Abstract: A roller assembly for attachment to a lawnmower. The roller assembly generally includes a tow arm having first and second links. The first link is configured to be supported at least indirectly on the lawnmower frame. The second link is connected to a shaft mounted with one or more rollers. A spring is disposed between the first and second links and configured to bias the second link downwardly relative to the first link, thereby biasing the rollers against a ground surface. The roller assembly further includes a quick connect assembly for rapid attachment and detachment of the roller assembly to the lawnmower. The roller assembly yet further includes a latch assembly configured to hold the second link and shaft of rollers in a raised position relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector. An adaptive threshold technique may be used for detecting reel-to-bedknife contact during a pre-adjustment analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a reel-to-bedknife clearance of a lawn mower is provided. In one preferred form, a sound sensor assembly detects sound as an operator adjusts the reel-to-bedknife clearance of the mower and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to a detected sound. The detected sound is received by an evaluation module in communication with the sound sensor assembly. The evaluation module receives the electrical signal and determines whether the electrical signal indicates that a bedknife is in contact with a rotating cutting reel. Further, the evaluation module notifies an operator in response thereof.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector. Once contact is detected between the reel and bedknife, the adjustment actuators may reverse direction and be energized in a direction that would increase the gap.

Abstract: A grass groomer for a reel cutting unit of a mower comprises a grooming reel that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis. The grooming reel has a plurality of helical blade tip flights with the blade tips in each flight acting sufficiently against the turf to cut horizontal grass runners and to dethatch the turf. The helical blade tip flights are spaced from one another around a circumference of the grooming reel. The grooming reel also carries a plurality of helical brushes that are also spaced from one another around the circumference of the grooming reel, the helical brushes being disposed between the helical blade tip flights. The helical brushes are disposed to rotate with the grooming grass and to ruffle and wipe the grass in the turf simultaneously with the rotation of the grooming reel.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a reel-type mower cutting unit holds the cutting unit in a mowing position, a partially raised service position, or a fully raised transport position. The coupling mechanism is positioned to avoid blocking the discharge of grass into a grass catcher mounted directly in front of the cutting unit. Each reel-type cutting unit is positioned so that the reel axis is a maximum of 28 inches from the front wheel axis of the mowing machine when the cutting unit is in the mowing position.

Abstract: An roller assembly for attachment to a lawnmower. The roller assembly generally includes a tow arm having first and second links. The first link is configured to be supported at least indirectly on the lawnmower frame. The second link is connected to a shaft mounted with one or more rollers. A spring is disposed between the first and second links and configured to bias the second link downwardly relative to the first link, thereby biasing the rollers against a ground surface. The roller assembly further includes a quick connect assembly for rapid attachment and detachment of the roller assembly to the lawnmower. The roller assembly yet further includes latch assembly configured to hold the second link and shaft of rollers in a raised position relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one actuator operatively connected between the reel and the bedknife, and a sound detector. A controller is signal-connected to the actuator and the sound detector and coordinates the reel-to-bedknife clearance adjustment. During adjustment, reel-to-bedknife clearance is reduced by the actuator until a contact sound between the reel blades and the bedknife is detected and signaled to the controller, which then reverses the actuator and increases the clearance by a pre-selected precise amount.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A walk-behind greens mower having a mobile structure and a ground engaging traction member rotatably coupled to the mobile structure. The ground engaging traction member imparts traction movement to the mobile structure for movement on the ground at a ground speed. An internal combustion engine is supported on the mobile structure and outputs a driving force to the ground engaging traction member. A bed knife is supported by the mobile structure having a cutting edge that cooperates with a grass cutting reel rotatably supported on the mobile structure. An electric motor supported on the mobile structure rotatably driving the grass cutting reel at a rotational speed that can vary depending upon the detected ground speed.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a height-of-cut adjusting system and a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The height-of-cut adjusting system includes a first frame; a second frame; a cutting reel supported by the second frame; a bedknife arranged adjacent to the cutting reel and supported by the second frame; at least one support element arranged to translate along the ground and arranged to support the first frame; and at least one first actuator connected between the first frame and the second frame and arranged to adjust the relative elevation of the second frame with respect to the first frame. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one second actuator operatively connected between the reel and the second frame and a sound detector.

Abstract: A reel type mower having a mobile structure and a ground engaging traction member rotatably coupled to the mobile structure. The ground engaging traction member imparts traction movement to the mobile structure for movement on the ground at a ground speed. A power device is supported on the mobile structure and outputs a driving force to the ground engaging traction member. A bed knife is supported by the mobile structure having a cutting edge that cooperates with a grass cutting reel rotatably supported on the mobile structure. A collection apparatus is engagable with the mobile structure or removable from the mobile structure for collecting the grass clippings. A guard device is pivotally coupled to the mobile structure and is positionable in a closed position concealing the grass cutting reel and an opened position revealing the grass cutting reel.

Abstract: A system adjusts the height-of-cut of a cutting reel unit. The system includes a cutting reel; a first frame supported on at least one support element that is supported on, and is movable along, the ground; and a second frame supporting the cutting reel. The system further includes an actuator that has a first portion connected to the first frame and a second portion connected to the second frame, wherein a distance between the first and second portions is adjustable. The actuator includes a motive mechanism that is activated to adjust the distance. The system can include at least one strut pivotally connected to the first frame and pivotally connected to the second frame on a second side of the second frame opposite to the first side. The strut extends between the first frame and the second frame. The strut defines the rotation of the second frame with respect to the first frame as the relative elevation of the second frame is adjusted with respect to the first frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and clearing brush, trees and land debris includes a housing adapted for mounting to a carrier and a rotor assembly with a predetermined plurality of cutting tools mounted for rotation within the housing and driven by a gearbox and a motor combination. A tubular frame mounted to the housing above the rotor guides pushes the material for contact with the cutting tools mounted on the rotor. A movable front flange provides directional control for processed material discharge. A plurality of cutting tools are attached to a bottom portion of the housing for decreasing the size of the processed material. A plurality of a plate like members are attached to the bottom portion of the housing for limiting a size of the unprocessed material and for guiding the material into the housing for contact with stationary and rotating cutting tools. At least one deflector within the housing reduces the speed of the processed material for increased contact with the cutting tools.

Abstract: A brush attachment for a golf course greens mower includes a frame that supports a golf greens brush on the distal end and is pivotally attached to the same axle as the cutter heads and grass clippings buckets so that the brush is lifted with them. In addition, it has a lifting latch that allows the brush to be secured in an elevated position when the mower is stored and the cutter head is not elevated.

Abstract: A mass damper is carried on the frame of an reel mower by a pair of elastomeric couplers, one at each end of the mass damper. Each coupler is threadedly secured to one end of the mass damper with the coupler received in a cavity at that end of the mass damper. Each coupler is also clamped to a bracket on the frame of the reel mower. The mass damper can move relative to the frame of the reel mower by shearing the elastomeric material forming the couplers. The weight of the mass damper and the stiffness of the couplers is chosen to damp or lessen the vibration induced in the frame of the reel mower by an internal combustion engine carried on the frame of the reel mower.

Abstract: A trimmer comprises a cutting head (1) housing a cutter (5), and a shaft (2) for supporting the cutting head. A large diameter wheel (8) is rotatably mounted with respect to the cutting head (1), and a motor is provided for driving the cutter (5) via an output shaft (7). The cutting head (1) is connected to the shaft (2) by a joint (3) permitting the cutting head (1) to be positioned with its cutter (5) either substantially horizontal or substantially vertical. The wheel (8) is sized to contact the ground when the cutter (5) is substantially vertical and to circumscribed the axis of the output shaft (7). The arrangement is such that the cutter (5) extends beyond the circumference of the wheel (8).

Abstract: A chassis for a grass treatment machine on which an elongate grass treatment module having opposed outer ends may be mounted, and in which the chassis is intended to be mounted in, or form part of, the frame of a grass treatment machine. The chassis has two module mountings which are laterally spaced form each other with respect to the direction of travel of the machine, and each mounting being adapted to receive a respective outer end of the module. The chassis has two chassis portions which can be assembled in order to hold the outer ends of the module in the module mountings in order to mount the module on the chassis, and which can be relatively separated in order to provide access to the module mountings for the purposes of mounting or demounting the ends of the module relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A reel mower assembly comprises a mower reel rotatably mounted to a frame, and a drive operative to rotate the reel about a reel axis. A plurality of magnets are mounted on the frame and a bed knife is magnetically held against the magnets in an operating position such that the bed knife is oriented in cutting relationship with the reel. When the bed knife is in an operating position, sliding movement of the bed knife with respect to the magnets while allowing the bed knife to move away from the magnets may be prevented, when a separating force is exerted on the bed knife in a direction away from the magnets that is greater than an attractive force exerted on the bed knife by the magnets.

Abstract: A tree cutting attachment for a skid loader or other types of self-propelled work vehicles to be used at construction and landscaping sites. The device is used to cut down brush and trees of up to 8-10 inches in diameter. The tree cutting attachment is made up of a motor driven rotor assembly which is journaled within the frame of the attachment. The rotor assembly comprises a cage-like mounting system having pockets in which tempered steel blades, approximately 6 inches in width are bolted in a side-by-side relation. Two rows of blades are mounted 180 degrees apart proximate the periphery of a rotor comprised of a series of parallel, generally circular plates that are welded to longitudinally extending rods. The knife blade elements are bolted to the blade holders with the non-sharpened end of the blade elements abutting a flat steel bar that forms part of the cage.

Abstract: A tree cutting attachment for a skid loader or other types of self-propelled work vehicles to be used at construction and landscaping sites. The device is used to cut down brush and trees of up to 8-10 inches in diameter. The tree cutting attachment is made up of a motor driven rotor assembly which is journaled within the frame of the attachment. The rotor assembly comprises a cage-like mounting system having pockets in which tempered steel blades, approximately 6 inches in width are bolted in a side-by-side relation. Two rows of blades are mounted 180 degrees apart proximate the periphery of a rotor comprised of a series of parallel, generally circular plates that are welded to longitudinally extending rods. The knife blade elements are bolted to the blade holders with the non-sharpened end of the blade elements abutting a flat steel bar that forms part of the cage.

Abstract: Device for cultivating a grass cover (19), said device comprising a frame (1) to be coupled to a tractor (3), said frame supporting a driven shaft (17), which, during use of the device, extends square to the direction of movement of the frame and extends almost horizontally. Said shaft (17) is provided with a number of cultivating members (18), square to the axis of said shaft, at spaced-apart positions, which project into the grass cover and bring the ground below upwards to above said grass cover (19) during use. In front of the location where a cultivating member (18) is situated in the driven shaft (17), a cutting disc (12) is present which is rotatably supported by the frame (1) through a supporting shaft (6). Each cutting disc (12) is followed by a rising coulter (14), followed by a rotatably driven cultivating member (18) and subsequently means (20) for pressing the parts of the grass cover (19) that were turned upwards by the rising coulter (14).

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a reel mower permitting the mower to roll over the ground in both a forward direction and a rear direction with the mower being drawn in the forward direction pivotable about a generally vertical caster axis forward relative the mower and with the mower being drawn in the rear direction rotatable about a generally vertical caster axis rearward relative the mower.

Abstract: A control system for a cutting reel unit includes a reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system. The reel-to-bedknife clearance adjusting system includes at least one actuator operatively connected between the reel and the bedknife, and a sound detector. A controller is signal-connected to the actuator and the sound detector and coordinates the reel-to-bedknife clearance adjustment. During adjustment, reel-to-bedknife clearance is reduced by the actuator until a contact sound between the reel blades and the bedknife is detected and signaled to the controller, which then reverses the actuator and increases the clearance by a pre-selected precise amount.

Abstract: A walk-behind battery-powered lawnmower having an assembly of a reel unit and a traction unit articularly connected together in an arrangement wherein the reel unit can conform in its vertical position to the elevation of the turf which is being mowed. Thus there is an articular connection between the two units, and the reel unit rides up and down in response to the turf undulations. An electric battery is supported on the traction unit, and there is required only an electric wire connection providing the rotation drive power from the battery to the mower reel. Separate electric controls between the battery and to a motor on the traction unit and one on the reel unit provide for operational speed control to thereby select the clip rate of grass cutting in an articular assembly.

Abstract: A cutting device for plants, particularly lawnmower, is provided with at least one rotating blade (4a), which cooperates with a stationary counter-blade (13a). Here, at least the blade (4a) and/or the counter-blade (13a) is replaceably arranged in a respective blade support (3a, 14a).

Abstract: There is disclosed a primary tillage system in combination with a soil conditioner rotary reel that addresses the performance requirement differences due to soil types and moisture conditions that other tillage systems do not address. The combination provides a one-pass seedbed preparation process of a superior quality to that of any heretofore known one-pass systems through the improved performance of the soil conditioning rotary reel. The rotary reel includes a plurality of flat bars attached to support plates in a symmetrical helix arrangement that provide a thorough breakup of clods not heretofore possible.

Abstract: A riser attachment for mower height adjustment includes a bracket attachable to a mower and a roller removably attachable to the brackets. Each bracket includes a cavity therein which receives an arm extending from a support structure which rotatably supports each end of the roller such as through an axle passing through a collar in an interface to which the arm is connected. The roller or other bearing surface extends below a mower support plane in which primary ground support structures of the mower are located. The roller or other bearing surface of the riser attachment thus elevates a cutting reel of the mower slightly to provide a second cutting height for the mower. This second cutting height can be adjusted through height adjusters which control a distance that the arms extend into the cavities of the brackets. Levers are rotatable to secure or release the arms within the cavities.

Abstract: A rotatable brush is located adjacent to and in contact with a ground engaging roller of a cutting unit of a mower to clean debris from the roller surface. The brush includes a brush shaft having at least one flight of brush bristles releasably secured to the brush shaft by a pair of fasteners. This permits easy replacement of the flight of brush bristles without having to replace the brush shaft. One end of the brush shaft is driven by a belt drive system with the driven end of the brush shaft passing through an elongated slot in a pivotally adjustable tensioning plate. The plate can be pivoted to adjust the tension in the drive belt without moving the driven end of the brush shaft, thus not affecting or changing the position of the brush relative to the roller. Drive can be imparted to the belt drive system using a hardened cap screw that is threaded into one end of the shaft of a rotatable reel on a reel cutting unit.

Abstract: A reel mower includes a bearing system having a spring that biases a plurality of ball bearings toward a cone. The cone is fixedly mounted on the reel shaft. The cone can be conically constructed, and used in combination with a washer that is fixedly attached to the reel shaft.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower and vacuum has a front-mounted flail blade mower assembly. After being cut, the grass clippings are propelled through a discharge chute into a cuttings basket by air pressure created by the flail blades and vanes attached to the blade rotor. Additional suction may be provided by a blower system which blows air into the discharge chute. The width of the flale blade mower assembly and the large volume of cuttings which may be held in the cuttings basket make the disclosed device particularly beneficial for mowing large areas of grass and turf, including athletic fields, belt ways and airstrips.

Abstract: A mass damper is carried on the frame of an reel mower by a pair of elastomeric couplers, one at each end of the mass damper. Each coupler is threadedly secured to one end of the mass damper with the coupler received in a cavity at that end of the mass damper. Each coupler is also clamped to a bracket on the frame of the reel mower. The mass damper can move relative to the frame of the reel mower by shearing the elastomeric material forming the couplers. The weight of the mass damper and the stiffness of the couplers is chosen to damp or lessen the vibration induced in the frame of the reel mower by an internal combustion engine carried on the frame of the reel mower.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: A cylinder cutting blade for a lawn mower that includes at least two modular cylinder cutting blade sections. Each modular cylinder cutting blade section effectively being a short cylinder cutting blade which are rotationally connected together in succession in such a manner that rotation of one modular cylinder cutting blade section results in rotation of the other modular cylinder cutting blade sections. Each modular cylinder cutting blade section includes a longitudinal axis, a plurality of cutting bars which spiral around the longitudinal axis, a frame to hold the cutting bars in their respective positions, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of each modular cylinder cutting blade section interacts with the locking mechanism of adjacent modular cylinder cutting blade sections to rotatably lock the modular cylinder cutting blade section to the adjacent modular cylinder cutting blade sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved height adjustment apparatus for controlling the operational height of lawnmowers and other turf maintenance equipment without the use of tools or removal and replacement of mechanical hardware.

Abstract: A plurality of annular collars are provided formed from collar halves. The collar halves are at least partially separable from one another to allow the collar halves to be slipped into and around a groove in a grooved roller for a reel-type cutting unit. The collar halves can then be abutted and secured together to substantially fill in the roller groove. When collars are placed into the last two or three grooves on each end of a grooved roller, a non-shouldered grooved roller is thereby converted into a shouldered grooved roller without having to remove and replace one set of rollers with another.

Abstract: This is a large rotatable cutter head primarily useful in masticating vegetation ranging from grasses to large trees. The inventive cutter head is typically mounted on an articulating arm on a tractor or tread-based vehicle. Depending upon the size of the arm and its maneuverability, the cutter head may be used to cut and grind vegetation variously from the ground surface to many feet off the ground. The rotatable cutter head assembly includes a number of rotating cutters mounted inside the periphery of the assembled drum and that spin freely outside the diameter of that drum and, upon contact with vegetation, rotate into the drum assembly. The invention includes combinations of the cutter head with the support vehicle or articulating arm and methods of using the cutter head.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a reel mower permitting the mower to roll over the ground in both a forward direction and a rear direction with the mower being drawn in the forward direction pivotable about a generally vertical caster axis forward relative the mower and with the mower being drawn in the rear direction rotatable about a generally vertical caster axis rearward relative the mower.

Abstract: A greensmower having a cutting reel and a traction member and an independent electric circuit and motor for driving each. A handle is attached to the reel for mower guidance by an operator in a walk-behind position. Separate electric controls are connected to each motor for separate speeds for each motor and thereby control the clip rate of the mowing. There are low battery power read-outs and automatic shutoffs. Provision is made for traction powering of the mower even when the reel motor is not operating because of low battery power. A lift-out battery pack is shiftably mounted on the mower for producing the desired force of the mower on the ground.

Abstract: A pedestrian-operated power unit 10 for a detachable grass/ground treatment module 15 comprises a chassis 11, an engine 12 mounted on the chassis 11, a frame 13 extending upwardly from the chassis 11 to permit pedestrian control of the unit 10 via the frame 13, and an adaptor coupling 14 provided on the unit and adapted to permit releasable mounting thereon of a proprietary grass/ground treatment module 15 which is designed primarily for mounting on the frame of a multi-unit ride-on machine.

Abstract: A walk-behind battery-powered lawnmower having an assembly of a reel unit and a traction unit articularly connected together in an arrangement wherein the reel unit can conform in its vertical position to the elevation of the turf which is being mowed. Thus there is an articular connection between the two units, and the reel unit rides up and down in response to the turf undulations. An electric battery is supported on the traction unit, and there is required only an electric wire connection providing the rotation drive power from the battery to the mower reel. Separate electric controls between the battery and to a motor on the traction unit and one on the reel unit provide for operational speed control to thereby select the clip rate of grass cutting in an articular assembly.

Abstract: A reel mower includes a bearing system having a spring that biases a plurality of ball bearings toward a cone. The cone is fixedly mounted on the reel shaft. The cone can be conically constructed, and used in combination with a washer that is fixedly attached to the reel shaft.

Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.

Abstract: A walk reel mower includes a pair of inclined rigid links for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for rolling about a longitudinal axis, and a pair of vertical support arms for mounting the reel cutting unit to the reel mower frame for pitching about a transverse axis. An integrated gearbox houses both the traction and reel drives, including the differential that is part of the traction drive, as well as a parking brake. A flexible drive shaft powers the cutting reel from the gearbox and is made from materials that do not require petroleum based lubricants to avoid the possibility of damage to the turf or grass. A single control handle located on the handle of the mower actuates both the reel and traction drives. The reel cutting unit includes a back plate which has a portion formed as a hollow beam for strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grass is provided which is capable of being attached to a motor unit (1,1a) and comprising a carriage (30) having a shaft (31) supporting associated wheels (32) and helical blades (33) rotating about the shaft (31), at least one support frame (10) including a pin (12) having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the ground to be cut, pin (12) having mounted thereon a first end (20a) of an arm (20) which is substantially parallel to the ground, a second end (20b) thereof pivotably mounted on the carriage (30) that is supported by the arm (20) so that the end (20a) of the arm (20) mounted on pin (12) is in front of shaft (31) of the carriage (30) in the direction of forward movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A cutter head assembly comprising a first longitudinal member; a second hollow longitudinal member provided with at least one aperture, being coaxial with the first longitudinal member and radially spaced apart therefrom; cup-shaped elements fixedly mounted to a corresponding aperture and to the first longitudinal member; blade holders to removably secure a rotatable blade to the cutter head. These blade holders are designed so as to improve mulching action and resistance to impacts of the cutter head, for use in land clearing and in any operation involving mechanical vegetation cutting.

Abstract: A mower includes a traction frame that supports at least one cutting unit and a grass catcher associated with each cutting unit. The cutting unit and grass catcher are both operatively coupled to the traction frame such that they both jointly are able to steer or yaw together during turns of the traction frame. This permits the gap between the cutting unit and a grass basket which is part of the grass catcher to remain constant whether the traction frame is travelling straight or is turning. This ensures that the grass clippings will be properly retained in the grass basket without dribbling out of the grass basket. In addition, a system is provided for keeping the grass catcher level as it is lifted up out of engagement with the ground into a raised, transport position, also to better retain the grass clippings within the grass basket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting machine comprising a frame which can be hitched to a tractor and carries a cutting mechanism comprising a large cross section rotor equipped with knives which are mounted on axes arranged in pockets provided in said rotor. Each knife is mounted on an individual axis located in a pocket set back toward the inside with respect to the outer periphery of the rotor and wherein this rotor, on at least one side of each pocket, has a concave recess for fitting or removing the corresponding axis.

Abstract: A vegetation trimming and edging device has an adjustable head that permits selective positioning between trimming and edging orientations. A shaft extends between the head and a handle. The head receives one end of the shaft. A coupling mechanism couples the head and shaft, and locks the head against rotational movement about the shaft. In particular, the coupling mechanism includes a locking structure and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism urges the locking structure into engagement to prevent rotational movement of the head. Downward pressure applied to the head overcomes the bias, however, and disengages the locking mechanism for rotation of the head between trimming and edging modes. When the downward pressure is released, the locking mechanism is again engaged to lock the head in position for the desired operational mode.

Abstract: A bed knife blade assembly for a reel-type lawn mower having a frame rotatably supporting a cutting reel. The bed knife blade assembly comprises a clamp plate having a flange with a locking surface, and a blade insert having a tab cooperating with the locking surface to restrict movement of the blade insert relative to the clamp plate. The clamp plate is adapted to be coupled to the frame such that the flange biasedly engages the tab to further restrict movement of the blade insert relative to the clamp plate.