Abstract: A cutting device configured to attach to a spindle of a mower. The cutting device includes at least two pivot-blades and a blade mounting assembly. The blade mounting assembly has an upper retaining plate, a lower retaining plate, and a mounting spacer positioned at least partially between the upper retaining plate and the lower retaining plate, wherein end portions of the pivot-blades are retained between the upper and lower retaining plates.

Abstract: A ZTR lawnmower having first and second drive wheels and first and second control levers to control the direction and speed of rotation of the first and second drive wheels. The lawnmower further includes a park brake system operatively interconnected with at least one of the drive wheels, and an interlock mechanism interfacing with the parking system. The park brake interlock mechanism includes a parking brake handle movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to cause the park brake system to respectively resist and not resist rotation of the at least one drive wheel.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a walk-behind blower includes a nozzle restriction due to a sloped upper wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle restriction increases the air velocity in the upper region of the nozzle and forces leaves and debris downward so that airflow through the lower region of the nozzle more effectively laterally displaces them. The configuration of the nozzle body may be adapted to accommodate a variety of engine outputs while utilizing a common design for a blower frame, impeller and shroud.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine of a lawnmower. The engine has a muffler through which exhaust gases exit the engine and is cooled by a liquid coolant. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger operatively connected to the engine to receive the liquid coolant from the engine at a first temperature and return the liquid coolant to the engine at a lower temperature. A fan mounted above the heat exchanger is operable to draw or pull an air flow in a standard direction upward through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and fan are oriented in an inclined orientation such that the air flow is directed upward and away from the operator station of the lawnmower. The cooling system also has a generally tubular baffle surrounding the muffler at least partially isolating the engine from heat radiating from the muffler.

Abstract: A lawn mowing machine having a mower deck with pivoting side wing sections. The pivoting side wing sections can be pivoted upward relative to the main deck housing. When the side wing sections are raised, the mowing machine is presented with a more narrow profile to pass through narrow width openings and to occupy less space during storage, transport and the like. The cutting blade spindles remain as fixed components of the main deck housing and do not pivot upward in conjunction with the side wing sections. When the side wing sections are raised, the cutting blades are adapted to pivot inwardly and underneath the main deck housing so that they do not protrude beyond the sides of the main deck housing. In this way, the mowing machine is adapted to pass through narrow width openings without the operator having to leave the operator station.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine of a lawnmower. The engine has a muffler through which exhaust gases exit the engine and is cooled by a liquid coolant. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger operatively connected to the engine to receive the liquid coolant from the engine at a first temperature and return the liquid coolant to the engine at a lower temperature. A fan mounted above the heat exchanger is operable to draw or pull an air flow in a standard direction upward through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and fan are oriented in an inclined orientation such that the air flow is directed upward and away from the operator station of the lawnmower. The cooling system also has a generally tubular baffle surrounding the muffler at least partially isolating the engine from heat radiating from the muffler.

Abstract: A ZTR lawnmower having and first and second drive wheels and first and second control levers to control the direction and speed of rotation of the first and second drive wheels. The lawnmower further includes a park brake system operatively interconnected with at least one of the drive wheels, and an interlock mechanism interfacing with the parking system. The park brake interlock mechanism includes a parking brake handle movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to cause the park brake system to respectively resist and not resist rotation of the at least one drive wheel.

Abstract: A cutting device configured to attach to a spindle of a mower. The cutting device includes at least two pivot-blades and a blade mounting assembly. The blade mounting assembly has an upper retaining plate, a lower retaining plate, and a mounting spacer positioned at least partially between the upper retaining plate and the lower retaining plate, wherein end portions of the pivot-blades are retained between the upper and lower retaining plates.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a walk-behind blower includes a nozzle restriction due to a sloped upper wall of the nozzle body. The nozzle restriction increases the air velocity in the upper region of the nozzle and forces leaves and debris downward so that airflow through the lower region of the nozzle more effectively laterally displaces them. The configuration of the nozzle body may be adapted to accommodate a variety of engine outputs while utilizing a common design for a blower frame, impeller and shroud.

Abstract: A ground engaging vegetation mower has a mower deck with a horizontally mounted blade shaft. Cutting blades, having a U-shaped cross section, are mounted symmetrically about the blade shaft for rotation therewith. The cutting blades rotate within sufficient proximity to the mower deck housing so as to provide scissor-like cutting action of the vegetation. The mounting of the cutting blades on the shaft is such that contact with an obstruction causes the cutting blades to slip about the blade shaft. A plurality of cutting blades can be selectively attached to the blade shaft to adjust the cutting width of the mower deck.

Abstract: A lawn care device comprises a main frame having at least two wheels attached thereto for engaging an associated underlying surface. A mower deck is operatively connected to the main frame. A power means is operatively mounted to the main frame. A non-mower deck implement operatively connects to the main frame. The non-mower deck implement is adapted to follow the contour of the underlying surface. More specifically, the non-mower deck implement is a ground following implement or a floating implement.

Abstract: A method of exchanging a first implement for a second implement on a mower is disclosed. First, the first implement is disconnected from the mower and then the mower is adjusted to accommodate the second implement. The second implement is then operatively connected to the mower. The mower comprises frame receiving brackets and side frame members that are moved with respect to one another to adjust the mower to accommodate the second implement. A method of exchanging castor wheels is also included. The castor wheels, initially connected to an axle member, are disconnected from the axle member. Then, the position of the axle member with respect to the frame is adjusted, such as by being rotated approximately 180°. finally, different castor wheels are connected to the axle member.

Abstract: A belt-tensioning device for a walk-behind mower with driven wheels is disclosed. The belt-tensioning device allows the operator a hands-free way to increase the idler pulley force and hence, tension of the driven belt. The device includes a belt guard, a spring adjuster assembly comprising a spring adjuster arm and a spring adjuster footstep. The operator increases the tension of the driven belt by using the footstep that is located on the device attached to the spring adjuster arm. This moves the pulley by way of a spring attached to the pulley and the belt guard. Movement of the spring increases the belt tension.