigger extends outwardly from the rear of one of the push arms and supports a rear side portion of the deck and thereby establishes a pivot point for the deck outwardly from the rear of the push arm such that as the opposite side of the deck rides over a bump in the ground the side of the deck carried by the member or outrigger will not dip an undesirable amount.

Abstract: A system for mounting and supporting cotton harvesting units for vertical displacement on a forward end of a cotton harvester frame. The mounting and supporting system includes a parallelogram-type linkage assembly for connecting the harvesting units to the frame such that the harvesting units maintain a generally level attitude in either lowered or raised positions. The linkage assembly includes vertically spaced and generally parallel lift arms and tension arms. Each lift arm and tension arm is pivotally attached at its rear end to the frame and at its forward end to the harvesting units. A tilting mechanism connects the rear end of the tension arms to the frame and is operable to move the harvesting units about their pivot attachment to the lift arm to a tilted position and thereby facilitate an increase in ground clearance for the cotton harvester.

Abstract: A hay rake moveable between a rake position and a transport position. A frame assembly supported by an axle and wheels carries two sets of fingerwheel hay rakes which are rotatable on an axis positioned transversely to the axle. A hitch assembly which is connected to a towing vehicle is pivotedly connected to the frame. A connecting linkage is provided between the hitch assembly and the frame and a power source is connected to the frame for rotating the wheel rakes about their axis and rotating the frame relative to the hitch assembly thereby rotating the rakes between a downward and outward rake position and an upward and inward transport position.

Abstract: A hay rake having a frame assembly, having a front, a back and two sides and supported by wheels for being moved by a vehicle. A first and second set of a plurality of fingerwheel rakes are provided with each set rotatably carried adjacent opposite sides of the frame about a separate axis. Each of the axis are at an angle to vertical and horizontal. A power actuator on the frame rotates the rakes about the axis for rotating the rakes downwardly, outwardly and backwardly for moving the rakes to a rake position and rotates the rakes upwardly, inwardly and forwardly to raise the rakes to a transport position.

Abstract: A combine or power unit attachment by which two disc mower-conditioner units are attached to and driven by a combine with the mower-conditioners being arranged at slight opposing angles and in slightly staggered relation for discharge of the cut material in side-by-side relationship to form a single windrow. The mower-conditioners attached to the combine are in and of themselves a known structure and the combine or power unit in and of itself is a known structure with the attachment enabling the mower-conditions to be connected to, supported from and driven from the feeder housing on the combine with the attachment including a supporting framework that is quickly and easily attached to and removed from the feeder housing, a drive connection extending from each side of the feeder housing and a control mechanism for controlling the attitude of the mower-conditioners.

Abstract: A mower includes a first chassis attachable to a tractor for movement in a work direction, a second chassis having first and second structures connected at a joint extending perpendicular to the work direction, and connecting rods, each having respective ends pivotally connected to the first chassis and to the second structure of the second chassis so as to form with the first and second chassis an upwardly deformable quadrilateral deformable such that the work elements may move to adapt to ground contours. A release safety device normally prevents pivoting of the first structure about the joint but permits pivoting of the first structure about the joint axis when the first structure or the working elements hooks an obstacle during movement of the mower in the work direction. This limits forces applied to the mower.

Abstract: This invention relates to a riding mower comprising a chassis supporting a driving unit intended to propel the wheels of the mower as well as a cutting attachment, the cutting attachment being movably fastened to the chassis and by means of an operating device can be brought from a lower cutting position to an upper non-cutting position. The cutting attachment has an upper and a lower displacement area, the engagement and disengagement of the cutting attachment being effected in the upper area, whereas the cutting attachment in the lower area can be moved upwards or downwards with its parallelism with the ground preserved and can be locked against downwards movement for different cutting heights. The mower is driven while the cutting attachment is in the lower displacement area.

Abstract: Lateral sway of vertically movable hitch arms is prevented by an anti-sway link which has one end pivotally mounting one of a pair of lift arms and its opposite rigidly attached to the other of the pair of lift arms.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting an implement to a tractor is disclosed wherein the implement is provided with an articulated frame pivotally movable through a hydraulic cylinder to position a pair of mounting arms in alignment with attachment brackets affixed to the prime mover. Each mounting arm is provided with a threaded member threadably engaged with the end thereof and extending outwardly therefrom for insertion through an opening in the attachment brackets. A detachable collar is secured onto the threaded member by a removable fastener positioned on the opposing side of the attachment brackets from the mounting arm. A rotation of the threaded members into the mounting arms causes engagement of the detachable collar with the attachment bracket to draw the mounting arms into engagement with the attachment brackets. Wedge members are affixed to the mounting arms and the attachment brackets to cam the mounting arms to effect alignment between the threaded members and the corresponding openings.

Abstract: A lawnmower of a type utilized in conjunction with a self-propelled vehicle, such as tractor, includes a plurality of decks, each housing a plurality of rotating cutting blades wherein the plurality of decks are pivotally secured and adjustable relative to one another to accommodate various ground contours.

Abstract: An implement lift system for a machine such as a front mouted mower having a pair of transversely spaced lift arms operable by a single life cylinder. The lift cylinder is transversely adjustable utilizing a special cylinder bracket arrangement and a transverse member extending between bend locations on the lift arms forwardly of the pivotal connections of the lift arms with the vehicle. The transverse member is connected to provide lift to both arms from the single cylinder while permitting independent vertical movement of each of the arms. Compensation for unequal forces acting on the lift arms can be provided by moving the cylinder laterally to achieve even lift and flotation characteristics.

Abstract: A self-propelled powered mower (11) and a towed trailing mower (12) are connected together by an adjustable height connector assembly (13). When the powered mower begins to move through a turn, the alignment detector cylinder (60) is required to retract due to the pivoting of the draw bar (21) and its angled support arm about the vertical pivot pin (50) of the connector assembly (13) (FIG. 3). The fluid displaced from alignment detector cylinder (60) causes the rod (56) to extend from height adjustment cylinder (55), thereby raising the forward portion of the towed mower.

Abstract: A mower deck height and angle adjustment means is disclosed which utilizes adjustment to the length of a bolt extending between a mower deck suspension mechanism part and an in-line located flange to vary the relationship between the mower deck and the mower frame.

Abstract: A front mower includes a cutter unit having ground contact wheels and liftably attached to the front of a vehicle by a link assembly and a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly for lifting or lowering the cutter unit. The link assembly includes a pair of first links each having a rear end pivoted to the vehicle and a pair of second links each having a front end pivoted to the deck of the mower, the front end of each first link being inflexibly and removably fixed to the rear end of each second link by a locking pin. A spring is provided between each first link and the vehicle. The cutter unit can be attached to and removed from the vehicle without removing the spring.

Abstract: A mower deck assembly which inverts to enable servicing of the mower blade and underside of the deck from above without removal of the assembly from the power unit. Deck support arms are pivotally connected to the power unit and deck and can be elevated to permit tilting of the deck beyond a perpendicular to the terrain. Terrain engaging deck support outboard of the deck pivot connections develop a gravity moment retaining the tilted position when they are engaged with terrain outboard of the pivot connections. Drive coupling is maintained by a continuous loop link between drive shafts coaxial with the pivot connections at the drive unit and at the deck.