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 mowing apparatus with multiple articulating cutting decks includes a pair of side cutting decks attached to a center cutting deck. The side decks are pivotally attached to the center deck and pivot about axes which lie in the planes defined by rotation of the respective cutting blades. The cutting blades are driven by pulleys and belts. Proper tension in each side drive belt is maintained during pivoting of the corresponding side deck by an assembly comprising a pair of idler pulleys rotatably mounted on a pivotally attached pulley arm which is biased in the direction which increases tension on the belt.

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 a pair of suspension arms pivotally connected to the housing and the frame. A pair of brackets are joined to opposite sides of the housing, and a third bracket is joined to an end of the housing. An operator-controlled lift handle is connected to a rod pivotally connected to the frame. Three lift arms are joined to the rod so as to be displaced when the lift handle is actuated. First and second cables extend between respective ones of the pair of brackets, and a third cable extends between the third lift arm and the third bracket. The cables are selectively locked to their respective brackets. When the lift handle is activated to lower the housing to its maximum extent, unlocking of the cable permits the entire housing to settle on the ground.

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 mower includes a power head, an adjustable frame assembly for use in selectively supporting a first implement, a frame connecting assembly for use in connecting the adjustable frame assembly to the power head, a power connection assembly for use in connecting power from the power head to the first implement, and an implement connection assembly for use in selectively connecting the first implement to the adjustable frame assembly. The adjustable frame assembly can be adjusted and thereby can also selectively support a second implement. The power connection assembly can also be used to connect power from the power head to the second implement and the implement connection assembly can also be used to selectively connect the second implement to the adjustable frame assembly.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus with multiple articulating cutting decks includes a support for the cutting blades which is pivotally attached at one end to the mower and is carried by a rocker arm at the other end. The rocker arm is rotatably attached to the support and has wheels at the front and back ends for supporting the rocker arm on the ground. The vertical position of the wheels relative to the rocker arm is variable.

Abstract: A disc mower incorporates a modular disc cutterbar. The drive mechanism for the mower utilizes a V-belt drive apparatus that requires proper tensioning which is accomplished through a spring tensioning mechanism that includes an indicator to visually determine when the proper tension has been applied. The indicator includes a bracket positioned adjacent the spring and has a length substantially equal to the length of the spring required for exerting the proper spring force for tensioning the drive belt.

Abstract: A mechanism for suspending a mower deck from a vehicle, including a suspension member having a longitudinally extending axis and a laterally extending portion which supports the deck at a plurality of spaced locations. A structural member fixed with the vehicle includes an opening within which the suspension member is positioned. A position retainer is coupled with the suspension member and abuts the structural member for blocking the suspension member from shifting along its longitudinal axis out of the opening. Engagement of the suspension member within the opening of the structural member is the sole location at which the suspension member is connected to the vehicle. A removable blocking member is positioned adjacent the opening for generally blocking the suspension member from shifting laterally with respect to its axis and out of the opening. The opening is defined in a surface oriented generally perpendicular to the axis of the suspension member.

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 power transmitting structure for a mid-mount mower having a mower unit disposed in a middle region of a vehicle body. The power transmitting structure includes an engine disposed adjacent front wheels, axle shafts for rotating drive wheels, a stepless transmission operatively connected to the axle shafts, and a power branching device. The power branching device includes a branch input shaft connected to the engine through an engine power transmitting device extending longitudinally of the vehicle body, a first branch output operatively connected to the stepless transmission, and a second branch output operatively connected to the mower unit. The first branch output is a pulley connected to an input pulley of the stepless transmission through a belt to transmit power to the input pulley. The power branching device is disposed independently of and spaced from the stepless transmission. The mower unit is suspended below the engine power transmitting device between the engine and the power branching device.

Abstract: A multiple spindle mower deck within which a plurality of mower blades rotate for mowing grass and having spindle housings which rotatively support respective mower blades, the spindle housings being operatively rigidly fixed with the mower deck. A belt drive mechanism drives the spindles, and includes pulleys mounted to respective spindles and a belt which operatively engages the pulleys. At least one idler pulley engages the belt. A mounting plate is provided to which said at least one idler pulley is mounted. The mounting plate is operatively fixed with the spindle housings, position above and press into abutement with the upper surface of the top wall of the mower deck by way of the same bolts which fix the spindle housing to the mower deck. The spindle housings are fixed to the mower deck by the spindle housing bolts which operatively press the spindle housings deck and mounting plate together.

Abstract: A front mounted mower deck includes a mounting and support assembly for operably joining the deck to a motorized vehicle. The mounting and support assembly includes a pair of pusher bars swivelly attached at one end to the deck and at the opposite end to the vehicle. A hanger is pivotally mounted on each pusher bar and includes a slot which receives a slot follower mounted on the deck to allow articulation from side to side by movement of the slot followers in the slots. Each hanger is biased to maintain an associated slot follower in the slot therefor. However, the hanger can be manually manipulated to overcome the biasing force so that the slot followers are released from the slots, thereby allowing the deck to be rotated about the connection with the pusher bars to provide for cleaning, maintenance, etc.

Abstract: A mower deck height control is provided for a riding lawn mower and which includes a control lever operatively connected to the mower deck of the mower by means of linkages and chains. The control lever is pivotally movably mounted between a pair of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced-apart plates having registering openings formed therein which are adapted to receive a pin extending therebetween to limit the downward movement of the control lever with respect to the plates so that the proper cutting height is achieved. The control lever may be also positioned in a transport position.

Abstract: An implement lift mechanism for a grounds care device uses a lost motion interconnection between a rotary lift flange and an integral lift/connector link coaxial therewith to selectively control the height of the implement. The lost motion interconnection allows the implement to float upwards over uneven terrain. Additionally, a spring can be used to assist in aiding the implement and reducing lift force.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided with a first frame element pivotably connected near a forward end to a second frame element and connected at a rearward end to the second frame element by spring means. The connecting members provide a suspension system for the mower in order to decouple the vertical movement of the first frame element from the second frame element and thereby soften the ride. A pivot bar located near the forward end of the first frame element is pivotably received at its ends near opposite side walls of the second frame element. The suspension system includes two springs which operate in the vertical gap between first and second frame elements at the rear of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mower deck lift mechanism which includes a friction disk selectively pivotable into engagement with first and second pulleys of a double pulley jacksheave. A linkage coupled between the friction disk and the deck raises the mower deck when the friction disk engages and rotates with the first pulley, and lowers the deck when the friction disk engages and rotates with the second pulley. Neutral return mechanisms are provided for returning the friction disk to a neutral position when the operator releases a control and when the deck approaches its extreme raised or lowered positions. A cutting height preset mechanism is also provided.

Abstract: A transversely-mounted grass cutter mower combination with a vehicle is provided which is adapted to be activated to move laterally to the right or to the left with respect to its mounting to the vehicle and/or to move vertically up or down with respect to its mounting to the vehicle. The mounting is a suspending mounting system including transversely-mounted tracks which are pivotally-secured by a parallelogram linkage to the longitudinal chassis of the vehicle. The tracks include a first powered operator for moving the transversely-mounted tracks through an infinite number of vertical locations between an upper limit and a lower limit. Rollers are provided on the suspended mounting system which are rollingly operatively associated with the transversely-mounted track which is mounted on the mower housing. A second powered operator is provided for moving the mower housing an infinite number of lateral locations between a left lateral limit and a right lateral limit, by means of appropriate linkages.

Abstract: An improved vehicle frame and cutter assembly lifting mechanism for a riding lawn mower. The frame includes a pair of oppositely opposed support rails extending along a substantial portion of the vehicle frame, a rear support member fixedly secured to the rear end of each of the support rails, a front support member fixedly secured to the front end of each of the support rails, a rear motor deck rotatably connected to the rear support member, a front wheel assembly connected to the front support member, a rear wheel assembly connected to said rear motor deck, an articulating pantograph type lifting mechanism for supporting a mower cutter assembly, and an actuator connected to the articulating pantograph type lifting mechanism for extending and retracting the mower cutter assembly between a cutting position proximate ground level and a fully retracted position.

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: A rotary lawn mower accommodating plural blades supported for rotation in a housing having two generally cup-shaped compartments, the side walls of each compartment merging along a common wall portion so as to form a continuous downwardly extending housing skirt with a lower rim, the trailing edge of the housing in normal direction of movement extending rearwardly and outwardly to provide an exit spillgate, the spillgate having top and rear ground facing sides and edges to provide an extended spillgate for distributing grass clippings, the rear facing edge of the spillgate and the side edges being outwardly and downwardly sloped in the preferred embodiment to enhance distribution of grass and other material ingested in the lawn mower.

Abstract: A small riding lawn mower having a grass cutting unit suspended from a body frame between a front axle and a rear axle, an engine supported by a body frame in a position forwardly of the rear axle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body frame, a hydrostatic transmission disposed rearwardly of the rear axle, and a driver's seat disposed forwardly of the engine. The body frame includes profile members disposed at opposite sides and extending longitudinally of the mower, and a cross plate interconnecting the profile members. A belt transmission mechanism connecting the hydrostatic transmission to an engine output shaft is surrounded by a plate frame structure formed below the body frame. The plate frame structure defines a further independent chamber for accommodating a muffler of the engine. This chamber has peripheral walls shaped to guide cooling air from the engine to the muffler and laterally outwardly of the mower.

Abstract: A belt drive mechanism for transmitting power from a vehicle's power source to a mower deck vertically shiftably coupled with the vehicle, and having a primary belt driven by an output sheave coupled with the vehicle power source, a double pulley jacksheave driven by the primary belt, and a secondary belt driven by the jacksheave and operatively engaged with mower deck sheaves which drive mower blades within the mower deck. A support member extends between the mower deck and the vehicle for supporting the jacksheave, the support member being pivotal with respect to both the mower deck and the vehicle for shifting the position of the jacksheave to a position vertically between the output sheive and the mower deck sheaves as the mower deck shifts vertically. The jacksheave pivots with the support member to assume a tilted position when the mower deck is shifted vertically.

Abstract: A lawn mower for use in a walking mode and a riding mode. Drive of an engine is transmitted in varied speeds to rear drive wheels through stepless transmissions. The transmissions are controllable a first shift member accessible to a driver walking behind the lawn mower, and a second shift member accessible to the driver seated on a driver's seat. Operation of one of the shift members is prohibited when the other shift member is operative. The first shift member is connected to the transmissions through a drive link, a driven link, and a pin removably inserted into bores formed in the two links. A prohibiting device is movable to a position to prevent the pin from extending into one of the bores.

Abstract: A full flotation mower deck for a rear engine walk behind lawn mower, such flotation deck including a fixed frame having a pivoting axle, with the mower deck independently supported by anti-scalping wheels and interconnected to the frame by pins with a separate mechanical interconnection between the mower deck and the frame for forward and aft movement in respect thereto.

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 mowing machine with a self propelled carriage for riding with steering front and powered rear wheels with a mowing cutter structure with three mower decks transversely distributed and suspended from the carriage between front and rear wheels, each deck with a vertical spindle carrying a cutter blade. The center deck is suspended from the carriage for vertical lift and adjustment with an outboard deck supported by hinges on each of its sides for up and down pivoting to follow ground contour, for individual power tilting for brush trimming, clearing of obstacles, and to narrow the plan form for transport. A transverse rear axle has a differential with a forwardly extending housing carrying, in series, a carriage drive speed change transmission, a carriage drive clutch, an input drive gear driven from an overhead engine, a mower control clutch, and a triple power head with three gear connected projecting power take-off shafts.

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: A transformer unit mountable above the cutting deck of a mid-size, walk behind rotary mower, effectively converts the mower into a riding mower. The transformer unit is configured so as to allow an operator to be seated above the cutting deck, while still being able to comfortably control the mower by means of the original operator control handle, which is relocated by the transformer unit to the front end of the mower. The transformer unit comprises a support frame which is affixed to a cutting deck support structure. The support frame includes a vertically tiltable floor unit that extends over the top of cutting deck. An auxiliary operator control handle attachment fixture is mounted to the forward end of the support frame adjacent to the front end of the mower and is configured to engage and support the operator control handle, such that the operator control handle extends above the cutting deck adjacent to a position where the operator is to be situated.

Abstract: A front mower having a grass cutting unit connectable to a front portion and a grass catcher connectable to a rear portion thereof, comprises a main frame structure extending longitudinally of a mower body. The main frame structure includes a pair of right and left front frames and a pair of right and left rear frames. The rear frames have front ends thereof connected to rear ends of the front frames, respectively, such that the rear frames are lower in level than the front frames. A lower auxiliary frame structure is suspended from the main frame structure. Front wheels and rear wheels are supported by the main frame structure. Axles of the rear wheels are swivelable about a vertical axis in a caster-like way to steer the mower. An engine is disposed in a region of the front frames between the front wheels and rear wheels and supported by the lower auxiliary frame structure. The engine and oil pan are disposed above the lower auxiliary frame structure. A driver's seat is disposed above the front frames.

Abstract: A horizontally extending plate-like member having a power source, transaxle and belt arrangement coupled thereto. The member mounts the power source, transaxle, and belt arrangement to a vehicle frame, and establishes a lever arm between first and second coupling means for transferring relatively small concentrated loads to the vehicle frame. The power source, transaxle, belt arrangement and member can be removed from the vehicle frame for service as a single unit or module.

Abstract: A riding-type lawn mower has a cutter housing with a rear discharge slot defined in a rear wall thereof. The cutter housing accommodates a pair of cutter blades laterally spaced from each other and rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane. The cutter blades are arranged such that the cutter blade on the righthand side as viewed in a forward direction of the lawn mower body is rotatable clockwise as viewed in plan and the cutter blade on the lefthand side as viewed in the forward direction of the lawn mower body is rotatable counterclockwise as viewed in plan. The cutter housing has an upper wall that has a pair of laterally spaced portions raised upwardly and defining respective discharge passages in the cutter housing that lead to the rear discharge slot. Rotative power from a lawn mower engine is transmitted to the cutter blades by a belt-and-pulley mechanism disposed on a low flat portion defined between the raised portions of upper wall.

Abstract: A transformer unit mountable above the cutting deck of a mid-size, walk behind rotary mower, converts the mower into a riding mower. The transformer unit allows an operator to sit above the cutting deck and use the original operator control handle, which is relocated to the front end of the mower. The transformer unit comprises a support frame affixed to a cutting deck support structure. The support frame includes a vertically tiltable floor unit that extends over the top of cutting deck. An auxiliary operator control handle attachment fixture is mounted to the forward end of the support frame adjacent to the front end of the mower. A set of auxiliary control links is retained by the support frame for reconnecting control elements of the repositioned operator control handle with mower drive and steering components. An operator seat fixture is mounted to a rear end of the tiltable floor unit of the support frame.

Abstract: A cutting deck mounting system for use on a riding lawn mower is disclosed, having a front linkage attached to a front portion of the cutting deck and to the frame of the mower, a plurality of mounting brackets disposed on the rear axle housing, a rear linkage having a first portion secured to the cutting deck and a second portion slidably disposed in the mounting brackets, and height adjustment members for selectively raising and lowering the cutting deck. The front and rear linkages are operative to maintain the cutting deck in a substantially constant horizontal orientation relative to the ground regardless of the cutting height. The rear linkages also operates to maintain the cutting deck laterally parallel to the axles during operation of the mower. The disclosed mounting system allows torsional flexing of the frame along its longitudinal axis without significantly affecting the orientation of the cutting deck relative to the ground.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided having a generally conventional engine, seat, frame, cutting deck and hydrostatic transmission. The cutting deck may be vertically adjusted for a plurality of cutting height settings, and may be locked in its uppermost setting and returned to the pre-selected cutting height, by selective operation of a foot-operated pedal. Linkage connects the pedal to the deck and to a variable-height adjustment link. A transmission speed control includes a handle protruding upwardly adjacent the seat, connected to a transverse control rod with a distal end operatively secured to the conventional speed adjustment mechanism of the transmission. Positioned adjacent the distal end of the control rod is a friction-generating device which engages the rod and prevents unintentional movement thereof. A grass collection bag is included with a blower mounted on the cutting deck for providind an enhanced airflow from the cutting deck through the duct leading to the bag.

Abstract: A frame structure for connecting working implements to a vehicle body having right and left main frames extending parallel to each other longitudinally of the vehicle body. The main frames are divided into upper front frames and lower rear frames which are interconnected through an intermediate connecting section. The front and rear frames have different heights to lower the center of gravity of the rear section of the vehicle body for promoting stability of vehicle control without impairing the steering function of front wheels. A cross support member is connected to bottom surfaces of the main frames in the region of the intermediate connecting section. This support member has opposite ends thereof extending laterally outwardly of the main frames. Outward extension of the cross support member include connecting elements for working implements. These connecting elements and the front frames are used as supporting connections for connecting working implements such as a front loader and a mower unit.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for the cutter blade of a rotary lawn mower includes a spindle rotatably mounted in a fixed housing by means of a pair of spaced apart tapered roller bearings. Lip seals are provided at the upper and lower ends of the housing and there is a further O-ring seal adjacent the lower housing end. The spindle shaft is maintained within the housing by snap rings and spacers, and the spindle and bearings are lubricated by a heavy oil disposed within the housing. A cutter blade is fixed to the lower end of the spindle and a pulley is fixed to the spindle above the housing.

Abstract: A rotary mower of extra wide configuration has five cutters. The center cutter is mounted on a center section of the mower, while two wings on opposite sides of the center section carrying two cutters each. The cutters only wings include inner cutters offset forwardly from the center cutter and outer cutters offset rearwardly from the inner cutters. This provides the necessary overlap of the swaths cut by the individual cutters while providing a relatively compact mower in terms of overall length. The wheels supporting the center section are mounted outboard of the center section, behind the respective wings to provide good transport stability.

Abstract: A four-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables, one on each side of the vehicle which interconnect a pair of front and back wheels to turn each pair through similar angles in the opposite direction.The variance in angular turning between wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle is caused by wrapping the cables on each side around an identical cam pulley, one on each side, both of which are mounted on a common shaft so that their angular rotation is always identical while their winding radius is changing.

Abstract: A riding mower includes a frame, front steering wheel, two rear wheels and two mower blade housings located laterally relative to the frame with blades located within the housings. Telescoping drive shafts extend generally longitudinally from a belt drive mechanism located at a rearward end of the frame to the blade housings to drive each of the blades within the housings. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies and a leveling system are provided to pivot the frame with respect to the rear wheels and about a longitudinal axis in response to changes in slope of the surrounding terrain, maintaining the frame in a generally upright orientation. The telescoping drive shafts extend and retract in response to the angular movement of the frame with respect to the blade housings that remain close to the ground surface.

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 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 mechanism for suspending an implement from a vehicle, such as a lawn and garden tractor. The mechanism includes front and rear supports between the vehicle and implement, the supports being adapted for quick and easy connection. The rear supports include spring-loaded J-pins connectable with the tractor lift linkage. The front support includes a U-shaped member, the base of which is receivable in upwardly opening jaws carried on the implement. The sides of the U-shaped member serve as draft links and are adjustably coupled with a cross member that is receivable in similar jaws carried by the tractor. A latch handle is connected to a bell crank which is provided on the cross member for tensioning the draft links and securing them in their tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A mower having a belt tensioner that includes a belt engaging primary pulley swingably supported by a primary arm. A rod coupled to the arm carries a spring that acts to push the pulley into engagement with the belt. The rod acts to pull the pulley away from the belt to release the tension in the belt for removal of the belt. A handle attached to the rod is turned by the operator to positively swing the pulley away from the belt. The handle may also be gripped by the operator's hand to lift that portion of the deck during operation to avoid gouging irregular ground conditions or striking obstructions.

Abstract: A four wheel steering tractor comprising a grass cutting system vertically movably mounted in a lower space of the tractor between front and rear wheels. The grass cutting system carries gauge wheels disposed at opposite lateral sides in rear regions thereof. An interlocking structure between a steering wheel and the front and rear wheels includes a front drag link extending from a pitman arm toward the left (or right) front wheel, and a rear drag link extending from the pitman arm toward the right (or left) rear wheel. This interlocking structure places the center of tractor turning approximately on a straight line extending through the gauge wheels and adjacent one of the gauge wheels.

Abstract: The mowing machine, of the seated operator type, comprises a supporting frame which supports, at its central portion, a casing including a grass cutting assembly, and a seat for the operator.The main feature of the machine is that it further comprises, associated with the supporting frame, a front steering column supporting a driven front roller for displacing the machine, there being moreover provided a rear bearing roller and two further rear rollers to allow for the cutting assembly to track the unevenness of the ground, the two further rear rollers being suitable to stabilize the machine and improve its performance on not perfectly flat soils.

Abstract: A 4-wheel mobile vehicle including provision for controlling the steering position of each of the four (4) wheels so that every wheel's rolling axis will intersect at a common central point around which the vehicle will turn. The control is provided by a pair of cables which can interconnect each of the pair of wheels on each side of the vehicle to turn through similar turns in the opposite direction, and wherein the linear position of the cables are provided by a pair of specially cut cams which are positioned by the steering column. Each pair of wheels is further characterized by a support system which provides for vertical deviation of the front and back wheels without substantially causing the vehicle carriage itself to be vertically deviated by a substantial amount.

Abstract: Lawn mower characterized in that the rear drive wheels (4) are mounted on a rear interconnecting member (6) in the form of a portico permitting mounting of a receptacle (7) for receiving cut grass directly on the outlet opening of the ejection channel of the cutter housing (5) between the rear wheels (4).

Abstract: The towed mower (22) is attached by a hitch (44) to the self propelled front mower (21). The front mower has its own forwardly positioned cutter unit (30). The towed mower has a centrally positioned frame segment (62) that does not include a cutting blade, and the two side frame segments (63) and (64) each include cutting blades that are supported in bat-wing fashion from the central frame segment. The swath cut in the grass by the front mower 21 is straddled by the swaths cut by the blades of the side frame segments (63) and (64) of the towed mower (22).

Abstract: A "short turn" powered vehicle having a transverse structural mower housing or implement that is used to also vertically stablize the unit. One embodiment uses a self powered mower housing with lateral support wheels which also give lateral support, as do the choice of implements, by means of a vertically restricting hinge in relation to a powered drive wheel; thus the drive wheel is in a floating mode as it gives thurst to the housing or implement, so as to always have traction on uneven ground.On each of the embodiments steering is done by, either a generally centrally located steered front support wheel steered from a rearward operator's seat on the vehicle, or steering being from an operator's seat rearward on the vehicle, by breaking of either of the housing's or implement's lateral support wheels and there being at least one castor type front support wheel or lateral front support wheels located close to the rear support wheels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an agricultural mower having a cutter mechanism for cutting the crop and a reel for guiding the crop into the cutter bar and lifting the crop after it is cut. The machine includes a pair of parallel swing arms on each side of the cutter bar for permitting the cutter mechanism when it strikes an obstacle to swing primarily rearwardly initially and then upwardly to a clearing height as the arms swing pendulum-like. The side support arms for the reel are connected to the cutter bar assembly by lift links constructed and arranged to raise the reel upon initial rearward movement of the cutter mechanism so that the real assembly will also clear the obstruction without damage.