Abstract: Calibrating and optimizing settings of power equipment devices are detailed throughout this disclosure. A mobile device application can be connected with a control device of a power equipment, and data pertaining to current environmental conditions (e.g., turf moisture), turf characteristics (e.g., type of grass, etc.) or machine parameters can be entered into the mobile device application and utilized for generating improved setting value(s). Also disclosed are algorithms for correlating these conditions, characteristics and parameters with adjustment data for adjusting machine settings to achieve a desired performance of a power equipment device.

Abstract: A trimmer attachment for use with a lawn mower includes a deck mounting plate configured for attachment to the lawn mower, one or more mounting tabs extending up from the deck mounting plate, a curved pivoting arm rotatably coupled to the one or more mounting tabs, a pivoting motor for rotating the pivoting arm, and a trimmer head coupled to the pivoting arm. Rotation of the pivoting arm by the pivoting motor causes the trimmer head to rotate between a stowed position and an engaged position.

Abstract: A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a frame, a header lock pin, a biasing member coupled to the frame and the header lock pin, and a latch coupled to the frame and the header lock pin. The biasing member is configured to urge the header lock pin outward to lock a harvesting header to the frame. A rotatable latch in a first positron protrudes from the frame and retains the header lock pin in an inward positron. The latch in a second position permits the header lock pin to travel outward. A method includes applying a force from a harvesting header on a latch protruding from a frame of a feederhouse, pushing the latch to release a header lock pin from an inward position, and urging the header lock pin outward to lock the harvesting header to the frame.

Abstract: A chainsaw which has a low profile chain cover and a chain bar tightening clutch system. The chain bar tightening clutch system can have a bar tightening knob which drives a clutch which governs the amount of pressure applied to the chain bar by operating the bar tightening knob. The chainsaw can have a chain bar tensioning system which can have a tensioning drive member in an offset position from the tensioning post which positions the tensioning post to achieve a chain tension and compact chainsaw design. The chainsaw can also have an oil cap with a lock channel having a detent with produces a sound when moved from a disengaged to an engage position with an oil reservoir.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a header carried by the chassis, an operator cab carried by the chassis, wheels carried by the chassis, at least one wheel driver coupled to at least one of the wheels and configured to drive the at least one coupled wheel at a wheel drive speed, a control handle placed in the operator cab that is displaceable from a zero speed position to a maximum speed position, and a controller operably coupled to the at least one wheel driver. The controller is configured to receive a header type signal indicating a header type of the header and output a resolution signal to the at least one wheel driver to define the maximum speed amount based at least partially on the received header type signal.

Abstract: A chainsaw which has a low profile chain cover and a chain bar tightening clutch system. The chain bar tightening clutch system can have a bar tightening knob which drives a clutch which governs the amount of pressure applied to the chain bar by operating the bar tightening knob. The chainsaw can have a chain bar tensioning system which can have a tensioning drive member in an offset position from the tensioning post which positions the tensioning post to achieve a chain tension and compact chainsaw design. The chainsaw can also have an oil cap with a lock channel having a detent with produces a sound when moved from a disengaged to an engage position with an oil reservoir.

Abstract: A knife drive assembly for use with a header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The knife drive assembly includes a housing, a rotatable driver having at least one curved channel or sloped lateral side, at least one wobble arm engaging the curved channel and a at least one mounting bar that engages the wobble arm and a cutter bar such that when the rotatable driver is rotated, the cutter bar engages in substantially linear oscillating motion.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for the reciprocating drive of a cutter bar comprises an input element which can be set into a continuous pivoting movement by a drive device, and an output element which is coupled to the cutter bar and is coupled to the input element by a coupling rod. The output element is pivotably connected to a first end of a first lever and of a second lever, which levers, for their part, are pivotably mounted. The levers and the output element are dimensioned in such a manner that the output element essentially only carries out a lateral movement.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a foldable header for cutting and gathering crop material, the foldable header being carried by the chassis. The foldable header includes a center header frame and at least one wing header frame. The at least one wing header frame is connected to the center header frame by at least one parallel folding mechanism, which includes a lower parallel beam and an upper parallel hydraulic piston substantially parallel to the lower parallel beam.

Abstract: A header bar assembly has a row of header bar elements mounted on a fixed header bar section. The assembly includes a first moveable wing having mounted thereon one or more further header bar elements, the fixed header bar section supporting at the first end a first pillar extending generally perpendicular to the fixed header bar section and via which the first moveable wing is retained moveably captive relative to the fixed header bar section. The first moveable wing is moveable relative to the first pillar vertically and rotatably from an operative, deployed position in which it extends generally parallel to the fixed header bar section to a stowed position through vertical movement on the first pillar and rotation such that the first moveable wing lies adjacent the fixed header bar section inboard of the first pillar.

Abstract: A manually powered, pedal-powered exerciser mower includes a frame, a mower assembly mounted to the front of the frame, and a pedal-operated chain drive that drives the mower in both forward and rear directions. A movable kickstand raises the rear of the mower so that the mower may also be used as a stationary exercise bicycle. A brake enables the user to selectively vary pedaling resistance when the mower is used as a stationary exercise bicycle but the brake can also be applied while mowing.

Abstract: A harvesting attachment for a harvester comprises a frame which includes a rear wall and a base wall. The base wall includes at its end a fastening region for fastening a harvesting unit.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes: a cutting blade provided in a housing; a cut grass receptacle provided rearward of the housing; and a chute connecting between the housing and the cut grass receptacle, grass cut by the cutting blade being delivered, by cut grass delivering air, to the cut grass receptacle via the chute. The cut grass receptacle has a bottom plate detachably attachable thereto, and the cut grass receptacle is constructed to allow the bottom plate detached from the receptacle to be accommodated within the receptacle.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes: a delivery passage for delivering cut grass from a housing to a receptacle; and a shutter mechanism provided on a lower portion of the delivery passage for switching the mower between a bagging mode in which cut grass is delivered from the housing to the receptacle and a mulching mode in which cut grass is discharged downward of the housing. The shutter mechanism includes a horizontal pivot shaft disposed on the lower portion of the delivery passage, and a shutter plate pivotable about the pivot shaft between a fully closed position where the shutter plate closes the delivery passage to place the mower in the mulching mode and a fully opened position where the shutter plate is laid down toward a discharge side of the delivery passage to place the mower in the bagging mode.

Abstract: Riding lawn mower switchable between mulching and bagging modes includes: a delivery passage for delivering grass, cut by cutting blades in a housing, from the housing to a receptacle by delivering air; and a scroll guide provided in an entrance of the passage for directing the grass clippings to the passage. An overall shape of the scroll guide as viewed in top plan is a substantial isosceles triangle extending into the housing while tapering forward from a scroll guide's base section located in the entrance and as viewed in side elevation is a substantial triangle tapering forward from the base section. Left and right side surfaces of the scroll guide each comprises lower and upper slanting surfaces formed as different slants, each of which gradually increases in area from the distal end of the scroll guide toward the base section.

Abstract: A ground engaging work vehicle including a frame, a plurality of tractive elements, a movable extension, a hydraulic fluid using attachment, a hydraulic fluid pump and an accumulator. The plurality of tractive elements are coupled to the frame. The tractive elements engage the ground. The movable extension is connected to the frame. The hydraulic fluid using attachment is coupled to the movable extension. The hydraulic fluid pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment. The accumulator is selectively fluidly coupled to the attachment dependent upon at least one fluid flow requirement of the attachment.

Abstract: A combined reel lawn mower and multifunctional blade assembly includes a front attachment assembly removably conjoined to a body of the lawn mower. A shaft is removably interfitted within lateral sides of the body. A plurality of knobs may be affixed to the axially opposed end portions of the shaft. Each of the knobs may include a pair of spring-actuated fingers. A vertically adjusting mechanism may include a rectilinear bar countersunk within a recess formed at a bottom surface of the body. A pair of rollers may be journaled about axially opposed ends of the bar. A lever may be directly coupled to the bar. A rectilinear arm may be mated to the lever. The arm may further include a distal end removably interfitted within the aperture of the one knob for preventing and allowing rotational movement of the front attachment assembly when the lever is rotatably displaced.

Abstract: A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, one or more retaining members, and a plunger. The housing defines a housing cavity. The housing cavity includes a recess. The cage is disposed at least partially in the housing cavity. The cage includes a cage cavity and one or more passages in the cage aligned with the recess. The one or more retaining members are retained within the one or more passages. The plunger is movable in the ball cage cavity between a first position to cause the one or more balls to be displaced outwardly relative the one or more passages to seat the one or more retaining members in the recess thereby mechanically locking the housing to the ball cage, and a second position thereby allowing the one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly relative the one or more passages to cause the one or more retaining members to be unseated from the recess.

Abstract: A walk behind lawn mower has an exit tunnel that is opened and closed by a pivotal mulch door to convert the mower between collecting and mulching modes of operation. An operating handle fixed to the mulch door includes a vertically reciprocal push button for releasing locking tabs that engage detents for holding the mulch door in the open and closed positions thereof. The bottom wall of the exit tunnel has a steeply inclined rear ramp section that is angled upwardly relative to the horizontal at least approximately 45°. The rear discharge opening of the exit tunnel occupies approximately an upper quarter of the area of the rear face of the cutting deck. Grass clippings flow into the upper portion of a grass collector through this high, steeply angled exit tunnel to promote even and full filling of the grass collector in the collecting mode.

Abstract: A walk-behind power unit is configured to detachably mount a counter-rotating powered drum work implement on a centrally pivoted implement carrier. The pivoting of the implement carrier from a central position to either side causes the discharge of the powered drum to be located on a desired side of the work implement. The work implement can also be positioned to discharge forwardly from the powered drum member. A lift apparatus is provided to be cooperable with an associated set of support wheels to affect the positioning of the powered drum member between a lowered operative position and a raised transport position. The powered, counter-rotating drum member can be either a rotatable broom or a power rake. In the broom configuration, the lift apparatus can move the lid member, after first unlatching the lid member from the frame of the work implement, to fix the lid in an opened position.

Abstract: Power equipment widely used in commercial, residential and recreational settings comprises a host implement and a demountable motor. The host implement has a frame, a mounting block with a first latch component secured to the frame, a driven shaft connected to the frame with a working piece connected to one terminus and a self-locating and locking coupler on the other terminus. The demountable motor has a spacing block with a second latch component and further has a drive shaft extending through the spacing block. The drive shaft has a second self-locating and locking coupler on its terminus. When the demountable motor is positioned on the host implement, the respective couplers mechanically mate so a power from the demountable motor can be transferred to the working piece. The latch components of the mounting block and spacing block interact to hold the host implement to the demountable motor.

Abstract: A rotary walk behind lawn mower has a wheeled cutting deck with a downwardly facing cutting chamber. A rotatable cutting blade is contained inside the cutting chamber above a lower edge of a peripheral sidewall and beneath a central hub, an annular channel being formed between the sidewall and the hub of the cutting chamber for receiving grass clippings from the cutting blade. A portion of the peripheral sidewall of the cutting chamber above the level of the cutting blade and a portion of a top wall of the cutting chamber form a pivotal mulch door for opening and closing the annular channel in which the grass clippings are moving.

Abstract: A convertible mower deck has a plurality of adjoining cutting chambers under a mower deck, each cutting chamber having a cutting blade mounted to the lower end of a vertical spindle. The deck includes openings between adjoining cutting chambers, a discharge opening from one of the cutting chambers, a blower mounted in a housing outside the discharge opening, and a protective cover between the discharge opening and the blower housing. Gates are mounted under the deck at the openings between adjoining cutting chambers and at the discharge opening. A control structure moves the gates to change the size of the openings. The gates may be in an open position for the grass clippings to be discharged or collected, a closed position for the grass clippings to be mulched, and one or more intermediate positions for some of the clippings to be discharged or collected, and the remainder to be mulched.

Abstract: A landscape maintenance device having a power unit and a variety of possible dismountable tools. The device allows for the easy transfer of tools onto and off of the power unit by hinge arrangement with the power unit forming one side of the hinge and the tool forming the other side of said hinge. This arrangement allows for an operator to use the wheeled power unit as a lever to raise the tool into a lockable position and releaseably affix same to the power unit. Also shown is a novel arrangement for transferring power between the power unit and the tool unit wherein a drive sheave associated with one unit and a driven sheave associated with a second unit are releaseably engageable by a belt so retained that the belt is positioned when the units are apart to receive a sheave when the units are connected.

Abstract: A walk-behind power unit is configured to detachably mount a variety of work implements to perform a corresponding variety of operations from a single power unit. The power unit includes an implement mounting mechanism that is pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis corresponding to the power output shaft of the engine on the power unit. An attached work implement can be moved laterally to change the operating characteristics through pivoting the implement to either side of a normal direction of travel. An landscape edger implement can be mounted so that the width of cut of the cutting disk is varied as the edger implement is pivoted. A mower implement can be attached so that the cutting path of the mower blade is offset laterally as the implement is pivoted, thus permitting the mower to mow around obstacles offset to the side of the direction of travel.

Abstract: Power equipment widely used in commercial, residential and recreational settings comprises a host implement and a demountable motor. The host implement has a working piece dedicated to a single task. The host implement has a frame, a mounting block secured to the frame, a driven shaft connected to the frame with a working piece connected to one terminus and a self-locating and locking coupler on the other terminus. The demountable motor has a drive shaft with a second self-locating and locking coupler on its terminus. When the demountable motor is positioned on the host implement, the respective couplers mechanically mate so that a power from the demountable motor can be transferred to the working piece. The demountable motor is capable of being used on any one of several different host implements, all designed for performing different work tasks.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a fixed cutter device secured to a housing and having one or more stationary cutter blades extended out of the housing, a movable cutter device rotatably secured to the fixed cutter device and having one or more cutter blades movable relative to the stationary cutter blade of the fixed cutter device to conduct cutting operations by an eccentric member of a rotary member. A drive shank is secured to the rotary member, and a power tool may engage with the shank, to drive the rotary member and the eccentric member relative to the movable cutter device, and to move the movable cutter device relative to the fixed cutter device in reciprocating action.

Abstract: A lawn mower powered apparatus has a base rollable over a surface, and the base has a top surface for receiving a lawn mower. The apparatus is provided with a rotating shaft operably connected to the base, and a blade coupler coupled to the rotating shaft. The blade coupler has a plurality of upstanding drive pins, each drive pin being independently movable between a raised position and a lowered position. Drive pins in the raised position project above the top surface of the base to engage the leading edge of the blade of a rotating lawn mower.

Abstract: A portable modular implement system is described. The system comprises a power source which comprises a motor. The motor comprises a crank shaft with an upper end and a lower end. A casing is attached to the motor exterior to the upper end of the crankshaft. The casing further comprises a void. An implement assembly comprising an implement bracket is reversibly attached to the power source. An implement is attached to the implement bracket. The implement comprises an implement drive shaft wherein the implement drive shaft protrudes through the void and couples with the crankshaft below the casing when the implement bracket is attached to the power source.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a single power unit that can drive many different implements merely by taking one implement off the basic power unit and replacing it with another one. The different implements can be a concrete mixer, a snow blower, a roto-tiller or a cleaning brush. The implement can take the form of a leaf blower, a rotary lawn mower, a chipper or mulcher, an electric generator, an air compressor or a wagon box among others. The basic power unit has a horizontally driven power take-off shaft that is coupled to any one of the various implements that also have horizontally extending driven shafts that will connect whenever one of the various implements is connected to the basic power unit. The various basic implements are constructed in such a manner that each one of them can operate in the manner designed for them. Various reduction or increase gears are used to either speed up the working device or to slow it down as the end work requires.

Abstract: A modular unit for mounting on at least two different designs of self-propelled grass treatment machine, each machine having a number of mounting locations for mounting respective modular units and in which the mounting locations of one machine are different in type or design from the mounting locations on the other machine The modular unit contains a frame having end frame plates spaced apart from each other transversely with respect to the direction of forward travel of the machine; rotatable mountings provided on the end frame plates; a rotatable grass-treatment device having a drive shaft extending between the rotatable mountings, and provided with working elements arranged along its length; a device for applying drive to the shaft; and mounting points provided on the frame of the modular unit to accept at least two different types and/or arrangements of fitting brackets that permit the modular unit to be mounted on the grass treatment machines.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle portion of a front deck mower and a tool attachment comprising a motorized vehicle portion of a front deck mower; a frame having a pair of spaced apart side frame portions; cooperating attachment for attaching the frame to existing structure associated with the motorized vehicle wherein a first portion of the cooperating attachment structure is associated with the motorized vehicle and the a second portion of the cooperating attachment structure is associated with the frame and the first and second portions of the cooperating attachment structure engage one another for attachment of the frame to the motorized vehicle; and a pressurized fluid actuated tool attachment operably supported by and removable from the frame. The preferred cylinder assembly is operably attached to the frame and the tool attachment and preferably further comprises a pair of spaced apart pressurized fluid cylinders.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having a supporting structure that is driven by ground engaging wheels at a harvesting speed by a propulsion assembly. The combine is also provided with a threshing assembly that is driven by a variable torque sensing drive. The variable torque sensing drive is manipulated by pressurized hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic sensor in hydraulic communication with the variable torque sensing drive provides an actual hydraulic pressure signal that is directed to an electronic controller. An operator control in the operator's cab of the combine provides a loss rate signal that is also directed to the electronic controller. The electronic controller converts the loss rate signal into a desired hydraulic pressure signal. The electronic controller regulates the forward speed (harvesting speed) of the combine so that the desired hydraulic pressure signal is equal to the actual pressure signal.

Abstract: A grain husk cracking plate for attaching to a chopping cylinder housing of a harvester in proximity to a shear bar to crack husks of grain moving through the harvester. The grain husk cracking plate includes a base plate adapted for directing grain through the chopping cylinder housing of the harvester. The base plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposite side edges, and a leading edge and a trailing edge extending between the side edges. A plurality of blades are mounted on the top surface of the base plate for cracking the husk of grain traveling through the chopping cylinder housing and striking the blades. Each of the blades has a forward edge directed toward the leading edge of the base plate, a rearward edge directed toward the trailing edge of the base plate, and a pair of side faces. A carbide layer is formed on each of the blades, and the carbide layer is formed on a portion of a first one of the side faces of each of the blades adjacent to the forward edge of the blade.

Abstract: A grain husk cracking plate for attaching to a chopping cylinder housing of a harvester in proximity to a shear bar to crack husks of grain moving through the harvester. The grain husk cracking plate includes a base plate adapted for directing grain through the chopping cylinder housing of the harvester. A pair of side mounting members are mounted to side edges of a base plate. A plurality of blade members are mounted on the top surface of the base plate. Each of the side mounting members has a pair of mounting structures, and each mounting structure comprises a mounting aperture extending through the side mounting member adjacent to the leading edge or the trailing edge of the base plate. Each of the mounting structures may include a threaded fastener coupled to each of the side mounting members. The plurality of blade members may be positioned on a rear portion of the base plate.

Abstract: An adjustable axle assembly is provided for use on a mower. The assembly includes an arcuate shaped axle member that can be connected to the frame of a mower. The axle member has first and second ends with a cylindrically shaped first castor pivot member connected to the first end and a cylindrically shaped second castor pivot member connected to the second end. The first castor pivot member has first and second ends with first and second castor openings respectively formed therein. The first and second castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. The second castor pivot member has first and second ends with third and fourth castor openings respectively formed therein. The third and fourth castor openings are differently sized to receive differently sized castor wheels. A bushing and a rod connect the axle to the frame while allowing the axle to articulate and pivot with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A fastening assembly is adapted for attaching a composite insert to a mower deck. The insert has an opening extending therethrough and a recessed portion adjacent the opening. The recessed portion has a shoulder and a first abutment surface. The assembly includes a spacer receivable in the recessed portion adjacent the shoulder. The spacer has a passage therethrough alignable with the opening in the insert, the passage having a second abutment surface. The spacer also has an outer periphery, a portion of which forms a third abutment surface alignable with the first abutment surface for non-rotatable engagement therewith. The assembly also includes a fastening member which has a head and a shank. The shank includes a threaded portion and a further portion adjacent to the head. The further portion has a fourth abutment surface engagable with the second abutment surface whereby the fastening member is non-rotatably receivable within the spacer passage and the insert opening.

Abstract: A snow blower converter kit is provided for use with a snow blower. Such kit includes a mulcher blade and a squirrel cage adapted for being removably mounted on a drive shaft of the snow blower in concentric relationship between the conduit and the tines of the snow blower. Also included is a cover adapted for being removably mounted on the shield with a slot formed in a lower portion thereof for accepting leaves and the like therethrough.

Abstract: A pull-type harvester includes a cutterhead assembly and a conveying assembly, such as an auger, which conveys cut crop material to a discharge blower. These components define a flow path for cut crop material through the harvester, and a crop processing mill is removably positionable within the flow path for processing the cut crop material in certain conditions for enhancing digestibility of the crop material. The auger assembly is pivotably mounted to the harvester, and is movable so as to accommodate placement of the crop processing mill in the flow path or removal of the crop processing mill therefrom. Filler members are provided for enclosing spaces formed in the crop material flow path resulting from pivoting movement of the auger assembly. The crop processing mill can be selectively installed between the cutterhead and the auger for selectively providing crop processing capability when desired, and the crop processing mill can be removed if conditions do not require crop processing capabilities.

Abstract: A new and improved rake apparatus and methods are provided for the easy and safe exchange of process equipment towed behind the rake for combined raking and processing agricultural operations. The rake may be mounted on a large frame with a substantial extension PTO shaft capable of transferring power from the power source (usually a tractor) to a baler, fluffer rake, or other towed farm implement attached to the end of said frame, through connection to a tractor's PTO shaft via the use of a telescopic PTO shaft. Once connected to the power source, one has a combination of a rake having mounted swing arms that extend outwardly from the framed device and a PTO shaft driving the baler, tedder rake, or other towed farm implement, enabling the rake to swing hay and other cut materials into the path of the towed implement for further processing.

Abstract: A triangularly shaped frame having truncated and flattened vertices serves as a structural load-bearing member for an attachment to a yard tending device, such as a gas powered yard trimmer or leaf blower. A pair of support and maneuvering wheels is affixed to the frame. Affixed centrally to the frame, and rising generally vertically therefrom, is the first end portion of a lawn tending device support bar. At its first end portion, the support bar is of generally straight configuration. This straight portion serves to hold the lawn tending device at a sufficient elevation with respect to the ground. The straight portion of the support bar smoothly transitions to generally declining compound arcuate spanning portion. The spanning portion smoothly transitions to a generally declining straight second end portion. The second end is formed such that it comprises a cradle or channel running centrally and axially according to the length of the second end portion.

Abstract: A lawn mower with a frame, a motor, a handle pivotably connected to the frame, a handle adjustment bracket and a fastener assembly. The bracket has a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end adjustably connected to the handle by the fastener assembly. The bracket has a slot and recessed seats along the slot.

Abstract: A universal powerhead apparatus which is securable to a frame portion of a land vehicle, pump or other tool to replace an existing internal combustion engine of the device without requiring significant modification to the frame portion of the device. The powerhead apparatus includes an electric motor and a universal mounting plate which is secured to a portion of the motor. The universal mounting plate has a footprint substantially similar to that of a specific make and displacement of internal combustion engine which the apparatus is intended to replace. The overall footprint of the apparatus is also similar to the specific make and displacement of a gasoline powered engine which it is designed to replace.

Abstract: A versatile power mechanism for use with a plurality of outdoor appliances including a versatile power mechanism releasably coupleable to the outdoor appliances, the power mechanism having a rotor extending therefrom and adapted to rotate upon the activation thereof, a power cord with a first end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end releasably couplable to a conventional alternating current receptacle for receiving power therefrom, and a power switch situated on the top face of the power mechanism and adapted to allow the selective activation of the power mechanism thus providing mechanical motion to the outdoor appliance.

Abstract: A composite insert is provided for converting a rotary mower deck from side discharge to mulching usage. The insert can be detatchably mounted in the mower deck and provides a cutting chamber wherein grass can be cut, mulched and redistributed onto the ground beneath the mower deck. The insert forms with the mower housing a cutting chamber which includes a reduced cross-sectional area at the front portion that provides for confining and accelerating the movement of air and clippings there through to minimize build-up of clippings adjacent the chamber surfaces. At the rear portions of the chamber, a larger cross-sectional area is provided to permit the clippings to slow down and disperse, allowing the clippings to be distributed and/or redirected into the blade for mulching. It is preferred that the insert is adapted for use with a two-bladed mower deck.

Abstract: An attachment to a rotary type lawn mower by which the mower can be used as a lawn cart. The attachment consists of a tray-like shelf attachable to the mower handle and axles to support the shelf above the motor of the mower.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with or attachable to a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower for transporting the operator therebehind. The apparatus includes a first arm pivotally connected to the lawn mower and adapted to pivot about a first generally horizontally disposed axis of rotation. A support platform is pivotally connected to the other end of the arm about a second axis of rotation which is also horizontally disposed and which is parallel to the first axis of rotation. A spring member is provided and biases the first arm upwardly for placing the apparatus in a retracted storage position. The apparatus is selectively placeable in an extended in use position during which the operator stands on the support platform and rides behind the self-propelled lawn mower. The support platform includes a sliding plate for sliding on the ground and reducing frictional forces when the operator is standing on the support platform.

Abstract: A multi-bladed mulching mower comprises a cutting deck having a peripheral skirt and side discharge outlet. A plurality of cutting chambers extend across the width of the deck and are defined by vertically extending shroud walls that depend downwardly from a top wall of the deck. A rotatable cutting blade is received inside each cutting chamber. The mower can be converted to a discharge/collection mode of operation by removing a portion of the shroud walls adjacent the side discharge outlet. The removed portion of the shroud walls extends laterally across the deck but is substantially less than the entire transverse width of the cutting chamber array to allow the removed portion of the shroud walls to be installed or removed through the side discharge outlet. A plurality of rotatable knobs removably attach the shroud portion to the deck with the knobs being accessible from above the deck to further ease the tasks of installing or removing the shroud portion.

Abstract: A mower suitable for cutting high grass, brush, and like growth. The mower has a plurality primary cutting elements disposed ahead of a secondary cutting element. The primary cutting elements is that which first contacts growth, cutting this growth to a predetermined height. The secondary cutting element follows the primary cutting element, contacting the cut growth and cutting the same to a final, predetermined height less than that obtained by the first cut. The primary cutting elements are preferably unencumbered by a hood or guard, but preferably are partially encircled or surrounded at the front and sides by a bumper. The bumper prevents the mower from attempting to run over or cut rigid, immovable objects, such as trees, curbs, large stones, and the like. The primary and secondary cutting elements may be a singular element or plural elements arranged abreast of one another. The cutting elements may be rigid blades or flexible members, such as stranded metal, synthetic resin cords, or chains.

Abstract: An apparatus in combination with or attachable to a self-propelled vehicle such as a lawn mower for transporting the operator therebehind. The apparatus includes a first arm pivotally connected to the lawn mower, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and a support platform pivotally connected to the second arm. The apparatus is spring loaded for biasing the first and second arms and the support platform in a retracted storage position during which the operator can walk behind the lawn mower. The apparatus is selectively extendable to an in use ride behind position during which the operator may stand on the support platform and ride behind the self-propelled lawn mower. The support platform includes a sliding plate for sliding on the ground and reducing frictional forces when the operator is standing on the support platform.